The reason the topics of universal order vs. randomness, and personal fate vs. complete free will are so fascinating is because they deal with the meaning of life itself.

Predicting future trends is an ancient, and now largely underground tradition since the Age of Reason; seers, psychics, number mystics, and astrologers such as Ptolemy, Vettius Valens, Abu Ali Al-Khayyat, Ibn Ezra, and others guided emperors, kings, queens, religious leaders, military generals, warlords, and others, and continue the practice to this day.

We received this inquiry recently on the topic:

“Is it really possible to know ahead of time when an event in your life is going to happen? Isn't this ‘cheating’ in a sense? Because then you can prepare ahead of time for the event to either make sure it happens or be better equipped to handle it if it's a negative event. Wouldn't you be missing the life lesson involved if you know if and when it's going to happen?”

The apprehension involving personal fate is understandable, but our long-term findings may give you some peace of mind: you have free will to react in a positive way to whatever is destined in your life, and besides the major challenging stuff, the key rewards in your life are also predetermined. Additionally, your predetermined framework allows you to get what your heart desires at least some of the time.

“To all those broken or hopeless, I have learned this: Be grateful for every single person who was part of your story. The ones that hurt you. The ones that helped you. The ones that came, and the ones that left. They all taught you. Don't think for a moment that any of it was random. There are no oversights with God. Only perfectly crafted chapters in each unique journey.”
Yasmin Mogahed

How To Gain An Educated Viewpoint On Personal Fate

One sure-fire way to gain an educated viewpoint on the topic of fate vs. free will is to do the following: observe the key events and circumstances in the lives of many individuals while simultaneously identifying the corresponding patterns in the comprehensive astrology and numerology charts. Witness daily the constant repetition of patterns directly corresponding to life happenings for more than twenty years and you’re assured to consider the theory of personal fate as an integral part of the human experience.

“Whosoever may be adapted to any particular event or pursuit, will assuredly have the (collective energy of various heavenly bodies) indicative thereof very potent in his nativity.”
Claudius Ptolemy, 2nd century AD astrologer

As the astrologer and, or numerologist improves his or her ability to recognize patterns in the charts, the illusion of chance involving key life circumstances disappears.

“Random chance was not a sufficient explanation of the Universe — in fact, random chance was not sufficient to explain random chance.”
Robert A. Heinlein

Why Fate Exists

Our long-term findings lead us to conclude that the philosophy of challenging and rewarding unchangeable destined events in everyone’s life is based on the concept that there is a vastly bigger purpose to life than, what is today considered as, success in love life, family, career, and finances. Briefly, it has to do with understanding and growth on a soul level. Your soul (not your current personality) chooses to live many lifetimes to carry out specific undertakings.

Specific Events vs. General Inclination

We readily identify the general inclination of personal fate (e.g., love life, friends, money, career success, etc.), yet identifying the exact future date of specific events is much more challenging. We sometimes get the date of a specific event correct, but it’s very rare for a psychic or astrologer to consistently do this on a regular basis. Much easier is, for example, determining optimum time frames for planned launches, mergers, acquisitions, speculation, and taking on an adversary. Extremes (e.g. a very rough personal six month period that would equate to disaster for risky speculation) are easy to identify in the charts. It’s also easy for us to ascertain compatibility, and optimum personal timing to make the most of your life in all areas, within the realm of your personal fate. So you avoid wasting time trying to plant your garden in winter, as the saying goes.

Just as you know when it's storm season in the Caribbean and there is potential for more severe storms than in the rest of the year, you can forecast the periods of time, for example, when your love life is optimum (and when it isn't).

How Much In Life Is Fated

Our long-term findings show that at least 75% of the main circumstances and events in your life are predestined.

Consider some of the things in your life that you have zero control over, i.e., that are fated: the actions of others—what they say, think, or do; criticism and rejection from others; illness, disease, physical limitations (though it’s possible to reduce susceptibility through good health practices); your ingrained subconscious fears and defenses--though you can modify and learn to live with many unconscious fears (e.g., fear of expression, fear of heights, et al.), most can’t be completely erased; the level of unique, inborn harmony or disharmony between you and another person; how and when your integrity, honesty, faith, and convictions are tested; the family you are born into; your early life environment; the undercurrent of your personal karma that shapes much of your life; natural disasters; God’s laughter when you announce your plans for the future.

On the bright side, consider some of what you can control: how you respond to things in your life that you can’t control, considering you don’t lack impulse control (which is largely discerned through handwriting analysis); the level of inspiration you generate and focus you apply (to the limits of your personal energy) to make the most of your personal fate; what you think and say (aside from subconscious impressions, which greatly influence your thinking); your overall attitude; who you associate with; what you eat; how you spend your leisure time; how much money you spend and save; how much unconditional love and sympathy you express, which can also greatly impact your life, within the realm of your personal predetermination.

“While in theory randomness is an intrinsic property, in practice, randomness is incomplete information.”
Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Cheating

We’ve found that some things in life, both difficulties and rewards, you can’t know ahead of time, no matter how insightful you are. It’s sort of like a built-in defense designed by your higher-self to make sure the circumstance or events can’t be avoided. Someone, such as a psychic, may know, but is predestined to never relay the information to you.

You won’t miss the key life lessons you’re supposed to endure (or enjoy), no matter what. Those important life episodes are destined and then you have free will to react and seize opportunities.

It isn’t “cheating” to know the general inclination of future challenging fate, or even the specific circumstance, just as sailors and investors aren’t cheating by knowing weather and economic forecasts. You aren't cheating by being forewarned of a life lesson so you can try to mitigate difficulties, just as you aren’t cheating by knowing it’s going to be freezing cold at your travel destination and dressing appropriately.

Would you rather have the discernible, future negative circumstances in your life creep up on you and surprise you, or would you like to be prepared in advance, and better equipped to handle them? Also, wouldn’t you like to be able to optimize your rewards in life by being tipped off in advance?

“Events may appear to us to be random, but this could be attributed to human ignorance about the details of the processes involved.”
Brain S. Everitt,

To believe in personal fate isn’t dangerous or fatalistic. It's realistic, practical, a sign of humility, and you can still be an optimist. Discerning predetermination allows you to brace for life’s challenges and capitalize on the good parts, making the most of your life.

“When it is all finished, you will discover it was never random.”
Unknown

Copyright © Scott Petullo, Scott Petullo

Author's Bio: 

Scott Petullo and Stephen Petullo offer vital, 
yet sensible and practical
 spiritual guidance and tools, including their Spiritual Detox and Let Go MP3 meditation audios. Get their free report: 13 Spiritual and New Age Myths and 13 Other Spiritual Laws Besides the Law of Attraction. http://www.spiritualgrowthnow.com