A moment with tradition
What are Moon Blocks (Jiaobei / Bwa Bwei)?
Moon Blocks are a pair of crescent-shaped divination blocks, traditionally made from wood or bamboo. Used in Taoist and Chinese folk temples, they offer a familiar way to bring a question before a deity: hold the pair, make a sincere request, and read the faces that land upward.
Each block has one flat face and one rounded, curved face. The two faces are commonly described through Yin and Yang: the flat face as Yang and the rounded face as Yin. Together, their combinations give the three common responses below. Names such as Jiaobei, Bwa Bwei, and poe reflect different languages and communities; temple customs and interpretations vary.
Wenbei brings this traditional Chinese yes or no oracle into a free browser experience. Like a spiritual coin flip used for reflection, it gives you a moment to consider a question; its results are generated by software.
How to Cast the Sacred Blocks (Step-by-Step Ritual)
- Center Your Mind. Pause, breathe, and give your attention to one matter. In a temple, follow the local guidance for approaching the altar.
- State Your Identity & Question Clearly. Traditionally, you may silently state your name and birth date, then ask one clear Yes-or-No question. There is no need to enter personal details here; the optional question field is only for your own browser record.
- Cast the Blocks. With physical blocks, gently cast the pair onto a suitable surface. Online, press and hold the blocks or the button for at least 520 milliseconds; release when the prompt says “Release to reveal.” Keyboard users can hold and release Space or Enter on the same controls.
- Interpret the Deities' Response. In the traditional ritual, read the upward faces as the deity's response. In this virtual experience, compare your randomly generated result with the cultural meanings below and take a moment to reflect.
The 3 Sacred Outcomes Explained
YES · One flat, one rounded
Shengbei (圣杯 - Divine Answer: YES)
One flat face is up (Yang) and one curved face is up (Yin). This harmony of Yin and Yang is traditionally read as approval: the deities agree with the request.
UNCLEAR / MAYBE · Both flat faces up
Xiaobei (笑杯 - Laughing Answer: UNCLEAR / MAYBE)
Both flat faces land upward. The deities are described as smiling or laughing: perhaps the question is vague, or you already know the answer in your heart. Take time to clarify your question before casting again.
NO · Both rounded faces up
Yinbei (阴杯 - Disapproval Answer: NO)
Both curved faces are up, with both flat faces touching the ground. Traditionally, this indicates disapproval or advice against the request. Pause and reconsider the timing or the question.
Also written 聖筊、笑筊、陰筊. Object and face-reading reference: National Center for Traditional Arts, “Jiaobei” (Chinese), adapted from the Ministry of Culture collection under CC BY 3.0 TW. Read our English face guide.
Why Traditionalists Ask for "Three Consecutive Shengbei"
In some temple traditions, an important request or a selected fortune stick is confirmed by three Shengbei in a row. Repetition expresses care and consistency within that ritual; it is not a universal rule for every question. Follow the custom of the temple or community you are visiting.
You can cast again here and review your recent results in History. Wenbei does not track or certify a three-cast confirmation sequence. Each throw is independent, so earlier answers do not improve the odds of the next one, and repeated casts cannot guarantee an outcome in life.
Return to the blocks ↑Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Moon Blocks (Jiaobei / Bwa Bwei)?
Moon Blocks are a pair of crescent-shaped wooden or bamboo blocks used in Taoist and Chinese folk temple traditions to ask deities a clear yes-or-no question. Each block has one flat face and one rounded face. Jiaobei, Bwa Bwei, and poe are names or romanizations associated with different communities; local names and practices vary.
What do the three Moon Blocks outcomes mean?
Shengbei (YES) has one flat face up and one rounded face up, traditionally read as approval. Xiaobei (UNCLEAR / MAYBE) has both flat faces up, often interpreted as laughter or a question needing clarification. Yinbei (NO) has both rounded faces up, with both flat faces touching the ground, traditionally read as disapproval. Interpretations vary by temple and community.
Why do some traditions ask for three consecutive Shengbei?
Some temples and practitioners seek three consecutive Shengbei to confirm an important request or a fortune-stick selection. This is a local ritual convention, not a universal requirement or a guarantee. Wenbei lets you cast again and consult your history, but does not count a confirmation sequence automatically. Each cast is independent; a previous answer does not change the next result.
Is online Moon Blocks divination accurate?
Wenbei is a cultural experience and a prompt for personal reflection, with no demonstrated ability to predict events or convey a deity's response. Each cast is independently randomized: Shengbei 50%, Xiaobei 25%, and Yinbei 25%. These are software probabilities, not measured odds for physical blocks. Your question and hold duration do not affect the outcome. The latest 50 records stay in this browser, are not uploaded, and do not sync with the App.