Yes or no oracle

How this oracle works

This oracle gives a random answer: yes about 40% of the time, no about 40% and maybe about 20%. It is modeled on the pendulum, one of the oldest yes or no oracles: back and forth for no, a nod for yes, a circle for maybe.

The answer is not a prophecy. Its real use is to show you what you hoped for: if a "no" makes you disappointed, you wanted a yes, and that is worth knowing.

Where the pendulum comes from

Pendulum dowsing, holding a weight on a chain and asking it to swing, is an old folk practice, and its movements are usually read as yes, no or unclear. The motion of a hand-held pendulum is now generally explained by the ideomotor effect: tiny movements of the hand that the holder does not notice making. That is part of why people find it revealing: it can show what you already lean toward. Our on-screen pendulum takes your hand out of it entirely and answers at random, so treat it as a coin with a little more ceremony.

How to ask the oracle

• Ask one clear question that a yes or no can answer.
• Ask about your own choices ("Should I call her today?") rather than other people's minds.
• Notice your first reaction to the answer before you read the message: relief or disappointment is the real information.
• Ask once. Asking again until you get a yes only tells you what you wanted.

Oracle or tarot?

The oracle gives a quick, plain answer. The yes or no tarot gives an answer with a card and the reason behind it, which is better when you want something to reflect on.

Questions

How does a yes or no oracle work?

A yes or no oracle answers a closed question with a random pendulum swing. On this page the pendulum lands on yes 40% of the time, no 40% and maybe 20%, chosen by your browser's random generator. Use it to break a tie or to notice how you feel about the answer.

Is the yes or no oracle accurate?

It is random by design. Use it to break a tie, to notice your own reaction, or for fun; never for health, legal or money decisions.

Is this a yes or no psychic?

No, and no website can honestly be one. People look for a yes or no psychic when they want a fast answer to one question. This oracle gives a fast answer, but it comes from your browser's random generator. Treat the pendulum as a reflection tool: your relief or disappointment shows what you hoped for.

More readings

See all tarot spreads · Guides