What is a Pendulum and How to Use One

What is a Pendulum and How to Use One:

Divination tools are a wide variety these days, items like oracle cards, tarot cards, Ouija boards, runes, crystals, grids, sprays, candles, and so much more are ever on the rise in the witchcraft community. But today let’s talk about a classic that should be in every witch's toolbox. The pendulum! The word "pendulum" comes from the Latin word pendulums, which means "hanging". A pendulum is a tool that is usually a weighted item on a chain or string, this can vary from a pointed crystal on a chain, to a charm on a string such as a necklace. The pendulum has been noted throughout history with uses being seen in the Oracle of Delphi, French explorers, and scientists from as early as 1500 BCE. 

Dowsing

Crystals are a popular use for pendulums as they already hold their own healing frequency which is believed to enhance the use of the pendulum. Pendulums have been employed as a method for locating the unseen, a practice known as dowsing. Dowsing is a practice that involves using a tool, such as a pendulum, rod, or forked stick, to locate hidden or unseen objects. Historically, it has been used to find water, minerals, oil, and other subterranean resources, but it is also sometimes employed to seek out lost items, answer questions, or locate people. Practitioners, known as dowsers, hold the tool and interpret its movements as they walk over the area being searched. The belief is that the tool's movements are influenced by unseen energies or forces, guiding the dowser to the target. While dowsing has a long history and some anecdotal support, it is generally regarded with skepticism by the scientific community due to a lack of empirical evidence validating its effectiveness.

How Does it Work?

Pendulums work by using our bodies subtle yet influential movements, combined with the deeper knowledge of our subconscious minds to give an answer. Most people will use a pendulum to see if energy is blocked in centers, or to give clarity on simple yes or no questions. It works by first starting in a comfortable and still position, you will then hold the end of the pendulum chain or string in between two fingers, whichever ones are the most comfortable. You then hold very still and ask a question. The pendulum usually spins in a circle before beginning to go back and forth or side to side. It is important that before using a pendulum you sit with it and ask it what yes or no will look like and gain a good idea of what each answer will look like. Typically yes is front to back while no is a side to side motion.

The Ideomotor Effect

The ideomotor effect is a psychological phenomenon where a person makes unconscious, subtle movements without intending to. These movements are often influenced by thoughts, beliefs, or expectations, even though the person may be unaware they are causing them. In practical terms, when someone uses a tool like a pendulum or a dowsing rod, the ideomotor effect can cause the tool to move in response to the person's subconscious thoughts or feelings. This effect can make it seem as though the tool is moving on its own or being influenced by external forces, but it is actually the result of the person's own involuntary muscle movements. 

What is Muscle Testing?

This works through a practice called muscle testing, that most practitioners and individuals use to communicate to their energetic body or higher self to receive guidance or wisdom. Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology, is a technique used to assess the body's response to various stimuli, typically for evaluating health and diagnosing issues. The practitioner applies gentle pressure to a muscle, usually in the arm, while the individual resists, and observes the response—whether the muscle remains strong or gives way. By introducing various stimuli, such as foods, supplements, or questions, and noting the muscle's reaction, practitioners interpret a strong response as positive or healthy and a weak response as indicative of stress, imbalance, or an issue. 

Often used in alternative medicine practices, muscle testing is based on the belief that the body has inherent knowledge and can communicate its needs or imbalances through muscle strength. Despite its applications in determining allergies, nutritional deficiencies, emotional stressors, and other health concerns, muscle testing lacks widespread scientific validation, with critics arguing that results can be subjective and influenced by the practitioner or individual being tested. While some people report positive experiences, it remains controversial within the medical community. This same method can be used individually by a pendulum. 

What Can A Pendulum Be Used For?

Commonly a pendulum is used for answering yes and no based questions, but can also be used in reiki for finding blocked chakras, and when combined with muscle testing it can assist you in choosing supplements, minerals, and foods that align with your body's needs. 

Questions should be asked and phrased in the form of a yes or no question before beginning. Good questions to ask could be as specific or as general as you wish as long as they are being asked clearly. Here are some examples.

• Is today a good day to start my new project?
• Should I pursue this job opportunity?
• Is it beneficial for me to take this trip?
• Is this the right time to make a significant purchase?
• Will I meet my goals if I continue on my current path?
• Is this person trustworthy?
• Should I focus more on my personal life right now?
• Is this the right diet for me?
• Will I benefit from taking this course or class?
• Is my current living situation optimal for my well-being?

Choosing a pendulum as a divination tool can greatly enhance your practice of witchcraft, offering a simple yet profound means of accessing intuitive insights and spiritual guidance. The pendulum's movements, influenced by subtle energies and your subconscious mind, can help you make informed decisions, uncover hidden truths, and connect with deeper levels of awareness. Its versatility allows for use in various aspects of your craft, from answering yes or no questions to finding lost objects and even communicating with spiritual entities. By integrating a pendulum into your practice, you can enrich your magical workings, foster personal growth, and strengthen your connection to the unseen realms, ultimately bringing greater clarity and empowerment to your path.