How to Use Pendulums

The use of pendulums for divining, or finding answers to specific questions, can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt. Pendulum divination; also called dowsing, rhabdomancy, or water witching, is believed to be used the world over as a device to connect with our Higher Source, Inner Wisdom, or even our Spirit Guides to gain insight into profound or every day issues. This article will explain the different types of pendulums available, how to obtain or fashion your own pendulum, and how to use your pendulum effectively for yourself and others to gain clarity and insight into any questions you may have about your life or the lives of others.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Learning to divine with a pendulum is relatively easy. Acquire a pendulum for your personal use. You can choose from a variety of ready-made pendulums for purchase from New Age shops, some bookstores or online. Pendulums come in many varieties, from the simple to the ornate. Some people prefer to fashion their own pendulums from items they find around the house. This is perfectly acceptable and will not effect the outcome of your reading.
• If you choose to make your own, you'll need something lightweight and flexible, such as a length of string, chain, cord or ribbon to suspend the pendulum. The length is optional, but usually 6 to 9 inches is adequate. A jump ring or other loop to attach the pendulum may also be necessary. You will also need a weighted object of some sort to serve as the indicator end of the pendulum. This can be anything from a metal bob or washer to a heavy nail, key or wedding ring. Attach the weighted object to the length of material and you're ready for action.

How to Use Your Pendulum for Divining

1. Many people like to cleanse or "clear" their pendulum before using it for the first time. To do this, simply pass the pendulum a few times through running water, burning incense smoke or place in a container of sea salt for an hour or so. Afterward, "charge" your pendulum by holding it in the palm of your hand and sitting quietly for a few moments. This will help the pendulum to align with your energies.

2. Choose a comfortable, quiet place to begin your first divining session. After a bit of practice you can use your pendulum just about anywhere, but for now, find someplace with a minimum of distractions. Sit comfortably and clear your mind of all extraneous thoughts. Focus only on the purpose of this session.

3. Hold your pendulum a few inches from your body, about midway along the chain or chord, suspending the pendulum from between your thumb, index and middle fingers. Fold your remaining fingers in along your palm, using them to secure the other end of the chain. Allow your wrist to to drop downward, so that the pendulum is dangling, point down, above the upturned palm of your other hand, a paper diagram or a table. This enables you to better discern the pendulum's movements.

4. Take a few deep breaths to relax, clearing your thoughts and grounding your energies. Focus your gaze upon the pendulum and in a clear, confident tone say aloud, "Pendulum, please show me a yes response."
   Hold your hand perfectly still and wait for the pendulum to begin moving. It will likely swing side to side in front of you, backward and forward toward and away from you, diagonally in either direction or in a circle. If the pendulum doesn't appear to move right away, have some patience. It takes a bit of time for the pendulum to align with your vibration, and its movements may at first be very slight. If after a few moments you still don't see any movement, make your request again and continue to focus on the pendulum.

5. Once you have determined the pendulum's yes response, clearly say, "Pendulum, please stop."
   Wait for the pendulum to be still. When it has ceased moving completely, ask the pendulum to show you its "no" response in the same manner as you asked for its "yes" response. Remember to always state your directions clearly and aloud, if possible.
   The pendulum should begin moving in a different direction than it did when you asked it to show you its "yes" response. If it moves the same way as the yes response, restate your request and focus.

6. Now that you have determined the pendulum's "no" response, again ask the pendulum to stop. You may decide that you'd like to determine a maybe response from your pendulum in case the answer cannot be determined at the time your question is asked. This step is entirely up to you, and if you choose this option, repeat the steps above to determine a maybe response.

7. Once you have determined the pendulum's yes, no and maybe responses, it is time to begin to ask your questions. You may wish to test your vibrational alignment with the pendulum by asking questions with obvious answers, such as "Is my mother's name Mary?" or "Is today Tuesday?"
   When you are satisfied with the pendulum's response to the test questions, relax, focus your thoughts on the matter at hand, and begin asking your desired questions. Be sure to ask clear, concise yes/no questions. When more clarity is needed, ask for more information in a yes/no format.

8. When you are finished asking your questions, be sure to thank the pendulum for its guidance, and "clear" the pendulum by washing with water, passing through the smoke of burning incense or dipping it in sea salt.
   Store your pendulum in a safe place where it will be not be touched by others. Since a pendulum is most effective when it has aligned itself to your energies, it's best to not allow others to handle your personal pendulum. Each time you consult your pendulum, remember to first determine the pendulum's yes and no responses before proceeding. This is for clarity's sake, because the response pattern could change from time to time.

Tips & Warnings

• Using the Pendulum for Others: Over time, you can begin to use your pendulum to help others gain more clarity in their own lives. This usually works best after you've been using your pendulum for quite awhile, and when you are divining for someone that you know very well. Have the other person focus on his or her question while you ask it to the pendulum. Just be sure to remain neutral to whatever the answers are. Oftentimes we feel that we know what's best for those that we care about, and it's important to avoid trying to project your own feelings onto what the pendulum is saying to your friend or family member. In order to truly help them, you must allow the pendulum to give authentic answers. If you feel that your pendulum is not supplying you with correct responses, check the following reasons: • Poor communication--Be specific when you ask your pendulum a question, and always use a yes/no format. • Using a pendulum when you are feeling physically exhausted--If possible, wait until you are rested before proceeding. • Trying to force a desired answer instead of the correct one--try not to answer the same question repeatedly, or to project the answer you want onto your pendulum. Remember that you want the truth, not just your version of it. • Being ungrounded or emotionally unstable--if you are emotionally upset while you are using your pendulum, the reading may not be entirely accurate. Try to breathe deeply into your belly, calming and grounding yourself before proceeding. • Focusing too heavily on the pendulum itself, instead of the question at hand. • Using pendulum while being too close to high frequency items, such as TVs, computers, or power lines--ensure that you are at least three feet away from a TV or computer. Also make sure that there are no powerful power lines or power plants in the vicinity of your reading. These are known to disrupt energetic communications.
• Remember that your pendulum is a tool; a way of communicating with higher sources of wisdom. It is there to facilitate acquiring insight and clarity. What you do with the information you gain is entirely up to you. Bear in mind that your pendulum and the information you glean should not be a replacement for common sense, or for medical advice from a qualified health care professional. If you are concerned that you may have a health condition, please see your doctor or health care practitioner for diagnosis and treatment options.