How to use a divining pendulum

What is a pendulum?
A pendulum is a weighted object hung from a single cord, often crystals are used. It’s also possible to use other objects such as a favourite necklace, a bead, even a key. The pendulum is a very simple tool and one that lets the user tune in to their intuition. The pendulum acts as a receiver and transmitter of information and moves in different ways in response to questions.

What is divining with a pendulum used for?
Divining with a pendulum 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 such as food intolerances.
• Help in finding lost objects.
• Finding water or ley lines (however, dowsing rods are easier to use for this).

 How does pendulum divining work?
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, the universal intelligence. As the pendulum moves, you gain answers in response to questions – it’s best suited 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.

 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 always the case 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 your higher self and the universal intelligence. I usually say the pendulum is a bit like a TV aerial; it picks up small vibrations and magnifies them so you can see the movement. Remember, it’s important to relax!

 What sort of pendulum do I need?
There are a variety of pendulums available for divining, 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. 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.

 Ultimately, whatever your favourite crystal, or the one you feel more drawn to, can be used on a pendulum, if it is rounded or pointed at one end. You can 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, you can then upgrade to a professionally made pendulum.

 Before you start using a pendulum
Before you embark on having a go at using a pendulum, it’s advisable to cleanse it first and charge it with your own energy. The easiest way to cleanse your pendulum for divining is to put it on a windowsill in direct sunlight for a day allowing it to catch the rays of the sun.

To charge it with your energy, hold the pendulum in your hands, closing them 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 prayer or ask the god of your understanding 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.

 How to get started with using a pendulum
Anyone can have a go at using a pendulum, but the main criteria are that you need to start with an open mind and put any doubts to one side.

1. The string, chain or cord of the pendulum should be held between your thumb and forefinger in whichever hand feels most comfortable. Some pendulums have a small metal loop or ring at the top of the chain which can make it easy to hold. Ideally the pendulum chain shouldn’t be too long, especially when you’re first getting started, so if it seems too long or you’ve got excess string or chord, then you can wrap it lightly around your index finger.
2. When you’re ready to start, remember to ask, ‘May I dowse for the good of the universe and everything within it?’
3. 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 your hand away from the bottom of the pendulum. As you move it away, the pendulum will probably start moving. This is perfectly normal. Try and be as relaxed as possible (the more relaxed you are, the better your flow of energy will be) and sit watching the pendulum whilst it moves.
4. After a while it should come to a halt and you can begin to have a go at determining the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ response of your pendulum. 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.
5. 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 between the yes and no responses yet – this is perfectly normal at first and you should be able to tell the difference with more practice. For example, some pendulums will make wide circular movements clockwise or anticlockwise in response to ‘yes’ and one for ‘no’. It’s helpful to repeat this exercise again, several times, before you’re happy with what your ‘yes’ and ‘no’ pendulum responses are.
6. Remember, always finish with a ‘thank you’.

 What type of questions can I ask the pendulum?
The pendulum responds better to questions where there are ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. When you’re starting out and practising, try asking simple questions, like,’Is today Friday?’, ‘Is my best friend’s name Janet?’ or ‘Do I live in the UK?’ This will help you get a better understanding of how your pendulum responds and help you gain more confidence in using it.

As you get more proficient, you can introduce a ‘don’t know/can’t answer’ response for when there is no definite yes or no answer available. You can ask questions about decisions you’re making in your personal life, such as whether to buy a certain book, or go to a specific therapist, whether you can trust someone or whether you’re eating enough healthy food. You can also try fun exercises, such as locating positive energy/ley lines on a map. Hold the pendulum over different parts of a map and see the responses. As you get more experienced, this method can also be used to locate lost people or animals.

More information on Dowsing or Divining with Rods can be discovered by contacting the British Society of Dowsers www.britishdowsers.org