  In the WOT, "The Pattern" is more than simply predictable, it is virtually set in stone as far as some predictive Talents are concerned. Generally "Pattern Reading," (by Talents like Foretelling or Min's viewings,) is considered an absolute, immutable, vision of the Future.  That's not true. There is a rather lengthy discussion on the topic, over here (http://www.theoryland.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=0000#00).  tl;dr - Prophecies are conditional, and Min's viewings are not the same thing.  edit: Also, the Guardians are two ter'angreal. One to stop saidar, one to stop saidin.  