As the world steps into another year, interest in the grim prophecies of 16th-century astrologer Nostradamus has resurfaced, with renewed speculation over what his cryptic writings could suggest for 2026.

Nostradamus, born Michel de Nostredame, is often credited by believers with predicting major historical events, from wars and political upheavals to pandemics and natural disasters. His reputation as a “prophet of doom” stems largely from Les Prophéties, a collection of poetic quatrains published in 1555 that many claim offer clues to future calamities.

While Nostradamus did not write predictions tied to specific calendar years, modern interpreters frequently examine quatrains associated with certain numbers — including those marked “26” — to draw connections to 2026.

Among the interpretations gaining traction is a verse from Century I, Quatrain 26, which speaks of a “great man” struck down by lightning. Some readers believe this could point to the fall or assassination of a powerful figure, or a sudden political collapse that reshapes a government.

Another widely discussed verse, Century II, Quatrain 26, refers to blood overflowing in Ticino, a region in southern Switzerland. While the imagery appears violent, others suggest it could symbolize medical or scientific developments rather than conflict, particularly as the region has expanded stem cell preservation initiatives in recent years.

Nostradamus’ writings have also been linked to rising geopolitical tensions at sea. A quatrain from Century VII mentions a deadly naval conflict involving multiple ships, which analysts have loosely connected to disputes in contested waters such as the South China Sea, where several nations hold overlapping claims.

Elsewhere, imagery of swarming bees has fueled political interpretations, with some theorists viewing it as a metaphor for the spread of authoritarian movements or rigid ideological “hive minds” gaining strength.