Who Was Nostradamus?
Nostradamus, one of the most celebrated psychics of all time, is credited with correctly predicting world events years before they happened. Born in France in the early 1500s, Nostradamus published collections of work that received worldwide acclaim. His most famous publication, Les Propheties, has earned him a following of believers who point to his correct historical predictions as evidence of his psychic powers.
Nostradamus' early predictions were met with mixed reviews. Some were terrified of his ability to so accurately foretell the future and labeled him a warlock, Satanist and a heretic. Others were convinced that his prophesies were divinely inspired, elevating him to the status of a prophet and a saint. Nostradamus was an avid student of astrology and the occult and made many predictions based on these subjects.
Nostradamus' Predictions
Nostradamus is believed to have accurately predicted the following events:
The Events of September 11, 2001
Followers of Nostradamus report that he correctly predicted the events of September 11, 2001 in New York City. In a prediction made in Les Propheties he describes the following:
“Earthshaking fire from center of earth cause tremors around the New City. Two great rocks war for a long time.”
Many of his followers have interpreted this passage to foretell the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The “New City” in his writing has been interpreted to mean “New York City.” The “two great rocks” were a metaphor for the twin towers. Followers have backed up their belief of the prediction's authenticity by adding that the idea of a large city being plagued by war was an abstract concept in his day. This gives credibility to the theory that Nostradamus was able to accurately predict future events.
The Reign of Hitler
Followers believe that Nostradamus accurately predicted the tyranny of Hitler and the beginning of World War II. In his writing he says:
“From the West of Europe a child will be born to poor people. With his tongue he will seduce a great troop. His fame will increase toward the East.”
Many have interpreted this passage to describe Hitler's reign over Nazi Germany. In his text, he frequently makes reference to “Hister,” adding further proof that he predicted the rise of the famous dictator.
The Death of Princess Diana
In one of his few texts to include a specific named person, Nostradamus predicts the death of Diana, princess of Wales. In his writings he foretells:
“The penultimate of the surname of prophet will take Diana for his day and rest. He will wander because of a frantic head and delivering a great people from subjection.”
This passage has been interpreted many ways. First, the penultimate of the surname of prophet is taken to refer to Diana's partner, Dodi Al-Fayed. Fayed's father's name was Mohamed, also the name of a prophet. The fact that Diana was specifically mentioned by name also gives credibility to the prediction.
The Atomic Bomb
In his book, “Quatrains”, Nostradamus is said to have predicted the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. He is quoted as saying:
“Near the gates and within two cities, there will be scourges the like of which has never been seen. Famine within plague, people put out by steel, crying to the great immortal God for relief.”
In 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb that obliterated two cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The people of these cities who survived the blast suffered famine, poverty and physical pain. They could have been said to have cried out to God for relief.
The Assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy
Nostradamus' followers point to his accurate predictions of the assassinations of both JFK and RFK as proof of his ability to foretell future events. Nostradamus predicted:
“The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt. An evil deed foretold by the bearer of a petition. Another falls at night time.”
The great man, thought to be a reference to President John F. Kennedy, was struck by a bullet. The thunderbolt is the closest concept that a scholar of his time would have to that of a bullet. The evil deed that was foretold by the bearer of a petition is a reference to the death threats that JFK received prior to his assassination. Another falls at night time is a reference to another of the Kennedy clan, RFK, who was killed on the evening of June 5, 1968.
The Challenger Disaster
On January 28, 1986, the entire crew of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger died when the shuttle exploded after takeoff. In the 1500s, Nostradamus predicted:
“From the human flock nine will be sent away. Separated from judgment and counsel. Their fate will be sealed on departure. Kappa, Thita, Lambda the banished dead err.”
While seven were sent away from the human flock when Challenger exploded, believers admit that psychic abilities are not an exact science. Their fate was sealed on departure from the launch center when a defective o-ring caused components of the shuttle to overheat. The part was manufactured by Thiokol, which believers interpret as being spelled out by Nostradamus in the letters Kappa, Thita, Lambda.
The Death of John F. Kennedy Jr.
Nostradamus predicted the death of JFK Jr. by plane crash, centuries before this event would occur. He states in his writings:
“The year 1999 seven months, from the sky will come the great king of terror. To resuscitate the great king of Mongols. Before and after Mars reigns by good luck.”
This passage was interpreted to predict the death of JFK, Jr. who died when his plane crashed (from the sky) on July 16, 1999 (1999, seven months).
Legacy of Nostradamus
Nostradamus was one of the most revered psychics of all time. His followers believe that he has been able to accurately predict the events of September 11, 2001, the crash of the space shuttle Challenger, the assassination of president JFK and the death of his brother RFK. He has also predicted the untimely death of John F. Kennedy, Jr., the rise of Hitler and the dropping of the atomic bomb.
Although Nostradamus' works have been interpreted by many scholars over the years, his text remains one of the most cited works of any other seer. His followers have taken his words as gospel, and with each prediction, his group of supporters swells. Nostradamus has also been credited with predicting events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the great London fire in the 1600s and the death of Henry II. His texts have also forecast another great earthquake to rock California, causing the state's ultimate destruction, in 2015.
Nostradamus was one of the greatest and most revered psychics of all time.
