How to Use a Pendulum Properly to Find Answers

Learning how to use a pendulum is a simple way to get answers and connect with your intuition. Many people start with a crystal pendulum, but any balanced object on a string or chain will work. A labeled pendulum board can help you find clear guidance, especially if it’s your first time.

Some people believe the movement comes from spirits or universal energy, but others see it as a way to connect with their subconscious and intuition. Using a pendulum properly can add something special to your witchcraft or spiritual practice.

Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout OR at the bottom of this article.

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What is a Pendulum?

A pendulum is a simple tool witches and spiritual practitioners use for divination and guidance. A weighted object is fastened to a chain or string, allowing it to swing easily and freely (basically not restricted in any way).

Some spiritual practitioners ask yes-or-no questions, while others use a board or tools to receive more in-depth answers (similar to a Ouija Board).

Pendulums can be made from different materials, including crystal, metal, and wood. Each practitioner will have their own preference for the best type, but any well-balanced weight will work. Any length or cord type will work.

How Does a Pendulum Work?

This is a topic of hot debate in the witchcraft community! Some spiritual practitioners believe a pendulum moves because of spirits, deities, ancestors, or even a beloved pet who has passed. It’s a way to receive answers from the divine or connect with otherworldly spiritual energy.

However, others (like myself) believe the movement comes from our subconscious mind and connects with our intuition. This happens because of the ideomotor effect, where tiny muscle movements create motion without us realizing it. It’s our body’s response to what’s in our subconscious mind! Isn’t that fascinating?

Either way, a pendulum works best with clear intentions and focus. Allow yourself to relax and completely open your mind to possibilities.

What is a Pendulum Used for in Witchcraft?

Witches and spiritual practitioners use a pendulum in a variety of ways. It’s great to use alongside tarot or oracle cards for additional insight. It can also help you connect with spirits, ancestors, or even Fae. You can use pendulums in spellwork, divination, energetic healing, and finding lost objects.

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How to Choose the Right Pendulum For You

Some beginners are drawn to pendulums that look nice, but the most important aspect is your connection and how you feel when you hold it. The stronger your connection, the easier it is to trust your pendulum and receive answers.

Test your connection by holding the pendulum by the chain and seeing how it feels. Does it swing easily when you ask it to? It might not be the best fit for you if it’s still or takes a long time to respond.

There’s no perfect shape or material. What matters is what works for you; use your intuition! Trust me, you’ll know which one pendulum is best.

Different Types of Pendulums

Some people prefer crystal pendulums, while others prefer metal or wood. However, all kinds of supplies work well for pendulums. You could even DIY your own!

It could be a necklace, a key, a ribbon tied around a Hag Stone, or a ring or metal washer at the end of a string.

Most witches and spiritual practitioners believe the type of material influences the pendulum’s energy. Keep reading to understand the most popular types of pendulums.

What Crystal is Best for a Pendulum?

One kind of crystal isn’t necessarily better than another when using a pendulum. However, I recommend considering your intention if you’re concerned about it. For example, if you’re doing an energetic healing or spiritual cord-cutting, choose a crystal with properties to support your work.

Here are a few popular choices and their intentions to help get you started:

• Amythyst (intuition, spiritual growth, and connects you with the otherworld)
• Clear Quartz (amplifies energy)
• Green Calcite (compassion and balancing emotions)
• Black Obsidian (grounding and protection)
• Rose Quartz (emotional healing)

Wood Pendulum

Wooden pendulums are popular for their grounding and natural energy. Many witches and spiritual practitioners believe in animism. Since wood comes from living trees, it’s connected to the Earth element.

It’s a great choice for anyone who works with Nature spirits or Fae. Wood has a gentle and balanced energy and works well for emotional readings.

If you’re looking for specific types of wood and their spiritual meanings, I recommend checking out my article on The Ogham Alphabet and each tree’s association and meaning.

Metal Pendulum

Metal pendulums are known for their strength, durability, and ability to channel energy. Copper is a favorite choice because it conducts energy well. It also has antibacterial properties, which makes it helpful for healing and energy work.

Brass and silver are also commonly used. Silver is connected to lunar energy and intuition.

Glass Pendulum

Glass pendulums are valued for their clarity and beauty. Some spiritual practitioners believe glass provides a pure connection to one’s subconscious or spirit guide. It’s also a good choice if you prefer something lightweight.

How to Use a Pendulum Properly

Using a pendulum is more than just watching it swing; it’s about building a spiritual connection. Once you’ve worked with a few, you’ll notice each has its own personality, and they often respond in unique ways.

The more you practice, the easier it will be to interpret answers and trust the process. Let me walk you through how to use a pendulum below!

Preparing to Use a Pendulum

It’s always a good idea to ground and center yourself before using a pendulum. This will help keep your mind focused and prevent outside influences from messing with your answers. Center yourself and ground your energy for the most effective results. Remember, a scattered mind always leads to scattered spell results.

Next, you’ll want to cleanse the pendulum to remove any negative energy and ensure the pendulum is only tuned to you. Feel free to do this using the cleansing method of your choice. When you’re done, set an intention. What do you want to know? Are you looking for guidance, clarity, or connection?

How to Protect Yourself When Using a Pendulum

Some witches and practitioners believe spirits or negative forces can influence you or your results. No matter your beliefs, protecting yourself is a smart move. When you work with a pendulum, you want clear answers without any interference.

Try out different methods and see what works best for you:

• Grounding: If you haven’t already, check out the section above on grounding to get centered before you begin.
• Cast a Circle: Some practitioners, especially Wiccans, like to create a protective barrier. This can be as simple as visualizing a ring of light around you or using candles, crystals, or ritual tools.
• Wear a Spiritual Veil: Cover your head with a scarf or hat, which will help shield your energy and keep outside forces from interfering. This is a popular choice when working with spirits or deities.
• Visualize a Protective Shield: Imagine a strong, glowing light surrounding you. It’s impenetrable, like an energetic force field. Another method is visualizing mirrors facing away from you and bouncing anything away that doesn’t serve you.
• Use Protective Crystals: Black tourmaline, Obsidian, and Tigers Eye are great choices. You may even choose to wear them as jewelry.
• Salt, Herbs, or Sigils: A sprinkle of salt, a protective herb like rosemary, or drawing a small sigil in your space will work well.
• Set Intentions Out Loud: Before you begin, say aloud that only helpful, truthful, and beneficial energy is allowed to communicate with you.

How to Use a Pendulum for the First Time

Using a pendulum is pretty simple, but getting clear and accurate answers might take a little practice. Try to think of it as a conversation. You might not get a clear response if you don’t communicate your question clearly. Follow the steps below to avoid common mistakes and build a strong connection.

Get a Grip

• Hold the pendulum by the top of the chain between your thumb and index finger. Keep your grip firm but relaxed.
• If the chain is too long, wrap it around your finger a little or adjust where you hold it. The pendulum should have room to swing freely.
• Rest your elbow on a stable surface to keep your hand steady. If you prefer, you can let your arm hang freely, but avoid shaking or unintentional movement.

Establishing Yes and No

• Before asking your question, you need to figure out how your pendulum responds.
• Start by asking, “Show me yes.” Watch how the pendulum swings. It may move forward and back, side to side, or even in a circle (clockwise or counterclockwise).
• Next, ask, “Show me no.” Pay attention to how it moves differently.
• Repeat this a few times to confirm directions. If it seems unclear, take a deep breath, center yourself, and try again.

Ask the Right Questions

• Pendulums work best with yes or no questions (although other spiritual practitioners may disagree with me on that). The more specific you are, the better your results.
• Good Examples:
  • Is this crystal good to use in my spell?
  • Should I focus on self-care and rest today?
  • Would this job opportunity be good for me?
• Questions to Avoid:
  • When will I meet my soulmate? (Pendulums rarely provide helpful timelines)
  • What’s my life purpose? (Too broad, not a yes or no question)

What If It Doesn’t Move?

• Sometimes, the pendulum stays still or moves in a way that doesn’t fit yes or no. This could mean:
  • It doesn’t know the answer (or YOU’RE not meant to know yet).
  • The question is unclear or too complicated
  • You need to cleanse your pendulum and try again later

Learning to use a pendulum is about building trust with it. Keep your energy calm, ask clear questions, and don’t force an answer. The more you practice, the better your results will be!

How to Use a Pendulum for Divination

Pendulums are a quick and easy way to get answers, which makes them a very popular tool for divination. You can use them to help make decisions, check the energy of a situation, or decide if now is a good time to take action.

Some spiritual practitioners even use it to locate lost objects. Try this for yourself by holding the pendulum and asking if you’re facing the right direction. Move through this step-by-step until you find the object you’re looking for.

Pendulum divination is also very handy in spellwork. If you’re crafting a spell, you can ask if you’ve added enough herbs, if a certain candle color is best, or if a specific day is good for spellcasting. You could even ask if your spell worked or if you need to cast it again.

Remember to keep your questions simple and clear. This allows the pendulum to help you without overcomplicating the process.

How to Use a Pendulum for Healing

Pendulums can be powerful tools for energetic healing in addition to medical advice from your doctor. Some practitioners use them to scan the body for areas holding tension, pain, or imbalanced energy.

To do this, ask the pendulum simple questions like, “Is there a blockage here?” or “Does this area need attention?“. This will help you better understand where to focus your healing efforts.

If you’re using a pendulum to help someone else, I recommend asking it to connect with their ancestors, spirit guides, or even a beloved pet that’s passed. This will help give you additional insight and ensure the answers aren’t meant for you.

How Do I Use a Pendulum to Find Answers From Spirits?

Connecting with spirits through a pendulum is a lot like automatic writing or meditating; you need to relax your mind. I prefer to enter a trance-like state by focusing on my breathing in a quiet space, free from distractions. I also prefer to wear headphones and listen to hemi-sync tones, but the choice is up to you!

Before you begin, read the section above, How to Protect Yourself When Using a Pendulum. It will help you set up protection to keep out unwanted energy. When you’re ready, call on the spirit you wish to speak with and ask them to guide the pendulum.

You can connect ancestors, spirit guides, pets who’ve passed away, or even deities like Brigid, Hekate, Medea, and Rhiannon. Remember to be patient. Spirits don’t always answer immediately, or the message may differ from what you expected.

How to Use a Pendulum Board

A pendulum board adds another layer of depth to divination. This advanced technique offers more in-depth answers that go beyond simple yes/no responses. Feel free to use whatever board resonates with you. It can be simple or more intricate with letters and numbers.

Choose a Board

Pendulum boards are very popular and come in many different styles and colors. Some feature yes/no/maybe, while others include letters, numbers, or symbols, similar to a Ouija board. You can also easily create your own by writing on a piece of paper.

Connecting with the Board

Hold the pendulum over the board and ask it to connect with its energy. Try saying, “Will you work with this board?” or “Can you show me how you’ll respond on this board?”

Test the Connection

Ask a few establishing questions to ensure the pendulum’s responses align with the board. If the pendulum answers correctly, feel free to proceed. If not, restart or try a different board or pendulum. Some examples include:

• “Is my name [insert your name]?”
• “Am I currently indoors?”
• “Is today [insert day of the week]?”

Working with Complex Boards

Some boards include words, months, or letters. To work with these boards, allow the pendulum to hover over each section or word and notice where you get the strongest response. For example:

• “Which month will be my most prosperous?” – Move the pendulum over each month and see which one reacts.
• “What message do I need to hear?” – Hover over the alphabet, writing down each letter the pendulum selects to form a word or phrase.

Patience is Important

If the pendulum doesn’t respond immediately, take a deep breath and try again. Sometimes, a different pendulum or board works better for certain questions or energies.

Other Divination Techniques

Here are a few other types of divination techniques you may want to try!

I hope you now fully understand How to Use a Pendulum! Sending you love, and remember, as always…