Nostradamus’ chilling predictions could be bad news for humanity in 2026

With a new year less than three months away, many of us are making practical plans and looking ahead to what another 12 months will bring.

Meanwhile, those who are more spiritually inclined will be getting the tarot deck out or checking in on what their favourite prophets have to say.

Following the late Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga's chilling predictions for 2026, which include more conflict and natural disasters, people may be turning to Nostradamus for a bit of hope.

But unfortunately, if they're anything to go by, it's still not looking good.

For those unfamiliar, Nostradamus, real name Michel de Nostredame, was a French astrologer and seer who was born in 1503 and died in 1566.

He was responsible for the text Les Propheties, which depicted his 942 predictions in the form of poems, which were sneakily written in a mixture of word order in a number of languages to avoid the Church’s wrath.

It's that time of year again - here are Nostradamus' predictions associated with 2026 (Apic/Getty Images)

While he didn't date any predictions specifically for 2026, there are a number that experts think could happen next year.

A 'great swarm of bees'

Since there are no prophecies that have been clearly outlined for 2026, believers think that quatrains that have been numbered '26' must relate to the year 2026.

While it's not certain, it's a pretty good guess and there are a number of verses that have '26' attached to them.

One of these, as per Sky History, is: "I:26 (Leoni translation): The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…"

Now, although this sounds absolutely terrifying, experts don't think it literally means a swarm of bees are going to attack us.

As the publication points out, bees are sometimes a political symbol, representing monarchy and kingship, as seen in ancient Egypt and Napoleon's imperial emblem.

So, this could mean that high-profile figures like Donald Trump could be in for some big wins next year.

A lot of the predictions are unfortunately on the more negative side (Getty Stock Image)

A warning for Ticino

Continuing on with the '26' numerology theory, another quatrain read: "II:26 (standard French/English text): 'Because of the favour that the city will show… the Ticino will overflow with blood…"

For those unfamiliar, Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland, with a large area of forest, lakes, and glaciers.

Why it's been specifically named in this prediction we do not know, but it's not sounding good.

'Seven months, great war'

Another quatrain that could fit into next year is: "Seven months great war, people dead through evil / Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail."

Given the current war between Russia and Ukraine, Sky History reports that enthusiasts have spotlighted it as one to watch.

While some have interpreted this as meaning the conflict between the two countries could escalate, others have likened it to World War III, which Trump has hinted at a few times this year.

However, the place names 'Rouen' and 'Evreux' are rooted in 16th century French geography.

Multiple prophecies appear to point towards war (Getty Stock Image)

Mars rules the sky and three fires rise from the east

Finally, a quatrain cited by City Magazine as being linked to 2026 contains a lot to unpack.

It reads: "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."

Mars is thought to be the planet of war, conflict, and fire, so this links to the other predictions that more conflict could sadly be on the horizon, as does the line about 'human blood'.

Meanwhile, 'three fires rise from the eastern sides' has been interpreted as new forces, coming from the east: China, India, Southeast Asia.

Experts think it could mean natural disasters, like literal fires, or it could be a symbol for something else, like technological innovations.

And lastly, the 'West losing its light' is thought to be referring to the apparent decline of the Western world - all cheery stuff then!