The pendulum is a small dowsing tool that can answer questions, find lost objects, divine the future, make good decisions, and help you in many other ways. Amazingly, this incredible device is simply a small weight attached to a length of chain or string.

Pendulums are available at metaphysical and crystal stores, psychic fairs, and online. They come in a wide variety of shapes and materials. Pendulums made of wood, glass, crystal, metal, and plastic are all readily available.

If possible, hold and test a number of pendulums before buying one. Choose one that looks attractive and responds quickly and easily. The easiest pendulums to work with weigh about three ounces. If the weight is much lighter than that, the pendulum's movements will be small and hard to read; if it's too heavy, the pendulum could quickly become tiring to work with.

Once you have your pendulum, you need to cleanse it to eliminate any negative energies it might have picked up before it came into your hands. There are many ways to do this. A quick and easy method is to hold your pendulum in your cupped hands and to blow over it while thinking of your intention to cleanse your pendulum. Change the position of the pendulum between breaths to ensure that every part of it receives your breath.

The next step is to start using your pendulum. Sit down at a table with the chain or cord held between the thumb and first finger of your right hand (if you're right-handed; hold it in your left hand if you're left-handed). Rest the elbow of the arm holding the pendulum on the table, and make sure your legs are uncrossed, and that your feet are flat on the floor. The palm of the hand holding your pendulum should be slightly curved and facing downward. The weight of the pendulum should be hanging about seven to twelve inches in front of you. Swing your pendulum in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Follow this by swinging it from side to side and forwards and backwards. This helps you gain familiarity with the pendulum's movements.

While doing this, hold the chain or cord at different lengths to see which one feels best for you. Most people choose somewhere between four and five inches, but you might prefer a longer or shorter length.

Once you've become used to the movements of your pendulum, put it down and stand up for a few minutes. Move around and drink a glass of water. It's important to be well-hydrated whenever you dowse.

When you're ready to start again, sit down again in the same position as before, with your feet flat on the floor, and the elbow of the arm that holds the pendulum resting on the table. No other part of your body should be in contact with the table.

Take a few slow, deep breaths to relax and release any tension you might be holding in your body. Pick up your pendulum and hold it between your thumb and first finger. Use your free hand to stop the movements of the weight.

When it's still, ask your pendulum to move to indicate your "yes" or positive response. You can communicate with your pendulum silently or out loud. Wait to see if it responds. Your pendulum may move to indicate your positive response. However, if you haven't used a pendulum before, it's more likely to move slightly or possibly not move at all. This is perfectly normal. Be patient and continue asking it to indicate your positive response. If it hasn't responded after five minutes, put your pendulum down and try again later.

There are many reasons why your pendulum might not move. Many people simply try too hard and the tension this causes stops the pendulum's movements; the remedy is to relax as much as you can before picking up the pendulum. Other reasons include anger, stress, over-tiredness, too much alcohol, and shortness of time. Other people watching may also affect the movements of your pendulum.

You might find it helpful to deliberately swing the pendulum from side to side and then visualize it moving in circles. Once it's acted on your thoughts and is moving in circles, ask it to change directions again. From here, you can ask it to indicate your positive response.

Everyone can learn to use a pendulum. Consequently, there's no need to be concerned if it doesn't start moving immediately. Practice for five minutes a day until your pendulum responds. Once your pendulum has responded once, you'll never have problems getting it to move in the future.

After you know your positive response, ask your pendulum to indicate your "no" or negative response, followed by your, "I don’t know" response, and your, "I don’t want to answer response."

The next step is to practice. You can ask your pendulum any question that can be answered with a "yes" or "no" response. Start by asking questions whose answers you already know. You might ask: "Am I female?," "Am I 45 years old?," or "Am I married?" Your pendulum should give you the correct answers. Follow this by asking questions that you don't already know the answers to but can check easily.

Now you can start asking questions about anything you'd like to know that can be answered by the four movements. Your questions need to clear and have a serious purpose or intent. Focus on your intent whenever you're using your pendulum. Start every dowsing session by asking your higher self, through your pendulum, three important questions: "Can I?," "May I?," and, "Should I?" "Can I?" asks your higher self if you possess the necessary skills to successfully dowse for whatever it happens to be. "May I?" confirms that everyone involved in the outcome has given you permission to dowse for it. "Should I?" confirms that your dowsing is in the best interests of everyone concerned.

You'll quickly discover how useful your pendulum can be in everyday life. With practice, your answers will become more accurate and the responses you receive will occur almost instantly. I wish you great success with it.