| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Flower Fables by Louisa May Alcott: kept time with his waving wings, and ever as they went along all grew
fairer; and thus they came to Fairy-Land.
As Bud passed through the gates, she no longer wondered that the
exiled Fairies wept and sorrowed for the lovely home they had lost.
Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a rainbow light on
the Fairy palaces below, where the Elves were dancing; while the
low, sweet voices of the singing flowers sounded softly through the
fragrant air, and mingled with the music of the rippling waves, as
they flowed on beneath the blossoming vines that drooped above them.
All was bright and beautiful; but kind little Bud would not linger,
for the forms of the weeping Fairies were before her; and
Flower Fables |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: dolls, or something else, at recess. If one girl likes another,
she gives her a lime. If she's mad with her, she eats one before
her face, and doesn't offer even a suck. They treat by turns,
and I've had ever so many but haven't returned them, and I ought
for they are debts of honor, you know."
"How much will pay them off and restore your credit?" asked
Meg, taking out her purse."
"A quarter would more than do it, and leave a few cents over
for a treat for you. Don't you like limes?"
"Not much. You may have my share. Here's the money. Make it
last as long as you can, for it isn't very plenty, you know."
Little Women |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from To-morrow by Joseph Conrad: "A grinning, information fellow," said the voice
of old Hagberd, up in the darkness. "Don't you
have anything to do with him. It will spoil every-
thing."
She heard Harry Hagberd say, "Hallo, dad,"
then a clanging clatter. The window rumbled
down, and he stood before her again.
"It's just like old times. Nearly walloped the
life out of me to stop me going away, and now I
come back he throws a confounded shovel at my
head to keep me out. It grazed my shoulder."
To-morrow |
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 Koran: wives with whom ye may cohabit; He has made between you affection
and pity. Verily, in that are signs unto a people who reflect.
And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and
the diversity of your tongues and colours; verily, in that are signs
unto the worlds.
And of His signs is your sleep by night and by day; and your craving
after His grace. Verily, in that are signs unto a people who do hear.
And of His signs is this, that He shows you lightning for fear and
hope; and sends down from the sky water, and quickens therewith the
earth after its death; verily, in that are signs unto a people who
have sense.
The Koran |
