Odic force
Odic force (also called
Od [õd] and
Odyle) is the name given in the mid-
19th century to a hypothetical
vital energy or
life force by
Baron Carl von Reichenbach, an accomplished chemist (known for his analysis of
creosote, waxy
paraffin, and
phenol).
Proponents of the concept suggest that Odic force permeates all plants, animals, and humans. It took its place in the 19th century as one of many
proto-scientific ideas leading towards a unified theory of
vitalism. Von Reichenbach coined the name from that of the
Norse god Odin.
Believers in Odic force say that it is visible in total darkness as colored
auras surrounding living things, crystals, and magnets, but that viewing requires hours first spent in total darkness, and that not everyone has the ability to see it. They state that it resembles the eastern mystical concepts and
prana. However, they regard the Od, not as associated with breath (like ch'i), but mainly with claimed
electromagnetic properties.
Baron von Reichenbach developed the concept of Odic force during the
1850s in his
Researches on Magnetism, Electricity, Heat and Light in their relations to Vital Forces. His claims included that his Odic force had a positive and negative
flux, and a light and dark side. Individuals could supposedly "emanate" it, particularly from the hands, mouth, and forehead. He believed it had other uses, and that for example
crystals could store it within themselves as "crystalod". Von Reichenbach hoped to develop a scientific proof for a universal life force, but since his experiments relied not on instruments but on perceptions reported by allegedly
psychically sensitive and
psycho-kinetically adept individuals, it never acquired currency in the general scientific community.
Current popularity of the theory within
New Age and
paranormal circles has arisen at the same time as the success of
George Lucas' fictional
Force in the
Star Wars series, with which the
Odic Force has similarities.
Energy vampires can allegedly drain Odic Force from other people, either willingly or unwillingly.
Criticisms of this theory usually include references to the
Placebo effect.
*
Aether (classical element)*
Aether theories*
Etheric body (Spirituality)
*
Etheric plane (Spirituality)
*
Kirlian photography*
Orgone*
Phlogiston*
Prana*
Qi*
The Force, in the
Star Wars fiction
*
Researches on Magnetism, Electricity, Heat and Light in their relations to Vital Forces*
Luminous World
