In Old Norse society fate and destiny are themes we see often emerging. Whether it is in an epic saga we read of hero’s steadfast faith in fate, or a movie that recites the belief that one’s destiny is in the hands of the gods they worship. How often do we stop and consider what fate and destiny really are?
It is said that fate is the predetermined course of events that is inevitable, thus it cannot change. So, are fate and destiny one in the same or is there a difference subtle or obvious? For me, destiny is about the predetermined course of events that can be shaped by an individual. We are not powerless beings in the hands of fate, but we do have power to shape our destiny, inevitably shifting fate. Are you living your fate or creating your destiny? Fate is the life you lead when you put yourself into the unknown. When trust in trust itself becomes important, a remarkable choice must be made. By choosing our own destiny we put ourselves into parts of the world we may feel safe in, and those we may not. Life involves a certain level of risk taking if it is to be lived to the fullest.
Where we are born, to who, and what we look like fate has determined. We can stay on a safe life route and go along with the show, or we may have to face things that mean other things are destined to occur. Fate and destiny work together. Destiny is more seen as outside of the domain of free-will for example, I may be destined to travel to a certain place and my choices and free will, will make that happen and this will offer life experiences that may be fated.
We are all destined to feel reactions and responses to fate itself. That is to be human and mortal. Because human nature has the need to believe in something divine, it does not necessarily mean that a god or religious path fulfils that desire and search for faith. Love may be what is divine to some and when faith, respect and love are combined we have a chance to stand on solid ground from which to thrive and grow.
As the world progresses in what seems a state of decline many are seeking and searching for purpose and meaning, for faith and for divinity. What if we turned that search inwards? What if the time spent searching for an omnipotent deity was turned into learning about self-respect and love, all forms of love? Love for the family and friends in our lives, for the natural world that sustains us, for gods, goddesses, deities, and entities, for music and arts of all sorts. We would then become fully responsible for how we act and react to the world around us. We would be guided by our internal compass and not a code or biblical set of rules. What if life is as simple as that?
Believe in whatever you want to, but faith and the divine are mostly found in love. Have faith in what you believe is love. Love the divine about all of you and feed that faith which nourishes the soul.
August 2022
© Susie J Folmer
Spiritual, Creative & Academic Writing & Arts by Susie j 