| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Koran: The likeness of those who take, beside God, patrons is as the
likeness of a spider, that takes to himself a house; and, verily,
the weakest of houses is a spider's house, if they did but know!
Verily, God knows whatever thing they call upon beside Him; for He
is the mighty, wise.
These are parables which we have struck out for men; but none will
understand them, save those who know.
God created the heavens and the earth in truth verily, in this is
a sign unto believers.
Recite what has been- revealed to thee of the Book; and be steadfast
in prayer; verily, prayer forbids sin and wrong; and surely the
The Koran |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Persuasion by Jane Austen: and Mr Shepherd's clerks were set to work, without there having been
a single preliminary difference to modify of all that
"This indenture sheweth."
Sir Walter, without hesitation, declared the Admiral to be
the best-looking sailor he had ever met with, and went so far as to say,
that if his own man might have had the arranging of his hair,
he should not be ashamed of being seen with him any where;
and the Admiral, with sympathetic cordiality, observed to his wife
as they drove back through the park, "I thought we should soon
come to a deal, my dear, in spite of what they told us at Taunton.
The Baronet will never set the Thames on fire, but there seems to be
Persuasion |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad: That was three weeks ago. We have had a slow passage
through the Java Sea; drifted about Carimata for ten days.
When we anchored here they thought, I suppose, it was all right.
The nearest land (and that's five miles) is the ship's destination;
the consul would soon set about catching me; and there would
have been no object in bolding to these islets there.
I don't suppose there's a drop of water on them. I don't know
how it was, but tonight that steward, after bringing me my supper,
went out to let me eat it, and left the door unlocked.
And I ate it--all there was, too. After I had finished I strolled
out on the quarter-deck. I don't know that I meant to do anything.
The Secret Sharer |
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 Dreams & Dust by Don Marquis: And life and storm and sun!
And while she laughed, the Sun himself
Leapt laughing through the rain
And struck his harper hand along
The ringing coast; and that wind-song
Whose joy is mixed with pain
Forgot the undertone of grief
And joined the jocund strain,
And over every hidden reef
Whereon the waves broke merrily
Rose jets and sprays of melody
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