Fate is a peculiar word. Some people believe implicitly in fate, others believe in nothing of the kind, but that all our doings and actions are ruled by Providence. I do not agree with either -- my opinion being that we can shape our own course, and that we are never tempted beyond what we are able to bear. Astrology teaches the same thing, for where there is evil there is sure to be some good, which creates, as it were, a loophole for us to escape from the evil.
Although this is called a "Book of Fate", it is nothing of the kind -- it is really a compilation of different modes of Divination, whereby one may know the future.
In the human soul are seeds of omniscience, that is, the power of knowing or perceiving everything, and thus when the mind is truly anxious about anything, the soul gets stirred, and energizes and directs the mind to the truth. If man could subdue the mind and the passion, he would hear the voice of his own soul, and this voice would never deceive him, or lead him astray. The mind should be kept absolutely passive. The very thoughts render it impossible for the soul to make itself heard. Therefore, when thou consultest any of the following pages, let it not be upon any trivial or superficial occasion, but only such as thy mind is truly anxious about; and during the operation let thy mind be intent upon the subject, and sincerely anxious to know the truth, for in this case the soul will dispose the action of the mind, and guide it to the proper and correct solution of the doubts.