Yes, he made his living as a prophet. He was writing yearly almanacs (for the year to come) which were full of words without any precision.

He was also acting as a (in todays words) psychic sleuth for good money. One example from 1562. In Orange, a French town, a chalice and other sacred objects were stolen from a church. The Bishop asked Nostradamus for an astrological expertise. Nostradamus answered quickly with a horoskope which was completely ununderstandable and an accompanying letter in plain French:

"Don't worry, Sire, all stolen objects will be found again soon. If, however, they are not found, be assured that an awful fate will await the thieves. ...they will have a painful death."

Clever, wasn't he?

Wolfgang