Michel de Nostradamus (1503-1566) was a doctor, a theologian, an astrologer, a mathematician and an alchemist. This character has been for years subject of great study. His prophecies as well as his own persona has stirred the imagination and curiosity of many academics in search of the truth about the man and the key to our future. An enigmatic and systematically ambiguous character.

In a letter addressed to the King of France, Henry II, he highlights the importance of this secrecy: «in order to maintain these events secret it is imperative to use ambiguous phrases and words, even though each one of them have a very specific meaning». And he goes on: «these visions were given to me by God through a cosmic revelation». He believed firmly in what is written in the skies «everything is ruled and governed by the power of God who reveals himself not at Bacchic frenzies but through astrological connections».

In the church of Saint Laurent in Salon-de-Provence where Nostradamus’ body was buried, we can read the following inscription in his tomb:

«Here lay the mortal remains of the illustrious Michel de Nostradamus, the only man, in the eyes of every other mortal, worthy of writing with almost a divine quill, under the influence of the stars, the future of the word.»

Of course, as of today, the city of Salon-de-Provence happily exploits the touristic benefits the character of Nostradamus generates. There we can find his house-museum and an interpretation center, among other institutions dedicated to the enigmatic astrologer.

In his prophetic works, known to the world as The Propechies, Nostradamus wanted to gather everything there was to know about the future of Man kind, from the days when he started his deed to the end of times. But what are these Prophecies? Just like a book is divided into chapters Nostradamus’ book is divided into Centuries and then into quatrains.

These tortuous and undecipherable quatrains with time have become a world best-seller of which thousands of copies in all languages have been published. Those ones interested in occultism are constantly searching for truth and making new discoveries about our recent history. Myself, I am not convinced by these visions of the future nor I trust the academic studies that followed. Just read how these experts connect a verse of Nostradamus to the technical progress of electricity and cell phones, if those verses are in fact telling us that they could very well explain every other thing in the world.

When the animal domesticated by man
After great pains and leaps will come to speak:
The lightning to the virgin will be very harmful,
Taken from earth and suspended in the air.

(Centurie III, XLIV Quatrain)

Quite ambiguous. I would prefer to find meaning and truth in some other “prophecies”, for example in Lope de Vega’s verses of “Las Barquillas” we can see crystal clear the coming of the cellphone arrival. Judge for yourselves.

With the fury of lighting
these news have arrived
and who knows perhaps some day
they shall come with the lighting

THE CITIES
Among these prophecies, Madrid is referred to in one quatrain, Zaragoza, León, Tarragona and Lisbon are mentioned also once. Barcelona on the other hand is mentioned the most times: 8. Then comes Córdoba which is mentioned three times and then Granada and Sevilla both with two honorable mentions. As far as these three Andalusian cities goes, Nostradamus mentioned them mostly linked with the Reconquista. It may stir your imagination and suddenly you may be able to see the future, however you must bare in mind that these words are to be read and interpreted as if you were an excellent sorcerer or magician, lowering your voice, making it come from deep down your belly and lighted candles at your feet.

CÓRDOBA

CENTURIE III
XX

Through the regions of the great river Guadalquivir
Deep in Iberia to the Kingdom of Grenada
Crosses beaten back by the Mahometan peoples
One of Cordova will betray his country.

CENTURIA VIII
LI 

The Byzantine makes an oblation
After having taken back Cordoba.
A long rest on his road, the vines cut down,
At sea the passing prey captured by the Pillar.

CENTURIA X
XLIV 

When a King will be against his people,
A native of Blois will subjugate the Ligurians,
Memel, Cordoba and the Dalmatians,
Of the seven then the shadow to the King handsel and ghosts.

GRANADA

CENTURIA V
LV 

In the country of Arabia Felix
There will be born one powerful in the law of Mahomet:
To vex Spain, to conquer Grenada,
And more by sea against the Ligurian people.

SEVILLA

CENTURIA VI
XIX

The true flame will devour the lady
Who will want to put the Innocent Ones to the fire:
Before the assault the army is inflamed,
When in Seville a monster in beef will be seen.

CENTURIA I
LXXIII 

France shall be accused of neglect by her five partners.
Tunis, Algiers stirred up by the Persians.
Leon, Seville and Barcelona having failed,
they will not have the fleet because of the Venetians.

Final Note: Spain is mentioned in 20 prophecies.