Tips for Successful Pendulum Use

Here are some helpful tips to use after you've learned how to use your pendulum.

  1. Always specify the source before asking questions.  If you skip this step, your pendulum will default to your subconscious for answers, and this is not the same as the higher self. At the beginning of each session, specify the source by saying, “I call upon the higher self to answer these questions. I seek only absolutely truthful answers, which are aligned with the highest and greatest good for all.” or words to this effect. Whether you say this out loud or inside your head is up to you.
  2. Cleanse the energy around and within you. You can do this by visualizing a cleansing shower of white light that envelopes you - or use a smudge stick.
  3. Quiet your mind (both before and while using your pendulum). Are you relaxed? If necessary, do a mini-meditation. "Mini" as in 30 to 60 seconds prior to beginning. Visualize a calm happy place that has no distractions – like a beach or forest. Visualize yourself sitting or laying peacefully in solitude, enjoying nature. Doing this sets the tone for your pendulum session and will provide a resting place for your conscious mind while you use your pendulum.
  4. Breathe. Slow steady breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth will calm and center you.
  5. Ground yourself. Visualize tree roots that connect your body to the earth. Allow these roots to penetrate deep into the earth's mantle, wrapping around large quartz crystals or if you like, beautiful gemstones.
  6. Be present - Do not multi-task. While you are using your pendulum, don't also be thinking about what's on your to-do list, or what sounds good for dinner tonight. Just focus on the task at hand and you can return to your normal state of multi-tasking when you are finished.
  7. Be patient. Allow the pendulum as much time as it needs to swing.
  8. Be objective. Recognize that neutrality is your friend. While it may be tempting to allow your conscious mind to influence the pendulum's answers, know that if it is allowed to exercise any influence, the outcome will be useless.
  9. Be unemotional. Using your pendulum when you are emotionally upset will yield unreliable results. Asking emotionally charged questions can make it difficult to stay grounded and objective and get good answers. You can do it, but you have to approach it calmly and be willing to set your emotional responses off to the side.
  10. Do not try to predict the outcome. Willingly or unwillingly, predicting or even just anticipating the pendulum's swing will sabotage your results. If you find yourself anticipating the outcome, it has the same effect as trying to predict. Here's a powerful trick to help you let go: Close your eyes. Keep them closed and look up. This little muscle exercise will temporarily short-circuit the conscious mind's involvement and bring you back to a neutral, unbiased state.
  11. To get a stronger response, say “respond louder please” or "be more clear".
  12. Cup your free hand underneath the weight stone to help focus energy.

Ask Well-Phrased Questions

You've heard the phrase "garbage in - garbage out"? It's a computerism used to illustrate the value of data on both sides of a process, but the concept pertains to pendulums too. The quality of the questions you ask your pendulum will determine the quality of the answers you get. Truly, it's all in the language.

Here's how to frame a good question:

  1. Be specific. Use names, dates, times, places, anything that narrows the focus on the matter. For example, "Is it in my best interest to attend the "How to Use a Pendulum" workshop taught by __________ (instructor name) at ______________ (location) on__________ (date) at _________ (time)
  2. Make sure your question can be answered with yes or no. If your question can't by answered with a simple yes or no, rephrase it so that it can and try again.
  3. Don't use the words "Should" or "Supposed to" in your pendulum questions.
  4. Insert your own details into the blanks on the following sample questions:
  • Is it in my best interest to _______________________________?
  • Is it in the best interests of all concerned if I _________________________?
  • Would it be worthwhile for me to ____________________________?
  • Am I correct in believing that ______________________________?
  • Is it wise for me to _________________________________?

Here's an example of a poorly phrased question: "Should I go to Mary's party?" These are the problems with this question:

  • The word "Should" is vague and asks for an opinion based on undefined parameters.
  • Mary who?
  • Where is this party?
  • What day?
  • What time?

Now turn the question into a well-phrased one. You could ask, "Is it in my best interest to attend the party at Mary Johnson's house in Seattle on June 1st?"

If you are having trouble getting your pendulum to cooperate, see our Troubleshooting Pendulum Problems page for more help.

Important NOTICE: This information is copyrighted by Eva Browning, 2009-2018. Feel free to print out for personal use or to share with a study group. If you want to reprint or republish these instructions - in whole or in part - you must first obtain my written consent. If you would like to link this page no permission needed.