How to Use a Pendulum and Pendulum Board

Pendulums are simple yet powerful tools for divination, decision-making, and energetic clarity. Whether you’re completely new to this practice or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the basics of how to use a pendulum and a pendulum board.

What Is a Pendulum?

A pendulum is a small weighted object, usually made of metal, crystal, or wood, that hangs from a chain or string. When held still, it can swing in different directions in response to questions, tapping into your subconscious mind or energetic field.

What Is a Pendulum Board?

A pendulum board is a flat surface marked with words, symbols, or directional cues. Common markings include “Yes,” “No,” “Maybe,” “Rephrase,” and letters or numbers (like a spirit or alphabet board). It helps guide and clarify your readings.

How to Use a Pendulum

1. Choose Your Pendulum

Pick one that feels right to you. There’s no wrong choice, go with what you’re drawn to. and cleanse it before using.

2. Cleanse the Pendulum

Pendulums can absorb energy, so it’s helpful to cleanse them after you get a new one and clear them before a session. You can:
• Run it through smoke (mugwort, sage, cedar, incense, etc.)
• Place it in moonlight overnight
• OM over it
• Use a singing bowl over it
• Use a tuning fork over it
• Set it on a piece of selenite or quartz

3. Ground and Center

Sit down, take a few deep breaths, and focus. It helps to be calm and centered before you begin.

4. Establish “Yes” and “No”

Hold the pendulum by the chain so it hangs still over your hand, the board or a flat surface. Ask:
• “Show me yes.”
• “Show me no.”
Note the direction it swings. It could be forward-back, side-to-side, or circular. It may vary from person to person, so always check before starting.

You can also ask it to show “maybe” or “I don’t know,” depending on how you use it.

5. Ask Clear, Simple Questions

Pendulums work best with yes/no questions. Examples:
• “Is today a good day to start my project?”
• “Should I go to the event tomorrow?”
Avoid vague or multi-part questions.

Using a Pendulum Board

Once you know your pendulum’s movements, you can add a pendulum board for more specific answers.

How to Use It:

1. Place the board on a flat surface.
2. Hold the pendulum over the center of the board.
3. Ask your question clearly.
4. Watch where the pendulum swings, it should point toward a word, number, or direction on the board.

Tips:

• Stay still. Don’t move your hand while it’s swinging.
• Be patient. The pendulum may take a few seconds to respond.
• If the answer is unclear or inconsistent, rephrase the question or try again later.

Common Troubleshooting

Q: My pendulum isn’t moving. What do I do?

• Make sure your hand is steady.
• Try grounding yourself again.
• Cleanse the pendulum and try later.

Q: The answers seem random or wrong.

• Check your energy. Are you tired, distracted, or emotional?
• Make sure your questions are simple and direct.
• Try re-establishing your “yes” and “no.”

Final Tips

• Practice regularly. The more you use your pendulum, the easier it gets.
• Keep a journal of your questions and answers.
• Don’t use a pendulum when you’re very emotional, it may affect the accuracy.
• Treat it as a tool, not a replacement for your judgment or critical thinking.

Using a pendulum and pendulum board is a simple way to tap into your inner guidance. With practice, patience, and clarity, it can become a reliable method for getting quick answers and insight into your everyday life.

Looking for a Pendulum?

We carry a curated selection of pendulums and pendulum boards in our online shop! Whether you’re drawn to crystals, wood, or metal styles, we’ve got options to help you connect with your intuition.

Browse our collection and see what calls to you → Shop Pendulums