Digital Divination

Design, Code, Divination

A code-based exploration of self-reflection and divination. Using p5.js I made a code-driven face reading/divination program in which I upload a photo then run the program, which draws an expressive, looping, line over the querent’s portrait. Based on the point of origin, location, and density of the line I then interpret the image. The system for interpretation is loosely based on a mix of Celtic and Chinese (xiang mian) symbology and represents the dominant forces in the subjects life at the moment of calculation.

It’s not an attempt to predict the future or comment on the person’s appearance. Rather, it functions as a sort of mirror and, ideally, prompts the querent to consider what the described influences mean to them. I’m fascinated by systems that engage intuition and the goal is personal reflection more than prediction. Often we already possess the information we need to solve problems. We just need help knowing where to look.

Interpretation

Order of operations

  1. Where does the line begin?

  2. Where is the line concentrated?

  3. How dense/sparse is the line?

Where does the line begin?

  • North/Top = home, security, fertility

  • East/Right = communication, new beginnings, new growth

  • South/Bottom = energy, passion, creativity

  • West/Left = emotion, psyche, movement

Where is the line concentrated?

  • Forehead: Spirituality and introspection

  • Eyes: Degree of focus, perception. Emphasize on one eye indicates awareness is something particularly. Lines spread across both eyes suggest a broad awareness.

  • Nose: Sensuality (nostrils) and pride (bridge).

  • Ears: Openness and receptivity to new ideas.

  • Mouth: Communication and expressiveness

  • Cheeks: Vulnerability

  • Chin: Persistence

How dense/sparse is the line?

  • Pay attention to the constellations, where the line clusters into nodes.

  • Density of clusters indicate intensity and concentration of that particular region.

  • Straight lines connecting nodes indicate a strong relationship between those concepts. Curving or wandering lines suggest a softer relationship between two connected nodes.

Interpretation

This project is largely about the personal nature of interpretation, leveraging our tendency to find patterns and meaning in random action or input. Its up to the viewer to find or dismiss meaning and the system itself doesn’t provide answers, predictions or concrete interpretations. I love the openness of systems that rely on users to express themselves.

This drawing of the symbols is random I found almost 100% of my testers confirmed that their ‘reading’ was personal and accurate. Many of the testers asked how the underlying AI funcationed and how could it possibly know so much about them.

What does this mean about divination, in general? Does this confirm my hunch that astrology function as a mirror, reflecting back at us our needs an values? And does that matter if the experience provides answers?

Next Steps

Refine the code

The current version of the project requires me to upload a photo into the programs. Ideally the code can run from a webcam so users can walk up, press a button to take a snapshot, and the code will generate the divination lines.

Building the cabinet

The ultimate goal is to build this as a standalone, kiosk, experience in which the user walks up and they see their face on the screen. The divination lines are drawn over their face and they can print a copy for themselves or possibly share directly to social media