The prophecy and its symbolic power

Among the enigmatic predictions of Nostradamus, one stands out for its poetic force and symbolic impact: “Great man struck by lightning”. Over the centuries, this phrase has been interpreted in many ways, sometimes as a natural disaster, sometimes as a political event. Today, in both the global and Brazilian context, it can be read as a powerful metaphor about leaders suffering unjust consequences. Interestingly, several interpretations link this prophecy specifically to the year 2026, which intensifies its relevance in the present moment.

Lightning as a metaphor for justice

Lightning, in its raw and uncontrollable nature, represents a force that strikes indiscriminately, without warning and without mercy. Thus, when associated with justice, it symbolizes a blind, relentless, and disproportionate application of the law. Therefore, lightning is not merely a natural phenomenon, but the embodiment of corrupted justice—justice that abandons due process and becomes an instrument of destruction.

The great man and injustice

The “great man” in the prophecy is not just a symbolic figure, but represents leaders or public figures who carry the hopes of millions. However, when struck by the “lightning” of injustice, they risk being destroyed not only politically but also physically. If no serious intervention occurs, such actions may culminate in irreversible tragedies, including the death of those who become targets of institutional persecution. This is precisely why the prophecy resonates so strongly in 2026.

The Brazilian case: political imprisonment and selectivity

In Brazil, the metaphor of lightning finds resonance in the controversy surrounding the political imprisonment of former president Jair Messias Bolsonaro. Justice Luiz Fux was categorical in his vote, spending eight hours to demonstrate, point by point, that there was no constitutional basis for the conviction. Thus, Fux made it clear that this was a political and illegal trial, defending the Constitution as a shield against arbitrariness.

In contrast, Justice Alexandre de Moraes embodies the “lightning” of the prophecy—a brutal and disproportionate force. He kept Bolsonaro imprisoned even after four surgeries in a single week, denying house arrest that had already been granted in less severe cases. For example, former president Fernando Collor de Mello obtained house arrest due to sleep apnea; businessman Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, received the benefit even after being caught attempting to flee the country; and Brasão, accused of being the mastermind behind the assassination of Marielle Franco, is under house arrest despite the enormous social and artistic outcry the case generated. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro was treated with extreme severity, reinforcing the perception of judicial selectivity.

Comparisons with authoritarian regimes

Historically, authoritarian regimes have used justice as a political weapon. Thus, Nostradamus’s lightning can be compared to arbitrary decisions that, instead of protecting society, serve to consolidate power. Therefore, when justice becomes as unpredictable and devastating as lightning, it ceases to be justice and becomes an instrument of oppression.

Contemporary reflection

In today’s world, we see leaders and public figures struck by processes that often lack proportionality and transparency. Thus, Nostradamus’s prophecy gains new relevance, functioning as a metaphor for a system that, instead of illuminating, destroys. In conclusion, the “lightning” symbolizes what should be just, but when corrupted, becomes a destructive force. And if the prediction for 2026 proves true, the warning is even more serious: without serious intervention, the “great man” may not only be politically struck down, but physically, with fatal consequences.

CTA: Want to reflect on how ancient prophecies can dialogue with today’s democratic dilemmas? Explore other articles by Pedro Freitas and keep your critical eye on justice and power.

Sources:

• Nostradamus prophecies – critical interpretation
• Justice Luiz Fux’s vote on Bolsonaro’s imprisonment
• Judicial decisions involving Fernando Collor, Daniel Vorcaro, and Brasão
• Studies on authoritarian regimes and the political use of justice
• Interpretations linking the prophecy to the year 2026