Computing atmospheric attunement and hybrid listening through Augury and Scrying

In this essay, I will elaborate on Augury, an artistic project that draws inspiration from ancient methods of perceiving and predicting atmospheric events, with a focus on utilizing weather data as a foundation for sound. By employing sonification techniques, the project aims to enhance our ability to connect with the elements of wind and natural radio. This endeavor finds its roots in ancient practices, such as augury, where individuals relied on animal senses, and symbolic objects for weather divination such as in scrying, where people would look into obsidian mirrors to perceive beyond what is evident. By emphasizing listening as a means of sensory perception, the project bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary technology. The project refers as an allegory to the augury birds to the self-made weather stations used in the installation to gather data from wind patterns, air pressure, and humidity levels, which are used in the sound installation as materials for creating sound. This way, the data generates sonic elements that represent different facets of weather phenomena. Augury thus serves as a means of reconnecting with ancient weather sensing methods while embracing modern technology. Through active listening, participants can immerse themselves in the intricate soundscapes of wind and natural radio, fostering a deeper connection with the ever-changing dynamics of the natural world.