| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from On Horsemanship by Xenophon: in a man; and just as you may best escape exciting a man's ill-temper
by avoiding harshness of speech and act, so you will best avoid
enraging a spirited horse by not annoying him. Thus, from the first
instant, in the act of mounting him, you should take pains to minimise
the annoyance; and once on his back you should sit quiet for longer
than the ordinary time, and so urge him forward by the gentlest signs
possible; next, beginning at the slowest pace, gradually work him into
a quicker step, but so gradually that he will find himself at full
speed without noticing it.[1] Any sudden signal will bewilder a
spirited horse, just as a man is bewildered by any sudden sight or
sound or other experience. [I say one should be aware that any
On Horsemanship |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: "If you really want it," said he.
He went to his bed, drew a purse from under the clean pillow, and
sent for wine.
"Yes, and I have some money and a letter to give you," he added.
Rostov took the letter and, throwing the money on the sofa, put both
arms on the table and began to read. After reading a few lines, he
glanced angrily at Berg, then, meeting his eyes, hid his face behind
the letter.
"Well, they've sent you a tidy sum," said Berg, eying the heavy
purse that sank into the sofa. "As for us, Count, we get along on
our pay. I can tell you for myself..."
War and Peace |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Golden Threshold by Sarojini Naidu: long fingers enchant through melodious
hours,
Eyes ravished with rapture, celestially pant-
ing, what passionate bosoms aflaming
with fire!
MY DEAD DREAM
Have you found me, at last, O my Dream?
Seven aeons ago
You died and I buried you deep under forests
of snow.
Why have you come hither? Who bade you
|
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 of the Spider by J. Henri Fabre: devours her. Each is at home on the other's web, when the argument
of might triumphant has ended the discussion.
Let us next take the case of the Cross Spider, a hairy beast of
varying shades of reddish-brown. She has three large white spots
upon her back, forming a triple-barred cross. She hunts mostly at
night, shuns the sun and lives by day on the adjacent shrubs, in a
shady retreat which communicates with the lime-snare by means of a
telegraph-wire. Her web is very similar in structure and
appearance to those of the two others. What will happen if I
procure her the visit of a Banded Epeira?
The lady of the triple cross is invaded by day, in the full light
The Life of the Spider |
