| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from A Voyage to Abyssinia by Father Lobo: and intention with which we undertook so long and toilsome a
journey, crossed so many seas, and passed so many deserts, with the
utmost hazard of our lives; I am certain that we travelled more than
seven thousand leagues before we arrived at our residence at
Fremona.
We came to this place, anciently called Maigoga, on the 21st of
June, as I have said before, and were obliged to continue there till
November, because the winter begins here in May, and its greatest
rigour is from the middle of June to the middle of September. The
rains that are almost continually falling in this season make it
impossible to go far from home, for the rivers overflow their banks,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Finished by H. Rider Haggard: know not--the wisest, should be able to answer. You ask of
me--How shall this war prosper, if it is made--and what shall
chance to the King during and after the war, and lastly you ask
of me a sign. What I tell to you is true, is it not so?"
"It is true," answered the Council.
"Asking is easy," continued Zikali in a grumbling voice, "but
answering is another matter. How can I answer without
preparation, without the needful medicines also that I have not
with me, who did not know what would be sought of me, who thought
that my opinion was desired and no more? Go away now and return
on the sixth night and I will tell you what I can do."
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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 War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells: people had fled. I knew I wanted to find my wife, that my
heart ached for her and the world of men, but I had no
clear idea how the finding might be done. I was also sharply
aware now of my intense loneliness. From the corner I went,
under cover of a thicket of trees and bushes, to the edge of
Wimbledon Common, stretching wide and far.
That dark expanse was lit in patches by yellow gorse and
broom; there was no red weed to be seen, and as I prowled,
hesitating, on the verge of the open, the sun rose, flooding
it all with light and vitality. I came upon a busy swarm of
little frogs in a swampy place among the trees. I stopped
War of the Worlds |
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 Under the Andes by Rex Stout: here?"
"Peccary--my aunt!" observed Harry, bending down to look at
Desiree. "Do peccaries live in the water? Do they have snouts
like catfish? This animal is my own invention. There's about ten
million more of 'em over there making a gorgeous banquet off our
late lamented friend. And now, let's see."
He knelt down by the still warm body and with the point of his
spear ripped it open from neck to rump. Desiree stirred about in
my arms.
"Gad, that smells good!" cried Harry.
I shuddered.
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