This article is from the Prophecies of Nostradamus FAQ, by nanomius@netcom.com.
I p 283 (cIV-29)
This quatrain refers to the grand design that is emanating from the
"center of the wheel" during the time of troubles and the healing
period afterwards. The sun and Mercury/Hermes are symbols of "the
higher aspects". The sun in this quatrain represents the overall
power of the universe from which everything originates. Mercury
represents the materialistic aspects of technology. Hermes, in
relation with Mercury, symbolizes modern communications technology.
Vulcan, i.e. one who works with fire, represents warfare.
The "hidden sun" represents the fact that the societies of the world
have gotten out of touch with their spiritual source. They are
ignorant of their origin and the "meaning of life" and they search
for fulfillment and happiness in other areas, and do not succeed.
They think it's found in modern technology, hence the "sun being
eclipsed by Mercury". It's held only second because what people
really hold first is personal pleasure and happiness. And in trying
to find happiness in technology they separate themselves from the
central source of the universe.
By the end of WWWIII and the time of troubles, and the healing process
begins, people will be reunited with the source. The horrors of war
and bloodshed--the powers of Vulcan--will cause them to realize that
technology does not contain the answers to happiness. They will gain
a new insight into "from whence they sprang and where they are
going". The time of healing will usher a more spiritually mature age,
and people will be able to heal themselves and the world, and go far
in preparing to join the community fo the Watchers.
The central hub of the "wheel" represents the source of everything and
radiating spokes symbolize channels of power. The space between the
spokes contains different scenes in the background, representing the
various influence the "aspects" have on historical developments as a
result of the intensity of the associated energies.
 
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