| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from In a German Pension by Katherine Mansfield: wiped his mouth and nose with a corner of her skirt. "Some babies get
their teeth without you knowing it," she went on, "and some take on this
way all the time. I once heard of a baby that died, and they found all
it's teeth in its stomach."
The Man got up, unhooked his cloak from the back of the door, and flung it
round him.
"There's another coming," said he.
"What--a tooth!" exclaimed the Child, startled for the first time that
morning out of her dreadful heaviness, and thrusting her finger into the
baby's mouth.
"No," he said grimly, "another baby. Now, get on with your work; it's time
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte: was character, too, in the mouth, something that bespoke a man of
firm purpose and an habitual thinker; and when he smiled - but I
will not speak of that yet, for, at the time I mention, I had never
seen him smile: and, indeed, his general appearance did not
impress me with the idea of a man given to such a relaxation, nor
of such an individual as the cottagers described him. I had early
formed my opinion of him; and, in spite of Miss Murray's
objurgations: was fully convinced that he was a man of strong
sense, firm faith, and ardent piety, but thoughtful and stern: and
when I found that, to his other good qualities, was added that of
true benevolence and gentle, considerate kindness, the discovery,
Agnes Grey |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Enchanted Island of Yew by L. Frank Baum: "Why don't I begin? Why, I haven't got the enchantments with me,
that's why. Do you suppose we great magicians carry around
enchantments in our pockets?" returned the other, in a milder tone.
"Where do you keep your enchantments?" asked the prince.
"They're in my dwelling," snapped Kwytoffle, taking off his hat and
fanning his fat face with the brim.
"Then go and get them," said Marvel.
"Nonsense! If I went to get the enchantments you would all run away!"
retorted the sorcerer.
"Not so!" protested Nerle, who was beginning to be amused. "My
greatest longing in life is to become a grasshopper."
The Enchanted Island of Yew |
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 A Collection of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter: THIS is the Mouse peeping
out behind the cupboard,
and making fun of
Miss Moppet. He is not
afraid of a kitten.
THIS is Miss Moppet
jumping just too late;
she misses the Mouse and
hits her own head.
SHE thinks it is a very
hard cupboard!
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