Harvard launches free online 'magic' course on omens, tarot and predicting future

Harvard University has launched an unusual online course exploring astrology, tarot, omens, oracles and ancient prediction systems. 'PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies', a self-paced HarvardX programme, is starting May 22 on edX, can be audited for free and examines how humans across history tried to predict the future long before modern science emerged.

In Short

• Harvard’s new course explores tarot, astrology and ancient prediction systems
• Students can study Harvard’s PredictionX course online for free on edX
• Course studies how humans tried predicting the future across civilizations

Astrology, tarot cards, ancient prophecies, oracle readings and bone burning rituals are not exactly what most people expect from a Harvard University course.

But that is precisely why Harvard’s new online programme is grabbing attention across the internet.

The course, titled 'PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies', officially begins on May 22 through the edX platform and explores how humans across civilisations attempted to predict the future long before modern science took over.

And yes, it includes everything from the Oracle of Delphi to modern astrology and tarot.

WHAT THE COURSE ACTUALLY TEACHES

According to Harvard University, the course is part of the broader PredictionX programme that studies humanity’s long history of forecasting the future.

The one-week self-paced module examines "pre-scientific" prediction systems used across cultures and eras. Topics include ancient Chinese bone burning rituals, omens, astrology, tarot, prophecies and divination practices.

The course description states that learners will explore "a variety of methods from across cultures and history for divining the future" while also understanding "a common framework that describes human attempts to predict the future."

It is taught by Alyssa Goodman, who serves as Professor of Applied Astronomy at Harvard.

YOU CAN JOIN FOR FREE

One major reason the course is going viral is accessibility.

Students can audit the course for free on edX, meaning they can access learning materials without paying. Those who want a verified HarvardX certificate can pay $99, which is roughly Rs 8,200 at current exchange rates.

Harvard University's PredictionX series currently includes three separate courses, all available for free on edX:

• PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies
• PredictionX: John Snow and the Cholera Epidemic of 1854
• PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude

Learners can also enrol in the complete three-course bundle for $267.30, around Rs 22,000, instead of the full $297 price.

WHY PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT

The course has sparked fascination online because it blends history, religion, sociology and cultural studies with topics many people associate with mysticism.

Harvard is not teaching students how to "predict the future." Instead, the course examines why societies across thousands of years became obsessed with trying to do exactly that.

And apparently, hundreds of thousands of learners are curious enough to sign up for it. You can check it out here.

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