How to Use a Pendulum: A Personal Guide to Connecting with Your Inner Wisdom
Hello, fellow seekers of magic and intuition! 🌙✨ Today, I want to dive into a tool that I’ve been working with for quite some time: the pendulum. You’ve probably seen one before—whether it’s a crystal dangling on a chain or a simple object like a ring on a string. It’s been used for centuries in divination, energy work, and even healing. If you’ve ever wondered how to use a pendulum to tap into your own intuition, this post is for you.
What is a Pendulum?
A pendulum is a small object (often a crystal, metal, or wood) suspended from a chain or string. It’s used to receive answers, uncover hidden truths, or even detect energy shifts in your environment. The movement of the pendulum is guided by your subconscious mind, acting as a tool to tap into your inner wisdom and the energy around you.
Choosing Your Pendulum:
Picking the right pendulum is a personal experience. You might feel drawn to a particular stone or material, and that’s a sign that it’s the right one for you. Personally, I use a pendulum made of amethyst, as its soothing energy helps me tune into my intuition. But you could use anything that feels right: rose quartz for love, black obsidian for protection, or even a simple metal pendulum.

How to Use a Pendulum:
- Set Your Intention
Before using your pendulum, take a moment to center yourself. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on what you want to achieve. Are you seeking guidance? Looking to clarify a decision? Or maybe you just want to connect with your higher self? Set your intention clearly in your mind before you begin. - Get Comfortable
Hold your pendulum by the chain or string, allowing the object to dangle freely. You can sit in a chair, stand, or even lie down—whatever feels most comfortable for you. The key here is to stay relaxed and open. Avoid any distractions around you, and take a few moments to feel the energy in the room. - Calibrate Your Pendulum
Before you start asking questions, it’s important to “calibrate” your pendulum so you can understand the different types of movement. Hold your pendulum still, and ask it questions that you know the answer to, like:
- “Show me yes.”
- “Show me no.”
- “Show me maybe or uncertain.”
The pendulum may swing in different directions depending on the answer—some people notice a yes response as back and forth, no as side to side, and maybe as a circular motion. Trust how your pendulum reacts.
- Ask Your Questions
Once you have established the pendulum’s movements, begin asking your questions. Keep them clear and simple. Yes/no questions work best for a pendulum, especially when you’re starting out. For example:
- “Should I take this job?”
- “Is this relationship right for me?”
- “Is this decision aligned with my highest good?”
The pendulum will respond by swinging in a direction. Trust it—there’s no right or wrong answer, just what feels true for you in the moment.
- Pay Attention to the Subtle Energy
The key to working with a pendulum is paying attention to how it moves. It’s not about force, but about listening and trusting your intuition. If the pendulum begins to slow or stop, take a moment to pause. Maybe the answer is unclear, or you need to reframe the question. Sometimes, you may also get a sense of feeling or a sudden insight. - End with Gratitude
When you’re done, always thank your pendulum for its guidance. If you’ve been working with crystals or a specific intention, take a moment to ground and release any excess energy. Cleanse your pendulum (by smudging it with sage or charging it under the moonlight) so it’s ready for the next session.
Why Use a Pendulum?
Using a pendulum can help you in so many ways:
- It allows you to connect with your intuition and higher self.
- It can be a great tool for divination, offering insights when you feel stuck or uncertain.
- It can be used to clear negative energy and cleanse your aura.
- It’s a wonderful way to tap into your own body’s wisdom—whether you’re deciding what to eat, which direction to go, or how to care for your emotional health.
Tips for Success:
- Stay open and patient. Sometimes answers take time to come through, and that’s okay.
- Trust the process. Don’t overthink the pendulum’s movements—just let it flow.
- Practice regularly. The more you work with your pendulum, the easier it becomes to read the subtle energies it’s picking up on.
A Final Thought:
Pendulums are such a beautiful tool to add to your practice. Whether you’re a seasoned witch or just starting out, the pendulum can open doors to deeper wisdom and guidance. Trust yourself, and remember, your intuition is your greatest ally. 🌿✨
Photo by petr sidorov on Unsplash