Table of Contents. Pendulum Divination How to use a Pendulum for Divination The Pendulum as a Divination Tool... 5

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2 Table of Contents Pendulum Divination... 3 How to use a Pendulum for Divination... 3 The Pendulum as a Divination Tool... 5 Choosing and using a Pendulum... 6 Which kind of Pendulum works best?... 6 Preparing your Pendulum... 6 How a Pendulum works... 8 Pendulum Tips Advanced Pendulum Uses Pendulum Divination using a Circle The Pendulum Board Making your own Board A Step-by-Step Reading Sample Questions Dowsing for Options Pendulum Charts... 29

3 Pendulum Divination The use of a pendulum requires a connection with the universal energy and is very good at helping to make a decision between two or more choices. In its simplest form, it is dangling an object and getting an answer from the direction in which it swings. A pendulum can be a necklace, ring, key, watch or crystal on a chain anything that will swing freely and that is emotionally appealing. Some say the chain or string must be nine inches, others say that it should be the length of your arm from your wrist to your elbow. Choose whatever length is comfortable for you. It is best to hold a pendulum with your thumb and forefinger only and keep it just above the surface of your answer card. An answer card is just that. It is a card with answers written on it (such as yes up and down and no across or a timeframe written out in an arc) that will help you decipher the pendulum's movement. If your pendulum simply circles around, then you have either asked an ambiguous question or, as is the case sometimes in any form of divination, you are not to know the answer. Here is an exercise to get you started with your pendulum. Ground and center. Breathe deeply. Hold the pendulum lightly by the top of its chain, so that it hangs about two inches above the open palm of your other hand. Relax and tell yourself that the pendulum will begin to swing sunrise, reflecting the energy in your hand. Wait quietly. For most people it will soon begin to circle. Don't attempt to control it. If it does not move, deliberately make it circle a few times. Some people will need several sessions before the pendulum will work. How to Use a Pendulum for Divination To use the pendulum, dangle the object while holding the other end either with your fingers or by looping the end of the chain over one finger. The hand is kept as still as possible. The pendulum should begin to move within a minute or so. A pendulum s movements include swinging back and forth and circling either clockwise or counter clockwise. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 3

4 By practicing first, it is possible for anyone to accomplish getting some movement from the pendulum. In order to practice tapping into the subconscious, it is advised to draw a simple direction (NESW) chart and then ask questions of which you know the answers. Some practice questions include which way is north or which direction is my front door. Practice and ask about weather conditions or some similar question when divining for yes or no answers. The main thing is that you know the answers to the questions and that you can get the pendulum to give correct answers. When you are able to answer your questions, it is time to try dowsing for unknown information. Before the divination is performed, the meanings of the movements should already be decided. This should be decided even if you are only going to do simple yes or no questions. To avoid any confusion over the answers that are received, use a cloth or paper on which the directions or quadrants are clearly marked. Ask questions in such a way that your pendulum will be able to answer according to the rules on which you have decided. You can ask your questions mentally or aloud. There are different types of charts you can create for your divination with a pendulum. Your charts can be linear, circular or semi-circular. Examples of charts that can be useful include alphabet, numbers, yes or no, color, directions and one marked with segments for emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. Sample charts that you can print are included at the end of this book. With your pendulum, you will be able to divine answers to questions about the future, relationships, lost items and for help with making decisions. You can make your own charts for whatever is necessary. It is important to make your own rules about the pendulum movement if you are not going to use divination charts. If you are using charts, it is easy to gain specific answers to a variety of questions. You can customize your charts easily. Just make sure you are consistent with your own rules. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 4

5 The Pendulum as a Divination Tool A pendulum as an occult tool is used for divination. It is one of the simplest methods for divination. The divination is performed through interpreting the movement of the pendulum through predetermined rules. The pendulum is an ancient tool of divination whose exact origin has been lost in time. Different cultures have used the pendulum. The pendulum is one of the tools used by dowsers to find water, minerals, metals, hidden objects, lost objects, archaeological sites, people and bodies. The pendulum is also used for purposes such as predicting the future and answering yes or no questions. Maps are used for dowsing and with the customized charts; it has become possible to gain specific answers to a variety of questions. A pendulum is simply a weighted object that hangs from a thread or chain. The pendulum is believed to resonate with its owner if it is a personal object such as a piece of jewelry. Wedding rings and pendant necklaces have been used for this purpose. The object should be symmetrical so the movement will be balanced. Crystal, stone, metal and wood pendulums are used though it is possible to use any suspended weight as long as it is heavy enough to pull the string tight though not so heavy as to become uncomfortable. The pendulum is easy to use because all you do hold the pendulum in one hand and wait for it to start moving. The pendulum has a few main movements. The movements include swinging back and forth and a circular movement that may go clockwise or counter clockwise. The simplest way to use the pendulum is to decide beforehand what the movements and their direction means. It is important that you consistently use the same rules about movement when appropriate. It is unknown what causes the movement. People have different reasons for why the pendulum is able to provide correct information especially about water. Dowsers are hired by government and industry for their dowsing abilities. Some reasons used as to explain the paranormal phenomenon include the subconscious, radiation and different helping entities including angels. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 5

6 The pendulum can be carried or worn discretely which makes it convenient to use. It also takes just a little space to divine with a pendulum. By practicing and then creating your own rules for movement or using charts for specific answers, it is easy to use a pendulum for gaining information. Choosing and using a Pendulum The most popular form of pendulum is cylindrical clear crystal quartz rounded or pointed at one end. Amethyst is good for earth energies work and rose quartz for health related questions or for protection when following ghost paths. Smaller crystals or wooden weights of a diamond shape attached to a chain or cylindrical metal pendulums can be used for physical dowsing to discover lost items or underground water or archaeological treasures. You can equally buy a plumb bob from a DIY store or use a key on a string or a favorite pendant with the chain twisted. Which kind of Pendulum works best? There are many different types of crystals and stones amethyst, citrine, clear quartz, bloodstone, and jade and each one has a unique personality, its own spirit entity as it were. When you go to buy a crystal, try out several and see which one seems eager to work with you. Some people walk up to a rack of pendulums and they all start swinging as though saying, "Ooooh, take ME!" so sometimes it is a little harder to select one pendulum out of a number of them than you might think. If necessary, stand away from the pendulums, ground and center, then approach again with a serious demeanor and see which ones still respond. You could also ask them to decide among themselves which one is best for you. Preparing your Pendulum The Pendulum is a divination tool made of a piece of string and a weight. The weight can be almost anything: a metal washer, a gold or silver ring, even a paper clip. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 6

7 Pendulum divination has survived through the centuries. The two most common pendulum models involve either the suspension of a ring from a thin silk thread, or the suspension of a crystal from a chain. At first, I made my own pendulum using a chain and a ring, but then I bought this silver chain with a beautiful, pure crystal, and I must say it is much more accurate. Quartz crystals are extremely powerful anyway. Whether you have made or bought your pendulum, it is very important that you purify it. Fill a bowl with fresh pure water. Say a cleansing prayer: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow, Create in me a clean heart, And renew a right spirit within me". Dip both ends of the pendulum into the water for a few minutes. On the night of the full moon place it in the moonlight and leave it until the morning after. Never allow your pendulum to be placed in direct sunlight! Now you need to test your tool. First, get a feel for your pendulum, carry it with you for a couple of days, keeping it in a velvet or silk cloth. It will tune into your energy. Then you would be able to test its power. Hold the chain between the thumb and forefinger and let the pendulum hang down, it should not touch anything or anyone though. But make sure your hand and arm are completely still. Wait until the crystal or ring has stopped swinging at the end of the chain before you begin. Ask a question to which you KNOW THE ANSWER IS YES. The crystal should begin to move either side to side, back and forth or clockwise or anticlockwise etc. Whatever pattern the movement follows, make a note that this would always be your 'yes' answer. (You can verify by repeating the question, to make sure ). Follow the same steps, this time asking a question to which you know the answer is NO. Again, note the movements and this should always be your own 'no' answer. Then you can start asking questions that you don't have an answer to. :-) Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 7

8 The ancient Romans and the French seer Nostradamus were renowned for using the pendulum. Both used a different method from the one we use today. They used a method of basin scrying by means of a pendulum to produce letters that formed prophetic verses. The bowl or basin used was made of electrum, an alloy of gold and silver. A ring with occult characters engraved upon it was attached by thread to a wand. The twenty-four letters of the Greek alphabet were engraved into the flange of the basin. The table used was probably a tripod in which to support the basin. It was made out of branches of laurel and had three legs. Laurel was the substance specified by the Enochian angels for the scrying table of John Dee (see Enochian Magick section for further details). If you re using a ring suspended from either a silver chain or a silk thread, you should also use a goblet of water. The answers to your yes/no questions come in the form of the tapping sounds of the ring inside the glass. A single tap indicates a yes while two taps indicate a no. More than two taps indicates the spirit is not certain of the response. Another method involves using a sheet of paper with a cross marked upon it. The ring is held suspended over the cross in the left hand upon a silk thread. If the answer to the question asked is yes it will swing back and forth along the vertical arm of the cross. If the answer is no it will swing side to side along the horizontal arm of the cross. Some people I correspond with actually give their pendulums names! I haven t given mine a name though. But I use it to communicate with my Spirit Guides, and boy is it helpful! Once you become familiar with the use of the Pendulum, you can also use it to find lost articles or to dowse for water or treasure. How a Pendulum works Some people acquire more than one pendulum, using various types for various sorts of working. They may feel one kind of energy is good for finding things, say, while another is better in healing. Most pendulums are made of wood, metal, or stone. Though not all experts insist on it as necessary, some like the pendulum to be symmetrical so that they can feel sure it's not influenced by its own uneven shape to gyrate more "this" way than "that". Go for whatever feels best for you. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 8

9 Techniques will be explained as we go along, but basically the line is looped over the index or middle finger of your dominant hand, which is held motionless, with the weighted piece hanging freely downward due to gravity and allowed to oscillate of its own accord in response to questions you will ask. The reason the pendulum oscillates in response to questions is unclear. Three main theories exist as to how it works: 1) Radar: the pendulum either senses the presence of water, minerals, etc., or it bumps into it and returns the signal to the sender (you). This theory is more popular regarding the divining rod than the pendulum, as the former is used more for natural resources buried underground; but it can apply to any use, as every object has its own energy composition, density, etc. Think of bats navigating, for example, or submarines with their radar pinging off other objects in the vicinity. 2) Hologram theory: this postulates that everything in the universe is hologramic, contains the whole within every tiniest part. If you've seen hologramic pictures, then you know that even if you cut off a corner of the image, that tiny piece will contain the whole image, as will the remaining bigger piece (or any other). So according to hologram theory, within you there exists a portion of everything in creation, including all knowledge that ever was or ever will be, and the pendulum taps into that. This theory that we are all part of a greater whole, all contain divinity within us, and are all a part of each other including the plants, animals, and the earth itself, ties in quite neatly with pagan beliefs. 3) Electromagnetic fields: everything in existence has a EM field particular to itself - what we call the aura. Even things of the same energetic composition (say, two pieces of quartz crystal or two tulips) will have different auras, each uniquely its own. Studies have proven auras to exist in plants and animals as well, and it is the imputed auric (EM) nature of rocks and minerals that give them their various properties of healing or magick. According to this theory, the pendulum would be like a conductor conveying knowledge of the object's or person's aura into our own, literally bringing knowledge of the item/person to our fingertips. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 9

10 In any case, the pendulum's role seem to be that of augmenting our sensitivity to reception of information, be it energetic, electromagnetic (like a radio picking up on waves that we ourselves cannot), within our own subconscious, or from the universal field or collective unconscious. It is an instrument to amplify something that exists around or within us, which we simply aren't adequately capable of picking up on and recognizing unaided. Some people who become very advanced in the use of the pendulum actually *do* become able to work without it, fine-tuning their intuition (or subconscious, or right brain) to tap that knowledge without the aid of the physical tool any longer. That, of course, would be the ultimate goal of pendulum use. Now, you will need to attune with your pendulum. The pendulum is going to be working as an extension of yourself, and hence must be completely free of foreign or negative energies, on the one hand, and well-attuned with your own, on the other. Some of you may be wondering if you're "psychic" enough or in some other way capable enough to use a pendulum. The answer is yes. Almost anyone can use the pendulum. Any person who is mentally healthy, attuned to the cosmos, has or can achieve inner quiet, and is capable of clearing his/her thoughts (as in meditation), can use the pendulum with great success. Even physical illness doesn't necessarily prevent it. One famous dowser, as pendulum operators are often called, had a perpetual tremor in his hand due to disease, yet obtained amazingly accurate answers. (The pendulum and dowsing work on the same principle and terminology and techniques are often interchanged). Three things have to be prepared: your environment, yourself, and the pendulum. The first two will need to be done at every session you hold with your pendulum; the last is pretty much a one-time thing, when you're initiating a new pendulum or refreshing an over-used one. To prepare the room, you wish to eliminate interference, whether psychological or electro-magnetic. This means a place where you can have quiet and privacy. Turn off any electrical appliances like computers, television, etc. This also includes music players, as both the EM field and the music itself can distract from what you're doing. Set up a table or surface you can sit at to work, as questions are best written down (both to avoid thinking and wrestling with how to phrase them, and to note the responses you receive. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 10

11 To prepare yourself, sit quietly and comfortably in a chair at the table. Make sure you're not crossing your legs or arms, as this can interfere with the reading. Your feet should be touching the earth (even if there's a floor or more between you and her). Do muscle relaxation exercises if you're not experienced at immediate relaxation of the body (clench each muscle in turn, then release it). Balance your breathing, with slow, deep, regular breaths. Empty your mind of thoughts. Let anything that comes in just float on out the other side; don't attach to any of your thoughts, even with the intent of quashing them. All this, you may have noticed, is the same preparation we make for meditation. Once you're in a clear, relaxed, meditative state, you can grasp your pendulum and begin work. But before we do any of that, you must prepare your pendulum. First of all, your pendulum needs to be cleansed from other influences so it will carry no interference of other energies, or worse, negativity. Such things might result from previous users (of a ring or button or bead, say), other shoppers who examined your pendulum before you bought it, the people who crafted it, the clerk who handled the pendulum or raw materials you purchased, etc. Everyone who handles an item or is even in the vicinity of one, is transmitting energies that can be (and are) picked up by the item. This is particularly true of stone pendulums, which tend to pick up on energies quite easily (are very receptive). To cleanse them, they can be held under running water, set out overnight in moonlight, buried in the ground, cleansed with sea salt (depending on the mineral some types of stone should never be put in salt), smudged (sage is best), or set on a quartz cluster for a day or two. Any of these techniques helps clear the pendulum of energies it has accumulated, even your own after intensive use. Like you yourself, your pendulum will need to rest and recharge if it's been working hard! Once other energies have been neutralized from your pendulum, you'll want to imbue it with your own, make it yours, aligned with your own energies, auric field. You and it are to ultimately act as one intrinsic unit, energetically speaking, so this is all very important. You can carry the pendulum around in a pocket or on your person for awhile, or sit and hold it and meditate on it. You can breathe positive affirmations into it, or even ultimately do circle to consecrate it to yourself and for use only for higher good (strongly recommended but not mandatory). Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 11

12 Now that your pendulum is cleansed and attuned and you know how to prepare yourself and your space, you are now ready to start using the pendulum! It is time to establish your lines of communication with it (or it with you, whichever way you see it) so that the two of you understand each other. There are two factors to be considered in determining communication: mechanics and willingness. By mechanics, means how the pendulum is going to physically indicate its various responses to you. By willingness, means its intent to answer specific questions in this specific session. Mechanics We've mentioned that the manner in which the pendulum is used is to loop the string (chain, whatever) over your finger and let the weighted part hang freely beneath your hand, using your dominant hand. This is almost always done over a table. Most people rest their elbow on the table for stability and to prevent fatigue. Having grasped your pendulum in this manner, you'll now want to know what it does to say yes', no', maybe', cannot answer', etc. This exercise requires a piece of paper on which you've drawn a center point with two arrows bisecting it, one crossing in front of you side to side, and one pointing to and away from you (like a cross but with even arms). Or you can draw a medicine wheel, which has the circle cut into quarters by the lines, with their intersection being the center point. It works out the same. Lay the paper on the table, as you'll be working over it. Hold the pendulum over the center point and either wait for it to become still or grasp it and still it, gently removing your hand once it's motionless. Now ask the pendulum "How do you wish to indicate the answer yes'?". Be completely motionless and still... the pendulum will do all the work. Any volitional movement on your part will only interfere and complicate things. The pendulum will gradually come into motion and either follow one of the arrows, or move in a circular direction around the center point or following the circumference of the medicine wheel. For example, some pendulums say yes' by moving clockwise and no' by moving anti-clockwise. Some people obtain a linear motion, as per the arrows. (The arrows and/or wheel are to give you an objective background against which to evaluate the movement). Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 12

13 Having received your yes', now ask the same question for no'. The response will almost invariably be the opposite movement from yes' (sideways vs. forward-and-backward, or clockwise vs. anticlockwise), but check to be sure. Now ask how the pendulum indicates uncertainty or "maybe". It may be via a linear motion when it's "yes-no" is always circular, or vice versa. It may be the usual motion but on a smaller scale. It may be refusal to move at all; or motion in erratic directions, though these usually indicate refusal rather than the need for refinement. Some tend to make minuscule elliptical motions, for example. This sort of response usually indicates a need to refine the question, make it more clear or specific. You can ask the pendulum if it has a means of saying it cannot or will not answer; often it does not have one set response for this. The indication that this is the case can come through jumpy, shaky, erratic, jerky, or non-existent movement in response to a question. Failure to obtain an answer can mean one of three things: that the question was not phrased in an adequately clear or specific manner; that you are not meant to have this knowledge; or that you've overdone it for this session (or were tired even before it) and need to take a rest. Because all knowledge exists in the universal field (or collective unconscious or divine whole or however you term it), the pendulum theoretically cannot fail to know an answer. However, the energy of the answer may be incompatible with your own. You may be harmed by the answer, unequipped emotionally to deal with it, or spiritually unready as yet to receive it. In such cases you are denied information that is beyond your ability to deal with properly. Some believe it is your own subconscious that prevents the information from coming through; others believe it is the Divine, usually personified in your Higher Self, who filters what comes through to you. In any case, refusal of information is an act of protection by the universe' (personified via the vehicle of your pendulum), not one of spite or other negative motivations. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 13

14 Do not get annoyed if you receive no answer or an unclear one; rather, consider the implications. Could the question use rephrasing, a simple mechanical problem? If this seems the case, refine the question and try again. Could you be tired and less focused and receptive? If so, have a rest and come back to it later. Or is the problem spiritual? Could you be asking for information you're not entitled to have? Could your motivations be impure? Could the response have implications that you're not ready to deal with? Could you be too emotionally involved with the outcome? If this appears to be the case, do not insist. The refusal is for your own good and insisting may bring up the energies and interfere with the continuation of the reading. Some people believe in tuning their pendulums through thought force... sending the pendulum the message that it's to move this way for yes, and that way for no. But, letting the natural interaction of the pendulum's energies interact with your own to determine it, rather than inflicting your own will, is done most often. In any case, the movements are simply mechanics to make a response recognizable to us and not something with an inherent value that would make one preferable over another. The last item of common consent, which is the first in beginning a reading is the "resting position." What position does the pendulum assume to show readiness for the next question? Does it just hang motionless, or does it swing or circle gently in a given direction? We now know the movements our pendulum makes to indicate its answers. (by the way, these often work the opposite between women and men, so don't be surprised if someone else's pendulum works differently than your own, particularly if they're of the opposite sex, or if yours works differently when in their hands.) You might wish to write down what each of your pendulum's motions means, partly to remember better but also to reinforce it in your subconscious, strengthening the pattern. If a while passes between each session and the next, you may wish to refresh the exercise from time to time to reinforce it, as well. Although the pendulum basically works on yes no answers, responses can also be defined as "positive-negative" or "harmonious-inharmonious", etc., depending on the context of the subject matter. Later we will broaden the context within which we can work with the pendulum beyond even this, and you'll find that it has an astounding number of applications in spite of these apparent limitations. Apart from our pendulum's basic signals, we should consider the force of its motion in response to a given question. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 14

15 Obviously the more vigorous the motion, the more definitive the answer. Sometimes a very weak yet identifiable "yes" or "no" will indicate a need for refinement of the question, sort of like the "warm"/ "cold" game many of us played as children. Examples "Is it in the cabinet?" might need to be refined to "Is it in the baby's wardrobe?" or "Is it in a kitchen cupboard?" or "Is it in the tool cabinet? (as there are several types of "cabinet"). Is this the best stone for me?" might need to become "Is this the best stone for my tendency toward depression? (i.e. "best" for which problem?) Or even "Is my tendency toward depression that which is best addressed by this stone?" (the pendulum may be trying to get to the stone for the root of the problem rather than the symptom, hence indicating a stone that doesn't seem logical and is making you think "what a load of crock this all is!"). So questions need to be as specific as possible. Think about what a question actually entails. "Will I be a success?" isn't going to do much for you. What comprises "being a success" for you? Love? A fulfilling career? Being popular? Making lots of money? Becoming famous? One of the nice fringe benefits of using the pendulum in this way is that it makes you think, break things down into manageable portions, and look at what you really want. Having established a common language with your pendulum and learned the principles of formulating your questions, you're ready to do a reading. Before each session you should prepare your space and yourself as discussed previously. Your pendulum has already been cleansed and attuned, so you're ready to go! After having formulated your questions (and it's best to write them down), sit comfortably at your table, do the relaxation and breathing, clear your mind, and pick up your pendulum. State the objective of the session and focus on it. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 15

16 Some authors also recommend a process in which you ask the pendulum if: A. You're able to do this reading (do you possess the skills and level of consciousness); B. If you're allowed to do this reading / ask this question (in the sense of your spiritual or emotional preparedness, internal agendas, etc.); C. If you're ready to do it (in the sense of posture, mental state, attunement, freedom from external or internal interference, etc.). D. Whether you've forgotten anything. For future reference, this will be noted as "the 4 Questions." You can reinforce your ability for clearing your thoughts and receiving clear, true answers through affirmations, both before the reading and in general. As in any other endeavor, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to employ your pendulum in various situations. As in meditation, visualization, spellwork, and other practices, focus and intent are very important and the more you engage in it, the easier and more natural it becomes. So a quick review: You want to do a reading. Your pendulum is ready. You've prepared your space, formulated your questions and written them down, sat at your table in an open posture (no limbs crossed), relaxed your body, done the breathing, emptied your mind, focused on your objective for this session, picked up your pendulum, stated the objective, and received okays to the 4 Questions. So off you go! What to ask? Try some practice questions. For now, get used to just doing it, whether or not your questions are practical, important, or even properly formulated. You can try easily checked things, like "Is Linda at home right now?" She either is, or she isn't, and a quick phone call will confirm which. "Do we have any cheese in the fridge?" "Is my son going to come home on time from school today?" Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 16

17 Or you can try chain reaction exercises, where each question builds upon the answer to the previous one, a process of elimination in this case. For example, "Is my cat in the living room?" If he is, end of subject, because by checking you've already seen him and can't narrow the search. If he's not, continue asking until you receive a "yes": "Is he in the kitchen?" "Outside?", etc. When you get an affirmative, you can narrow it down even further. Say the pendulum told you he's in your wardrobe. You can ask "Is he in the hanging section? Sweater shelf? Jeans shelf?", etc. Then go check whether it's correct. (This, of course, assumes the cat didn't move in the time it took you to get there. Pendulum Tips Be creative with your pendulum. Pendulums are made of everything from quartz crystals and sterling silver chains to washers and string to paper clips and a strand of hair. All work equally well. Practice with the pendulum regularly. Since this is not really magick, you can be as frivolous as you like with it. Practice makes perfect! Often you get confusing answers with the pendulum because you are not focused enough on the question, or because you are too focused on a desired answer. The hardest part about using a pendulum is to clear your mind of all the desired (or even possible) outcomes. Rather, you are to focus on the question alone. The folklore goes that if you use the same method of divination and ask a question more than once, you will get conflicting answers, because each question should only be asked once. If you want to check the validity of the results that the pendulum gives, try using another method of divination rather than the pendulum. The books on the subject can be very confusing because many of them say different things. Decide for yourself what each particular movement means (line for no, circle for yes, whatever) and stick with it. Make out a list, choosing what each motion means for you, or make a sheet of paper to hold the pendulum over with short answers or letters on it. You can then use the pendulum to spell out the response so that there is no confusion. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 17

18 Advanced Pendulum Uses Once you have mastered basic pendulum uses, you can experiment with other ways of using your pendulum. One good use is finding lost items. Hold the pendulum over a map of the area where you think you may have lost what you are searching for. Slowly move the pendulum over the map until it spins or moves in small circles. This should be the area where the item is located. Many people use the pendulum like a dowsing rod. Walk with the pendulum through an area and when it spins, there is water underfoot. This can also be done with a map. There are many other applications out there for which the pendulum could be useful. Use your judgment, be creative, and the pendulum can be one the single most important divinatory tool you own. Pendulum Divination using a Circle Pendulums consist of a weight, or bob, which hangs freely from a chain or string. Some form of handle is may also be attached to the upper end of the chain to decrease the chance that the direction of movement would be caused by the person's subconscious. However, the subconscious, as the person's intuitive self, may influence, and give correct answers, through the pendulum. Spirits, your Higher Self, or even the pendulum itself may provide the answers you seek. Like any divination tool, however, it may be influenced by lower spirits who may attempt to lie to you. Just like asking a human, you should be careful who you choose to get answers from. Blessing the pendulum (see below) should decrease the chances of a mal-intended spirit influencing the pendulum. Before each session, the pendulum should be blessed in whatever way you feel comfortable with, from stating that only higher beings (or whatever being you wish to contact) may influence the pendulum, to smudging (burning incense) and other purification techniques. The pendulum may also be purified after the session, to remove any residue the spirit may have left behind which may influence the next session. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 18

19 The pendulum handle or chain should be held loosely between the thumb and first finger, and if the circle (see diagram below) is used, the bob should be held approximately 1 inch above the paper. You can also use it without the circle, and just specify (or let the pendulum specify) which direction means what. Always program the pendulum at the beginning of the session before asking your questions. "Show me yes" Should cause it to swing in one direction; "Show me No" should cause it to swing in a different direction. It is also good to tell it to "Go to center" or "Stop" between questions, so that the swing of the pendulum won't be influenced by the last question's response. Once programmed, ask the pendulum if it wishes to work with you. Ask a few trial questions to make sure its working properly. ("Is my name (your name)?" vs. "Is my name Superman?") It is important that questions be phrased clearly, so that no misinterpretation can be made. This goes for all divination techniques. "Is it going to rain?" is unclear. "Is it going to rain in Los Angeles today?" is much more apt to get a correct response. If, after several questions, the pendulum starts swinging in random directions, ask it if it wishes to continue the session. If not, put the pendulum away and try again another time. Pendulum Circle Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 19

20 For these, the Pendulum will swing back and forth in the direction of the arrow: Yes: Indicates a Yes response to a Yes/No Question. No: Indicates a No response to a Yes/No Question. Maybe: Indicates a Maybe response to a Yes/No Question. Another question may be asked if further clarification is necessary. DWA: Don't Wish to Answer. For these, the Pendulum will swing in a circular motion in the direction of the arrow: NA: Not Applicable - You don't need to know. RQ: Rephrase Question The Pendulum Board A pendulum board is not necessary to perform tasks of divination, but it does come in handy. You can make your own or purchase a pendulum kit when you're looking for the right tool for you. If you want to make your own, you simply need a circle with these six directions. This is the most common layout of a pendulum board. As you progress you might decide to make a more elaborate board that includes an alphabet and numbers. Yes ~ an up and down direction. No ~ a side to side direction. Maybe ~ a diagonal direction, from the lower left to upper right corners of the circle. Don't Want To Answer ~ a diagonal direction, from the lower right to the upper left corners of the circle. Probably Yes ~ a clockwise circle. Probably Not ~ a counter-clockwise circle. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 20

21 Making Your Own Board Many pendulums you can purchase come with their own pendulum board. But not all do. If you chose to use a board, you can use a variety of things to make your own board. You can draw a simple circle on a piece of paper and place the labels in the locations you feel most comfortable with. You can use a photo. You can alter a photo or picture with a graphics package and print it from your computer on photographic paper. You can even use "The Wheel" or "The Fortune" card from your favorite tarot deck. The key is finding an image that inspires you, that has a circle in the center and you can easily identify the answer layout to. This image is a good example of how a picture can be used to create a board. Labels were added to this image with graphics software to make the board. In reality, you don't have to add the words if you don't want to. It can make it easier for the client to watch the pendulum as it swings and answers their questions. And it can also provide the new reader with a reminder of how they programmed the pendulum to operate. A Step-by-Step Reading Here's a step-by-step process for conducting a session of divination with a pendulum. From lighting the candle to closing the circle. Set-up your ritual space. Select an area where you'll be left alone for about 30 minutes to an hour. Clean the space, dust, vacuum, whatever is needed. Make a small ritual table or altar. Something for you to place your tools and your focus during the ceremony. It can be a box covered with a lace cloth, a small table, TV tray, or even the floor. What ever feels right for you. Place it in the north section of the circle. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 21

22 Select a white candle, a crystal, a sage and lavender smudge stick or a special incense you like. Don't forget the matches or a lighter. Prepare a tape or CD with some soft spiritual music you like to drown out any background noises in or around your spiritual space. Lay out your pendulum, pendulum board, a notebook and something to write with. Find a pillow or something that you can use to support your arm while you hold the pendulum. You want to make your hand as steady as possible. If you have to build a little platform for your hand and wrist out of boxes, an upside down glass or cup, figure it out now. Don't wait until you're in the middle of your reading when your arm gets tired. Once you have all your tools and preparations in place, you'll be ready to begin. Turn on you music and step into your ritual space. Light the smudge stick, or incense you've chosen. Stand facing North holding it up in both hands about shoulder level and say a prayer. Something like: Great Spirits, Creators of All That Is, I ask for your protection, your wisdom and your blessings as I open this spiritual circle today. Lower the incense, turn to the right and face the East. Hold up the smoldering incense and call upon your spiritual guide or guidance. Say something like: (State their name if you know it, otherwise call them your guide) I call upon the wisdom and energy of my guide, and ask for your assistance here within this circle as I seek for answers and guidance. Lower the incense, turn to the right and face the South. Here you need to state your purpose for opening this circle. You can use as much or little detail as you like. But the intent must be clearly defined. Don't just say something like, I'm going to use my pendulum. Hold up the incense and try something like this: I call upon the Great Spirits, my spiritual guides, and the higher divinity within myself for the purpose of divination by pendulum. This tool is new to me and I ask for your guidance and protection as I search for answers regarding - my job, relationship, whatever. For this I give my thanks and gratitude. Lower the incense, turn to the right and face the West. Now that you've called in all this energy, you can use it to clear and protect your circle. Hold up the incense and say something like this: Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 22

23 I set this circle in divine light and protection. I bind any negative or earth bound energies from entering this ritual space. I empower myself, my tools, my mind and spirit with positive and balanced energies to perform this task of divination. Lower the incense, turn to the right and face the North once more. Some people like to close of the top and bottom of the circle once it has been drawn. If you'd like to do that too, raise the incense in the air over your head, make a large circle (clockwise) so the smoke makes a bit of a trail, then do the same thing near the floor. As you do this, say something like this: To the Father Sky, To the Mother Earth, I protect this space and ask for your balancing energies to keep me focused and clear. Now sit down in front of your alter and place your incense in a holder on the table. Let it continue to smolder while you're conducting the reading. Don't light it again, if it goes out on it's own that's fine. The next thing to do is to prepare yourself for divination. After all you'll be holding the pendulum and therefore you will be part of the tool. With your left hand, light the white candle you've selected. As you light the wick, imagine the flame being part of your inner being. A symbol of the divine light within you. As you imagine this, say something like: I call upon the Great Spirits, my guide (say their name if you know it), and the positive forces around me this day/night to help me find the answers I seek at this time. Pick up your pendulum and pendulum board and say: Protect and use these tools to guide me in my search for spiritual growth, awareness and clarity. In return I give my thanks and gratitude, my love and light. Place the pendulum board on the table. As you re holding your pendulum, use your free hand to log this session in your notebook. Note the time, the date, who you called upon to help guide you and it might be interesting to note the weather and the phase of the moon. You'll notice patterns after a time, for which conditions seem to work best for you. Compose your first question. Remember to phrase it in a format that can be returned in a yes or no answer. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 23

24 Hold your pendulum at the top. Make your arm comfortable as possible as you hang the pendulum over the board. When you're ready, you can make your agreement with your spiritual guides that have come concerning the movement of the tool. Holding the pendulum over the board, gently move the weighted end so it swings from top to bottom and say: "This will be Yes." Stop the movement and let it hang in the center of the board. It doesn't have to be perfectly still, but it shouldn't be moving very much at all. Gently move the weighted end so it swings from left to right and say: "This will be No." Stop the movement and let the pendulum hang in the center again. Gently move the weighted end so it swings diagonally from the bottom right to the upper left and say: "This will be a Don't Want To Answer." Stop the movement and let the pendulum hang in the center. Gently move the weighted end so it swings in a clockwise circle and say: "This will be Probably Yes." Stop the movement and let the pendulum hang in the center. Gently move the weighted end so it swings in a counter-clockwise circle and say: "This will be Probably No." Take a deep breath and focus on your pendulum. Imagine it being engulfed in white and purple light. Holding it as still as possible in the middle of the board, ask your question. The pendulum will move on its own, do your very best not to influence its motion. Otherwise you'll have a false reading and this will be pointless. Just trust in yourself and your abilities. You can do this! If you still don't receive an answer, calm yourself a little bit. Have faith that this type of divination is possible if you believe in yourself and the forces around you. Position your arm again, try to restate your question just a little bit and wait for an answer. Once you receive one, record the answer in your notebook and compose your next question. Reposition the pendulum over the circle and ask another question. Keep doing this until all your questions have been answered. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 24

25 Close the Circle It is just as important to spend time on closing you circle as it is for opening one. You want to thank your guides and close the energy within the space. You want to balance your own energies and get grounded again. And you want to clean and clear up your altar so it's ready to go for the next spiritual event. No matter what your ceremony is for, you should add a moment of meditation to the event. In this altered state, you can contact your guides and review the answers you received. Ask for clarification or further insight into how the events might unfold. You can use this time to thank the forces that have helped you this evening. Or you might ask for clarity of vision or a better understanding in the situation at hand. Before you conclude your ritual, you should formally thank the spirits, deities, guides and anyone else in spirit you called upon, for their assistance. Typically this is done through an offering of some type. Bread and wine is a common offering, you might offer seeds for planting, or a seedling tree that will be planted in the honor of the spirits. There are as many different types of offerings as there are practioners around the world. Be true to your heart and your emotion, and select an offering that will have the most meaning to you. Conclude your ritual by closing your chakra centers. When you have completed this step, stand inside your circle. Face the North and give thanks once more for this sacred space and close the circle by saying something like this: Great Spirits, Guides, and all the unseen forces who helped me this day/night. I send you my heart felt thanks and gratitude for your presence, for the guidance you have given me and the answers you have helped to uncover. I ask you now to close the energy within this circle, returning it to its original state. I ask that this sacred space, my home and my physical body continue to be protected in the loving glow of the Divine. I ask that my feet, my body and my mind become firmly planted and grounded as the energy of this circle subsides. For this assistance, protection and graceful company, I once again give my thanks. Clean up your space, starting with the extinguishing the candle. Place your pendulum back in its protective pouch and return it and any other tools to their rightful place within your home. That's all there is to it. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 25

26 Sample Questions Here's an example of how to ask questions and follow through with a reading. Let's say we have a friend here that we're doing a pendulum reading for. We'll call her Daisy. Daisy wants to ask some general questions about work. We've done the above preparations and now we're ready for Daisy to ask her first question. (if you are doing a pendulum reading, have the client record the questions and answers so you can focus on the pendulum and the energy surrounding you both). Daisy asks: "I want to know if I'm going to get my promotion and the new office I want". You should say "We need to break that question up, so we'll ask: Will Daisy get her promotion at work?" Give the pendulum a few moments to reply. When the weighted end moves up and down, respond to Daisy "Yes". Will this promotion come with a new office? When the weighted end moves, respond accordingly. Now that Daisy has the hang of this, she asks: "Will the promotion come soon?" Answer accordingly. Let's say the pendulums response was "Maybe". Daisy: "When?" Again remind Daisy the question must be in a yes or no form. So let's ask: "Will the promotion come within this month?" The pendulum responds "No." You ask: "Within two months?" The pendulum responds "Yes". You ask: "Will the promotion come in the first two weeks of (name the next month, we'll say it's July)?" The pendulum responds "No". You say, "So Daisy will get her promotion during the last two weeks of July?", the pendulum responds "Yes". Daisy is happy, you close the circle and the session is over. Dowsing for options Another method of pendulum dowsing to decide between a numbers of options, works on the gravitational pull of the pendulum downwards over the correct choice. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 26

27 Choose an issue in which you have several choices or possible outcomes. Divide a piece of A4 paper into squares and write as many options as you have in different squares. It does not matter if some are blank. Examples You can also draw a chart of numbers to dowse for your lucky lottery numbers. If you are moving to a different home, use pictures of houses for sale you have viewed to decide which would be best for you. Set small pots of herbs, essential oils or different remedies from your medicine chest in a circle to dowse for the best to ease a particular condition. You can do the same with small healing crystals. Test different foods and drinks to discover which your body needs right now or alternatively which cause allergies. If you cannot dowse over the actual objects substitute written names. Hold your pendulum in turn over each of the marked options or items, moving very slowly. The sensation you are seeking is a strong pull of the pendulum downwards over one of the named options. The pendulum may become very heavy prior to pulling down. Unless you feel an instant pull over one square or object pass the pendulum over the whole grid or items. Continue even if you have made a choice. You may notice a less intense tugging over one or even two other squares. These can indicate additional useful factors. Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 27

28 This is a GREAT way to open up your psychic ability, and it's something that anyone can do! It's one of the easiest ways to "tune in," and you can use virtually anything as a pendulum. You can buy a fancy crystal one at most metaphysical/new age stores, or you can use a pendant/necklace or a ring on a chain. You can even just tie a nut (as in nuts and bolts) to the end of a string. Pendulums are handy. Many double as key chains, so they're with you wherever you go. You can ask a pendulum virtually anything, and you can have an answer in an instant. We often "hear" the big warnings and messages that Spirit and our intuition send to us, but there is too much chaos and mental chatter in our worlds for us to pick up on all the subtle messages we're constantly receiving. You can ask mundane questions (such as, "Which movie will I enjoy more? Movie A? Movie B?" or "Should I buy the pink one or the blue one?") and also more important questions (such as, "Is he lying to me?" "Should I sign up for that class?" "Should I see a doctor about that pain?" "Is there a spiritual lesson in this experience for me?") Copyright 2007 The Witch's Apothecary 28

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