Last Updated on October 27, 2019
When it comes to choosing a divination tool, the tool you want often depends upon what you want to know.
For example, if you want a deeper understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface, tarot is an excellent tool to explore all of the possibilities. However, sometimes life would be easier if you could get a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
That’s where pendulums show their true power.
What is a pendulum
A pendulum is an object that hangs at a fixed point and is allowed to swing freely. When the pendulum moves, its motion gives you insight into your questions. Basically, if a pendulum moves in one direction, the answer is ‘yes.’ If the pendulum moves in another direction, the answer is ‘no.’ If the pendulum moves in yet another direction, the answer is ‘maybe.’
Pendulums can also be used as a healing tool. If you hold a pendulum over or near one of your chakras, the motion of the pendulum can help you determine whether that chaka is blocked, overactive or in a healthy place.
With intent and practice, your pendulum can become a trusted partner. Since it can help you to both connect with and communicate with energies outside of you, the choice of a pendulum should not be one made using logic. Rather, let yourself be guided to your pendulum. Or better yet, let your pendulum choose you.
Choosing a pendulum
Some people may choose to work with multiple pendulums. You might notice that each has its own energy and one may feel right to work with one day while a different pendulum might resonate with you on another day.
There are different types of pendulums, made using different materials. For example some pendulums are made using crystals, some are made with woods, others with glass and still others with metals. While there is no set rule that establishes one type as better than the rest, many healers and intuitives prefer to use pendulums made of wood because crystals, glass and metals tend to absorb the energy around them. That energy can then influence the results you get with the pendulum.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose a pendulum made with a crystal. Remember your top concern should be noting which pendulum works for you.
If you can get to a metaphysical shop or holistic expo where you can see and sense the energy of multiple pendulums, you may feel the energy of one pendulum calling to you. You may even feel a tingling when you touch one of them. If you can’t get to a place that sells pendulums in person, you can always buy a pendulum online. Use the same strategy — allow one of the pendulums to call out to you. If none of them move you, continue on with your search.
What to do When You Get Your Pendulum
Once you connect with your pendulum and bring it home, you’ll likely want to start to use it. Not so fast.
Pendulums work with a lot of energy. In fact, a pendulum develops an energetic connection to the person who uses it. So when you first get a pendulum there’s a good chance it has an energetic connection to whomever had it last — unless you created it yourself.
If your pendulum does, in fact, have an energetic connection to someone else that could impact its effectiveness. In other words, the pendulum might not give you results to your questions that are based on your own energy and your own circumstances. It could be influenced by the energy of someone else.
To prevent that from happening, it’s important that you cleanse your pendulum before using it. You cleanse a pendulum in much the same way you would cleanse other crystals. Click here to learn some ways to cleanse crystals.
Even if you purchased your pendulum in a metaphysical shop you don’t know who had or held the pendulum in the past. It’s always a good idea to cleanse your pendulum of any unwanted energy. Here are some ways to do so:
- Soak it in sea salt
- Run water over it
- Hold it in your non-dominant hand and set the intention that it be cleansed of negative energies
- Put it underneath a full moon
- Smudge it or cleanse it with incense smoke
You should also cleanse the pendulum subsequent times every so often to ensure that the energy doesn’t build up and possibly influence the pendulum’s results.
If your pendulum is made of crystals or other gemstones, make sure you cleanse it to clear the energy more frequently since crystals tend to absorb energy easily.
Learning your pendulum’s language
Once your pendulum is cleansed, you’re ready to work with it. Whenever I work with a pendulum or any magical tool for the first time, I always hold it in my non-dominant hand and set my intentions for it. For example, I might say, “I intend for this pendulum to be used in love and light and to provide answers for the betterment of all concerned.” You might also say a prayer or ask your Spirit Guides to help you work with the pendulum if you feel so inclined.
Before you can use the pendulum, you also have to learn how to decipher what the pendulum has to say. When a pendulum swings, it can go in a variety of directions. For example, it can rotate clockwise, it can rotate counterclockwise, it can go side to side or back and forth. It can also bobble up and down. It’s up to you to figure out what your pendulum does when the answer is ‘yes’ and what it does when the answer is ‘no.’
The way you figure that out is to literally ask it. As you hold the pendulum in your hand, silently ask what direction do you swing in when the answer is ‘yes.’ Then, watch and see how the pendulum begins to swing.
Once you have that answer, silently ask what direction do you swing in when the answer is ‘no.’ Again, watch and see how the pendulum begins to swing.
Next, silently ask what direction do you swing in when the answer is ‘maybe.’ Once again, watch and see how the pendulum begins to swing. Once you have three clear directions that differ for ‘yes,’ ‘no’ and ‘maybe,’ you are ready to start using your pendulum.
I have to admit the first time I used a pendulum I was a little doubtful that the pendulum would actually shift directions when I asked it how it would swing when the answer was ‘yes,’ ‘no’ and ‘maybe.’ But I shouldn’t have been because each time I asked in my head what response the pendulum would give for a different answer, the direction of the pendulum shifted.
How to come up with questions for the pendulum
At this point, you’re ready to use your pendulum and start getting psychic answers. Before I use a pendulum I like to quiet my mind by doing a short meditation. That also helps me to focus in on what I most want to know. If I’m not in my house alone, I also make sure I won’t be disturbed.
In order for a pendulum to work most effectively, you have to ask the right questions. Consider the following when coming up with your questions:
Make sure the answer to your question is a ‘yes,’ ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ answer. Pendulums answer simple questions. They’re not going to give you analysis about what’s going on in a given situation. So don’t ask a question that goes looking for it.
Make sure the question pertains to you and nobody else — unless you ask them for permission to ask the pendulum about them. This is self-explanatory. It’s really none of your business.
Keep questions focused on the present, rather than the future. The reason for this is because the future can always be changed by our actions and a change of heart. The pendulum can only give you answers about what’s going on right now. They’re working with the energetic blueprint of the current moment.
