A step-by-step guide to using one of the oldest and simplest divining tools.
When it comes to tools for self-discovery or divination, few are as elegant and simple as the pendulum. These beautiful objects never fail to produce an intriguing session.
They’ve been around for centuries. They are a tool for dowsing and play a role in all sorts of energy work. Like dowsing rods, their movements are used to get insight into personal situations, detect problems in the body, find water or missing objects, or even get a read on global energy to see what the future might hold (although the future is always in flux).
There’s really no limit to what you can explore, but there are some things you should understand first. Here’s a bit of information about using pendulums.
What exactly is a pendulum?
A pendulum is simply any weighted object suspended from a chain, cord, or string. When you do a dowsing session with it, it moves seemingly of its own volition. They can be made from crystal, stone, metal, wood, or even a piece of jewelry. Some people slip a string through their wedding ring for a pendulum session wherever they are.
When choosing one for yourself, don’t overthink it; simply pick something that appeals to you. However, if you’re choosing crystal, remember that they lend energetic qualities that may speak to you. The old wisdom for crystals is to hold several in your hand. If one feels warm or vibrational to the touch, that’s your crystal.
How to use a pendulum
The basic concept is simple. Hold the top of the string with your thumb and index finger. Allow the weight of the pendulum to hang at the bottom of the string. As you observe it, the pendulum will begin to move. As the session proceeds, you can ask questions and receive answers based on the pendulum’s movement.
Fascinated? Here’s how to do a session.
First, energetically cleanse your pendulum. You can do this by placing it on a windowsill where it will receive moonlight, a powerful cleanser and empowerment. Or you can use sound, incense, or simply visualize the pendulum as cleansed.
Connect with it. Hold it in your enclosed hand and center yourself. Take a few moments to relax, breathe, and become present. Visualize the object in your mind—this mini-meditation creates a connection.
Set an intention for the session. What do you hope to learn? You may wish to say a prayer or invite your spirit guide to join the session.
Establish signals. Gaze at the pendulum as it hangs motionless at the bottom of the string. Say, show me yes. Observe how it moves; right to left? Back and forth? In a small circle, or a large one? Ask it to show you no, maybe, and I don’t know, noting how it moves for each response.
Begin asking clear, yes-or-no questions. Pendulums work best with more specific questions rather than broad general ones, although you may get some interesting answers either way.
Instead of asking, What should I do about my life? Try asking, Would pursuing this opportunity support my highest good at this time? You can also use a pendulum board to get more specific and varied answers.Journal. Write down your questions, your intuitive impressions, and then the answers you get from the pendulum. You may find your intuitive powers are stronger than you knew.
Remember that pendulum work tends to be most effective when approached with curiosity rather than urgency.
Do pendulums really work?
Can pendulums really give you answers from the spiritual realm? Perhaps. Who can be sure? Many believe a spiritual entity or God is moving the pendulum. Or maybe it’s a reflection of your subconscious. Have you ever been unsure about a decision and flipped a coin, only to be disappointed with the result? The coin flip showed you what you wanted. Maybe a pendulum reveals your true desire in the same way.
If your mind is open and curious, a pendulum can bridge the gap between conscious thought and deeper awareness. Its answers might reveal your own perspectives, assumptions, or internal blocks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Write down your feelings about the answers you get and take time to examine them.
The goal isn't to ask the pendulum what to believe. The goal is to use it as a conversation with parts of yourself that may already hold wisdom and clarity.
10 beautiful pendulums to buy right now.
While writing this blog, I came across some gorgeous pendulums. If you’re curious about trying this technique, these might make beautiful additions to your sacred space or a nice gift to someone who’s open to trying it.
GrimoireGroveDesigns, Opal Pendulum, Silver Filigree on Etsy.
LPMoonStudio, Pendulum and board dowsing kit on Etsy.
JakeTheBearWondra, Sliced Brown Sea Shell with Apatite Beads on Etsy.
Myhealingworld Store, Copper Chamber Pendulum for Reiki Healing, Dowsing & Chakra Balancing on Amazon.
AHANDMAKER Pendulum Board Set on Amazon.
VladiaArt Luna moth pendulum board on Etsy.
Wooden Pendulum With Chamber at Pure Modern Living.
Shaman Sondra Copper Dowsing Pendulum on the TikTok Shop.
7 Chakra 3 Piece Joint Pendulum on Hipimi.
P-simmers Bronze Copper Metal Dowsing Pendulum, on eBay.
Are pendulums safe?
Many people that they’re receiving messages from a demon or a dark entity of some kind. But you are in control of what you believe. Just like any foray into the mystical, take precautions first. Begin your session by inviting only loving, benevolent energies: angels, spirit guides, higher self, ancestors, or Divine Source. You can also ask your own subconscious to answer. Setting your intention for your highest good only and placing guardrails about who can answer allows you to have a meaningful experience that offers helful growth.
Follow the steps, do the journaling, and see where the experience takes you.