Pendulums: Ancient Tools, Modern Magic — How to Tap Into Their Power

Pendulums are one of the most time-honored tools for spiritual clarity. Portable, intuitive, and deeply personal, they help you bypass mental chatter and tune into inner truth. For centuries, people have turned to pendulums for guidance, clarity, and energetic alignment — and now, one is in your hands.

Inside this month’s Soul II Soul Subscription Box, you’ll find a luminous Citrine pendulum — hand-selected to bring light, warmth, and confidence to your spiritual journey. Whether this is your first time working with one or you're deepening an existing practice, this article will walk you through everything you need to know: the history, how to use it, and the different types available.

© 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

A Brief History of Pendulums

The use of pendulums spans centuries and cultures, appearing in everything from healing practices to spiritual rituals. Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used pendulum-like tools to detect imbalances and access divine messages. In classical Greece, similar tools were employed for seeking hidden answers or locating buried items.

In traditional Chinese medicine, subtle pendular movements have long been used to assess energetic flow within the body. And by the 16th century in Europe, pendulums became common in dowsing — helping people locate underground water, minerals, or lost objects. Over time, their role evolved to include spiritual practices, where they became a bridge between the physical and unseen realms.

Pendulums work by tapping into the subtle cues of your energetic field. Some believe they reflect the subconscious mind; others see them as a way to receive messages from spiritual guides or higher self. However you experience it, the pendulum responds to the energy of the present moment — revealing clarity, alignment, or next steps that may already be taking shape beneath the surface.

How to Use a Pendulum

Pendulums are simple but incredibly effective. Here's how to begin:

1. Cleanse It First

Like any spiritual tool, your pendulum should be energetically clear before use. You can:

• Hold it in incense smoke

• Set it out in sunlight or moonlight

• Use a sound bath or tuning fork

• Place it on a bed of salt or Selenite overnight

2. Connect With Your Pendulum

Hold the chain between your thumb and forefinger. Let the crystal dangle freely, and take a few slow breaths. Quiet your mind. You may want to say:

“I open myself to clear guidance in alignment with my highest self.”

3. Establish Your Movements

Every pendulum (and every person) communicates a little differently — that’s the beauty of it. There’s no universal “yes” or “no” swing. Your pendulum will establish its own signs based on how it connects to your energy.

Ask your pendulum:

• “What is YES?” (observe the direction of movement)

• “What is NO?”

• “What is UNCLEAR or MAYBE?”

Common movements might include:

• Forward and backward = yes

• Side to side = no

• Circular = maybe or unclear

Take your time to observe the patterns. With consistent use, your pendulum will develop a reliable rhythm.

4. Ask Clear Questions

Pendulums work best with yes/no questions. Try:

• “Is this a good time for a new project?”

• “Is this crystal energetically cleansed?”

• “Is this product aligned for me right now?”

Avoid overly vague or emotionally charged questions. If your energy is unstable, the pendulum may not respond clearly.

Ways to Use a Pendulum

Pendulums are more versatile than people realize. Beyond simple yes/no work, they can be used for energetic assessments, decision-making, and deeper insight. Here are trusted ways to use your pendulum:

• Over the Hand

Hold your non-dominant hand palm-up and hover the pendulum about an inch above the center. This is often used to feel into your own energy and center yourself before asking deeper questions.

• Over the Body (Chakra Scanning)

Hover the pendulum slowly over each chakra point (from the root up to the crown). A strong, steady motion often indicates flow; weak or erratic swings may suggest imbalance or stagnation.

• With Maps or Objects

Glass and metal pendulums are often used in grid work or map dowsing. You can hover the pendulum over physical maps, photos, or land charts to locate energy hotspots or areas that need healing focus. You can also use it to choose between physical objects — like crystals, herbs, or written affirmations — by asking, “Which one is best for me today?”

• With a Pendulum Chart

Charts can offer expanded answers like Yes, No, Maybe, Rephrase, or numeric insights (0%–100%). You can download or design your own chart depending on what you want to explore — love, timing, energy levels, emotions, or chakras. This makes your pendulum sessions more interactive and detailed.

• Choosing Ritual Elements

Pendulums are wonderful for curating spiritual practices. Ask which tools want to be part of your bath, altar, or intention ritual. You may be surprised which oils or stones are energetically calling to you.

• Daily Guidance or Affirmation

Lay out a selection of words, intentions, or cards. Ask your pendulum, “What message do I need today?” Let it guide you toward the phrase or affirmation that your spirit is asking to hear.

Citrine Pendulum | © 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

Why Citrine?

The Citrine pendulum in your Soul II Soul box wasn’t chosen randomly. Citrine is known for its bright, cleansing, and motivating energy — which is exactly what makes it such a powerful tool for clarity work.

• Solar Plexus Activation – Supports decision-making, confidence, and energetic direction.

• Mental Clarity & Optimism – Encourages lightness and clears doubt, so your answers come through with more certainty.

• Self-Cleansing – Citrine doesn’t hold on to negative energy, so it stays energetically “clearer” than most stones with regular use.

Whether you’re seeking confirmation or simply looking for an energetic yes, Citrine supports you with warmth and confidence every time you reach for it.

Types of Pendulums

There are many pendulums out there, but here are the most commonly used types:

• Crystal Pendulums – Made from stones like Citrine, Amethyst, or Rose Quartz. Each one carries unique energetic properties and may amplify certain intentions.

• Wooden Pendulums – Light, grounding, and energy-neutral. Great for working in nature or for people who are highly sensitive to energy.

• Metal Pendulums – Usually made from brass or copper. Very responsive and often used for quick, precise answers.

• Glass Pendulums – Elegant and neutral. Ideal for map work, grid placement, or when you need a clean slate for readings.

What to Do If Your Pendulum Isn’t Working

Sometimes pendulums just… don’t swing. It can be confusing, but it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. Try one of these adjustments:

• Take a reset moment. Step away, ground yourself, or cleanse the pendulum again.

• Rephrase your question. If it’s too complicated or emotionally loaded, simplify it.

• Check your energy. Anxiety or attachment to the answer can block the flow. Take a breath, and come back when you feel calm.

• Trust the pause. Sometimes the answer just isn’t available yet — and that’s a kind of guidance, too.

Ritual Tips

Want to make your pendulum practice a little more magical? Try these:

• Light incense or spray an energy-clearing elixir before you begin

• Cleanse your pendulum between sessions with sound or smoke

• Use it alongside tarot, oracle cards, or spiritual journaling

• Keep it on your altar with a small intention stone when not in use

• Create a short ritual when setting a new goal — ask your pendulum what the next aligned action is

Final Thoughts

Pendulums are more than just divination tools — they’re intuitive companions. Whether you're using one to connect with your inner truth, communicate with your guides, or clarify your next aligned action, each swing carries meaning.

Let your Citrine pendulum be a light in your hand and a mirror to your wisdom. You’re not waiting for answers — you’re learning how to hear the ones that have been quietly waiting for you all along.

© 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and spiritual purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Always trust your inner guidance and consult qualified professionals when needed.