Inspired by the Bodleian Libraries’ new exhibition, this lecture delves into the rich history of prediction and forecasting, from the Magi who followed a star to Bethlehem to medieval Europe’s fascination with divination.

For millennia, people have sought to understand the present and prepare for the future by uncovering patterns in nature. Whether through celestial globes, palm readings, special calendars or even thunderclaps, these signs were believed to reveal hidden truths about the past, present, and future. They promised to offer guidance in times of uncertainty and help people navigate important decisions.

This shared human desire to find answers and reassurance in uncertain times is at the heart of the lecture. Through extraordinary artifacts and fascinating case studies, it will explore how communities across European history have sought answers to timeless questions: What is the right path forward? How will events unfold? Will my hopes – or fears – come true? Highlights include:

Fragments of papyri from ancient oracles of Greece and Rome
Gorgeous 14th-century English forecasting manuscripts
Illuminated divinatory lot books compiled by monks
16th-century paper computers or ‘volvelles’, illustrated with dragons
A sketch of Oscar Wilde’s palm, reflecting Victorian fascination with prophecy and personality

Join us as we explore the place of divination in European history, uncovering how the timeless search for answers has shaped cultures, guided communities, and connected us to life's mysteries.

Dr Michelle Aroney is a historian at Magdalen College, Oxford, specialising in early modern science, medicine, and religion. She is currently writing a book on the history of forecasting.

First our host Victoria Jenner will be travelling to St John the Baptist in Burringham, Lincolnshire: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-john-burringham.html. Your support and generosity are what helps us keep the doors to these special places open. This church costs £1304 a year to maintain. Please contribute towards its upkeep at our donate page: http://bit.ly/31Vj601. A contribution can also by made by texting "BUG" to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

*Audience note: This speakers in this lecture are static due to a technical fault in recording.