As you probably know, using Tarot and oracle cards is a method of divination. Cartomancy is considered ‘casting’, where one shuffles their cards and either chooses or distributes them at random to conduct a reading.
Using a pendulum for divination, though, is considered rhabdomancy, or dowsing. Though you might be more familiar with the use of dowsing rods to find things hidden underground, using a pendulum is another method of channeling or communicating with spirits.
Types of Pendulums
Almost anything can used as a pendulum, including a favorite pendant or bauble suspended from a chain or thin cord.
When choosing your pendulum, you might want to keep in mind the properties of the object, particularly gemstones.
Here are a few ideas:
Moonstone (my personal fave!)
- Qualities: Intuition, the unconscious, deep wisdom
- Good For: Inner work, understanding dreams
Bloodstone
- Qualities: Courage, ancestral healing
- Good For: calling on support of ancestors
Sodalite
- Qualities: Insight, divination
- Good For: reading energy, decision making, deepening wisdom
Optical Calsite
- Qualities: Divine purpose, clarity
- Good for: Self-reflection, finding your soul path
How To Conduct A Reading
Open your séance by preparing your questions ahead of time. You might also want to cleanse your space with incense or by lighting a candle.
Holding your pendulum loosely in your non-dominant hand while keeping still, one first asks the spirits “show me what yes means”. After a few moments, the pendulum should spin or waver.
Next, repeat the question by asking “Show me what no means”. To be sure you are interpreting the message from the spirits correctly, ask them to show you their responses to both “yes” and “no” again.
Keep in mind how your pendulum reacts so you can more easily interpret the messages you might receive.
After you have determined how to read their responses, thank your spirit guides and let them know you’ll be continuing with your questions.
Pause briefly between questions to wait for a response, repeating your question if you don’t receive one or need clarification.
After you finish asking all your questions, don’t forget to thank the spirits for their wisdom before snuffing out your incense or candle to signal your séance is closed and the spirits should depart.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever tried using a pendulum for divination? Did you receive any interesting messages? Share your experiences in the comments!
SOURCES:
- The Book of Séances ; A Guide to Divination and Speaking to Spirits by Claire Goodchild
- Crystals: A Guide to Using the Crystal Compass for Energy, Healing, and Reclaiming Your Power by Aisha Amarfio
