| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Virginibus Puerisque by Robert Louis Stevenson: where they are speakingly picturesque or recommend themselves
by the quality of being easily imitable, they let them go over
their heads (as we say) without the least regard. If it were
not for this perpetual imitation, we should be tempted to
fancy they despised us outright, or only considered us in the
light of creatures brutally strong and brutally silly; among
whom they condescended to dwell in obedience like a
philosopher at a barbarous court. At times, indeed, they
display an arrogance of disregard that is truly staggering.
Once, when I was groaning aloud with physical pain, a young
gentleman came into the room and nonchalantly inquired if I
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Island Nights' Entertainments by Robert Louis Stevenson: THERE was a man of the Island of Hawaii, whom I shall call Keawe;
for the truth is, he still lives, and his name must be kept secret;
but the place of his birth was not far from Honaunau, where the
bones of Keawe the Great lie hidden in a cave. This man was poor,
brave, and active; he could read and write like a schoolmaster; he
was a first-rate mariner besides, sailed for some time in the
island steamers, and steered a whaleboat on the Hamakua coast. At
length it came in Keawe's mind to have a sight of the great world
and foreign cities, and he shipped on a vessel bound to San
Francisco.
This is a fine town, with a fine harbour, and rich people
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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 Confidence by Henry James: "Well, I was not fascinated; I was not overmastered.
I wanted to come to Baden."
"I have no doubt you did. Had you become very intimate with your friends
in Dresden?"
"I had only seen them three times."
"After which you followed them to this place? Ah, don't say you
were not fascinated!" cried Bernard, laughing and springing to his feet.
CHAPTER VI
That evening, in the gardens of the Kursaal, he renewed acquaintance with
Angela Vivian. Her mother came, as usual, to sit and listen to the music,
accompanied by Blanche Evers, who was in turn attended by Captain Lovelock.
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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 King James Bible: will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.
EZE 25:8 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say,
Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen;
EZE 25:9 Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the
cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the
country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,
EZE 25:10 Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give
them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the
nations.
EZE 25:11 And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know
that I am the LORD.
King James Bible |
