What is fate, or how do you picture it? is it a person, a thing made up of stars.....your view can affect how you view magic as well, so what you believe can take part into shaping who you are.
In the Greek pantheon, Fate isn't a thing. Fates are three things; three women called the Moirae. They were the ones who decided your destiny, but didn't interfere with your decisions or your human affairs.
Klotho, spinned the thread of life. Lakhesis, measured the thread. Atropos, cut the thread.
Sometimes your "thread" (lifespan) was extended if you had pleased Zeus or the Gods.
Their no such thing as date.The future isn't written on stone.You can change the future.Have you notice all fortune tellers say predict not tell.The future isn't guaranteed.I know from experience the future is not guaranteed from my experience with readings.
I feel we have a purpose, but how we reach said purpose changes with the action we do. Example it is pre-destined you will save someone's life, why, how, and who change depending on your life choices. What might of started as saving someone from drowning becomes giving someone hope to not kill themselves depending on what you choose [say you choose to work at the suicide hotline instead of as a lifeguard one summer]
No a goal is different. You choose your goals. What I'm saying is you're here for a reason. You might have a goal to visit Australia, but while working towards that goal you might fulfill what the universe/gods/destiny wanted you to do.
Think of 'Its a Wonderful Life' George wanted to leave his small home town, see the world, and become an architect, but he wound up marrying, never leaving the town, and working a job that chose him. Throughout the movie he has choices, his brother falls through the ice, George could of ran for help but he dove in after Harry. George could of gone to college, but he stayed to run the Building and Loan. My point is we shape our future by our choices, but I feel the universe/gods have a larger plan.
My mom use to tell me about a Stephen King story she read once, where he claimed there are two types of people 'random' and 'purpose' you are reincarnated with a purpose until it is met, then you become random [die young] personally I like that idea but I'm not 100% on board.
I for one believe you are both somewhat right. I believe fate is like a predetermined course of events, but more in the form of a roadway, we walk different paths we choose, each path leading to a different predetermined destiny, all ending for the good of existence in and of itself. Good to hear others thoughts on this, though I didn't think it good enough a topic for a discussion, especially since I only posted it this morning. Thank you for your thoughts on the subject, and for taking the question seriously, without going off track into something rediculous. I always find it good to hear the thoughts of others on something so widely discussed, especially something that can influence your view on magic so much.