Viking Shaman Hunter Tracer was designed to be a practical divination text, stemming from the research and conceptual reference points for my exhibition Butter and Tin, at The Franklin in Chicago in 2018. It is available for purchase through my site here.
There are eight pages bound in the booklet which act as “matrices” (numbered 1-8, as facing pages) when the text is consulted with a question. There are eight double-sided “energy cards” which are loosely inserted into the bound booklet.
Together the matrices and energy cards are designed to reflect a wide set of circumstances and contingencies to calibrate your own intuitive understanding of your question so that you may arrive at an answer.
Every matrix and energy card falls into one of four categories of figures: The Viking (V), The Shaman (S), The Hunter (H), and The Tracer (T).
The Viking is a conqueror, moving their body in space openly to confront a destiny or seize an opportunity. Relying on the wind, their ability to create action is dependent on external forces.
The Shaman can travel by astral projection, see clearly into the future, and see hidden meanings of things. They are nomadic, and their actions and inclinations are often cyclical.
The Hunter positions themself in a dance with landscape and some prey, either by quietly waiting or slowly stalking. They seek out prey, which can also be scared off by their body and motion.
The Tracer is the least physically mobile, but the world projects from outward toward them. They rely on the sun, but can see complex patterns when light and form align. With clarity comes patient labor.