Soul Beliefs: Historical Foundations
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Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior.

Magic in the Middle Ages
ADD FREE starts 4 May 2015
Magical thought has always attracted human imagination. In this course, you'll explore the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic, examining medieval culture, beliefs and practices from the perspective of different areas of knowledge (History, Literature, Art History and History of Science). Popular magic, as well as magie savante (alchemy, geomancy and necromancy) will be addressed and we will also deal with artistic manifestations, such as relics, art objects, the Saint Grail and Arthurian literature.

Science, Magic and Religon
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Professor Courtenay Raia lectures on science and religion as historical phenomena that have evolved over time. This course examines the earlier mind-set before 1700 when elements were fitted into science that came eventually to be seen as magical. The course also explores how Western cosmologies became disenchanted, and magical traditions transformed into modern mysticisms, as well as political implications of these movements.

Buddhist Meditation and the Modern World
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Buddhist Meditation and the Modern World introduces students to: (1) the history of Buddhist contemplative traditions in India and Tibet (meditation, yoga, mindfulness, visualization, etc.); (2) innovations in scientific research on understanding such contemplative practices; (3) recent adaptations of such practices in multiple professional and personal areas; and (4) the practices themselves through brief, secular, contemplative exercises. The course will be co-taught by David Germano and Kurtis Schaeffer, and will include extensive contributions from scientists, people involved with integrating in practice and Tibetan Buddhist teachers.

Magic, Witchcraft and the Spirit World
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This class is concerned with the boundaries between everyday life and another order of reality -- the world of spirits, powers, and mystical dangers, and with what happens when those barriers ease or break apart. Examples are drawn primarily from Europe and North America, in part to counter the assumption that belief in witchcraft and spirits is mainly associated with the non-western world. Throughout, our goal will be, not to promote or debunk belief and practice, but rather to understand them using approaches from anthropology and history, seeing them in social and political context and considering their place in people’s lives.

Learn to Meditate
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This meditation course for beginners features a variety of techniques including mantra, meditating with the breath and music, concentration, and meditation on a object. Each lesson includes a discussion topic and a guided meditation exercise. The course producer, Meditation Society of Australia, has no religious, political or financial affiliations and is a community organization designed to help people learn to meditate.

Learning the Tarot
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This self-paced e-course on tarot card reading consists of 19 lessons that begin with the basics and then gently guide learners into more detailed aspects of the tarot. The lessons are geared toward beginners, but experienced tarot users will find some useful ideas and techniques as well. Each lesson includes exercises that reinforce the ideas presented. The Cards section contains information about each of the tarot cards. You can refer to this section as you go through the lessons and later as you continue your practice.

Learn Sahaja Yoga Meditation
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This free online course will take you on a journey in which you will learn the first steps toward Sahaja Yoga Meditation. Meditation is a scientifically proven way to improve one’s health and balance in life. All lessons are supported by videos and audio guided meditations. All the images, music and sounds of nature are selected to help guide you and induce a feeling of inner peace. Simple techniques that you can experiment with at home will be given as you explore the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of meditation.