NOSTRADAMUS (1547)

Astrologer and physician, the most widely read seer of the Reinaissance.

Nostradamus began his medical practice in Agen in 1529 and moved to Salon in 1544 where he became well-known for his innovative medicine and treatment during outbreaks of the plague at Aix and Lyons in 1546-47.

He began making prophecies about 1547 which he published in 1555 in a book entitled Centuries. The work consisted of rhymed quatrains grouped in hundreds each set of 100 called a century. Astrology was at a peak at this time and an enlarged second edition dedicated to the King was published in 1558.

Some of his prophecies appeared to be fulfilled and his fame became so widespread that he was invited to the court of Catherine de Médicis queen consort of Henry II of France where he cast the horoscopes of her children.

He was appointed physician-in-ordinary by Charles IX when Charles became king in 1560.

The subject of many commentaries, Nostradamus´ prophecies were condemned in 1781 by the Congregation of the Index, the body set up by the Roman Catholic Church for the examination of books and manuscripts.

Because of their cryptic style and content the prophecies have continued to create much controversy. Some of them are thought to have prefigured historical events that have occurred since since Nostradamus´ time. Others having no apparent meaning are said to foretell events that have not yet occurred.