Michel de Nostredame, better known by his Latinized name "Nostradamus," remains one of history's most enigmatic figures. Born on December 14, 1503, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, Nostradamus was a physician, astrologer, and reputed seer. His most famous work, “Les Prophéties,” a collection of 942 poetic quatrains (four-line verses), has fascinated readers for centuries due to its cryptic language and alleged predictive accuracy. Despite scepticism from historians and scholars, Nostradamus’ writings continue to intrigue both believers and sceptics alike.

The Method Behind the Prophecies

Nostradamus's method of prediction was a blend of astrological calculations, historical analysis, and mystical inspiration. He was known to gaze into a bowl of water or a mirror—an ancient form of divination called "scrying"—to receive visions of the future. He then transcribed these visions into quatrains, often using archaic French, Latin, and Greek references, deliberately obscuring their meanings to avoid persecution by the Inquisition.

He published his first edition of “Les Prophéties” in 1555, with subsequent volumes following. Although his works were vague and metaphorical, over time, many readers have interpreted them as foretelling major world events.

Famous Predictions Attributed to Nostradamus:

1. The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

One of the most cited predictions linked to Nostradamus involves the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. In Century 1, Quatrain 60, Nostradamus wrote:

"An emperor will be born near Italy,

Who will cost the Empire dearly."

Napoleon, born in Corsica (an island near Italy), indeed rose to power as Emperor of France. His reign led to widespread war across Europe, with massive casualties and political upheaval. Although not named directly, the geographic hint and the consequences described in the quatrain are considered by many to match Napoleon's story.

2. The Great Fire of London (1666)

In Century 2, Quatrain 51, Nostradamus mentions:

"The blood of the just will commit a fault at London,

Burnt through lightning of twenty threes the six."

The phrase "twenty threes the six" is often interpreted as 66 (20 x 3 = 60, plus 6 = 66), hinting at the year 1666. The Great Fire of London began on September 2, 1666, and raged for three days, destroying much of the city. Although the exact cause was a bakery fire, the association of London, fire, and the year 1666 aligns eerily with the prophecy.

3. The French Revolution

Century 1, Quatrain 14 is believed to reference the French Revolution:

"From the enslaved populace, songs, chants and demands,

While princes and lords are held captive in prisons."

This quatrain speaks of a popular uprising and the imprisonment of the aristocracy, which is precisely what happened during the French Revolution (1789-1799). The imagery of common people rising against their rulers fits well with the events of that time, leading some to believe Nostradamus foresaw this historic upheaval.

4. The Rise of Adolf Hitler

One of the most striking quatrains is Century 2, Quatrain 24:

"Beasts ferocious with hunger will cross the rivers,

The greater part of the battlefield will be against Hister.

Into a cage of iron will the great one be drawn,

When the child of Germany observes nothing."

The term "Hister" is often cited as a near-anagram of "Hitler." However, historians point out that "Hister" was an ancient name for the lower Danube River. Nevertheless, the reference to German aggression, war, and a "great one" being drawn into iron (possibly symbolizing tanks or concentration camps) has led many to associate this quatrain with Adolf Hitler's rise and World War II atrocities.

5. The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Century 2, Quatrain 6 reads:

"Near the gates and within two cities,

There will be scourges the like of which was never seen,

Famine within plague, people put out by steel,

Crying to the great immortal God for relief."

This prophecy is often linked to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The "two cities" reference, along with descriptions of unprecedented devastation and human suffering, seems to resonate with the aftermath of the bombings, though, again, it remains open to interpretation.

Nostradamus Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

For the year 2025 and beyond, several themes are commonly associated with his

prophecies, reflecting current global anxieties.

Geopolitical Conflicts and Global Tensions

Some interpreters of Nostradamus believe his verses hint at escalating geopolitical conflicts. References to “great battles in the West and East” and the “rising of a red adversary” are often linked to rising tensions between global superpowers. Analysts have speculated this could symbolize conflicts involving nations like the United States, China, or Russia, potentially hinting at new forms of warfare—cyber, economic, or even military.

Climate Catastrophes and Environmental Collapse

Many of Nostradamus’s quatrains speak of natural disasters—floods, fires, earthquakes, and famines. In the context of the 21st century, these are interpreted as warnings about climate change. The frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food shortages are seen as the fulfilment of his warnings. For 2025 and beyond, interpreters believe these disasters could intensify, leading to mass migrations and global instability.

Economic Turmoil and Social Unrest

Nostradamus’s verses about “the collapse of markets” and “the impoverishment of the great cities” are linked by modern readers to potential financial crises. Predictions of widespread poverty, inflation, and unemployment resonate with fears of a global recession. Social unrest, protests against inequality, and political revolutions are also recurring themes, often associated with Nostradamus’s vision of societal upheaval.

Technological Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

Though Nostradamus could not have imagined modern AI, some enthusiasts interpret his metaphors of “iron men” and “artificial servants” as references to robotics and intelligent machines. Predictions for 2025 and beyond often envision dramatic technological breakthroughs, possibly with AI surpassing human control, reshaping industries, and raising ethical dilemmas.

A New Spiritual Awakening

Not all interpretations are doom and gloom. Some believe Nostradamus foresaw a global spiritual awakening, where humanity would seek unity, wisdom, and harmony after facing crisis.

Survival of the newest: The mammals that survive mass extinctions aren't as 'boring' as scientists thought

via: Field Museum

When an asteroid hit the Earth 66 million years ago, it set off a devastating mass extinction. The dinosaurs (except for a few birds) all died out, along with lots of the mammals. But some small mammals survived, laying the groundwork for all the mammals alive today. For decades, scientists have assumed that mammals and their relatives that survived challenging times (like those during mass extinctions) made it because they were generalists that were able to eat just about anything and adapt to whatever life threw at them. A new study into the mammal family tree through multiple mass extinctions revealed that the species that survived aren't as generic as scientists had thought: instead, having new and different traits can be the key to succeeding in the aftermath of a catastrophe...