Webster defines an oracle as “a divine announcement that is wise, prophetic, and mysterious.”

History is filled with stories that illustrate the importance of oracles within the ancient Greek and Roman societies, the most famous being the oracle at Delphi: a high priest who was held in great regard in the community. People brought their questions to this person, who had the ability to see what others could not see. Every religion and culture is filled with stories of oracles. Some came from on high, such as the Ten Commandments. Others, like the oracle of Zeus, were conveyed through the rustling of leaves in a sacred oak tree and interpreted by priests. Prophetic dreams appear in many cultures, along with a multitude of other ways divine messages were received and interpreted by prophets and priests. During that time it was common practice to consult an oracle: a person of higher authority, to receive divine guidance.

Ann Bolinger-McQuade brings an awareness of personal oracles into the light of the 21st century and encourages us to tune in and recognize for ourselves the guidance that is available to each of us in the form of these wise, prophetic and mysterious messages from the world of spirit. When we are tuned in, they show up as spirit-signposts that pop up in every imaginable form to offer guidance and provide positive life-affirming information.

Imagine a world where you felt supported and nurtured and attended to at all times. In this world you are never alone because you are part of an invisible network of support that interacts with you unceasingly. The design of this interconnected world is tailored specifically to you and your changing needs at each and every moment of your life. And because of its multifaceted design, it is also tailored to every other person. All that is required to live in this constantly amazing world is to pay attention to what is happening all around you and recognize what has special meaning for you. This world comes into focus when we tune in to the abundance of personal oracle messages that are all around us hiding-in-plain-sight.


In the Native American tradition it is believed that the plants, trees, clouds, rocks, fire, water are all alive. They watch us and see our needs. They see when we have nothing to protect us, and it is then they reveal themselves and speak to us.

Personal oracle messages come in every form imaginable.
Some may be as simple as a gut feeling or vibe that tells you to take a sweater along, and then needing it later when the weather turns chilly, or as profound as a life-altering message received through a dream or vision.

Synchronistic events that work together to point us in a meaningful direction or provide an answer to a question or dilemma are another type. Imagine each event as an important puzzle piece that slides into perfect place to reveal your message. Joseph Campbell suggests these experiences often feel as if they were orchestrated by hidden-hands.

Others are inter-dimensional communications from the world of spirit. A woman in England experiences a tactile communication from her mother’s spirit in the loving embrace of the wind. The flow of water in the shower seems to be a conduit for an auditory communication between Ellen, and her grandmother, Fanny. Ellen often hears the voice of her grandmother gently urging her to tend her garden or read her a story. Any cardinal who appears during times of celebration or crisis is interpreted by my family as the comforting spirit of my uncle Herb. This visual communication is clear to us because of Herb’s affinity for cardinals. Personal oracles translate through all of our senses and will occur in a way that is easily recognizable and comfortable for you.

Messages that seem to speak directly to you from the midst of a crowd can also provide timely answers to a question or dilemma.

Some of Ann’s most profound messages have come to her in the form of clouds. The following photographs reveal the image of a personal oracle that provided great comfort the day after Rusty Bear, her beloved golden retriever, was diagnosed with Lymphoma. She and her husband were leaving to visit Rusty Bear at the clinic when she had a gut feeling to take her camera along to photograph any special clouds that might be in the sky that day. Trusting her intuition, Ann picked up her camera and headed for the car. As she walked past an open door a pleasant energetic tug drew her attention to this heartwarming cloud formation in the sky.

The outline reveals the image Ann saw in the clouds that day.
To her, it represented a peaceful Rusty Bear, tucked cozily within an abundance of heart shaped clouds, literally surrounded by love. The Native American tradition reminds us this type of comfort is available to us all.

What do you see in this cloud photo?
How does what you see make you feel?

  • Visit the WHAT DO YOU SEE section for more cloud photos and draw what you see.

How can I recognize my personal oracles?

  • Set a conscious intention.

  • Intuition is key.

  • Tune into your intuition: a vibe or gut feeling.

  • Trust your intuition, it is the voice of your inner wisdom.

  • Open your heart and mind.

  • Be aware of any pleasant energetic pull that attracts your attention.

  • Your message will be tailored specifically to you and your needs at the moment.

  • Pray or ask to receive a sign: a divine message.

  • Journal your experiences.

  • Practice.

How will oracles speak to me?

  • Through all forms of nature.

  • Through animals

  • In dreams.

  • Through a series of synchronistic events or co-incidences.

  • Sometimes through metaphor.

  • Through your senses.

  • In the lyrics of a song.

  • In a significant passage in a book.

  • Through words overheard in a crowd.

  • And every other imaginable way that resonates with you.

Personal oracles can be part of your everyday life when you tune in and notice your messages that are all around you hiding-in-plain-sight.

If you have oracle experiences you would like to share for possible use in Ann’s future books and seminars, you may email them to Ann at info@oraclesinthesky.com. Namaste