| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Reminiscences of Tolstoy by Leo Tolstoy: me, but could not, and remained just the same as he had always
been; namely, something quite apart, only himself, handsome,
aristocratic, proud, and, above all, truthful and sincere to a
degree that I never met in any other man.
"He was what he was; he concealed nothing, and did not wish to
appear anything different."
Uncle Seryózha never treated children affectionately;
on the contrary, he seemed to put up with us rather than to like
us. But we always treated him with particular reverence. The
result, as I can see now, partly of his aristocratic appearance,
but chiefly because of the fact that he called my father
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Mad King by Edgar Rice Burroughs: hurriedly beneath another tree nearer the house. This time
there was no doubt. It was a man!
Directly before the door where Barney stood was a per-
gola, ivy-covered. Behind this he slid, and, running its
length, came out among the trees behind the night prowler.
Now he saw him distinctly. The fellow was bearded, and
in his right hand he carried a package. Instantly Barney
recalled Butzow's comment upon the destruction of the mill
--"if it WAS lightning!"
Cold sweat broke from every pore of his body. His mother
and father were there in the house, and Vic--all sleeping
The Mad King |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Rig Veda:
1. THESE songs of mine go forth as lauds of Agni, the disposing
Sage,
Whose worshipper is ne'er o'erthrawn.
2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee.
Who willingly receivest it.
3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that
glitter
through,
Devour the forests with their teeth.
4 Gold-coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind,
The Rig Veda |
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 Rivers to the Sea by Sara Teasdale: The strident noises of the city
Floating up to us
RIVERS TO THE SEA
Are hallowed into whispers.
Ferries cross thru the darkness
Weaving a golden thread into the night,
Their whistles weird shadows of sound.
We feel the millions of humanity beneath us,--
The warm millions, moving under the roofs,
Consumed by their own desires;
Preparing food,
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