A 16th-century astrologer predicted political upheaval and a renewed conflict between East and West in 2026 – but it’s not all doom and gloom and there may be something positive to look forward to in the new year.
Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, is said to have foreseen disturbing world events including 9/11 and Princess Diana’s death in his book Les Propheties, which was published in 1555.
His text, which includes 942 predictions in the form of poems, is written in a mixture of obscure Latin phrases and old French and can be hard to decipher.
But while his predictions were often vague, devotees have interpreted the French philosopher’s quatrains as prophesies of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and, more recently, the spread of Covid.
His next set of divinations do not mention any calendar year specifically, but followers of the mysterious prophet believe that the 26th quatrains of his text relate to 2026.
One passage marked I:26 states: ‘The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…‘.
But rather than insects descending upon cities, many believe that the bees are a symbol of power and a nod to world leaders.
This could mean that powerful figures such as Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin could enjoy victories in the coming year – possibly with Trump’s deal in Gaza and a possible victory over Ukraine for Russia.
Potential allies could also join forces and make a surprising political decision.
Another of Nostradamus’s verses linked to the number 26 is written in standard French and translated to English and reads: ‘Because of the favour that the city will show… the Ticino will overflow with blood…‘
Ticino is the southernmost area of Switzerland, and is known for its forest, lakes, and glaciers.
While it’s not clear exactly what this geographically-specific verse could mean, there are theories that the astrologer is hinting at a renewed European conflict, possibly between neighbours as Ticino borders northern Italy.
And unfortunately there are more predictions of war and a possible battle between East and West.
The same could apply to the quatrain: ‘Seven months great war, people dead through evil/Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail,’ which many have interpreted as another conflict led by two stubborn leaders who feel they cannot fail.
Whether it’s linked to Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky who is still seeking support for his effort to repel Russia out of the country or Donald Trump who has been called King Donald, only time will tell.
Another of Nostradamus’s predictions read: ‘When Mars rules his path among the stars, human blood will sprinkle the sanctuary. Three fires rise from the eastern sides, while the West loses its light in silence‘.
Since Mars is the ancient Roman god of war it seems the 16th-century philosopher is suggesting that 2026 will be another conflict-filled year and that there could be much suffering.
Nostradamus also appears to suggest that there will be a renewed conflict between Western Europe and possibly Asia but does not reveal in what form.
The two political areas could battle economically as Europe continues to fight against economic slump but some believe it is a prediction of the rise of AI.
As countries like China and Japan improve AI there are increasing fears that robots may take over jobs, which could link to the West losing its ‘light in silence’.
But the French astrologer wasn’t all negative – in fact he ended his 2026 predictions on a positive note.
‘Shadows will fall, but the man of light will rise,’ he wrote. ‘And the stars will guide those who look within.’
After the crisis of war and fire, Nostradamus reveals a period of re-birth and there could be a new leader or a new approach to the world.
Could this mean an altered world order or might it mean that people must turn away from technology and look for greater human connection?
Written by Poppy Atkinson Gibson for The Daily Mail ~ December 8, 2025