Oliver Herford (1863-1935), ''The Rubáiyát of a Persian Kitten'', 1906
seen from Colombia
seen from Saudi Arabia

seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Lebanon

seen from United States
seen from China
seen from India
seen from China
seen from Brazil
seen from Brazil
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from Japan
seen from China

seen from United States
seen from United States
Oliver Herford (1863-1935), ''The Rubáiyát of a Persian Kitten'', 1906
IL Y A 471 ANS | Publication des prophéties de Nostradamus ➽ http://bit.ly/Propheties-Nostradamus Leur parution le 4 mai 1555 scelle sa renommée. Sous le voile épais de ses quatrains, Nostradamus demeure ce voyant insaisissable que l’on cite plus qu’on ne le lit. Médecin, astronome et Provençal d’esprit, il mêle science, galéjade et obscurité voulue dans des « Centuries » réputées closes sur elles-mêmes. Pour en lever l’arcane, il faut langue, histoire, astrologie et sang-froid
L'anneau
Autour de nos doigts nus s’est refermé l’anneau, Un cercle sans issue où le temps se projette. Il garde en son métal les serments les plus beaux, La grandeur de l’espoir, la liaison parfaite.
Sa rondeur suit nos jours comme un cours éternel, Retient nos mains parfois, puis les laisse donner La réplique et le pain, la caresse et le sel, Et tient nos cœurs vaillants au bord d’abandonner.
C’est un soleil fixé sur la peau qui s’épouse, Un astre sans couchant, veilleur des lendemains. Il éclaire l’instant doux que l’ombre jalouse, Et étreint dans l’or pur l’alliance de nos mains.
/ Fabienne PASSAMENT. 2025
NOSTRADAMUS: THE MAN BEHIND THE PROPHECIES
Michel de Nostredame, better known by his Latinized name "Nostradamus," remains one of history's most enigmatic figures. Born on December 14, 1503, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, Nostradamus was a physician, astrologer, and reputed seer. His most famous work, “Les Prophéties,” a collection of 942 poetic quatrains (four-line verses), has fascinated readers for centuries due to its cryptic language and alleged predictive accuracy. Despite scepticism from historians and scholars, Nostradamus’ writings continue to intrigue both believers and sceptics alike.
The Method Behind the Prophecies
Nostradamus's method of prediction was a blend of astrological calculations, historical analysis, and mystical inspiration. He was known to gaze into a bowl of water or a mirror—an ancient form of divination called "scrying"—to receive visions of the future. He then transcribed these visions into quatrains, often using archaic French, Latin, and Greek references, deliberately obscuring their meanings to avoid persecution by the Inquisition.
He published his first edition of “Les Prophéties” in 1555, with subsequent volumes following. Although his works were vague and metaphorical, over time, many readers have interpreted them as foretelling major world events.
Famous Predictions Attributed to Nostradamus:
1. The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
One of the most cited predictions linked to Nostradamus involves the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. In Century 1, Quatrain 60, Nostradamus wrote:
"An emperor will be born near Italy,
Who will cost the Empire dearly."
Napoleon, born in Corsica (an island near Italy), indeed rose to power as Emperor of France. His reign led to widespread war across Europe, with massive casualties and political upheaval. Although not named directly, the geographic hint and the consequences described in the quatrain are considered by many to match Napoleon's story.
2. The Great Fire of London (1666)
In Century 2, Quatrain 51, Nostradamus mentions:
"The blood of the just will commit a fault at London,
Burnt through lightning of twenty threes the six."
The phrase "twenty threes the six" is often interpreted as 66 (20 x 3 = 60, plus 6 = 66), hinting at the year 1666. The Great Fire of London began on September 2, 1666, and raged for three days, destroying much of the city. Although the exact cause was a bakery fire, the association of London, fire, and the year 1666 aligns eerily with the prophecy.
3. The French Revolution
Century 1, Quatrain 14 is believed to reference the French Revolution:
"From the enslaved populace, songs, chants and demands,
While princes and lords are held captive in prisons."
This quatrain speaks of a popular uprising and the imprisonment of the aristocracy, which is precisely what happened during the French Revolution (1789-1799). The imagery of common people rising against their rulers fits well with the events of that time, leading some to believe Nostradamus foresaw this historic upheaval.
4. The Rise of Adolf Hitler
One of the most striking quatrains is Century 2, Quatrain 24:
"Beasts ferocious with hunger will cross the rivers,
The greater part of the battlefield will be against Hister.
Into a cage of iron will the great one be drawn,
When the child of Germany observes nothing."
The term "Hister" is often cited as a near-anagram of "Hitler." However, historians point out that "Hister" was an ancient name for the lower Danube River. Nevertheless, the reference to German aggression, war, and a "great one" being drawn into iron (possibly symbolizing tanks or concentration camps) has led many to associate this quatrain with Adolf Hitler's rise and World War II atrocities.
5. The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Century 2, Quatrain 6 reads:
"Near the gates and within two cities,
There will be scourges the like of which was never seen,
Famine within plague, people put out by steel,
Crying to the great immortal God for relief."
This prophecy is often linked to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The "two cities" reference, along with descriptions of unprecedented devastation and human suffering, seems to resonate with the aftermath of the bombings, though, again, it remains open to interpretation.
Nostradamus Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
For the year 2025 and beyond, several themes are commonly associated with his
prophecies, reflecting current global anxieties.
Geopolitical Conflicts and Global Tensions
Some interpreters of Nostradamus believe his verses hint at escalating geopolitical conflicts. References to “great battles in the West and East” and the “rising of a red adversary” are often linked to rising tensions between global superpowers. Analysts have speculated this could symbolize conflicts involving nations like the United States, China, or Russia, potentially hinting at new forms of warfare—cyber, economic, or even military.
Climate Catastrophes and Environmental Collapse
Many of Nostradamus’s quatrains speak of natural disasters—floods, fires, earthquakes, and famines. In the context of the 21st century, these are interpreted as warnings about climate change. The frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food shortages are seen as the fulfilment of his warnings. For 2025 and beyond, interpreters believe these disasters could intensify, leading to mass migrations and global instability.
Economic Turmoil and Social Unrest
Nostradamus’s verses about “the collapse of markets” and “the impoverishment of the great cities” are linked by modern readers to potential financial crises. Predictions of widespread poverty, inflation, and unemployment resonate with fears of a global recession. Social unrest, protests against inequality, and political revolutions are also recurring themes, often associated with Nostradamus’s vision of societal upheaval.
Technological Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
Though Nostradamus could not have imagined modern AI, some enthusiasts interpret his metaphors of “iron men” and “artificial servants” as references to robotics and intelligent machines. Predictions for 2025 and beyond often envision dramatic technological breakthroughs, possibly with AI surpassing human control, reshaping industries, and raising ethical dilemmas.
A New Spiritual Awakening
Not all interpretations are doom and gloom. Some believe Nostradamus foresaw a global spiritual awakening, where humanity would seek unity, wisdom, and harmony after facing crisis.
Fingolfin stood alone against the walls of Morgoth,
His sword blazing like the light of the sun,
And though he gave his life in battle..,
The enemy remembered him for a thousand years.
December arrives with little boast No snow, no wind, no chill Little to call the decided final host A capitulating captor of my year What capital capstone capsizes Tossing me to the waters, not quite icy Before years end, I’m rocked again Shaken and shivering survivor left dicey Winter awakens, in December's ungathered fire pit How long has it been since? Embers cold to touch Gather a gnostic atheist mass; to convince No belief but kinship I remember December beneath a wintry duvet Warm and hidden Secrets to obey or disobey December; give me your worst So that my footing might be steady I’ve danced steps all year long Knock me down at last, so by New Years I’ll be ready No winter remarks to mark calendar memory What a first, with a burst of nothing notable A month of leftovers Left over, for those, looked over, begging to be full Once again With winter hope and glee Can’t you see? This is not how it is supposed to be December arrives And I have seen all the tricks of this trade Rekindle with me; Spark again Blow a winter wish, and see how the world is swayed Even if the spirit is no longer Holy Gather again the embers New kindling and new kinship Friends are as good as family members
Deciding Embers Vol. 5, 12.1.24
“Not the First of it's Kind”
@env0writes C.Buck
Ko-Fi & Venmo: @Zenv0
Support Your Local Artists!
An anthology of horror stories in verse, prose and art with varying degrees of darkness by multi-genre writer and illustrator Harjit Singh Sagoo...
"Doing Nothing" - a poem written 5/17/2024