| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The House of Dust by Conrad Aiken: Don't lie to us--we all know what he said.
He said the one he murdered once still loves him;
He said the wheels in wheels of time are broken;
And dust and storm forgotten; and all forgiven. . . .
But what you asked he wouldn't tell you, though,--
Ha ha! there's one thing you will never know!
That's what you get for meddling so with heaven!
Where have you been, old lady? Where are you going?
We know, we know! She's been to gab with spirits.
Look at the old fool! getting ready to cry!
What have you got in an envelope, old lady?
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: cause the grain and fruits of the field to grow and mature well;
furthermore, that He help us at home towards good housekeeping, that He
give and preserve to us a godly wife, children, and servants, that He
cause our work, trade, or whatever we are engaged in to prosper and
succeed, favor us with faithful neighbors and good friends, etc.
Likewise, that He give to emperors, kings, and all estates, and
especially to the rulers of our country and to all counselors,
magistrates, and officers, wisdom, strength, and success that they may
govern well and vanquish the Turks and all enemies; to subjects and the
common people, obedience, peace, and harmony in their life with one
another, and on the other hand, that He would preserve us from all
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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 Agesilaus by Xenophon: secure.[7] And for the rest Sparta would once again be strong on that
day when the states of Hellas should learn wisdom.
[3] Or, "he was at the same time the most obvious in his allegiance to
the laws."
[4] Lit. "would have taken on himself . . . would have ventured on
revolution."
[5] Lit. "as a father to his children."
[6] Or, "and was ready to stand by their side in time of trouble."
[7] Or, "For this was the clear tenor of his thought, that by tranquil
continuance within the laws the citizens of Sparta might secure
her happiness. And as to power, Sparta, etc." See "Mem." II. vi.
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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 The Sportsman by Xenophon: the rank meadowlands[6] and reconnoitre where the hinds are
congregated, and wherever that may be, the master of the hounds will
set off--with his hounds and a supply of javelins--before daylight to
the place in question. Here he will attach the hounds to trees[7] some
distance off, for fear of their barking,[8] when they catch sight of
the deer. That done he will choose a specular point himself and keep a
sharp look-out.[9] As day breaks he will espy the hinds leading their
fawns to the places where they will lay them severally to rest.[10]
Having made them lie down and suckled them, they will cast anxious
glances this way and that to see that no one watches them; and then
they will severally withdraw to the side opposite and mount guard,
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