The computational world is full of mystical references and similarities with magical traditions. In this workshop, Danae Tapia and Annika Kappner explored parallels between coding and casting a spell through making oracle-bots. Bots are small computer programmes that automate text on social media streams that we so often find ourselves on. Oracle-bots operate as divination machines and provide spiritual advice.

The workshop consisted of coding sessions and guided meditations to explore the collective imagination around analogue and digital connectivity through the body. This resulted in a range of new bots like an IntangibleBot making analogue generative artwork and AI Arcana, a mystic bot performing rituals based on algorithmic divination.