Decoding History's Prophecies

Astrologer Nostradamus wrote hundreds of cryptic verses that seemingly predict future events. According to legend, Houska Castle guards a portal to hell and is where poet Macha had a horrifying vision of the future. In medieval Italy, St. Francis of Assisi claimed the first case of stigmata, believing he received the wounds of Christ.

Rasputin’s visions and claimed ability to heal earned him a reputation that lifted him into the last czar’s inner circle and the annals of history. Chinese scholars seek to unlock the secrets of an ancient script and fortune-telling system. In Point Pleasant, West Virginia, a mysterious winged creature was seen just before a tragic bridge collapse.

In 14th century China, the brilliant Liu Bowen lends his talents and prophetic predictions to a dynasty on the rise. After declaring himself dictator of Rome, Julius Caesar receives a chilling divination. Why didn’t he heed the warnings? In Scotland, the noble Erskine family receives a prophesy that follows them like a curse for generations.

Edgar Cayce is one of the most well-known mystics of the U.S. His hypnotic methods have influenced public perception of a turbulent 20th century. In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi is consulted on wars as well as the rise and fall of kingdoms. Eliphas Lévi is best known as a progenitor of occult symbols, but is his work misunderstood?

When police in 1970s U.S. get stumped, they sometimes turn to unusual methods. Dorothy Allison is one of the premier “psychic detectives.” John of God brings New Age followers the world over to Brazil for his healing touch. But is he really a holy man? In Roman-occupied Judea, Jewish commander Flavius Josephus becomes a prophet upon his capture.

A mysterious figure captivates the elite with his powers of mind reading and precognition, the wisdom of shifting hexagrams in ancient China offers glimpses into the future, and the birth of a white buffalo fulfils an omen that forces humanity to question the very foundations of their existence.

A prophecy born on a Korean mountainside ignites the ambitions of a controversial figure with a worldwide following. An eerie prediction of inclement weather launches a woman of humble origins into the spotlight. And the fate of empires hangs in the balance as ancient Romans await the prophetic pecks of sacred chickens.

A young woman guided by omens, dreams and a profound sense of purpose saved the lives of the enslaved. The sky rained blood, igniting a primal fear in the people of Kerala. And an ancient prophecy urges an iconic warrior king into battle.

A Nun who believed she was possessed by the Devil writes an indecipherable letter hiding a horrifying message. In ancient Greece, a temple promised healing and prophecy like a spiritual spa. And in Celtic Ireland, the sight of this raven-haired goddess was a sign of glorious victory or disastrous defeat.

John Dee, the mysterious advisor of Queen Elizabeth I, tried to commune with angels through a crystal ball. A terrifying creature in the waters of Japan was believed to be an omen of death, but through the ages, it took on new meaning. And in ancient Egypt, a controversial pharaoh consulted the oracle of Amun for her advantage.