The Alchemist presents us with a complex dynamic – the tug of war between destiny and free will. It sets us pondering, if our ‘Personal Legend’ is a preordained scheme of the cosmos, why do we have to labor so intensely to realize it? On the flip side, if we don’t quite manage to achieve our Personal Legend, should we lay blame on the universe rather than ourselves? The protagonist, Santiago, contemplates such quandaries throughout the narrative. Eventually, he resolves his internal turmoil through a hearty conversation with a camel driver. But there’s another primary theme we need to discuss before diving into that resolution: the concept of omens.

In the universe of The Alchemist, omens act as checkpoints imbued with profound implications, routing us or hinting at a peek into the future. These loaded symbols feature prominently throughout the narrative. As Santiago embarks on his journey, Melchizedek equips him with two stones to decipher the omens. Upon reaching the pyramids, Santiago perceives the scarab beetle as a meaningful signal directing him to the buried treasure. However, the most pivotal omen he encounters is the spectacle of two hawks embroiled in a sky-high duel. Interpreting it as a warning of an imminent attack by a rival tribe on the desert oasis he and his caravan have camped at, he is proved right.

Omens, as shown in the story, are akin to the universe joining forces with Santiago to aid him in achieving his destiny. Moreover, the expression maktub or “It is written,” uttered at crucial junctures of Santiago’s quest, hints at the predetermined deadlines of his mission.

This raises an intriguing conundrum. If fate indeed maps out our destiny, why do we wrestle with achieving our Personal Legends? How come many falter in their attempts? Isn’t it that what’s meant to happen, will eventually happen?

To dissect this puzzle, let’s revisit our friendly camel driver. After witnessing the omen of the fighting hawks, Santiago confides in the camel driver, a man who has sought numerous seers in his quest to see his future. The most enlightened seer, he recalls, advised him that only God possesses the capability to foretell the future, while soothsayers merely speculate based on present omens.

Taking note of the omens sprinkled around us can enrich our present and influence our future. In essence, the secret to unlocking your destiny lies in mindful living – savoring every moment. It’s like cooking your favorite dish; you need to concentrate on the present task, whether it’s chopping the vegetables or stirring the sauce, to eventually enjoy a delicious meal. The prophecies of the future are embedded in the present, urging us to be more observant each day.