CYCLE FORTY-EIGHT

1. That which is centrifugal is also, by definition, expansive, whether objectively or subjectively, while that which is centripetal is also, by definition, contractive, whether objectively or subjectively. Hence whereas the outer light/spirit is expansive, the inner light/spirit is contractive - the former divergent and the latter convergent.

2. To distinguish washbasins from baths on the relative basis of a lunar/planar dichotomy, as between man and woman, while further distinguishing showers from jacuzzis on the rather more absolute basis of a solar/stellar dichotomy, as between the Devil and God. For it would seem that whereas washbasins and baths are phenomenal, showers and jacuzzis, by contrast, are noumenal, with associations, relevant to this particular quadruplicity, that stretch beyond the World and Purgatory to Hell and Heaven - the former alpha and the latter omega.

3. Thus while the washbasin is suitable for washing hands and face and/or hair, the bath is more suited to the body in general, thereby confirming a worldly (mundane), as opposed to 'overworldly' (purgatorial), connotation ... such that has a greater affiliation with mass than volume.

4. As, however, for the distinction between showers and jacuzzis, we are obliged to consider the contrast between the sun-like diffusion of water spray descending from above and the gravity-defying infusion of water bubbles ascending from below - the former a sort of washing Hell dominated by time, and the latter a sort of bathing Heaven in which space (and jacuzzis are nothing if not spacious) is the primary condition.

5. Thus in an ideal world, people would have regular access to bubble-generating jacuzzis, while showers would be effectively taboo.