| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from King James Bible: CH2 15:3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God,
and without a teaching priest, and without law.
CH2 15:4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of
Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
CH2 15:5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out,
nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the
inhabitants of the countries.
CH2 15:6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God
did vex them with all adversity.
CH2 15:7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for
your work shall be rewarded.
 King James Bible |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Several Works by Edgar Allan Poe: weight; I placed it partially in its destined position. But now
there came from out the niche a low laugh that erected the hairs
upon my head. It was succeeded by a sad voice, which I had
difficulty in recognizing as that of the noble Fortunato. The
voice said--
"Ha! ha! ha!--he! he! he!--a very good joke indeed--an
excellent jest. We shall have many a rich laugh about it at the
palazzo--he! he! he!--over our wine--he! he! he!"
"The Amontillado!" I said.
"He! he! he!--he! he! he!--yes, the Amontillado. But is it
not getting late? Will not they be awaiting us at the palazzo, the
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Long Odds by H. Rider Haggard: she looks desolate.
"Well, I passed into the kraal, and went up to the principal hut. In
front of the hut was something with an old sheep-skin kaross thrown over
it. I stooped down and drew off the rug, and then shrank back amazed,
for under it was the body of a young woman recently dead. For a moment
I thought of turning back, but my curiosity overcame me; so going past
the dead woman, I went down on my hands and knees and crept into the
hut. It was so dark that I could not see anything, though I could smell
a great deal, so I lit a match. It was a 'tandstickor' match, and burnt
slowly and dimly, and as the light gradually increased I made out what I
took to be a family of people, men, women, and children, fast asleep.
 Long Odds |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from Lysis by Plato: else, in so far as they are useless to them?
No.
And therefore, my boy, if you are wise, all men will be your friends and
kindred, for you will be useful and good; but if you are not wise, neither
father, nor mother, nor kindred, nor any one else, will be your friends.
And in matters of which you have as yet no knowledge, can you have any
conceit of knowledge?
That is impossible, he replied.
And you, Lysis, if you require a teacher, have not yet attained to wisdom.
True.
And therefore you are not conceited, having nothing of which to be
 Lysis |