How to Use a Pendulum

There are many ways to use your pendulum. Answering yes/no questions is the most basic and perhaps most useful pendulum skill there is, so that's where we start. (Click here to see other ways to use your pendulum.)

Important NOTICE: The following information is copyrighted by Eva Browning, 2009-2019. Feel free to print out for personal use or to share with a study group. If you want to reprint (for anything other than personal or study group usage) or republish these instructions - in whole or in part - you must first obtain my written consent. If you would like to link this page no permission needed.


How to Use a Pendulum to Answer Yes/No Questions

1. Make your mind ready. Free yourself of internal and external noise. Clear your mind of worries. Do not multi-task. Relax and focus. Quiet, non-lyrical music (music without words) may help, along with other meditational aids like candles, incense, and crystals - but these things are not required and you can, use your pendulum anywhere, at any time, with or without these extra items.

2. Position yourself and your pendulum. Ideally, you want to sit up straight and if possible, put both feet flat on the floor. Grasp the pendulum's fob between your thumb and forefinger - or if you prefer, you can grasp anywhere along its chain, as long as you leave a couple inches between your fingers and the pendulum’s weight stone. Arch your wrist slightly, steady your forearm (but not your hand) on something solid, like the edge of a table or arm of a chair. Let the pendulum just dangle. Try to hold very still, but don’t worry if your hand shakes a little bit. This won’t affect the outcome. 
"Bliss" - Red Japser and Sterling Silver Pendulum

3. Program your pendulum’s signals. You only need to do this step once, unless you decide to make changes afterward. The purpose of programming is to establish signals for each of these answers:
        - Yes
        -  No
        -  Maybe (which can also be interpreted as "I don't know" or "I don't want to say")
      Here are some common, easy-to-read signals that you can choose to use:

           - front to back (like a head nod - common for “yes”)
           - side to side (like a head shake - common for “no”)
           - clockwise circle
           - counterclockwise circle

        To begin programming, first decide what your three signals are. Note: Some people prefer to ask the pendulum to choose its own signals though I don't recommend it. I believe you'll be more successful if you specify the signals yourself. Further, if you have more than one pendulum you'll want them to all be using the set of signals and it's not likely that they would all provide the same signal set.

        Next, demonstrate each signal: Tell your pendulum what signal you want it to use for “yes” as you demonstrate what the signal looks like (and feels like). Then do this for the "no" signal, again while demonstrating it. And finally for "maybe".

        Here’s an example of how to program the "yes" signal: Holding the pendulum in position, say “When I ask a question and the answer is yes, move like this, in a clockwise circle.” (or whatever signal you've chose for "yes"). Say this as you swing the pendulum in the yes signal.

        4. Verify the signals. To test out the trustworthiness of your programmed signals, ask a couple of test questions, such as “Is my name Billy?” Or, "Is today Tuesday?" Basically, you want to verify that yes is yes and no is no. If the signals are not coming out right, go back to step 3 and reprogram the pendulum. Once your signals are verified, you skip this step.

        Cosmic Light - Smoky Quartz, Clear Quartz, and sterling silver pendulum
        5. Program your pendulum’s source. Unlike steps 3 and 4, you'll want to include this step every time you use your pendulum to answer a question or set of questions. The purpose is to establish where the pendulum will get its answers. The goal is to tap into your higher self. Skipping this step may cause your pendulum to restrict itself to the subconscious mind and ignore the higher self.

        To program the pendulum's source, begin each session by saying, “I call upon the higher self to answer these questions. I seek only truthful answers, which are aligned with the highest and greatest good for all concerned.” Whether you say this out loud or inside your head is up to you. Do what you are comfortable with, and of course, feel free to tailor this language so it matches your own terminology.

        6. Ask your question. Ask questions that can be answered by YES or NO. Be as specific as you can in your phrasing. Avoid asking for opinions or using the words “should” or “supposed to” in your questions.

        7. Wait for the answer. Be patient. Concentrate on your question (closing your eyes may help), but do not concentrate on what you think the answer should or will be. Remain detached about the answer and focus only on receiving a correct, unbiased answer.

        When the pendulum swings, look at it - observe its direction. This is your answer. If it doesn’t move right away, give it time, or if it’s unclear what the signal is, try rephrasing the question and do it again. When the pendulum swings with great force, it’s answering loudly. If it swings with only light force, you can interpret this as a quiet, perhaps less committed response.

        8. Clear the pendulum at the end of each question by touching its weight-stone to the palm of your free hand or on another surface. This signals that your question has been answered and you are ready to move on to the next question.

        "Synchronicity" Clear Quartz, Moldavite, and Sterling Silver pendulum

        Protect your pendulum when not in use. A great way to do this is to wear it on a neck chain. That way it will receive your energy all day long, and will be readily attuned to your body's energy and vibrational level. Or you can keep it in a pouch a keepsake box.

        Helpful Tips

        1. Relax, enjoy the connection.
        2. Be open, neutral and definitely do not try to predict answers.
        3. Be clear in the way you phrase your questions.
        4. Be patient, be present.
        5. To get a stronger response, say “respond louder please”or "be more clear".
        6. Cup your other hand underneath the point or weight stone to help focus energy.

        Here are some sample questions you can ask:

        • Is it in my best interest to buy this item?
        • Will I enjoy the stories in this book?
        • Will it rain in (name of your town) tomorrow?
        • Is this a healthy food choice for me to eat at this time? (ask while holding pendulum over the food)
        • Is it in my best interest to attend the (insert event name here) tomorrow night?

        Hope - Green Aventurine, Jade and sterling silver pendulum

        Want to start out slow and easy? Get to know your pendulum by asking light, easy questions that you may not necessarily know the answers to.

        Here are some ideas (you may be surprised by the answers):

        • Is right now a good time for me to use my pendulum?
        • Is it okay if I call you _____________ ? (pick a name for your pendulum)

        Pendulums come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Click here to browse all AYP pendulums.

        For tips and pendulum troubleshooting advice, click here.


        Back to the top