Hi, hi, hi Witches and Witchlets! Welcome to another post in our Magickal Tool Care Series. In this post we’re tackling pendulums and all that they entail. Where they come from, how to choose one for your practice, how to care for them and more. Let’s go!
ETYMOLOGY
pendulum (n.)
anything that hangs down from a point of attachment and is free to swing;” specifically, in mechanics, “a body so suspended from a fixed point as to move to and fro by the alternate action of gravity and its acquired energy of motion,” 1660, from Modern Latin pendulum (1643), noun use of neuter of Latin adjective pendulus “hanging down,” from pendere “to hang, cause to hang” (from PIE root *(s)pen- “to draw, stretch, spin”). The Modern Latin word is perhaps a Latinization of Italian pendolo.
SOURCE
WHAT IS A PENDULUM?
Simply put, a pendulum is any weighted object suspended from a chain or the like that can freely swing from side to side.
WHAT IS A PENDULUM USED FOR?
In the metaphysical sense, pendulums are used for dowsing and divining. Used for centuries, pendulums have been the chosen instrument by countless psychics and healers to locate objects and uncover answers to questions. When seeking answers, the pendulum is programmed by the practitioner to respond in directional swings – i.e. clockwise for ‘yes’, counterclockwise for ‘no’, side-to-side for ‘maybe’. When seeking a location, the pendulum is held over a map and when stimulated, the position is recorded.
In holistic healthcare, some medical practitioners utilize them to diagnose and decide the best avenue of treatment for the condition of the patient. They do this by holding the instrument over different locations on the body to see how the pendulums swings. This results in finding where the disease is. The practitioners then use the pendulum again to determine the best medicine by holding it over different remedies.
While we do have evidence that pendulums were utilized for divinatory purposes in ancient Egypt and Rome, their use may also pre-date recorded history.
WHAT DOES A PENDULUM LOOK LIKE?
Pendulums of yesteryear were either a gold ring suspended from a silk ribbon or a plain gold chain. A typical modern pendulum used for spiritual purposes looks like a crystal or stone, metal, or wood attached to a cord. They can be super fancy or really simple.
Some use magickal correspondence as a way to amp up their end goal. For example, a practitioner may choose to use a Lapis Lazuli stone for its ability to stimulate intuition and psychic powers. Others may favor a Rose Quartz when working with all matters of the heart.
HOW TO CHOOSE A PENDULUM FOR YOUR PRACTICE
As I always say-
“Tools are very intimate to the practitioner. What works for one mystic may not work for another.”
Shopping for any kind of magickal tool to use in your practice should really be done in-person. I know that that is not always an option for some people. As such, being able to hold an object, feel its weight, see if there’s a connection there, visualize yourself using it, etc. will facilitate the selection process.
One way to know that a pendulum is meant for you is if you touch one and feel a small vibration or change in temperature. While pendulum shopping, if it looks right, feels right, and seems right, then it’s right.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SHOP IN-PERSON?
Virtual shopping is still a viable option for those who can’t peruse in-person. With plenty of mystical shops available online, you have options to compare pendulums and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase. The sites should have plenty of pictures with detailed descriptions featuring dimensions and measurements to give you an idea of how big or small the pendulum is.
You could also choose to DIY one for your practice. Anything that holds weight that can be suspended from a cord or chain can be used. This could be something like a stone that holds special meaning to you, a shell you found, a crystal necklace you don’t wear anymore but can’t bear to donate or give to someone else, etc. This can benefit your practice as you’ll already have a connection with the object used.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PENDULUMS
As aforementioned, pendulums featuring crystals and gemstones as the centerpiece is most common nowadays. There are plenty of shops that offer them, including our sister-site Candle Cross Coven. Check out the selection here
The following is a list of typical crystals, metal, and wood you can find for your pendulum work and their magickal correspondence. While not exhaustive, it’s a good place to start!
- Copper is used to balance and amplify energies. It’s also used to promote healing.
- Aventurine is used to encourage intuition and perception. It also has the ability to balance intellect and emotions. Representative of vitality, prosperity, and good luck, it’s also chosen to calm negative thought and anger.
- Brass is used to attract prosperity, healing, and protection. As it corresponds with the element of fire, it has the ability to energize and invigorate.
- Jasper holds a strong protective and healing energy. Known as the ‘Nurturing Stone’, it’s incredibly calming, grounding, and offers a direct avenue for those seeking realistic answers.
- Indian Rosewood, or Sheesham, corresponds to the Divine Feminine and the Heart Chakra. A pendulum made of this wood is wonderful for those looking to overcome blockages and obstacles while developing a connection to their higher self.
- Lapis Lazuli is used for communication and to integrate the mind, body, and spirit. Great for clarifying thoughts and promoting honesty, it make for a fantastic pendulum for stimulating intuition and psychic powers.
- Ametrine, a blend of amethyst and citrine, is touted for inspiring a connection with the spirit realm. A stone of resolution, it has the ability to offer revelatory answers, especially in trying times. Ametrine is also great for creative endeavors and when seeking mental clarity.
- Rose Quartz is, as previously mentioned, great when working with all matters of the heart. Also known as the ‘Stone of Unconditional Love’, pendulums made of Rose Quartz works wonders for those seeking true love.
- Clear Quartz Crystal is used to cleanse and balance energies related to the mind, spirit, and emotion. It also has the ability to amplify other crystals and stones and their metaphysical properties.
- Selenite is used for multiple healing and metaphysical effects. It’s great for aura cleansing, drawing in healing energies, and healing work.
- Onyx holds particularly strong protective qualities and has the ability to absorb and transform negativity. It’s also used to relieve anxiety.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PENDULUM
What your pendulum is made of directly determines how you physically clean it. I recommend using a soft clean cloth to run over all facets of the stone, crystal, metal, or wood. Involving any type of salt or water can potentially damage it, so it’s best to play it safe.
As for spiritually cleansing, many pendulums are made of crystals and stones and will naturally absorb other energies around them. Without cleansing, they will hold on to said energies and in turn, can become erratic and result in inaccurate readings.
The following cleansing suggestions are safe for all types of materials:
- SMOKE CLEANSE
Light a smoke wand or incense and pass your pendulum through the smoke, slowly and with purpose. Imagine all energies being wiped clean, leaving you with a thoroughly cleansed tool. Pass your pendulum through the smoke at least three times.
- CRYSTAL CLEANSE
A crystal that has the ability to self-cleanse can also be used on other stones. The following crystals can be used to cleanse your pendulum:
- Clear Quartz
- Citrine
- Carnelian
- Selenite
To cleanse your pendulum, store it with a self-cleansing stone in a soft bag or lined container for at least 24 hours.
- MOONLIGHT BATH
The moon’s light is safe for all crystals. Simply place your pendulum on a windowsill that receives moonlight during its fullest phase. A full moon allows the crystal to release lingering energies, resulting in a cleansed stone for you to program and use.
- RICE
Resonating with the energies of both the Sun and the Earth, rice has been used for metaphysical cleansing for centuries. It is said that this grain has the ability to balance Heaven’s energies with Earth’s energies. It’s because of this that rice can ground, cleanse, and harmonize energies while absorbing all imbalances and in turn, resetting crystals and stones to their base frequencies.
To cleanse your pendulum using this method, fill a glass bowl big enough to accomodate your tool with your choice of rice. Some say to only use brown rice as it hasn’t undergone any type of processing, but in the end you should listen to your intuition when making the choice. Bury your tool in the rice and allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. Once that time has passed, uncover your pendulum and run a clean, dry cloth over all surfaces.
What you do with the rice after the cleansing is up to you. Some say to dispose of it, while others will eat the rice. You can make rice water and bathe in it or use it to water your plants. Ultimately, it comes down to what you feel comfortable doing.
- VISUALIZATION
To perform a cleansing using visualization, hold your pendulum between your palms and visualize a bright white light that encompasses the crystal. Imagine the light piercing the stone and washing it over with cleansing energy that wipes away all stored resonations and frequencies.
CHARGING YOUR PENDULUM
Once your pendulum has been cleaned and cleansed, it’s ready to be charged. Charging is when a practitioner fills an object with a specific kind of energy. Also known as enchanting or programming, you can charge both objects and spaces with your chosen intention. In this case, it’s like filling your pendulum with purpose.
Just as there are different ways to cleanse, there are different ways to charge. How you charge your pendulum is up to you. You can use techniques like vocal charging or meditation. The most important facet of charging is your intent – you want to concentrate it into your tools. Pay attention to your intuition as it will let you know when charging is finished.
A NOTE ON CHARGING
Over time, objects that we imbue with specific intentions eventually lose energy. But how do you know WHEN to charge after the initial act?
- Any time you cleanse an object or tool it needs to be charged
- When energies feel “off”
- When you wish to reprogram an object or space with a different energy/intent/purpose
- When a tool begins to feel stagnant or stale or stops responding to your energy
PROGRAMMING YOUR PENDULUM
Once you’ve cleansed and charged your pendulum, it’s time to program it. Stating your intentions and being certain you’re in charge of where answers are coming from are both important aspects of programming. To do this, hold your pendulum in your dominant hand and declare:
“Hallowed pendulum, I program you to reveal only the complete truth from my higher self.”
Feel free to say whatever else you feel called to when programming your pendulum. This is another way to develop trust with your intuition.
PENDULUM DIRECTION
Next, it’s highly suggested you give your pendulum direction. While some practitioners directly ask their pendulum what “yes” or “no” looks like, others believe that this gives the tool too much power. Instead, they will show and tell their pendulum what answers look like. Do what you’re called to.
To show and tell your pendulum what answers look like, hold it in your dominant hand and confidently swing it in the direction you wish for a ‘yes’ answer and declare, “This direction defines a ‘yes’ answer.” Repeat for the other responses. On the other hand, if you want to ask your pendulum to show you what ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘maybe’, etc. looks like, simply ask it to show you.
I recommend recording your pendulum’s directional answers to refer to when first starting out. This will give you confidence as you grow with your magickal tool and in turn, help to develop a connection to your higher self.
HOW TO STORE YOUR PENDULUM
Demarcating out a sacred spot on your altar is a wonderful way to honor your pendulum. You may also wish to keep it close to you while you sleep and during the day, too. This will build a strong tether to your energy and the energy of your pendulum.
IN CONCLUSION…
As always, I hope that this post has taught you a thing or two about the care of pendulums. Do you already work with pendulums? Is there anything you did or do differently with your tool? Let me know in the comments. Bright Blessings and Happy Crafting!
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