Hello, my loves!
Thanks for checking out my blog post and website. I am still tweaking the appearance and also adding new content that I find to be valuable, so I appreciate your feedback and also hope to post a lot more often. In continuation of teaching others what I have learned, I wanted to put together a little guide on how to use a pendulum.
Maybe you’ve heard of pendulums and you want to know how to use them or why someone would use them. I have been asked how to use a pendulum and what some of my recommendations are. I have only been using a pendulum for about 8 years, but I have learned a lot on my journey, thus far. I decided to do a short blog post on recommendations and how I have become more comfortable doing it.
All of the following are just things that I like to do and that work for me, specifically. But I always tell people to follow their own intuition and do what feels best/right for them. Just because some of these things resonate with me, doesn't mean that you should feel inclined to do the same. I promise that whatever feels right for you, is probably the best way to do it!
“Do not be afraid ask questions.”
- LAILAH GIFTY AKITA
Vocabulary Quiz
What is Divination?
div·i·na·tion ˌ divəˈnāSH(ə)n/
noun
the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.
synonyms: fortune telling, divining, prophecy, prediction, soothsaying, augury;
clairvoyance, second sight
"he looked to divination for guidance"
What is a Pendulum?
pen·du·lum, penjələm/
noun
noun: pendulum; plural noun: pendulums
a weight hung from a fixed point so that it can swing freely backward and forward, especially a rod with a weight at the end that regulates the mechanism of a clock.
used to refer to the tendency of a situation to oscillate between one extreme and another.
"the pendulum of fashion"
Using a pendulum for divination is a great, non-threatening way of channeling your Higher Self or Spirit Guides. It allows you to get more physical responses to your questions. So for those of us who are doubtful, a pendulum can be another form to "check our work again" so to speak.
One of the most commonly used tools for divination and dowsing is a pendulum. The art of using a pendulum is something that anyone can learn and master, and enjoy experimenting with. Here is an introduction to using a pendulum. I hope to share with you what I have learned about how it works, and what you need, to how to get started.
Your capacity to use a pendulum is a form of divination! Keep this in mind when using this method as a way to connect.
Pendulums & Dowsing
A pendulum is a symmetrical, weighted object that is hung from a single chain or cord. It’s never made of a magnetic substance, but is often a crystal. It’s also possible to use objects such as a favorite trinket, a bead, a metal ball or even a key. 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.
Historically, dowsing has been known for its ability to locate water, gold, oil and other minerals, but it has also been used in many instances involving issues of life and death. In France, physicians have used the pendulum to assist them in making diagnoses; the use of the pendulum is officially considered to be a science known throughout Europe as Radiesthesia or in French "Radiesthesie".
Many people have used the pendulum to detect allergies and other ailments, and even to accurately determine the gender and birth date of unborn babies (baby gender prediction).
Throughout history, people have turned to the pendulum to guide them when their lives were at stake. In dire circumstances during the Vietnam war, some U.S. marines were taught to use a pendulum to locate underground mines and tunnels.
"Dowsing is the exercise of a human faculty, which allows one to obtain information in a manner beyond the scope and power of the standard human physical senses of sight, sound, touch, etc.”
- Raymond C. Willey
Author Chris Bird says that “to dowse” is to search for anything. This is generally done with the aid of a hand held instrument, such as a forked stick, a pendulum bob on a string, L-shaped metal rods or a wooden or metal wand.
Reasons for Pendulum Dowsing
A pendulum works by tapping into your intuition and sixth sense. 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 - it is best suited to use 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 elements are brought together, you’re able to make decisions using all the sources, rather than just one of them.
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. While 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, as the answers come from your intuition and from higher spiritual guides.
First - to get information about our personal life.
Second - to confirm something from some who exists on the other side or has deceased.
So, why should I try to do this?
When you have a fear of spirits and are too scared to contact your guides in any other way, using a pendulum can be a beneficial way to create a connection that gives you a tactile response.
When you are not yet very clairvoyant or clairaudient (i.e. you can’t hear or see your spirit guides), so you want to try another way.
When you want to get your Higher Self’s perspective on something that is bothering you. Or if you need more of a clear YES or NO reply.
When you have some questions that you want clear guidance on without the murkiness of channeling and deciphering messages.
A word of caution:
The answers can be surprising...but always be cautious as with any tool of divination chosen - such as the ouija/spirit boards. If you have emotional problems - you may not like the messages that come through. Your consciousness - being in lower frequency due to emotional problems will attract a lower frequency entity. If you like drama - and consider your life to be in drama - don't channel.
I always recommend people are really in a connected and meditative state before any sort of divination, and especially so with pendulum dowsing. Be calm. And allow yourself to be emotionally stable.
In my experience, channeled information tends to be high vibrational in nature. It will often comfort you, provide clarity or will raise your mood in some way. It usually brings me the verification that I need in order to begin the process of moving forward and healing.
If it feels negative or feels heavy, you’re probably not channeling a source that you want to tap into or you may just be channeling your own emotional body, if you are not feeling very good. This is why I recommend connecting to your "Zen" place, before you try to channel.
What you channel via divination will usually not sound like your voice. Mine speaks with authority and sounds completely different from the voice that I ‘think’ in. It usually comes in with so much power. I can't deny or confuse it for my own thoughts. Using a pendulum just helps me to visually and physically confirm my received information.
Another feature of intuitive guidance is that it tends to be very clear, usually feels light and is often simply expressed. I know my guides usually get to the point.
I suggest only doing yes or no answers for pendulum dowsing, as it can be a little difficult to get more intricate answers.
But don’t be hung up on how your divination should sound like or be. If you do it often enough, you will soon get a sense for what your pendulum dowsing ‘feels’ like and what is comfortable for you.
What Type of Pendulum Should You Use?
There are a variety of pendulums available for dowsing, but you certainly don’t have to buy an expensive pendulum to get good results. In fact, the type of pendulum you choose depends in part on what feels right for you.
Many people choose to use a crystal pendulum, and I have owned quite a few. Clear quartz, for example, is a popular choice, as the crystal is associated with clarity and connecting to a higher purpose. Amethyst, which has a strong connection with the spiritual, is often popular too, as is a pendulum with the calming properties of a rose quartz crystal. I have one that is metal that I enjoy for the wait and sturdiness. I have an orgonite one that is perfect for clients and a lapis lazuli merkaba shaped one for Reiki work. I let the pendulums choose what they want to do and how they want to work with me.
Ultimately, whatever your favorite crystal, material, 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.
When you are starting out for the first time, you can practice the basic concepts by using a do-it-yourself or handmade pendulum, if you wish. For example, you could use a rounded glass bead, a metal ball or even a key suspended on the end of a simple piece of cord. When you know you want to try more work with a pendulum, you can then upgrade to a better, professionally made pendulum.
How To Start
Before you embark on using a pendulum, it’s advisable to cleanse it first and charge it with your own energy. I also always recommend that you program your pendulum before the first use.
Cleanse - The easiest way to cleanse your pendulum for dowsing is to put it on a windowsill in direct sunlight for a day, so it catches the rays of the sun. To charge it with your energy, hold the pendulum in your hands, closing your hands around it. Then spend a short time (5 to 15 minutes will be fine) sitting quietly, with your eyes closed, focusing your energy on your pendulum. If you’d like to, you can say a pray or ask your spirit guides or guardian angels 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 pop them in a small velvet bag for safekeeping. I keep some with me, some at home, and some just around me where I am.
Program - Before I do readings with my pendulums, I usually sit with them and program them for my use. What I mean by programming, is that I tell it how I want it to move and what direction for specific replies.
Obviously, this is all about personal choice, but my favorite method is manually swing it the direction I want it to move, after saying, "This means YES/NO/MAYBE/UNKNOWN - OR NOT TO BE KNOWN."
I have found that for me personally, the pendulum moving clockwise (right to left circular motion), is YES. The pendulum moving counter clockwise (left to right circular motion) is NO. The pendulum not moving at all is - UNKNOWN - which to me can cover specific things that my guides don't think I should be asking about or don't have relevance to my current path. The pendulum swinging back and forth (front to back - no side movement) is - MAYBE.
After I go through every single motion and direction, I like to test it, by asking very easy questions i.e. "Is my name (blank)?" "Am I a (gender)?" "Is my birthday on (date)?" "Do I live at (address)?" I do this a lot at first and don't challenge it too much. After all, I am trying to develop and grow a relationship with the pendulum, so I want to ensure that I feel connected and understand how the pendulum works.
So, Can I Start Now?! - Yes. You can. But here are some of my suggestions before diving into it.
Before asking questions and programming, I like to really get comfortable, meditative and receptive. I listen to soothing music (either Reiki, meditations, or just some of my favorites), burn some Nag Champa (it is so delicious smelling), and just go into a space where there are minimal distractions.
I relax my physical body and pick up the pendulum of choice. I put my elbow on a straight surface and allow the pendulum to hang naturally, without movement. I find a position that is comfortable for me to hold the pendulum so the chain doesn't have tension on it.
Much of this goes to 'control' and have much you are willing to give to a non-physical entity.
Some dowsing users know who is giving the messages while others do not. If the energies feel comfortable to you then you will soon learn who the entity is and why he/she is connecting with you. I like to meditate, connect to my angels, and ask only them to help me.
If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with the entity or the information received STOP!
Let all information flow! I love that while I ask questions, I also tend to use my clairaudient and clairvoyant skills and they have strengthened so much more, as I trust the messages more.
If you feel that more than one entity is trying to speak through the pendulum - ask them to take their time and you will connect with them one at a time. I like to use a "waiting room" of sorts to have the spirits talk to me one on one. so they can be there waiting and then have Archangel Michael guide them to speak with me - like stepping up to the mic. By doing this visualization, the messages have become less mixed up and a lot more clear for me. Find what works for you and what you believe to be comfortable for your own style. If you feel uncomfortable stop!
Step by Step (Day by Day)
1. Get into a comfortable position.
This is vital in being able to keep your mind focused on channeling. You won't be able to focus the right aspect of yourself if you are physically uncomfortable.
2. Be sure you are free of distractions.
This is why I like to go to my office (less distractions) or a place where I can close the door. I have children, dogs, a husband.... they can mean well, but often try to interrupt when I am trying to channel. I also typically mute my phone and computer.
3. If you are not alone - tell others that you have some personal correspondence to take care of!
See why I recommend this above. I have noticed that if I have someone close or in the room, I end up receiving information for them, instead of my clients (or myself). Once you feel comfortable with how your pendulum works with and for you, you may find that you can use it wherever without issues.
4. If you are tired - this could actually work better for you.
Obviously, listen to your body and rest, as needed. But if your mind isn't running around with everything you need to do, it is easier to be receptive to what messages your guides have for you. There is a lot less doubt when I am not too fresh in the day.
5. Now clear your mind of chatter. Feel the muscles in your body - neck, arms, shoulders, especially your face - totally relaxed.....
I like to do a protection meditation before doing any sort of divination. Do what you feel is right for you. I prefer to work with the light - so I do a light based meditation and clear my mind. Once I feel like I am pretty clear and ready to channel, I hold my pendulum with a relaxed hand (usually my right), steady my elbow on my desk, and let the pendulum hang naturally without movement before I begin.
6. Pick your poison! Choose what type of pendulum you would like to use and what guide you would like to work with.
Again, this is preference thing. I do both depending on the client and situation. I find that I use what I feel guided to use. Sometimes I use a certain pendulum, other times I use whatever I have available (like a necklace). Improvise, adapt, overcome. Just make sure it is cleansed, programmed, and you are comfortable using it!
7. Know that whatever the answer to your questions will be confirmed by your Higher Self, Spirit Guide, or Angel.
This is where you need to have complete trust in your guides and Angels. You have to really be open to their guidance. A pendulum session and dowsing are a wonderful way to confirm messages you are getting from Automatic Writing - which you can read more about HERE, or even when using Oracle Cards - which you can read more about HERE. I try to start off with easy questions, just to confirm that I can channel correctly, and then slowly move towards my inquiries.
8. Do not allow time for your mind to analyze this information until you are ready to be done with your session.
You can go into the messages and dive into the other meanings after you are done. Some of us will highly focus on one or two things or only want to hear certain things, so if that is the case, maybe you should wait to channel until you are a bit more receptive to what may come from a pendulum session. I recommend perhaps recording at first and watching it back later, or you can pause and write down what you receive. It is really up to the individual and their comfort.
9. It may seem like your own thoughts at first but that is normal. It will get easier and quicker with time.
When I first started, I would barely get the pendulum to move. It was so subtle, but with time and finding the pendulums that worked the best for me, the easier it is to quickly visually get a straight answer. I also am clairaudient - so I hear a lot of information, as well. It is really about that surrender!
10. Remember - this takes practice.
You might be so in tune right off the bat, or not. It's okay. It is a practice. You are retraining your brain to do something that it isn't used to doing. Just practice and be patient with yourself. And the best way to get better is to keep trying and doing it until it feels comfortable and natural.
Helpful hints
I love meditation with certain crystals.
Hi, my name is Nancy.... and I am obsessed with crystals. Seriously. My office is stuffed with them.
As I get ready to do any sort of divination, I often use a few powerful crystals in one hand to help amplify the signal. This might not work for everyone, but I have found it to be beneficial in connecting with long distance clients and their passed on loved ones or guides.
Ask your Spirit Guides and/or Angels to speak with you.
So you're ready to rock. Got all your stuff out, you are going. Now, what? Hmm... everything is coming up blank. You have no idea how to start or get the flow going. Well.....
This is a part of asking your Spirit Guides and/or Angels to help you use this divination tool to communicate with you. Remember the vocabulary quiz above! You are a divination master!
If you are at a loss as to who your Spirit Guides and Angels are, I say you need to just reach out to them. Ask for them to help you in your day to day life. Also, have them give you guidance when you can.
What can they help you with? My answer is EVERYTHING! No, really. Start building a relationship with them. All you have to do is reach out and ask them to help and guide you. Hence, their name even includes the word GUIDE, as they are here to guide you. Pay attention to your dreams.
That's it. You're done. Aren't you amazing?
You just need to be receptive to what they have for you. And the connection you build is like a muscle. The more that you use it, the more you can feel their presence and help in daily matters. Their messages will be subtle in your life. They don't want to scare you! So, pay attention to the little things. Bird, butterflies, dragonflies, certain words sticking out, certain numbers that repeat, seeing things or names that stick out to you. These are all meant to help you and give you their guidance.
Things might be slow moving at first.
When I first started to attempt pendulum dowsing, I would try a little too hard. Sitting stiffly and staring at the pendulum waiting for any little sliver of movement. I learned to just relax and let things come through. Without expectation and such. I like to ask simple yes or no questions first, that I already know they answers to - such as, "Am I wearing a *insert color here* shirt?" or "Do I own "specific material thing here"?" Use these practice questions to see how the pendulum moves for you.
After a bit of a rocky start, I would become more familiar with understanding how the pendulum works best for me. This helped me with becoming much more comfortable with using it with clients. The more I have understood how I dowse, the easier it was to receive the messages and how to apply their guidance daily or to help my clients find the healing they are seeking.
Boom! You got this, babe!
What to do now?!
Like I stated previously, all of the above are just things that I like to do and that work for me, specifically. But I always tell people to follow their own intuition and do what feels best/right for them. Just because some of these things resonate with me, doesn't mean that you should feel inclined to do the same.
I learned these things on my own, taking a bit from here and there, listening to my own inution in a way that I knew would work best for me and how I can use a pendulum for my clients and for myself. Find your own way, as these are simply suggestions.
So please, always follow your own intuition, it will never lead you astray.
I hope that this little article helps someone out there who is beginning to trust their intuition and who would like to use a pendulum on their own. Anyone can do it! The more you trust your intuition and pay attention to all of the messages your guides have to offer you, the easier all of these things will come to you. It can be a beneficial tool to help you understand your path and find some comfort in their messages!
You are amazing and can do this!
