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Researching types of divination for Image One!

  • Writer: thelazybookmen
    thelazybookmen
  • Oct 10, 2021
  • 3 min read

The idea for image one is a witchcraft practitioner who is using a form of divination to communicate with a spirit or entity. However, who they are communicating with is not who they say they are, and can be seen lurking in the background. The designer wanted this to be as accurate as possible, so they researched into many different types of divination.


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Figure 1 - Tarot Divination (Brown, J. 2018).

Divination, which is the "practice of determining the hidden significance or cause of events, sometimes foretelling the future, by various natural, psychological, and other techniques" (Park, 2001), is practiced in many different forms. One of the most recognisable forms of divination is the Ouija Board, often called a spirit board. McRobbie states that the Ouija Board originated in 19th century America, a time where many people were obsessed with spiritualism and believed that the dead were able to communicate with the living (2013).


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Figure 2 - Ouija Board (AttitudeClothing, n.d.)




Being one of the most recognisable forms, the Ouija Board has been done quite a lot. The Ouija Board would be an obvious choice, however the designer did not want to go down the easy route.








Another well known form of divination are the Tarot cards.

"The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism and story. The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons, and the 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience on a daily basis." (BiddyTarot, n.d.).
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Figure 3 - Tarot Cards (Lanquist, L. and Maguire, M, 2021).

Using the imagery on the cards, it is possible to ask for clarity on different situations. This can range from simple one card pulls, or a full card spread utilising a number of cards and interpreting the answer.


Tarot can be used as a mean of communication, asking for help or for answers, however; tarot has yet again been done quite a lot.


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Figure 4 - Mind map (Brown, 2021).


The designer created a mind map to try plan the image out a little bit more. There are many different forms of divination, such as rune stones, scapulimancy (the throwing of bones) and scrying (using a mirror or crystal ball). Through researching these different forms, it became clear that, while a practitioner can ask for guidance while performing divination, it may not show very well through an image. It may not be obvious to someone looking at the image who does not practice the craft. Therefore the image will showcase someone performing ritual work as it will create a clearer image to someone who is unfamiliar.




Figure 5 - Rune Stones Figure 6 - Scapulimancy Figure 7 - Scrying/Crystal

(TwoWander, n.d.). (Ross, 2021). (Bogus, 2021).

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Figure 8 - Altar space (Wilton, 2019).

The image above would give more of an indication as to what is occurring in the image. When preparing for capturing the images, the designer will create a space similar to this.



-Jess


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