Pendulum 101

Pendulums, one of the simplest yet most effective tools in energy and healing work. Pendulums come in many forms from as simple as a makeshift thread and paper clip to as ornate as gold and gems. Depending on use the material may or may not matter but I’ll get more into that in a bit. First we’ll discuss the theory on how they work, next you’ll learn how to choose your own pendulum, and lastly I'll give a bit of instruction how to work the pendulum. Let's get started!

What makes a pendulum actually work? The answer often depends on who you ask. The primary split tends to be between spirit controlling it and the idea of ideomotor response directing the pendulum using micro movements of our muscles.  


First we’ll discuss ideomotor response. The ideomotor response means the unconscious or involuntary movement made in response to a thought or idea rather than to a sensory stimulus (freedictonary.com). “Ideo” relates to idea and “motor” to movement. What this theory states in regard to pendulums is that you will unconsciously direct the pendulum to give you the answer you are most focused be it positive or negative. Some believe that the answers are not directed by your conscious self but rather the pendulum is enabling to get a direct line to our subconscious or our higher self. The higher self is plugged into the universe and so the higher self has all the answers you need. In this theory your experience is just between you and your pendulum no other being or influence involved.


The second theory on how a pendulum works is the idea that spirit controls it. This “spirit” can be a human soul, angels, supernatural beings, or the divine. When you ask questions you are asking the universe or these beings and they are the ones answering you. In one belief the spirit physically moves and manipulates the pendulum itself. The other belief is that the spirit works by manipulating your body causing you to create the micro movements to give the answer they want.


Now that we have some idea on the theory behind how the pendulum works let’s go over how to choose your pendulum. There are pendulums made of every material known to man so how is one to know which type of pendulum they are to use? That depends entirely what you are planning to use it for. If you are planning to use your pendulum for healing you may want to choose certain gemstones that may lend a helping hand for instance. Even if you have a specific gemstone or type of pendulum in mind I always say follow your intuition. You may be searching for one type but if you find another that seems to call to you get that one instead. Often you will be directed to the pendulum you are supposed to get at the present time. Sometimes it will even be given to you.

Once you obtain your pendulum the next step is to learn how to use the pendulum. Of course this also depends on the intended use you have in mind. While pendulums can be used for healing, the most common use is as an oracle to gain answers on everything from locating things to deep spiritual questions or even more frivolous questions so this will be the primary focus of this article. The important thing to remember is all questions must be stated in a way that you are requesting a yes/no response as the pendulum can’t answer open questions. You can use a chart (some pendulums come with them) they can be purchased or you can create one on your own. You do not have to have a chart, however, but they can be a helpful visual aid.

To start using your pendulum as an oracle, first calm and center yourself. This is an important step because no matter which theory behind the pendulum you believe you can cause a false response by letting passing thoughts override your original question. If a thought pops into your head while you are using the pendulum you may get an answer for that passing thought instead of the question you set out to ask in the first place.

Once you have calmed and centered yourself. Put your elbow on a table and hold the end of the chain/ string of pendulum between your thumb and forefinger. Try to keep your entire body as still as you can while using your pendulum as any movement can cause a false answer. Now that you are in position it’s time to calibrate your pendulum. This part is easy. What you need to do is find out how the pendulum will show you it’s answer. State out loud to your pendulum “Show me ‘yes’.” Wait and watch the pendulum once it picks a direction (either up and down or side to side or clockwise or counter clockwise) repeat this for a “no” response and “do not want to answer’ then if you have a grid align it to the answers you received.

At this point you are ready to start your questions. Some people like to double check that they have properly calibrated by starting with a few basic questions you already know such as “am I a man/woman” or “is my hair color red” and so on. Once they feel everything is set they move forward and ask their questions. It is important to note that as with any oracle tool there is a risk of dependence. Some people become addicted to checking all of their decisions from large to small with their pendulum every day. Keep in mind that the future is always fluid and changing based on our behavior and the world around us. You bear the responsibility for all of your actions even if you checked in with your pendulum first. You don’t need a pendulum to make your decisions so do not give away your personal power. A pendulum is a way to “check in” and give you an idea of things but keep in mind that it’s just a tool like anything else. You can use it as often as you like but if you get to the point where you seem paralyzed and feel anxious when you think of making a decision (large or small) without your pendulum you may want to put it down and take some time to learn to function again without using it until you no longer feel the urge to use it . The same goes for tarot cards or other oracles and yes even for visiting psychics themselves.

A note on healing. One way pendulums are used for healing is to locate places of infection or concern that cannot be readily seen by the naked eye. They are also used to detect if a chakra is aligned during reiki energy work. Pending which way the pendulum spins will show if the chakra is spinning in the correct direction. Pendulums are typically used as tools for detecting location or assessment of condition rather than performing much of the actual healing work themselves.

After using your pendulum it’s a good idea to end your session by saying “thank you” be it to your higher self or the spirit or being you have been working with. When used for healing it is ideal to cleanse your pendulums afterwards to cleanse any negative energy from the healing work that may be present. When your pendulum is being used as an oracle follow your intuition to tell you if you think you need to cleanse it.

There you have it! If you have any questions, comments, concerns feel free to post a comment below!


Your Spirited Guide,
Lyndsey  

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