Does 'destiny' exist

Answer 1

' Destiny ' can be explained as any futuristic event that is generally accepted as 'inevitable'. As a rule of thumb some believe that their future's have been predetermined for them and all they need to do is find it. Others feel that they determine their own future but most seem to agree that there is some sort of 'niche' waiting for them somewhere. One may feel compelled to explore a given path or direction or, many paths taking them in many directions. That said, the notion of 'destiny' becomes more of a state of mind. In either case whether its chosen for you or you choose it yourself the answer would be, yes. Applying chaos theory here might suggest that all of human behaviour is nothing short of random. If a butterfly's wing beat can cause a cyclone there must certainly be many factors which affect us. But the argument that the causes themselves were destined to occur, remains.

Answer 2

Jewish view:

While there is some discussion (Talmud, Shabbat 156a) of mazalot (constellations or Zodiac signs), the chief emphasis is on Hashgacha Perati: God supervises what happens to us. What happens is based partially upon what we desire (Talmud, Makkot 10b), partially upon what we pray for (Psalms 37:4), partially upon the principle of proportionate reward and punishment for our use of our free-will (Talmud, Sotah 8b), and partially upon other factors, such as our ancestors.
God gives us opportunities, allowing us to choose whether or not to take them. The principle of "God helps those who help themselves" is accepted in Judaism (midrash Sifrei, Bamidbar 1; see also Talmud, Berakhot 40a). We do not accept fatalism or pessimism. Even what one's birth sign would predict can be bent in various directions, depending on whether we do God's will (Talmud, Shabbat 156b). Moreover, even prophecy itself can be redirected through repentance (see Rashi commentary, Yoma 73b).