Ian Parkin is the author of this post.
Dowsing with a pendulum is the easiest way to kick-start your psychic development. You will find this an excellent way of tapping into your intuitive mind, connecting with your higher self and spirit guides, and performing tasks like energy healing and esoteric divination.
Any pendant which is attached to a chain, necklace, or leather cord such as a wedding ring on the end of a string or chain will get you started. And pendulums make awesome gifts for Psychic Junkies. You can even wear one as a talisman or good luck amulet.
To start pendulum dowsing, you’ll need a pendulum, which can be made of materials like crystal, metal, or wood, or even a simple weighted object such as a key or a ring on a string. Choose a pendulum that feels comfortable and resonates with you. A chain or string around 6–12 inches long works well, allowing the pendulum to swing freely. Optional tools like dowsing charts (with letters, numbers, or specific options) can enhance accuracy. A notebook for recording questions and answers is helpful for tracking progress. Finally, ensure you have a quiet, undisturbed space where you can concentrate.
Start by holding the pendulum between your thumb and index finger, letting the chain hang naturally. As a rule, psychics use their dominant hand to operate a dowsing pendulum. You can rest your elbow on a table for stability or hold your arm steady if standing. The pendulum should dangle freely, about 1 - 2 inches above your surface or chart. Before using the pendulum, program it by establishing what its movements mean. You can ask it to “Show me yes,” then observe the motion, which could be a clockwise swing or a forward-back motion. Repeat the process for “Show me no” and “Show me neutral,” noting the differences in movement.
There is no right or wrong way for your 'yes and no' set up. Personally, I like to have my 'yes' as an up and down / forward backward movement as I can easily relate that to nodding my head for yes. And I like my 'no' to be side to side as I easily relate that to moving my head side to side when saying no. So, I program my pendulum by telling it to respond in this way for my yes and no. I have designed my Pendulum Dowsing Chart accordingly.
Practice until these responses are consistent. When asking questions, make them clear, specific, and neutral, avoiding emotionally charged language. Instead of asking vague questions like, “Will I be happy soon?” phrase them as, “Is this decision aligned with my highest good?” Interpretation comes with practice - trust your intuition if the pendulum’s response feels unclear, and rephrase or revisit the question later.
To connect with your higher self or spirit guides, begin by grounding and centering yourself with deep breaths or a brief meditation. Hold the pendulum and mentally invite your higher self or guides to assist you. Start with simple, general questions to establish the connection, such as, “Are you here to help me today?” Once the connection feels strong, move on to deeper questions like, “What is the next step in my personal growth?” Be respectful and express gratitude to your guides, and avoid asking the same question multiple times, as this can disrupt the flow of energy.
Create a safe and protected space by visualizing a shield of protective light around you and the pendulum. This helps ensure clear answers. Refine your questions to be specific and actionable, such as, “Would pursuing this job opportunity be beneficial for me?” Write down your questions and record the pendulum’s answers in a notebook to review later. Spacing out your sessions will help avoid mental or energetic fatigue, allowing you to maintain clarity and focus.
For locating lost objects, start by asking, “Is the [object] in this room?” If the answer is yes, divide the space into sections and move the pendulum over each area. The pendulum’s movements will intensify when you are near the object. You can also use a map or blueprint of a larger area, letting the pendulum point to specific locations. For esoteric divination, dowsing charts with letters, numbers, or other specific options can help with complex questions. Allow the pendulum to point to the appropriate answer, taking your time and trusting the process.
Before using the pendulum for energy healing, cleanse it using saltwater, smoke, or visualization. Ground yourself and set an intention for healing. To identify blockages, hold the pendulum over each chakra, starting at the root and moving upward. A strong, circular motion often indicates a balanced chakra, while erratic movements or stillness may suggest a blockage. To clear blockages, visualize healing energy flowing into the affected area as the pendulum swings. You can also use affirmations or sound vibrations, such as chanting “Lam” for the root chakra. After completing the healing session, cleanse the pendulum again and express gratitude for the work it has facilitated.
Using a pendulum to select lottery numbers is a form of intuitive divination that requires focus and patience. Begin by preparing a clean and quiet space where you can concentrate without distractions. Ensure your pendulum is cleansed and ready for use. Start by setting a clear intention, such as, “I ask for guidance to select the numbers that align with my highest good and purpose.” This intention helps create a focused and positive energy around the process.
Use a dowsing chart or write down the range of possible numbers (e.g., 1–49) on a piece of paper. Divide the numbers into smaller groups if needed to make the process more manageable. Hold the pendulum over the chart or list and ask questions like, “Is the first number in this set?” or “Show me the correct number for the draw.” Allow the pendulum to indicate the correct number through its programmed movements. For instance, it might swing in a specific direction or over a certain number. Repeat the process for each subsequent number, ensuring you take breaks to stay focused and avoid fatigue.
It’s essential to maintain a neutral mindset during this process. Avoid attaching too much emotional energy to the outcome, as this can influence the pendulum’s movements and compromise accuracy. Remember, dowsing is a tool for guidance, and outcomes like predicting lottery numbers should be viewed as an exercise to strengthen your intuition and connection to higher energies rather than guaranteeing specific results. Lastly, express gratitude for the guidance received, whether or not the results align with your expectations.
Consistent practice is essential for improving your dowsing skills. Stay neutral and detached from specific outcomes, allowing the pendulum to reflect your intuitive connection. Cleanse your pendulum regularly to remove any residual energy, ensuring it remains a clear channel for your intentions. Respect others’ free will by refraining from asking questions about them without their consent. Finally, take breaks if the pendulum feels unresponsive, as fatigue or overuse can hinder accurate results. Over time, dowsing with a pendulum will become a powerful tool for accessing your inner guidance and intuitive abilities.
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