The 16th-century astrologer Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, is said to have foreseen disturbing world events for the year 2026, including political upheaval and a renewed conflict between East and West, reports the Daily Mail.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the French philosopher’s predictions also hint at a potential period of rebirth and a new approach to the world.
Nostradamus, whose book “Les Propheties” was published in 1555, is said to have predicted major world events such as 9/11, Princess Diana’s death, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and more recently, the spread of Covid-19. His text, which includes 942 predictions in the form of poems, is written in a mixture of obscure Latin phrases and old French, making it difficult to decipher.
The rise of the ‘great swarm of bees’
One of Nostradamus’s passages, marked I:26, states: “The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…” Many believe that the bees symbolize powerful figures, such as Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin, who could enjoy victories in the coming year. This could potentially refer to Trump’s deal in Gaza or Russia‘s possible victory over Ukraine.
Ticino to ‘overflow with blood’
Another verse, written in standard French, reads: “Because of the favour that the city will show… the Ticino will overflow with blood…” Ticino, the southernmost area of Switzerland, is known for its forests, lakes, and glaciers. While the exact meaning of this geographically-specific verse is unclear, some theories suggest that Nostradamus is hinting at a renewed European conflict, possibly between neighbors, as Ticino borders northern Italy.
Nostradamus’s quatrain, “Seven months great war, people dead through evil / Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail,” has been interpreted as another conflict led by two stubborn leaders who feel they cannot fail. This could be linked to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who is still seeking support to repel Russia, or Donald Trump, who has been called “King Donald.”
Mars ruling his path among the stars
The astrologer also wrote, “When Mars rules his path among the stars, human blood will sprinkle the sanctuary. Three fires rise from the eastern sides, while the West loses its light in silence.” As Mars is the ancient Roman god of war, this prediction suggests that 2026 will be another conflict-filled year, with much suffering and a potential battle between Western Europe and Asia.
The rise of AI and the West losing its ‘light in silence’
Some believe that Nostradamus’s prediction of the West losing its “light in silence” could be linked to the rise of AI in countries like China and Japan. As these nations improve AI, there are growing fears that robots may take over jobs, potentially leading to economic challenges in the West.
Despite the grim predictions, Nostradamus ended his 2026 prophecies on a positive note, writing, “Shadows will fall, but the man of light will rise. And the stars will guide those who look within.” This suggests that after the crises of war and fire, there could be a period of rebirth and a new leader or approach to the world, possibly involving an altered world order or a shift away from technology and towards greater human connection.
