The Magic of the Pendulum!

Most people are familiar with the pendulum. The art of using a pendulum is something that anyone can learn and master, which is why I appreciate this tool so much! It can truly be a fun experience! I wanted to take a moment and explain how the pendulum works, what you need, and how to how to get started working with one! I strongly suggest adding a pendulum to your tool box. I use my daily and can not imagine my life without it.

What Is a Pendulum?

A pendulum is a symmetrical, weighted object that is hung from a single chain or cord. It is often made with a crystal or wood. The pendulum is a very simple tool and one that lets the user tune in to their intuitive powers. The pendulum acts as a receiver and transmitter of information, and moves in different ways in response to questions, which I will explain more later.

What Is Pendulum Dowsing Used For?

Pendulum dowsing can be used in a variety of different ways. In its most simple form, you can use it to answer questions or aid in decision making. Pendulums can also be used for:

  • Healing purposes and identifying allergies.

  • To cleanse and remove negativity in a room.

  • To assist you in finding lost items or pets.

  • To assist in balancing your chakras.

How Does The Pendulum Work?

A pendulum works by tapping into your intuition. The pendulum acts as a form of receiver and transmitter— from your higher guidance, guardian angels and spiritual teachers. As the pendulum moves, you gain answers in response to questions. Pendulums are easiest when used to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. Some people describe the way a pendulum works as being like bringing together the rational and intuitive sides of you (the left and right sides of your brain). When these two are united, you’re able to make decisions using all the sources…. rather than just one of them.

Where Do The Answers Come From?

Many people wonder where the answers come from and debate whether it’s really working, or just the pendulum responding to the movement of the user’s hand. Whilst the pendulum can certainly be made to move with your hand movements, this isn’t the case always and after practice you’ll get to see why. As with any form of divination, using a pendulum involves a certain degree of faith, belief and a decidedly open mind, due to the answers coming from your intuition and your spiritual guides.

Do I Need a Certain Type of Pendulum?

There are a variety of pendulums available on the market! Etsy is a GREAT resource! Please know that you don’t have to buy an expensive pendulum to get good results. The type of pendulum you choose depends in part on what feels right for you. Many people choose to use a crystal pendulum. Ultimately, whatever your favourite crystal, or the one you feel more drawn to, can be used on a pendulum, as long as it is rounded or pointed at one end. In fact, you could even have more than one pendulum if you wish, with different crystals on them, to use on different occasions. Example: Rose Quartz for Love, Amethyst for Peace, Green Aventurine for Prosperity.

Before You Start Using a Pendulum…..

Before start using a pendulum, it’s best to cleanse it first and charge it with your own energy. The easiest way to cleanse your pendulum is to put it on a windowsill in direct sunlight for a day, so it catches the rays of the sun. I also suggest clearing it with some sage smoke if you have any available. To charge it with your energy, hold the pendulum in your hands, closing your hands around it. Then spend a short time sitting quietly, with your eyes closed, focusing your energy on your pendulum. If you’d like to, you can say ask your spirit guides for their support and guidance when using the pendulum. Once your pendulum is cleansed and charged, it’s a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. Many people like to wrap their pendulums in silk or use a small velvet bag for safekeeping. I am very close with my pendulum and it is ALWAYS with me! I carry it in my purse and it is used daily with myself and with my clients.

How to Get Started!

Anyone can use a pendulum, but the main criteria is that you need to start with an open mind. The string of the pendulum should be held between your thumb and forefinger in whichever hand feels most comfortable. I prefer to hold it in my left hand as that is my receiving hand. Some pendulums have a small metal loop or ring at the top of the chain which can make it easy to hold. When you're ready to begin, sit with your pendulum held between the thumb and forefinger of one hand and run your other hand down the length of the pendulum chain or cord, bringing your hand to rest with the bottom tip of the pendulum in your upturned palm. The pendulum should now be completely still and you can move the hand away from the bottom of the pendulum. As you move it away, the pendulum will probably start moving. This is perfectly normal and what you are looking for!

Try and be as relaxed as possible (the more relaxed your are, the better your flow of energy will be) and sit watching the pendulum while it moves. Ask your pendulum out loud or in your mind, ‘Please show me a YES response.’ Take time to watch the response – it may only be minor at first, but this is normal, as it takes time to get to know how your pendulum interacts with you. Pause for a while, then try the same again asking for the pendulum to show you a NO response. Don’t worry if you can’t tell much difference from the yes and no responses yet – this is perfectly normal at first and you should get to be able to tell the difference with the more practice you get. 99.9% of Yes will show as up and down, No is side to side, and unsure is in a circle. Very similar to nodding and shaking your head. I have tried many different methods of receiving answers and most of the time it is those directions that remain tried and true.

Questions You Can Ask Your Pendulum.

The pendulum responds better to questions where there are ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. When you’re starting out and practicing, try asking simple questions, like,’ Is today Tuesday?’, ‘Is my best friend’s name Phil?’ or ‘Do I live in the California?’. This will help you get a better grip of how your pendulum responds. This will help you gain more confidence in using it. As you get more proficient, you can ask questions about decisions you’re making in your personal life, such as where you should live, whether you are making a good job choice, or to inquire about which of your chakras are not aligned.

As with many of the tools used in divination, the experience will improve with practice. Using a pendulum has changed the direction of my life on several occasions, and those changes have always been to my benefit. I may not see it at that moment, but it eventually proves to be true and has made the most dramatic difference besides working with my Runes. What I can say with 100% confidence is that penduluming works for me. I’ve gained confidence in my intuition. I’ve seen powerful changes in my life and in the lives of my clients. My hope is that this skill will also help you find answers to some of the difficult questions life can lay at our feet. We all know this past year…there have been several! Embrace this beautiful tool and get penduluming!