| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Pagan and Christian Creeds by Edward Carpenter: inception, to the age of Magic. The creed of Sin and
Sacrifice, or of Guilt and Expiation--whatever we like to call
it--was evolved perfectly naturally out of the human mind
when brought face to face with Life and Nature) at
some early stage of its self-consciousness. It was essentially
the result of man's deep, original and instinctive
sense of solidarity with Nature, now denied and belied
and to some degree broken up by the growth and conscious
insistence of the self-regarding impulses. It was
the consciousness of disharmony and disunity, causing
men to feel all the more poignantly the desire and the
Pagan and Christian Creeds |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Light of Western Stars by Zane Grey: settled into that driving speed which wedged Madeline back as in
a vise. Again the moments went by fleet as the miles.
Seemingly, there was an acceleration of the car till it reached a
certain swiftness--a period of time in which it held that pace,
and then a diminishing of all motion and sound which contributed
to Madeline's acute sensation. Uncovering her face, she saw Link
was passing another village. Could it be Bernardino? She asked
Link--repeated the question.
"Sure," he replied. "Eighty miles."
Link did not this time apologize for the work of his machine.
Madeline marked the omission with her first thrill of the ride.
The Light of Western Stars |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Message by Honore de Balzac: correspondence, carefully sealed by my friend of the day.
The Countess' chateau was some eight leagues beyond Moulins, and
then there was some distance to walk across country. So it was
not exactly an easy matter to deliver my message. For divers
reasons into which I need not enter, I had barely sufficient
money to take me to Moulins. However, my youthful enthusiasm
determined to hasten thither on foot as fast as possible. Bad
news travels swiftly, and I wished to be first at the chateau. I
asked for the shortest way, and hurried through the field paths
of the Bourbonnais, bearing, as it were, a dead man on my back.
The nearer I came to the Chateau de Montpersan, the more aghast I
|
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: Ak paused, silent and frowning, to bend his piercing gaze upon Claus.
The clear eyes met his own steadfastly, and the Woodsman gave a sigh
of relief as he marked their placid depths and read the youth's brave
and innocent heart. Nevertheless, as Ak sat beside the fair Queen, and
the golden chalice, filled with rare nectar, passed from lip to lip,
the Master Woodsman was strangely silent and reserved, and stroked his
beard many times with a thoughtful motion.
With morning he called Claus aside, in kindly fashion, saying:
"Bid good by, for a time, to Necile and her sisters; for you shall
accompany me on my journey through the world."
The venture pleased Claus, who knew well the honor of being companion
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus |
