In Vedic cosmology and astrology, Ether (ākāśa) is the primordial element from which all other elements arise—Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Ether is like an invisible web that connects all planets, beings, and dimensions of existence and creation, the matrix of existence—present everywhere, yet intangible.
The planet that embodies the element of ether in Vedic astrology is Rahu (the North Lunar Node), which symbolises our life purpose, insatiable desire; foreign people, cultures and spiritual traditions, modern technology, and also the Shadow—smoke, ‘fog’, and illusion. Rahu is a shadow “planet” that causes solar and lunar eclipses—moments when Light is veiled by shadow and darkness. Rahu is often described metaphorically as Shadow, “smoke and mirrors.” It rules modern technologies that communicate through ether: television, radio, cameras, Wi-Fi networks, satellites, and frequencies and signals unseen by the naked eye, yet shaping our perception of the world and modern communication.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu (together with Saturn) rules the sign of Aquarius, considered the most eccentric sign of the zodiac. It produces revolutionaries, humanitarians, eccentric visionaries, innovators, and people who shift collective consciousness. Aquarius also rules large groups of people, modern technology, mass dissemination of information, the internet, and artificial intelligence. In this sign we see a powerful fusion of Saturn’s energy—which relates to the collective, social norms, structures, and service to the community—and Rahu’s revolutionary spirit, bold leaps, innovation, and the breaking of outdated collective patterns.
Aquarius is a “futuristic” sign unafraid to question established paradigms. People born under this sign create new systems, introduce radical technological innovations, open taboo topics, or expose collective misconceptions. The modern technology Aquarius naturally rules can act as a tool that illuminates collective illusion—but it can also become a space for creating illusion, manipulating information, and spreading propaganda. Rahu, as the embodiment of the ether element, teaches us that reality is not always what it appears to be and encourages us to look behind the “smoke and mirrors” for deeper truth.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu rules the nakshatras (lunar mansions) Ardra, Swati, and Shatabisha. Ardra nakshatra (spanning 6°40’–20°00’ of Gemini), associated with lightning, storms, and electricity, symbolizes the bolt that electrifies the sky, illuminates darkness, and pierces through the veil of illusion. Ardra is the natal nakshatra of Nikola Tesla (Sun in Ardra), who intuitively understood the language of ether and electricity, as well as Elon Musk (Sun in Ardra), one of the major shareholders and CEO of Tesla, the company that popularized electric vehicles. Ardra produces talented physicists, innovators, and spiritually oriented researchers of science and quantum physics, such as Gregg Braden (Sun in Ardra), whose work blends science and spirituality to explain the “unseen” laws of the Universe.
Ardra also gives birth to investigative journalists and whistleblowers, such as Julian Assange (Sun in Ardra) and Erin Brockovich (Sun in Ardra), as well as “conspiracy theorists” and writers whose books and blogs bring awareness to important social issues and help “illuminate collective illusion.” My dear mentor and friend Vanja Beukelman Pavlović, with her Ascendant in Ardra, is the author of the book titled ‘Iluzija o Sebi’ (The Iusion of Self).
For more examples of modern manifestations of the nakshatras, I wholeheartedly recommend my digital book Astrology of Business, Money, and Success).
Swati nakshatra (spanning 6°40’–20°00’ of Libra) is associated with wind, virtual reality and video games, film and television, social interactions, media personalities, and viral influencers on social media—those who, within the ether, create new realities and transmit them to others through image and sound. In this nakshatra we also find popular motivational speakers and spiritual teachers who teach about the Law of Attraction, the power of the subconscious mind, and meditation techniques.
Shatabisha nakshatra (spanning 6°40’–20°00’ of Aquarius) is connected with the internet, satellite communications, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, secret societies, and hidden information. Under this nakshatra we often see tech-visionaries and innovators such as Steve Jobs or Michael Dell (both with the Sun in Shatabisha), who transformed the way we communicate and create in the modern age, as well as influential figures in the development of modern technology—shaping contemporary art, photography, television, and film.
Shatabisha is also the nakshatra of traditional healers and also alternative and holistic medicine practitioners, often associated with “invisible” and rapid methods of transformation and healing, such as bioenergy, energy medicine, and rapid transformational methods such as NLP. Tony Robbins, who integrated a significant portion of NLP transformational tools into his programs and books, and Richard Bandler, one of the co-founders of NLP, both have their Sun positioned in Shatabisha.
Mythologically, Rahu represents the archetype of the obsessive seeker of knowledge, power, and transcendence, often through unusual, unconventional paths. It invites us to expand perception, to listen to what cannot be heard, and to see what is not visible to the naked eye.
Ether is the “quantum bridge” between the material and the spiritual, the visible and the invisible, the individual and the Universe. In occult traditions, Hermetic philosophy, and Vedic spirituality, ether is regarded as the quantum field in which all ritual, magical, and intuitive forces operate.
While Earth, Water, Air, and Fire correspond to the elements of nature that we can directly observe and use, ether is the “invisible element” and the medium of communication and interaction with the unseen. In some occult schools, ether is also called the “astral web” and defined as “the field where energy, thought, and intention become forces that alter reality.”
In ancient Vedic teachings, Māyā is described as the cosmic illusion—the veil that covers the true nature of reality, through which consciousness experiences creation as a multitude of forms, events, and experiences. Rahu symbolically rules over Māyā—illusion—as the master of smoke and mirrors, the shadow that distorts perception.
Rahu, as the embodiment of the archetype of the ether element, can create illusion, yet also serve as the mystical teacher who urges us to question what we see, look behind the veil of reality, and use the quantum field, energy, and frequency for rapid transformation and the manifestation of our desires into reality.
Interestingly, modern quantum physics is reaching conclusions that strikingly resemble Vedic teachings on Māyā—the “material world” is not solid or static at all. At the subatomic level, everything is vibration and energy within the “quantum field.”
Our senses can perceive only a very narrow range of frequencies. What we perceive as “reality” is actually the brain’s interpretation, filtered through limited sensory channels. In this sense, our experience of the world is a projection—Māyā.
Quantum physics experiments, such as the double-slit experiment, clearly show that consciousness (the observer) directly influences how matter behaves. The phenomenon of quantum entanglement reveals that particles remain “connected” even when spatially separated, indicating a deeper, invisible field of interconnectedness—the very field that Vedic texts call ākāśa, or ether.
Quantum physics suggests that by changing our perception and state of consciousness, we change how matter manifests. This is what spiritual traditions have taught for millennia through meditation, mantras, and rituals—that consciousness shapes reality. When we understand this, Rahu becomes the mystical teacher who leads us from illusion to deeper understanding of creation. He invites us to awaken from the “collective dream” and recognise that we are co-creators in the quantum field of ether.
While the elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air represent the tangible parts of a business—personal brand, sales and marketing, systems and structures, creative ideas and brand aesthetics—the ether element represents the energetic signature (business energetics). It is the intuitive “vibration,” the subtle message our brand transmits to others through visuals, content, communication, and interaction with us—the “feeling” that cannot be fully expressed in words.
If you are doing everything in your business “by the book”—trying various proven marketing strategies, having beautiful visuals and photos, creating content consistently, and being devoted to serving your community—yet your ideal clients still “don’t seem to notice you” or aren’t buying from you, it may be time to pay attention to the energetic signature of your business.
Ask yourself: In what emotional, mental, and energetic state were you when you created and promoted your offers and content? Were they born from inspiration, creativity, and devotion—or from doubt and worry about whether people would understand you, criticise you, truly want to buy from you, or be able to afford your services? Also consider whether the perception people have of you is authentic—or whether it is actually an “illusion” based on beautiful aesthetics, projected successes, “generated” or disembodied information, while the real “substance” does not match the presentation.
It is equally important to discern the content we consume—whether it is authentic, truthful, embodied in experience and gnosis, created with integrity and inspiration, or merely a sophisticated illusion, “copy,” “imitation,” or “generated” (which is especially relevant today, when a large portion of content is created with the help of artificial intelligence).
Perhaps you once signed up for coaching, consulting, or some form of education, only to realise that the program had no real substance and that you were “captured” by the person’s brilliant marketing skills. If so—you have experienced the Shadow of the Ether element.
On the other hand, perhaps you intuitively joined a coaching program, training, or service—even without having much information—and experienced a profound transformation. Or perhaps you experienced a significant shift in your life in a short period through NLP, energy medicine, another rapid method of healing or transformation, or through occult rituals. In that case, too, you have experienced the power of the Ether element.
As online creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, visionaries, and spiritual teachers, we can use the gifts of the Ether element— the internet, video, social media, and other media channels—to promote our services, create valuable content, elevate collective consciousness, share information, educate, and serve our community and the collective.
But at the same time, we must remember to use these tools authentically and with integrity, so that we don’t send distorted signals into the “ether.” No matter how hard we try to “charm” people into consuming or purchasing our content with polished visuals and marketing messages, if the materials are infused with the energy of fear, doubt, imitation, or desperate desire for sales—without true substance, embodiment, integrity, authentic creative expression, and genuine intention to serve potential clients and the collective—the illusion of our “success” or “expertise” will eventually dissolve—by the very cosmic force that embodies the element of ether and perceives what lies behind the “smoke and mirrors.”
If you’d like to learn more about your dominant element and the placement of your Sun, Moon, and Ascendant in your birth chart, order my digital book ‘Astrology Of Business, Money, and Success’ or book a Business Vedic Astrology reading.
The Ether element was the thematic inspiration behind the fifth Sretna Žena Magazin digital issue, Manifestacija (Manifestation) – cover below– created especially for the holiday season. In the next post, I’ll share an exclusive interview with Leah Sonaria, Hathor Priestess.
© Danijela Jokic Vaislay | 2025
