| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Koran: avert it!
The day when the heavens shall reel about, and the mountains shall
move about,-then woe upon that day to those who call (the apostles)
liars, who plunge into discussion for a sport!
On the day when they shall be thrust away into the fire of
hell,-'This is the fire, the which ye used to call a lie!-Is it magic,
this? or can ye not see?-broil ye therein, and be patient thereof or
be not patient, it is the same to you: ye are but rewarded for that
which ye did do!'
Verily, the pious (shall be) in gardens and pleasure, enjoying
what their Lord has given them; for their Lord will save them from the
The Koran |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: as a man could possibly do for himself by trying hard.
But she's gone to the other side of the world, and med never
trouble you again. And there'll be a worse thing if you,
tied and bound as you be, should have a fancy for Sue. If your
cousin is civil to you, take her civility for what it is worth.
But anything more than a relation's good wishes it is stark
madness for 'ee to give her. If she's townish and wanton it
med bring 'ee to ruin."
"Don't say anything against her, Aunt! Don't, please!"
A relief was afforded to him by the entry of the companion
and nurse of his aunt, who must have been listening to
Jude the Obscure |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Kreutzer Sonata by Leo Tolstoy: women began to abuse each other and call vile names. It happened
that old Ivan's wife, on her way to the well for water, heard the
dispute, and joined the others, taking her daughter-in-law's
part.
Gavryl's housekeeper, hearing the noise, could not resist the
temptation to join the rest and to make her voice heard. As soon
as she appeared on the scene, she, too, began to abuse her
neighbor, reminding her of many disagreeable things which had
happened (and many which had not happened) between them. She
became so infuriated during her denunciations that she lost all
control of herself, and ran around like some mad creature.
The Kreutzer Sonata |
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 The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum: continued: "Yet one thing must not be forgotten. Having been adopted
as the child of the Forest, and the playfellow of the nymphs, you have
gained a distinction which forever separates you from your kind.
Therefore, when you go forth into the world of men you shall retain
the protection of the Forest, and the powers you now enjoy will remain
with you to assist you in your labors. In any need you may call upon
the Nymphs, the Ryls, the Knooks and the Fairies, and they will serve
you gladly. I, the Master Woodsman of the World, have said it, and my
Word is the Law!"
Claus looked upon Ak with grateful eyes.
"This will make me mighty among men," he replied. "Protected by these
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus |
