As 2024 comes to a close, social media has once again turned its gaze toward Nostradamus, the famed “prophet of doom,” to uncover what 2025 might hold.
Nostradamus was born Michel de Nostredame and was the French astrologer and doctor of the 1500s. His book Les Propheties (The Prophecies), published in the year 1555 comprises 942 poetic quatrains that many believe foretold major global events such as the rise of Adolf Hitler to power, the 9/11 attacks, and indeed the COVID-19 pandemic.
While his writings are often vague and open to interpretation, researchers analyzing his work believe that 2025 may be important in bringing about some major challenges, including the end of a war, an asteroid scare, and natural disasters.
End of the Russia-Ukraine war?
One of the most widely discussed Nostradamus predictions for 2025 hints at the end of a long-running war. According to his writings, he mentions:
“Through long war all the army exhausted, so that they do not find money for the soldiers; instead of gold or silver, they will come to coin leather, Gallic brass, and the crescent sign of the Moon.”
This very mysterious passage has raised numerous speculations that Nostradamus may be referring to the Russia-Ukraine war of 2022. The "exhaustion of war" could be a situation for both parties to reach for peace, according to some analysts. The mention of "Gallic brass" and the "crescent sign of the moon" raises theories of France or Turkey becoming a part of ending this war.
Plague and war in England
Nostradamus' prophecies also indicate an unfavorable picture for England, threatening cruel wars and a fatal plague. He said the disease would be “worse than enemies”, which means that the world can expect another kind of pandemic like COVID-19.
Since Nostradamus has already made predictions on pandemics that have been heard in history, especially with the rise of COVID-19, some experts have been on the lookout for this.
Asteroid collision
Another ominous prediction points toward a potential asteroid colliding with Earth—or at least coming dangerously close. While Nostradamus’ writings suggest catastrophic consequences, modern scientists remind us that asteroids frequently pass near Earth without posing a real threat.
Still, Nostradamus’ prediction has sparked curiosity, as he warned of events that might “shake humanity,” creating speculation about whether 2025 could bring an unusually close asteroid encounter.
Natural disasters in Brazil
Nostradamus also has dire prophecies about Brazil, which it describes as the "Garden of the World". The foretelling pertains to natural disasters because of floods and volcanic eruptions former related to climate changes. The passage reads:
“Garden of the world near the new city, In the path of the hollow mountains: It will be seized and plunged into the Tub, Forced to drink waters poisoned by sulfur.”
The reference to "hollow mountains" and "poisoned waters" has brought into question volcanic eruptions and severe floods in the region, which has already witnessed the aftereffects of rising global temperatures.
Nostradamus' worldview
Nostradamus' somber and apocalyptic predictions are often linked to his tragedies. After the death of his wife and children due to illness, which could be plague, he devoted himself to writing and astrology. His strong dependence on the teachings from the Old Testament further molded him into having a negative outlook on humanity's future.
Though Nostradamus' prophecies have often been the cause of debate and intrigue, they are still left open to interpretation. Whether his 2025 prophecies come true or not, they still hold a fascination and a thrill for those who seek glimpses into the unknown.