In Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel The Coming Race (1873), a mysterious energy extracted from the atmosphere by the Vril-ya, inhabitants or an underground civilization. Wielded through a vril-staff, a metal wand, vril could accomplish almost anything. The term was borrowed almost immediately by occultists as another name for etheric energy.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...