| 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 children of Israel with me.' Said he, 'If thou hast come with a
sign, then bring it, if thou art of those who speak the truth.' Then
he threw his rod down, and lo! it was an obvious snake; and he drew
out his hand, and lo! it was white to the beholders. Said the chiefs
of Pharaoh's people, 'Verily, this is surely a knowing magician; he
desires to turn you out of your land;- What is it then ye bid? They
said, 'Give him and his brother some hope; and send into the cities to
collect and bring you every knowing magician.' And the magician came
to Pharaoh and said, 'Is there indeed a reward for us if we are
conquerors? He said, 'Yea! and ye shall be of those who draw nigh unto
me.' They said, 'O Moses! wilt thou cast down (thy rod) or shall we be
The Koran |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Twice Told Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne: would I have it otherwise. And in this peaceful village I have
found all that I hoped for,--all that I desire. I will strive,
with my best strength, for the spiritual and temporal good of our
community. My conscience is not doubtful in this matter. I am
ready to receive the trust."
"Thou hast spoken well, son Adam," said the Father. "God will
bless thee in the office which I am about to resign."
"But our sister!" observed the elder from Harvard, "hath she not
likewise a gift to declare her sentiments?"
Martha started, and moved her lips, as if she would have made a
formal reply to this appeal. But, had she attempted it, perhaps
Twice Told Tales |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from A Collection of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter: was opened, and Pigling was lifted
out. He looked up, blinking, and
saw an offensively ugly elderly
man, grinning from ear to ear.
"This one's come of himself,
whatever," said Mr. Piperson,
turning Pigling's pockets inside out.
He pushed the hamper into a
corner, threw a sack over it to
keep the hens quiet, put a pot on
the fire, and unlaced his boots.
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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 Economist by Xenophon: no less than to military affairs.
And besides all this (proceeded Socrates), nowhere among the various
countries which he inhabits or visits does he fail to make it his
first care that there shall be orchards and gardens, parks and
"paradises," as they are called, full of all fair and noble products
which the earth brings forth; and within these chiefly he spends his
days, when the season of the year permits.
Crit. To be sure, Socrates, it is a natural and necessary conclusion
that when the king himself spends so large a portion of his time
there, his paradises should be furnished to perfection with trees and
all else beautiful that earth brings forth.
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