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10 Surprisingly Accurate Nostradamus Predictions

Head and shoulders photograph of Rozalia Kieliszkiewicz
An image set in the 1800s, with a person writing in a notebook with a feather pen, with a typewriter in the background.
The predictions of Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, have been a topic of debate for centuries. While some believe his predictions are too general and vague to be about any specific event, many agree that some of them are surprisingly accurate. Nostradamus was able to predict many significant events throughout history, including wars and natural disasters.

Nostradamus wrote many psychic predictions in his studies in 1555. He was the celebrity psychic of the 16th century who made many psychic predictions for important figures, such as kings and queens that ruled their kingdoms and communities. However, he did not like to refer to himself as such; he was a prophet, a seer who utilized divine inspiration and astrological configurations to confirm his visions.

Here are 10 surprisingly accurate predictions made by Nostradamus, all of which are taken from the book The Prophecies of Nostradamus.

1. The French Revolution

"When the litters are overturned by the whirlwind and faces are covered by cloaks, the new republic will be troubled by its people. At this time, the reds and whites will rule wrongly."

This is one of the first predictions made by Nostradamus referencing the French Revolution. The governments of that time were always carried in a litter (royal cabinets). In this prediction, Nostradamus explains how the revolution will overturn the government.

2. Napoleon and Pope Pius VII

"In the world there will be made a king, who will have little peace and a short life. At this time the ship of papacy will be lost, governed to his greatest detriment."

Pope Pius VII was invited to France by Napoleon to crown him emperor. However, on May 18th, 1804, Napoleon humiliated Pius by crowning himself as emperor and sentencing him to prison in Fontainebleau. In 1814, after Napoleon's downfall, Pius returned to France and focused on restoring the Roman Catholic Church.

Napoleon could be the king mentioned in the first line of the prediction. Religion almost vanished in 1792, which could be what the last line refers to.

3. The Second World War

"For forty years, the rainbow will not be seen; for forty years it will be seen every day. The dry earth will grow more parched, and there will be great floods when it is seen".

This prediction is quite interesting because it has been interpreted in many ways. "Forty years" may be signifying 1940. However, it could also indicate the first forty years of the 20th century in which World War I, World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the Spanish Civil War took place.

It also mentions peace forty years after, possibly referring to the Great Awakening and rebuilding of the economy. Others say this prediction has to do with natural disasters such as great floods, rains, and droughts.

4. Louis Pasteur's Discovery

"The lost things are discovered, hidden for long centuries. Pasteur will be celebrated almost as a God-like figure. This is when the moon completes her great cycle, but by other rumors he shall be dishonored."

This exciting prediction includes Louis Pasteur's name and an astrological configuration of when the moon completes its entire cycle from 1536 to 1889.

In 1888, Louis Pasteur made a breakthrough in medical history by discovering microbial fermentation and thus pasteurization. Louis was praised as a god of his time due to his discovery of the first vaccine to eliminate rabbit rabies.

5. The Death of the Kennedy Brothers

"The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt. An evil deed foretold by the bearer of petition. According to the prediction, another falls at nighttime. Conflict at Reims, London and pestilence in Tuscany."

On November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy (the great man) was shot in broad daylight. On June 5th, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was shot just after midnight (another falls at nighttime). London and Tuscany have no association with the death of the Kennedy brothers that we know of.

Some interpretations mention that this prediction could refer to the war of words between the US, North Korea, and Iran. Thus, this prediction can go either way.

6. Erwin Rommel and World War II

"Tobruk will fear the barbarian fleet for a time, then much later the western fleet. Cattle, people, possessions all will be quite lost. What a deadly combat in Taurus and Libra."

Another fantastic prediction during World War II used a specific location and astrological configuration. Libra was October, and Taurus was April, during which Saturn and Uranus were in Taurus. This placement always indicates deadly war. Romme traveled to Tobruk and was later forced to surrender in April 1941.

7. Hitler and the Munich Agreement

"The bird of prey flying to the left, before battle is joined with the french, he makes preparations. Some will regard him as good, others bad or uncertain."

In 1938, Hitler met with the leaders of Italy, Great Britain, and France to sign the Munich Agreement. This was the last territorial demand he had of Europe. He insisted that Czechoslovakia give up the Sudeten region's rights to Germany. Hitler promised that he had no intention of any military action.

When he first invaded Czechoslovakia using his three-front strategy (invasion from all sides), everyone woke up. Unfortunately, it was too late; on September 1st, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland, France in 1940, and other European countries later in 1941.

8. The Death of Henry II

"The young lion will overcome the older one, in a field of combat one single fight: he will pierce his eyes in their golden cage; two wounds in one, then he dies a cruel death."

This prediction happened during Nostradamus's time. Surprised by one of Nostradamus's verses, Catherine de Medici called for him to interpret it. Henry II was warned that a duel would mark the beginning and end of his reign.

9. A New World Order

"Libra will see the Hesperias govern, holding the monarchy of heathen and earth: No one will see the forces of Asia perished, Only seven hold the hierarchy in order."

Libra signifies a balance between the scales and the truth. This is the definition of the justice system in America.

Following the chain of all media and oil companies, it is evident that seven families own them. The American dollar bill has the symbol of the Illuminati on it. This signifies a new world order: one law and one truth to overthrow all governments.

10. 9/11 Attacks

" At forty-five degrees the sky will burn, fire to approach the great new city: in an instant, a great scattered flame will reap up, when one will want to demand proof of the Normans."

On September 11th, 2001, two hijacked planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York City, and the buildings blew up in flames and collapsed in on themselves. Many believe that this prediction refers to the tragic events of 9/11 because of the mention of a burning sky (the high towers) and a great new city (New York City).

Nostradamus's Predictions Are Open to Interpretation

Nostradamus's predictions were based on 16th-century perceptions. It is difficult to determine if the interpretations of these predictions are correct because words can be twisted to mean something completely different. In fact, many believe that Nostradamus's predictions are purposefully vague and open to different interpretations so that they can be related to pretty much any historical event.

Luckily, you don't have to rely on the predictions and psychic abilities of a controversial 16th-century seer. You can reach some of the best online fortune tellers on modern-day platforms like Keen or Psychic Source to help prepare you for your future.

Head and shoulders photograph of Rozalia Kieliszkiewicz
Rozalia is a Holistic Health and Spiritual Writer who writes for Top10.com. In addition, she is a professional Spiritual advisor trained in Tarot Divination, Astrology, Reiki Healing, and Dream Analysis. Her background as a Nutritionist and Fitness Trainer allows her to look at the whole Body, Mind and Spiritual Connection.