What is a pendulum?

Technically, a pendulum is just an extension of you.  Its movement is dictated by the energy meridians in your body, particularly those that terminate in your hands.  A pendulum is typically a 6-8 inch long item with enough "give" to allow it to dangle and swing.  Anything that fits this description can be used--from a shoelace to a ceiling fan pull.  However, most people prefer to use attractive pendulums--hence our product line.  Of course the substances(s) from which your pendulum is made can affect it's used, characteristics, limitations, etc.

What is a pendulum's function?

Pendulums have many functions.   When learning about pendulums you will find that some are used for very specific purposes while some may be used for a wide range of enterprises.  Some of these functions include:  divining, healing, protection, direction, cleansing, and shifting energy.  Most people use it primarily as a divining tool.  What does that mean?  It means you ask your pendulum questions, and it provides a specific motion to denote the answer.  the premise of asking a pendulum questions is that there is knowledge in your subconscious (or superconscious) mind, accessible via your "energy," to which your conscious mind may not have access.  For instance, let's say you are unaware you have a food allergy.  Your body knows this information as does your subconscious mind.  However, consciously you may have no idea (this is also the basis for muscle testing).  Your pendulum allows you to tap into that knowledge.  You can ask your pendulum if you have any food allergies and it will give you an answer based on knowledge from your subconscious or superconscious mind.

How do I pick a pendulum?

Use your intuition.  Pick what jumps out at you.  Some questions to help you determine this are:  Which pendulum do you notice first?  Is there one in particular to which you are drawn?  Sometimes this can be disconcerting if our intuition seems to contradict our typical preferences.  Ultimately you should decide on whatever you are most comfortable with.

How many do I need?

If this is your first time buying a pendulum, one is a good beginning amount.  People who use pendulums on a regular basis, however, usually own an assortment.

How do I use a pendulum?

Let's focus on using your pendulum to gain knowledge.  There are several steps to efficient pendulum use.

First and foremost, you need to figure out what your "answers" are.  Your pendulum will have different motions for different answers.  Typical motions include:  a clockwise swing, a counter-clockwise swing, an up-and-down swing, a left-to-right swing, and a diagonal swing.  You begin by holding your pendulum (by whichever end you prefer--there is no right or wrong way to hold it) in your dominant hand and say or think: "Show me a clear yes."  Once you've determined your "yes" motion, move on to: "Show me a clear no."  This process is necessary because different motions mean different answers for different people.  Most people have a motion to signify yes, no, need more information (either you need more information to proceed or you need to rephrase your question) and maybe or I don't know.  When you know your basic pendulum answers, you are free to play and ask whatever you want.  Realize, however, your questions must be phrased to allow for a yes/no answer.

Phraseology of the question is important.  Your pendulum will answer your question very specifically.  There are two things you should try to include when asking your questions:  1) the big picture/all available options and 2) what is best.  The best way to explain this is with an example.  Let's say you have a glass of water.  The water isn't the cleanest and it has some chemicals in it that aren't good for your body.  So you ask your pendulum, "Is this water healthy for me to drink?"  Your pendulum answers, "yes," but you know the water isn't healthy for you.  So why did you get a "yes?"  Your body is composed predominantly of water and therefore needs water to sustain itself.  Therefore (as long as it isn't immediately toxic or poisonous) it is better to drink unclean water than no water at all.  And since you worded your question in that manner, you received an answer accordingly.  Now let us re-word the question to consider the big picture and what is best.  So you ask, "Everything considered (this phrase makes it a big picture question) is it best for me to drink this water?"  Now your pendulum answers "no."  This is because, everything being considered, it would be best for you to drink clean water.

Because a pendulum's movement is based on your energy flow, it is important to make sure you're not inadvertently doing something to hinder your energy flow while using your pendulum.  This means breathing is very important because our breath is our most direct link to our energy.  How do we know this?  Stop breathing.  You can go for days and weeks without water and food, but only a few minutes without breath.  What's the most rudimentary way to determine if someone is alive?  We check and see if they are breathing.  So our breath is directly linked to our energy/life force.  Say, for instance, you ask your pendulum a question and then hold your breath in anticipation of the answer.  It is likely your answer will be inaccurate.  If your energy flow is interrupted, it can hinder the pendulum from moving effectively and accurately.

Other things to consider are body positioning and emotional state.  Generally speaking, it is best to sit upright with your legs uncrossed while using your pendulum because energy flows very unobstructed through the meridian pathways in this position.  Placing your feet flat on the floor can also help, as can taking a moment to stretch any highly tense muscles.  Now, how does your emotional state influence your pendulum?  Your emotional state must be considered because, like your breathing, it can effect your energy flow.  This occurs most commonly when you are emotionally attached to the question you are asking.  For example, if you are really apprehensive or excited about what the answer may be, you may not be able to get an accurate answer.  Often what happens is your pendulum will remain dead still--it won't even move.  Other times you can notice by way of inconsistency.  Also if you have a trauma in your life, or a severe emotional reaction to something your pendulum may not work for a little while.

How do I clean my pendulum?

There are a number of methods you can use:

1) Smudge it with sage. Dried sage burns in a fashion similar to incense.  If you light it and then blow it out, it smokes until it's burnt out.  To "smudge" means to hold your pendulum in the smoke.  I find this method is usually the fastest.  Typically your pendulum spins as it is cleansing and comes to a stop when complete.

2) Place your pendulum outside in the sunlight or moonlight.  If you prefer not to place your pendulum outdoors, placing it in a sunny windowsill for a day or two works as well.

3) Place your pendulum under cold running water.

4) You may also cleanse your pendulum using another pendulum.

5) If you are a healer or have strong energy, simply holding your pendulum and intending white light into it can clean it as well.

Care and Storage

Realize that your pendulum functions as an energy conduit.  After a while it may collect and store some unwanted energies (which is also why it's good to cleanse your pendulum upon initial receipt).  Depending on frequency of use, it may be a good idea to cleanse your pendulum on a semi-regular basis (the necessity of this is also somewhat contingent upon the materials from which it is made).  The same can be said for where you choose to store your pendulum.  Where you store it and the items it may be in close proximity to for lengthy periods of time can also effect the energy and thus efficacy of your pendulum.

What is Fluency? 

Pendulums are tools, and like most tools, their rudimentary use is easily managed.  However, the skilled use of a pendulum is a bit of an art.  Becoming proficient at using pendulums as consistent, reliable tools often takes time, practice, and usually mentoring from someone with a good amount of experience.  The ability to use a pendulum with reliability and accuracy is called "fluency." 

Just as you become more fluent in a language through exposure, usage, and community, you can likewise become more "fluent" in connecting with/tapping into/understanding energy.  The term "fluency" is not limited to the use of pendulums; it applies to the overall state of awareness or energy connection.  However, pendulums are considered one of the primary and typically integral tools/skills that fall under the purview of fluency. 

In fact, there are "fluent" communities throughout the United States.  These are people who gather on a regular or semi-regular basis for the purpose of using pendulums in a group setting to further personal growth.