Pendulums

an introduction

I just added a video to the bottom of this post. Please watch.

A Guide to Pendulums

A pendulum is a simple yet powerful tool for divination, energy work, and spiritual connection. It consists of a weighted object, often a crystal, metal, or wood, suspended from a chain or cord. In a pinch, use a pendant necklace on a chain, or a heavy object (like a heavy metal washer) on a piece of string.

By responding to subtle energies and unconscious muscle movements, the pendulum can provide yes/no answers and facilitate communication with ancestors.

Choosing a Pendulum

Selecting the right pendulum is a personal process, and there are several factors to consider:

1. Material – Pendulums come in various materials, including crystals, metal, wood, and even glass. Some people prefer crystal pendulums because of their energetic properties; for example, amethyst for intuition, black tourmaline for protection, and clear quartz for clarity. Others might choose a metal pendulum for its neutrality or a wooden one for a natural, grounded connection. Regardless of material, I encourage you to select a pendulum that you only use for a specific type of work, i.e. ancestral, magickal, healing, etc.

   

   The pendulum I use for ancestral work

2. Shape and Weight – Some pendulums have a pointed tip for precise movement, while others are rounded or faceted. Heavier pendulums may be steadier in outdoor or high-energy environments, while lighter ones are more responsive to subtle vibrations. I personally prefer a pendulum with a heavy stone.

3. Connection – The most important factor in choosing a pendulum is how it feels in your hand. Hold different pendulums and see which one moves most naturally. Some people think that a pendulum chooses you, so trust your intuition when selecting one. Trust me, if the pendulum isn’t for you it won’t move.

4. Calibrating – Once you’ve cleansed your pendulum (smoke, salt, moonlight, etc), establish which direction it moves for "yes," "no," and "uncertain". Ask simple questions you already know the answers to. This ensures that you and your pendulum develop a clear communication system. Once the pendulum is calibrated you’ll never have to calibrate it again.

10 Ways to Use a Pendulum in Ancestral Work

Pendulums are invaluable for connecting with ancestors, gaining insight into lineage patterns, and receiving guidance. If you’ve never used a pendulum before, here are ten ways to get started in working with a pendulum and your ancestors:

1. Identifying Ancestral Presence

Hold your pendulum over an ancestral altar, family heirloom, or photograph and ask if a specific ancestor is present. The pendulum's movement can confirm their presence.

2. Confirming Ancestral Lineage

If you are unsure whether a particular ancestor is in your direct lineage, use the pendulum to ask yes/no questions. You can work with genealogy records and use the pendulum to validate or guide your research.

3. Determining Ancestral Names

Write out a list of possible ancestral names (or letters of the alphabet) in a circle, then hold your pendulum over the center. Ask it to indicate the correct name by moving toward it or using a yes/no response as you go through the options.

4. Locating Ancestral Burial Sites

If you are researching an ancestor but do not know where they are buried, use a pendulum over a map. Ask it to show you the general location or confirm a suspected area by holding it over different spots.

5. Discovering Ancestral Patterns

Ancestral patterns, such as gifts, challenges, or repeating life themes, can be revealed through pendulum work. Ask if a specific issue—such as financial hardship, spiritual gifts, or relationship struggles—was common in your lineage. This can help you understand inherited energies. If the answer is yes, use the pendulum to delve deeper; you can also use tarot or oracle cards for clarification.

6. Seeking Ancestral Guidance

Ask your ancestors for guidance on a personal or family matter. Hold the pendulum over a piece of paper with different options written on it, allowing it to indicate which path aligns best with ancestral wisdom. A post in coming on creating and using a pendulum board.

7. Validating Messages from Dreams or Meditation

If you receive messages from ancestors in dreams, meditation, or other divination work, you can use the pendulum to confirm their authenticity. Ask if the message was truly from an ancestor and whether further action is needed. Further action can be gained by further yes-no questions or by using tarot or oracle cards.

8. Choosing Ancestral Offerings

If you want to leave offerings but are unsure which items your ancestors prefer, use the pendulum to ask. Hold it over different options (such as foods, flowers, or objects) and see which one it responds positively to.

9. Clearing Ancestral Energy Blocks

Ancestral trauma or unresolved energy can sometimes linger in a family line. Use the pendulum to identify energetic blocks by holding it over a rough sketch of your body. Once identified, draw cards for more information.

10. Confirming Past-Life Connections to Ancestors

If you suspect you had a past-life connection to an ancestor—perhaps as a relative in another incarnation—use the pendulum to validate this. Ask yes/no questions about whether you shared a lifetime together, what your relationship was, and if any lessons remain unresolved.

My Suggestion

If you have access to a local store that carries pendulums, go in and try each of them. I found a gorgeous lapis lazuli pendulum in a local store but when I picked it up it wouldn’t move! As beautiful as it was, I put it back. If you have to order a pendulum online, try to order from a place with a good return policy - just in case.

Have fun with your pendulum and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.

Please Watch This Video

In the comments, Lyns asked about being able to trust the pendulum. I made this video that shows a practice I do quite frequently, just to keep my pendulum muscle strong. I am NOT always correct, but if I reach an 85% accuracy rate with my pendulum I’m happy.

Please do not be discouraged if you’re not instantly successful with a pendulum. It’s like any other divination tool - it takes practice. Remember, you’re building a new muscle and it simply takes time.

Nancy

P.S. If you’re new to all of this, don’t hesitate to reach out. Leave a comment and I’ll answer whatever question you have.