How To Use a Pendulum for Divination
The first time I used a pendulum, I honestly didn’t expect it to work.
My 6-year-old niece was sitting with me, and she’d found it on my desk and asked what it was. The pendulum was brand new, recently arrived in the mail from an Etsy shop. I wanted to try using it, by all means. I was very curious, and I did really believe that it would work – but not straightaway, certainly not so easily — and not with my energetic niece sitting with me at the time!
But it worked immediately! I simply asked, ‘show me yes’ and instantly it started swinging. Then I said, ‘show me no’, and it turned around and swung the other way with so much energy!
My niece just outright accepted it immediately, in the way kids do. Or she thought I was doing it deliberately, perhaps. She quickly moved on, but I sat there after she left, amazed.
Whatever it is that causes the pendulum to swing – whether it’s just the subconscious mind, or if it’s something greater, such as angels, spirits or guides influencing it’s movements – it astonishes me every time, with the sheer force and power of its swings.
My pendulum has become like my little friend, who always gives me straight up answers to my questions. I feel actual love for this little crystal pendant, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it in today’s video/post!
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Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog! I am SO glad you’re here today to talk about pendulums with me. I hope that you find it helpful!
So, what’s the deal with pendulums? Today I hope to dispel some of the misconceptions, explain a couple of theories on how they might work, and show you how I use them with demonstrations in the video. I hope that it answers all your questions, but if you’d like to learn more, drop a comment down below or feel free to message me over on Instagram @eboniehyland. There is also a list of resources and recommendations at the end of this post, too!
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What Is A Pendulum?
Put simply, a pendulum is a weighted object, usually a pendant of some kind, at the end of a string or chain, that is suspended in the air and can swing in any direction. The pendant is commonly made from crystal, but it can also be metal, wood or glass. My pendulum is made of selenite crystal on a metal chain.
You could definitely try making your own pendulum! Or you can easily use a necklace that you already have, or even a ring on a chain or string. My amethyst necklace works as a pendulum for instance, as I show in the video above. So, if you really want to try using a pendulum but don’t have one, maybe see if you can use a necklace or ring first.
When it comes to purchasing a pendulum, the ideal would be to go to a local crystal shop that sources their products ethically. Take your time to select a pendulum that feels right to you, even if that means waiting for the right one to catch your eye. But if you don’t have a local shop that sells them, and/or you’re stuck in lockdown because of COVID, it is still very possible to find a pendulum online. I recommend trying Etsy or looking for local brands that source crystals ethically. I’ll link below to the Australian online store, The Mandala Flow, where I purchased mine, if you’re interested. Wherever you find your pendulum, or if you’re simply using a necklace, be sure to cleanse it before you use it too! More on that soon.
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How Does A Pendulum Work?
Theory 1: It’s Your Subconscious Mind
Some believe that the pendulum swings because your subconscious mind sends nerves to your hand, causing it to move ever so slightly.
If that is the case, the micro movement must be so slight, because I can’t feel or notice it at all. The logical side of me believes that this reason makes the most sense though – especially when you consider that deep down, you likely know the answers to any questions you may ask.
Another common way I’ve heard it described is that the pendulum brings together the rational and intuitive sides of you, using both the left and right sides of your brain. It allows you to gain knowledge and insight on your questions in a similar way journaling or meditating can.
In a way, I find that using a pendulum can be very similar to journaling. I talk to my pendulum as if I’m writing down what’s on my mind, while pausing to reflect and think deeply as I write.
Using the pendulum is like asking for guidance and clarity – similar to any form of divination, from rune casting to card reading. Though many do believe that all forms of divination, including using a pendulum, are about connecting with much more than one’s intuition…
Theory 2: Connecting with Spirits, Angels or Guides
Many believe that using a pendulum connects you to spirits, guides, angels or higher beings. Some go further to describe how many different deities they have contact with, and how the energy shifts between them. If you write out letters you can ask the pendulum to spell out the names of the different spirits you are connecting with, for instance.
I’ve linked down below to a video by The Wholeness Shift on YouTube, ‘How To Use A Pendulum To Talk To Your Spirit Guides And Angels’. So if this topic is interesting to you or you’re curious about how it might work, I definitely recommend that video!
It’s very hard to know whether your pendulum is connected with a spirit, or whether it’s simply reflecting what you believe in your subconscious… I suppose there’s not really any way of knowing for sure, without any kind of evidence. All I know for sure is that I am not deliberately swinging the pendulum in any way, and it’s really amazing to see it move so powerfully!
Whatever you believe it is that causes the pendulum to swing, when you try it for yourself you know that you are definitely not moving it deliberately at least! My pendulum turns so quick, without my hand or arm moving at all (at least noticeably!) that it still surprises me sometimes!!
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How To Use A Pendulum
First: Cleanse & Create Space
First things first, cleanse your pendulum AND your surroundings! Even if you believe it’s just your subconscious that you’re talking to, cleansing will still help you get into the right frame of mind. Free yourself of negativity, banish any lingering energies, and simultaneously clear your space from distractions and clutter. It’s worth doing regardless of your beliefs! Here’s what I do, just as a suggestion, but do what feels right to you.
To cleanse my room, I use essential oils in my diffuser, and/or burn incense. I also often use a singing bowl, running the mallet anti-clockwise to rid the space of negativity and bad vibes. I can talk more in depth about how to cleanse your room or house in another video if you like!
I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I believe, but doing these things makes me feel more in control and relaxed, and that is reason enough to do it in my opinion.
I don’t cleanse the pendulum all the time, just if I feel like it needs it (like after a long, in-depth session). To cleanse an object such as a pendulum, you can run it through incense smoke or use the energy of the moon. There are so many cleansing options, it really is a whole other video! My pendulum is made of selenite, which is a wonderful crystal that you can use to cleanse things too, and many believe it cleanses itself! I have a bar of selenite that I place crystals or jewellery on to charge and cleanse, too.
So now your space and pendulum has been cleansed, clear away any clutter, maybe light a candle if you like, and place any crystals nearby that you feel will help you, particularly any that are grounding and protective (such as black tourmaline).
Also have a notebook handy, in case you want to write down anything. Even have a list of questions ready if you like — this can be super helpful!
From my experience, stopping and starting is okay, as I’m often interrupted. I asked once if my pendulum minded the interruptions and it said no!
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Holding the Pendulum & Learning Its Responses
The best way to hold the pendulum is with your elbow on a table, so you can really keep your arm and hand steady. I use my non-dominant left hand to hold the chain, looping it through my fingers as you can see in today’s video. Make sure you’re comfortable, and try to minimise distractions as best you can. Turn your phone to silent or switch it off!
The first thing to do with the pendulum is to ask for it to show you its responses. Take note of how the pendulum swings for yes and no.
It can swing forwards, backwards, sideways, in circles, or it could jitter on the spot.
Ask “show me yes” and “show me no” a few times, until you’re sure of it’s movements and can easily recognise the difference. Also consider asking for maybe and unknown responses if you like.
To be certain that the responses are accurate, start by asking questions that you are 100% certain of the answers. For example: “Is my name Ebonie?” Yes! “Are my eyes blue?” No.
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Using a Pendulum Board
If it helps, you can use a pendulum board and ask the pendulum to follow what is written on the board. Having a pendulum board can be helpful, but it’s not necessary! Plus, if you do want to try it out, you could easily just write out any number of answers on a piece of paper. In today’s video, I show you how easy it is to create your own pendulum board!
So if you want more information than just yes or no, you can write out letters, or particular answers. You can get SO much guidance from this, and can also get to the point a lot quicker. If you find yourself asking the same or similar set of questions all the time, try writing them out on a DIY pendulum board instead.
On that note, it’s important to ask the right questions too. Think about it before you pick up the pendulum, as much as you can. What is it you’d like guidance about?
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Suggestions & Demonstrations
Here are just a few of the many ways you can use your pendulum!
You can ask about the future!
Though as I’ve said in my videos before, the purpose of divination is to connect with your intuition and to understand yourself better. If it’s predicting any future events, I believe you still have the control. It’s up to you to make things happen, however much you may be guided in the process.
You can find lost objects!
It’s like a game of hot or cold – you ask a series of questions in the form of ‘Is the object in this direction?’, “Is the object on the desk?” etc. while moving throughout your space. To see an example of this in real life, check out today’s video where I look for a ring on my desk!
You can reinforce what you already know, deep down.
“Will this job benefit me in a positive way?” “Will spending money on this product truly benefit me?” Even, “Do I need more sleep?” “Do I need to meditate?”
You can use it to pick a particular Tarot or Oracle card (or even rune stone).
Fan out your cards and ask your Pendulum to help you pick, drawing whichever card the pendulum responds ‘yes’ to. I also demonstrate this in today’s video, asking the pendulum to “show me yes” when it finds the Tarot card I most need to see today.
You can use it to make decisions.
“Is it a good idea to message this person?” “Should I have another coffee?” “Should I go for a walk today?”
You can (possibly) connect with higher beings!
If you do believe that there’s more to it than the subconscious, and that it’s actually spirits or guides of some kind communicating with you, then you can take your questions to a whole other level!
I’ve experimented a little with this idea by asking questions that my subconscious is very unlikely to know, such as “Is there any negative energy in this space?”, “Am I able to communicate with my ancestors?” and “Am I connecting with a spirit guide right now?”, etc.
Although who really knows what knowledge we have deep down… And my mind could be impacting the answers either way!
There are SO many possibilities! The sky truly is the limit when it comes to using your pendulum. I hope what I’ve shared here today will help get you started!
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I know there are likely people watching this thinking, there’s no way a pendulum actually works on its own. The doubters and sceptics might not get any response from it, and it will only reinforce their idea that it doesn’t work.
I believe that a pendulum will only work when you believe it will. Whatever your reason, or if you genuinely don’t understand it like me but trust that it’s a helpful tool either way, there is so much to be gained from this practice that it’s worth trying it for yourself.
I honestly haven’t made up my mind. I’m not willing to dismiss any ideas, unless they’re proven otherwise. In learning and delving into divination and spirituality, I think it’s important to keep an open mind. Rather than dismiss things that we can’t understand or prove scientifically, I am willing to believe that they are possible.
You’ve likely heard the phrase: I’ll believe it when I see it. But I think sometimes, we need to believe in something in order to see it.
Now you might be ready to loudly proclaim “I do believe in fairies, I do I do!” like in Peter Pan, and be sadly disappointed when your statement (no matter how much conviction and meaning you use to say it) doesn’t send Tinker Bell and friends your way immediately!
But when it comes to the pendulum swinging, if you believe that it’s possible, with whatever reasons you tell yourself – it will very likely work.
You may be astonished by how well it works!
Don’t doubt it, don’t overanalyse it, but believe, and it might become an effective, beautiful tool that can help you in life.
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So, what do you think of pendulums? Have your tried using one before, or do you want to? What do you think it is that causes them to swing?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below! If you have any questions or feedback, also drop them below or feel free to follow me on Instagram @eboniehyland – I’d love to see you over there!
For anyone new here, I also do free Tarot readings in my weekly newsletter! I’ve just added the option of listening to the reading too — so you can listen to a five-minute weekly reading, while making your coffee first thing Monday mornings! I’m seriously LOVING sharing a Newsletter each week, so I hope you’ll consider signing up at the bottom of this page!
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I hope you’re having a lovely day/night, wherever you are in the world. Thank you so much for being here today!
So much love,
Ebonie xx
Resources and Recommendations
✧ Selenite Pendulum - Available from ‘The Mandala Flow’ Etsy Store.
✧ Wooden Pendulum Board - Available from 'Yiska Designs' Etsy Store.
✧ ‘The Golden Universal Tarot Deck.’ Available from Amazon.
✧ ‘Using Pendulums in Your Craft’ by The Witch of Wonderlust on YouTube.
✧ ‘Pendulums and how to use them || Enchanted Endeavors EP. 22’ by Harmony Nice on YouTube.
✧ ‘How To Use A Pendulum To Talk To Your Spirit Guides And Angels’ by The Wholeness Shift on YouTube.
✧ For totally FREE weekly tarot readings, plus a Rune Stone PDF Guide (and so much more to come!) scroll down to sign up for my weekly newsletter!
*Disclaimer: Please note that any recommended products from Amazon may be affiliate links. If any purchases are made through these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!