Paper short abstract:

The MaryMichael Pilgrim's Way follows dowsed energy lines from Cornwall to Norfolk, UK. How can the experience of pilgrimage be enhanced by 'Discriminate AR', using minimal audio, visual and linguistic cues designed to heighten attention and deepen participants' engagement with their surroundings?

Paper long abstract:

The Sun and the Serpent (Miller & Broadhurst 1989) is an account of dowsing the Mary and Michael energy lines, intersecting with archaeological and sacred sites, from Cornwall to Norfolk, UK, that has inspired many to undertake their own pilgrimage. In 2011 an authorised guide to the first 140 miles was produced by Richard Dealler "to appeal to people of any faith or none" (MaryMichael Pilgrim's Way, 2018), a principle promoted by the British Pilgrimage Trust, 2018. The call to pilgrimage that is open to all, not merely the physical and mental achievement, for time on the path may only last just an hour or two, but as a personal or spiritual process, with or without religious motivation. We argue that it is the intention of the journey and modes of behaviour employed that set up particular rules of engagement between the pilgrim and the environment that can be likened to the awareness changing experiences such as meditation, guided imagining or shamanic journeying. 'Discriminate AR', is a novel approach to augmented reality that uses minimal audio, visual, linguistic cues designed to heighten attention and deepen pilgrim's engagement with their surroundings. Strategies include movement responsive audio used to slow walking speed to encourage participants' awareness of their physicality within the location. Directed listening augmented by live sounds occurring in the environment is blended with 3D spatial sound. 'Discriminate AR', is discussed in relation to the 'Immersive Explorations' app, set along the MaryMichael Pilgrim's way.