The program below is a synopsis of Divinatorium project to create an abstract divinatory system. This system is utilized to create self-contained narrative structures and to provide divinatory advice. The project is developed as a collaboration between Dmitry Paranyushkin and Colin Johnco with the help of polysingularity network tool InfraNodus and is realized as a functional deck of cards, an app (divinatorium.com), a book, an ongoing practice, and a live presentation.
Divination is defined as a search for knowledge using supernatural means. The notion itself is related to the “divine”, something that is “of God”.
Every divinatory system is an effective and self-sufficient story-telling device. It consists of a set of symbols (Tarot cards, astrological signs, I Ching patterns). Every symbol makes sense, but the overall meaning emerges when those symbols are put in relation to one another.
Relations between the symbols are organized in a very specific way. First, there is the chronological connection (one symbol is followed by another). Then there are also connections between the symbols interlinking the different parts of the narrative structure (e.g. the very beginning to the very end).
If the emerging relational structure of divinational narrative is represented as a network, it has a helix-like shape similar to the shape of a DNA molecule. This may be the “divine” link: using the basic organizational principle of life to produce life-changing narrative structures.
Some excerpts from the 1st edition of the two books (2014) are available below. The full up-to-date versions, as well as the cards kit and a graph of interconnections that can be used to create your own narratives based on this principle are available through the Special Agency. You can also try the online version on www.divinatorium.com
