Over time, readers have linked his verses to events as different as natural disasters, political changes, major discoveries, and social unrest. Some people see uncanny parallels. Others point out that the language is so vague and symbolic that it can be stretched to fit almost anything.
That tension has always surrounded Nostradamus: is he predicting the future, or are we reading our fears and hopes into his words? That question is especially important when we talk about Nostradamus predictions for 2026.
“The Great Man Struck by Lightning”: A Dramatic Image
One of the quatrains being tied to 2026 mentions that “the great man will be struck down by lightning in a day.”
Taken literally, this sounds like a sudden catastrophe involving an important figure, perhaps a leader or highly visible public personality. Interpreters often suggest:
A possible assassination or sudden loss,
A serious accident, or
A metaphorical “lightning strike,” such as a powerful technological or energy-related event.
Some modern readers go even further and connect “lightning” with new forms of weaponry or advanced technology. Others see it as a symbol for a shocking revelation or scandal that dramatically changes how a leader is viewed.
It is worth remembering that Nostradamus often used natural imagery as metaphor. Lightning can mean surprise, exposure, or a rapid, unexpected change, not just a literal bolt from the sky.
