As the world steps into 2026, followers of the famous French astrologer and seer Nostradamus have unveiled a fresh set of grim prophecies they believe correspond to the year. Born Michel de Nostredame, Nostradamus was a 16th-century physician and astrologer whose mysterious writings are often linked to major world events such as Adolf Hitler’s rise, the 9/11 attacks, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. His most renowned work, Les Propheties, published in 1555, contains 942 poetic quatrains that conspiracy theorists continue to decode centuries later.
Though Nostradamus did not assign specific dates to his predictions, many believers claim the ‘26th quatrains’ tie directly to events expected in 2026. For context, interpretations linked to 2025 included claims of an asteroid impact, the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, natural disasters, and a revival of an “ancient plague.”
Key Nostradamus Predictions Linked to 2026
1. Death of a Prominent World Leader?
One widely discussed prophecy references a “great man” being struck down by a thunderbolt, which many interpret as the possible assassination or shocking fall of a powerful global figure. The verse reads:
“The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt.”
Supporters believe this suggests either a political coup or a sudden tragic event that could destabilize a major regime.
2. ‘Blood Flowing’ in Switzerland’s Ticino
Another quatrain points toward potential unrest in Ticino, a picturesque Swiss region known for its lakes and glaciers. The prophecy states:
“Because of the favour that the city will show…the Ticino will overflow with blood.”
The verse has sparked speculation about political or military tensions in Europe, especially concerning neighboring Italy, despite Switzerland’s longstanding neutrality.
3. Mysterious ‘Biblical Bees’
A bizarre prediction mentions:
“The great swarm of bees will arise…”
While it sounds literal, some modern interpreters believe the “bees” symbolize political ‘swarms’, hinting at rising authoritarian forces or mass uprisings. Reports even suggest the “black swarm” reference may symbolize fascist or extremist ideologies gaining ground.
4. A ‘Seven-Month Great War’
One of the most alarming prophecies warns:
“Seven months great war, people dead through evil…”
This cryptic statement has been linked to fears of a major global conflict lasting seven months, possibly triggered by powerful world leaders refusing to compromise.
5. Naval Warfare Ahead
Another striking verse from quatrain VII:26 reads:
“Foists and galleys around seven ships, a mortal war will be let loose…”
Believers interpret this as a naval confrontation, with speculation pointing towards increasing tensions in the South China Sea. The “seven ships” are believed by some to represent China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Scholars note that Nostradamus’ bleak perspective may have been shaped by personal grief — he lost his wife and young children to illness, believed to be the plague — and his heavy influence from Old Testament texts. His writings continue to fuel fascination, fear, and endless debate.