With the new year approaching, it seems fitting to ponder the end of days, and who better to consult than Nostradamus?
Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, was a 16th-century astrologer and physician who had a rather complicated relationship with the church. He’s often credited with a series of predictions throughout history—including significant events like the Great Fire of London, the rise of Hitler, the September 11 attacks, and even the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He’s also forecasted the deaths of key figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Francis, along with the major earthquake that hit Japan on New Year’s Day in 2024.
Nostradamus’s Prophecies
His predictions have a hit-or-miss reputation; while some can feel eerily accurate, many often miss the mark, veering toward tales of disaster and ruin.
His most renowned work, “Prophecies,” published in 1555, is a collection that paints a grim picture of wars, plagues, and natural calamities, among other not-so-cheerful outcomes.
Filled with ominous phrases like “rain of blood,” the book feels timely as we look towards 2026, and many of us are left wondering what doom might lie ahead.
Before diving into 2026, let’s reflect on what Nostradamus claimed for 2025.
He predicted the end of the conflict in Ukraine, an asteroid impact on Earth, floods in the Amazon, and a rise of some sort of aquatic kingdom.
As we know, the war in Ukraine lingers on, with reports that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is contemplating peace talks involving the U.S., though no truces have officially been established.
Regarding asteroids, NASA identified 191 flying near Earth in 2025, yet none have vanished from view.
This year, a drought followed by heavy rains caused flooding in the Amazon basin, affecting the Ashaninka indigenous population severely.
Meanwhile, the supposed aquatic empire hasn’t quite surfaced yet, but the emergence of certain AI technologies that utilize water for functioning hints at a potential shift in dominance.
Predictions for 2026
Nostradamus didn’t specifically outline prophecies for 2026. However, true enthusiasts often turn to the quatrain labeled “26” to speculate on what might come.
A Great Figure Struck by Lightning
Verse 26 suggests “that great man will be struck by thunder on that day.” This could imply an assassination of a notable figure—or perhaps an upheaval that shakes the political landscape.
It’s quite an image, isn’t it?
The Overflow of Blood
Nostradamus also writes, “The river Ticino will overflow with blood due to the favor shown by the city.”
Ticino is found in the Italian-speaking section of southern Switzerland, surrounded by picturesque lakes.
This grizzly prediction, however, may not be entirely dire—blood could hint at a population boom, possibly linked to advancements in stem cell technology.
As of 2025, mothers in Ticino can now store umbilical cord blood for personal use and for potential donations.
High-Stakes Warfare
In Quatrain VII:26, Nostradamus shifts focus to maritime matters: “Sailors and galleys will gather around the seven ships, and deadly war will ensue.”
“Galleys” refer to vessels propelled by oars, and this prediction possibly points to a naval conflict.
Experts speculate this could relate to tensions involving China, which lays claim to many disputed waters, sharing this space with countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The Bees of Conspiracy
Nostradamus also muses in Quatrain I:26. Some conspiracy theorists link bees with politics, suggesting that totalitarian ideologies may still thrive and wreak havoc in the world.
The symbolism becomes even darker, especially considering how bees can swarm, reflecting a potential collective consciousness that leans toward authoritarianism.
