The definition of seer is clearly inferred from the word itself; it means one who can see. However, it’s not talking about seeing with physical eyes. Rather, a seer is one who can see with spiritual or metaphysical eyes.

Perhaps the most famous seer of all time is Nostradamus. Born in 1503 in France, Michel de Nostradame was a famous French astrologer and physician born in 1503. He claimed to have prophecies regarding his own period in history as well as the future. At 14 years old, Nostradame began studying medicine at the University of Avignon. Following a delay in his education due to the bubonic plague, he continued studying medicine1522 at the University of Montpelier, where he completed his education (although some accounts claim he never finished.) When he received his license to practice medicine, he Latinized his name to Nostradamus. He eventually married and had children, but his entire family succumbed to the plague in 1534. He spent his time traveling around Europe and it is believed that during these travels he experienced a psychic awakening.

Following accusations of heresy by the Catholic church, Nostradamus left his home and traveled throughout Europe. During this time, his abilities as a seer occurred. Legend says he came upon a group of Franciscan monks and correctly identified one of them as the future Pope.

Apparently, he would spend hours at night meditating in front of a bowl filled with water and herbs where he would receive his visions. Around 1547, he began making prophesies. In 1555, he put his visions in a book entitled Centuries which would contain 100 predictions occurring over the next 2,000 years.

Nostradamus had many critics, but the majority of the people believed his prophecies were spiritually inspired. His fame led him to mingle with the elite of the day, including the French royal, Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henri II of France.

 

Nostradamus suffered from gout and arthritis, which it is believed eventually resulted in congestive heart failure. In 1566, he told his secretary that he would be dead in the morning. Sure enough, he was found dead on the floor in his room as predicted.

In the modern era, Nostradamus has been credited with predicting a handful of events in world history including the rise of Hitler, the development of the atomic bomb, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. For more details, one can search for his prophecies. Regardless, it could be said that many have come to pass. Undoubtedly, though, many have not. So, was Nostradamus truly a seer, or was he just a man who made some good guesses? I’d say that’s the question of the hour.