How To Use A Pendulum
The pendulum is a popular tool for divining and dowsing and like all Wiccan or magickal tools, there are a few things to consider before using a pendulum. Here are a few tips to help you on your way to accurate divination with a tool that has been used for centuries.
Step 1 – Obtaining a pendulum
The first step is to acquire either a pre-made pendulum or make one yourself. There are two parts to a pendulum, the pendulum itself and a chain or string to allow the pendant to move freely. To make your own pendulum you simply need to attach a string to a weighted object of significance, so that it can swing freely.
The pendant can be made of any material you wish; but it is preferable that the object you choose has a little weight to it, to facilitate smooth motion when the pendulum is in use. A gemstone with a particular meaning or significance is a popular choice but a river rock, a crystal shard, sea glass or even a ring are all great options. When choosing a pre-made pendulum, go for the one that looks the most beautiful or attractive to you, selecting tools that ‘speak’ to you like this will allow for greater accuracy later.
The chain connected to the pendant can be made of any material but again, something with a little weight to it helps. It can be plain or decorated with additional gemstones, medallions of power (such as a pentagram or Celtic knot) or crystal beads. Many people also choose to use a favourite necklace as a chain, as it has been close to the body and is imbued with the user’s essence.
Step 2 – Preparing your pendulum for use
As with any sacred tool, purification should be done as soon as possible. A purified object is much more powerful than a contaminated one and objects that feel heavy with dark or hot energy need purification. When clear, they will feel cool or tingly but even if this is the case, err on the side of caution with a new item and perform a purification process regardless.
There are many ways to cleanse a sacred tool – bathing them in moonlight takes time (traditionally leaving them for a full moon cycle is required) but will also charge an item with energy.
Another method of cleansing is to completely cover your Wiccan or magickal tool in herbs. Lay your pendulum inside a bowl and cover the object entirely with herbs such as sage and mint for cleansing, rosemary and basil for protection and lavender for infusing the object with inner peace and bay leaves for aiding clairvoyance. If you have any available, I like to add splinters of cedar to the mixture for added purification properties. Leave the pendulum in the mixture for at least a full cycle of the moon.
A faster method of cleansing a newly acquired pendulum is a sea salt bath. You can bury your sacred tool in dry sea salt for a few hours (salt water may rust the metal parts of the pendulum and can cause some crystals to dissolve).
Step 3 – Warding off negative energies
Now that you have cleansed your new pendulum it will require calibrating. However, before beginning any divination you might consider performing an incantation to ward against negative energies. In a quiet place take some time to center yourself. Trace a pentagram in the air while saying the following incantation;
I am ridding all negative energy from this place
I see only pure light
I feel only pure energies
Aid me in my divination
O’ Blessed Be
Step 4 – Calibrating your pendulum
When you feel ready, take the tip of the string or chain of the pendulum between your thumb and finger and ask it to signal “yes” you will see the pendant begin to move. Generally, pendulums signal a yes with a clockwise circle, or sometimes a front-and-back swing. Thank it and allow the pendulum to come to a standstill. Next, ask the pendulum to signal “no”. Pendulums will usually move in a counter-clockwise circle, or sometimes left-and-right, to signal in the negative. If you are getting muddled reactions don’t worry! Take a deep breath, relax and refocus! The ability to use a pendulum takes practice, as does developing a connection with any tools of magick.
Step 4 – Asking a question
Once you and your pendulum have become attuned, it’s time to ask it a question! There are two methods you can use. You can rely simply on the yes/no method to begin with as it gives more simplified answers. Alternatively, you can use a pendulum chart. A pendulum chart is a wheel with sentences that expand on yes/no answers. To use it, simply ask the pendulum the question and then hold it carefully over each answer written on the chart. If the pendulum begins to react with a ‘yes’ then whatever portion the pendulum is suspended over is the answer to your question! Be sure to thank your pendulum for its help and guidance and make sure you keep it in a safe location.
We have plenty of pendulums and pendulum mats available at our online store https://thesacredwillow.com.au/
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or another’s health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
