X. BIFURCATION AND INDETERMINACY

As a system is driven further from equilibrium, it may encounter a bifurcation point where two possible futures are available. Exactly at that point there is nearly complete indeterminacy and chaos, since it is practically impossible to predict whi ch one it will follow. The point is metastable in that non-linear processes at that point will amplify small random (stochastic) fluctuations and drive the system along one of the alternate pathways. Bifurcation results in a breaking of symmetry as the sy stem follows only one pathway. The onset of many pilgrimage traditions may take place in conditions of metastability and indeterminacy.