Firstly, for all the seasoned pendulum users out there: this is just my take. I ask that everyone reading this keeps an open mind. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. Whether you take a little something from this blog or absolutely nothing at all—that’s totally up to you.

More often than not, whether I'm at the Psychic Café, a metaphysical event, or just pottering around in the Blissful Things shop, someone will ask me about pendulums. Especially if they’re new to the idea, or if it’s just never been explained to them properly before.

Let’s be honest—we've all met someone who’s seen or heard of pendulum use, often with some fascinating folklore attached. There's the old wedding ring-on-a-hair-strand trick to guess the baby’s gender, followed by spirited debate about which way it’s supposed to swing for a boy or a girl. Everyone ends up confused, gives up, and no one gets a solid answer.

Sometimes pendulums pop up in tarot readings. The reader might use one to confirm an answer or help with tricky questions, and the client is usually mesmerised. In energy work, pendulums are used for everything from house clearings to hands-on or hands-off healing. Most people in the metaphysical space eventually develop their own intuitive style of using a pendulum.

Oh! And let’s not forget the water diviners—people with the uncanny gift of finding underground water. I tried it years ago with family just for fun... let’s just say none of us had the knack. But some people really do.

And then there’s the plumb bob—good ol’ Uncle John probably has one in his shed. It’s a pointed weight on a string used in building to find a vertical line. Technically not spiritual, but hey, it’s still a pendulum at heart!

Right—now that we’ve cleared the air on the plumb bob, let’s get back to pendulums and the metaphysical side of things.

Pendulums are one of many divination tools. The act of using one is called dowsing. People use pendulums for all kinds of reasons. here are some:

🔍 Divination

• Yes/No Questions – Probably the most common use. The pendulum swings in different directions to show “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.”

• Finding Lost Objects – Ask where something is, and follow the pendulum’s pull.

• Decision Making – Feeling stuck? Let the pendulum help weigh your options.

🌿 Energy Work

• Chakra Balancing – Hold it over chakras to check for movement or imbalances.

• Space or Item Cleansing – Use it to sense if an object or space needs clearing.

💫 Spiritual Connection

• Tapping into Intuition or Spirit Guides – Some believe pendulums bypass the logical mind and connect to deeper wisdom.

• Validating Gut Feelings – When you just need that little nudge of confirmation.

Now, while pendulums are super helpful, they’re not always the right tool in the moment. Here’s when it’s best to take a pause:

When Not to Use a Pendulum

🚫 When You’re Emotionally Charged
Stress, fear, or strong emotions can throw off the pendulum’s accuracy.

💤 When You’re Tired or Unwell
Low energy = unclear readings. Rest first.

🌀 When You’re Desperate for a Specific Answer
If you’re clinging to a certain outcome, you might unintentionally influence the swing.

❌ When You Keep Asking the Same Question
You’ll get mixed signals. Ask once with clarity.

⚡ In Chaotic or Noisy Environments
Distractions and energy chaos can muddle the reading.

🧩 For Medical or Legal Decisions
Pendulums are for guidance, not diagnosis or legal advice.

So yeah, pendulums are lovely and elegant tools. But like anything, they work best under the right circumstances. Use them as guides, not absolutes. Remember: energy shifts, situations change.

When it comes to picking crystals or doing energy work, pendulums can help you tune in to your own intuition. The pendulum itself can be made from anything—wood, crystal, metal—as long as it’s a weighted object on a string or chain. I personally like ones with a point, but even when I’ve broken the tip off one, it still worked fine! It’s really about what feels good for you.

Pendulums are beautiful tools to have in your spiritual toolbox. But they’re not the be-all and end-all. Life has ups and downs—pendulums are just there to help navigate them. You’re still the one steering your ship.

✨ Basic Guide to Using a Pendulum

A pendulum is a simple yet powerful tool for divination, energy work, and personal insight. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Choose Your Pendulum
Pick one that resonates with you. Crystal, metal, wood—whatever feels right.

2. Cleanse It
Clear any lingering energy by:

• Running it under water (if safe for the material)

• Charging in sunlight or moonlight

• Smudging with sage or incense

3. Set Your Intention
Hold it in your dominant hand and say something like, “I ask for clear and truthful answers for my highest good.”

4. Establish Your Signals
Ask:

• “Show me Yes” – note the swing direction

• “Show me No” – note again

• “Show me Maybe” – observe any unique movement

5. Ask Your Questions
Keep them simple, clear, and neutral.

6. Trust the Process
The more you use it, the more natural it’ll feel. Stay relaxed and open.

7. Store It Safely
Pop it in a soft pouch or sacred space to keep its energy fresh.

Enjoy the magic of your pendulum—and remember, it’s a tool to support your intuition, not replace it.

(And of course, please remember: pendulums and crystals should never replace professional advice from doctors or health practitioners. Always seek medical help when you need it!)

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this little pendulum adventure! If you’re feeling inspired or just a bit curious, feel free to explore the website and see what beautiful pendulums we have available. You never know—your perfect one might be waiting for you!