Question. I just read in the National Enquirer (World News, Globe, etc.) that Nostradamus predicted the outcome of the O.J.Simpson Trial (the end of the world; winning lotto number, etc.). Can you tell me if this is really a prediction from Nostradamus?
Answer. Most of these are complete fabrications. Here are some giveaways:
If the prediction is very specific, it is probably bogus. Nostradamus almost always concealed his meaning in anagrams, symbolism, and mythological allusions. (There are exceptions, however, see below.)
If the event is minor in the "grand scheme of things," the prediction is probably bogus. Who will care about the OJ Trial or the blizzard of '96 in 100 years?
These articles almost never give a citation to the original verse. Often all they give is an English "translation" that reads like it was composed by Bart Simpson. Not providing a reference makes it very difficult to find the original (if it exists at all), because translations vary tremendously.
Consider the source. Is the article wedged between ads for nose hair clippers, trusses, and bust enhancers? Enough said.