Pendulum Basics

Hey, friends! To celebrate my new pendulum, I’m doing a Pendulum Basics post giving a run down on tips and information about pendulums!

What even are pendulums?

Pendulums are tools of divination primarily used to answer yes/no/maybe questions, and sometimes used with a pendulum board for more in depth answers, to communicate with spirits, or find lost items. They’re great beginner tools!

Pendulums are made of a string or chain with an object freely hanging from one end. Many pendulums have crystal points and use silver or gold chain, but it can be simple as a necklace pendant or a string and needle/bead/button/coin. Often, pendulums also have a small bead on the other end of the chain to make it easier to hold.

Pendulums are held by one end so the crystal or object can swing, spin, circle, or shake freely. The movement of the object determines the answer.

How do I use a pendulum?

The best way to get clear and accurate answers is by making sure you’re holding your pendulum with a steady hand. You can hold one end of the chain between your pointer finger and thumb on your dominant hand. If you have a bead or similar object on the end, you have the option of holding the end of the chain between your pointer and middle fingers with the bead above your fingers. Do whatever is most comfortable for you, as long as your crystal/object is freely dangling where it won’t hit anything.

To keep your hand steady, prop your elbow on a stable surface like a table. Rest your dangling object in your non-dominant hand while you ask the question. Drop your non-dominant hand downwards so it’s no longer touching the pendulum when you’re ready for the answer. Make sure you aren’t hitting the crystal when moving your non-dominant hand away!

What means yes, what means no?

That depends on your pendulum! All pendulums have different personalities. My pendulum swings back and forth in a straight line for no, makes small circles for yes, and shakes for maybe or don’t know. Some pendulums will do the reverse or make clockwise circles for yes, counter-clockwise for no or vice versa!

The best way to find out how your pendulum communicates is to ask basic questions you already know the answer to and see how it responds. For example “Do I have (color) hair?” or “Am I eight feet tall?” You can also say “Show me yes,” and “Show me no.”

Remember that it will take time for your energies to align so don’t worry if your first few questions are unclear.

Where can I get a pendulum?

Many big online stores such as Etsy, Amazon, and eBay sell pendulums for varying prices. There are also independent sellers with their own websites that sell pendulums. You could also go to your local crystal or spiritual shop and see which one calls to you, which I recommend if that’s an option.

Don’t forget to cleanse your pendulum first thing. A couple tester questions first are fine, but cleanse as soon as you’re able. Sage, salt, moonlight, sunlight, and meditation are all good options. Make sure your object can be exposed to whatever you’re using to cleanse. For example, some crystals will loose their color if out in the sun too long.

You can also make your own pendulum. If you do make it yourself, you’ll only have to cleanse the materials that haven’t already been cleansed. For example, if you already have cleansed silver chain, but bought a new crystal, cleanse the crystal!

Final Tips

Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. You don’t have to ask any questions you don’t want to, even if a client or friend is pushing you. This is your craft!

Some crystals or objects might be better for certain questions. For example, a rose quartz pendulum would be great for love questions. You definitely do not need a rose quartz pendulum for love questions though!

Practice, practice, practice! Don’t be discouraged if you and your pendulum don’t sync right away. Learning divination takes time.

Cleanse regularly, especially if you encounter a lot of negative energy. If your pendulum starts acting up, that might mean it needs a cleansing.

Work up to harder questions. Start with simple stuff like “Should I wear my hair up today?” or “Should I read this book?” and gradually move towards questions about love, work, etc.

Don’t overwork your pendulum. Too much energy flowing through the crystal could break it!

If communicating with spirits or other entities, always dismiss everyone at the end of your session! You don’t want to unwittingly invite unwanted house guests.

Thank you pendulum. It does a lot of hard work for you! Show your appreciation every once in a while.

Basics Series | Ask Box | Tarot Readings | Tip Jar | Ko-Fi

Why water is not a "lazy" offering

Water was a requested topic and there was plenty of ways to tackle the topic. I’ve chosen this angle of approach because I know I’ve seen some people struggle with the idea. So let’s talk about it and give some context: if you’ve grown up with the luxury of always having had access to clean water, it’s something you take for granted. I urge you to think of the last time the water was shut off in your house for any reason and how it impacted your comfort.

Water in Ancient Greek life The Ancient Greeks did not have running water directly in their homes. In Athens, the first hydraulic project is dated between 546 and 527 BC. The city was supplied in water: they had functional lavatories, functional aqueducs and water pumps but those were public commodities, not private ones. In fact, Plutarch tells us that Solon, an Athenian statesman between the 7th and 6th century BC, encouraged individuals to build their own wells if they lived in an area that was not sufficiently supplied and had the right to ask their neighbor for about 40 liters of water a day and make provisions in case of need (Plutarch, Solon, 23). Water safety was a legitimate concern, as it depended on the clemency of weather and could be jeopardized in emergency situations like wars.

The philosophy of water by Thales of Miletus (626/3-548/5 BC) Without going into the details of Thales’ thought, he theorized the idea that water was the fundation of matter and thus, is the first principle. It is through Aristotle that we know of this hypothesis. While a lot of the theory is scientifically wrong, I think the theory serves its role in showing us how much water mattered as a substance essential to life.

On a religious level Spring water is potable. It is its greatest difference with sea water, which while abundant, is not drinkable. Poseidon, as the master of seas and Zeus as the bringer of rains play an essential part in the natural cycle of water. Lack of water has catastrophic consequences on living things, and the Ancients knew that they relied on Zeus’ rains for their crops to grow, for their springs to be filled, for their cattle to feed and drink.

So when the Ancient brought water to the altar as an offering, they brought something precious. They sacrificed a substance that they relied on for their own survival. They knew that water supplies were not infinite and that the rains bestowed by Zeus allowed for their well to stay full.

Considering water as a “lazy” offering is just the epitome of privilege. The privilege of not having to worry about your access to water, the privilege of not having to wonder if the water coming from your tap is clean or not. All while forgetting that access to potable water is still a problem today for many. If what you see when you think of offering water is the easiness of turning on your tap and tossing a glass on your altar, then you’ve forgotten what your offering means.

Sources: Terje Tvedt, Terje Oestigaard, A History of Water: Water and Urbanization, 2014

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thatgurlpersephonee

9 months ago

Thanking the Theoi (in Ancient Greek)

ever since I learned how to say “thank you” in ancient greek it’s felt so much more FUN and natural to thank the Theoi. In everyday life, in prayer, etc.

From my pieced together knowledge (thank you @piristephes ):

χάριν / χᾰ́ρῐτᾰς - (trans.: KA-rihn pl.: KA-ri-tas)

“Thank you”

χάριν σοι ἔχω / χάριν ὑμῖν ἔχω - (KA-rrihn (Soy / Umin) Eh-hyo)

“I hold (you / you all ) in thanks”

μεγάλην χάριν σοι έχω - (Meh-GA-lehn Ka-rrihn So-ih Eh-hyo)

“Thanks a lot”

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thatgurlpersephonee

4 months ago

Trans women are oppressed as well. As women fighting for women we should be fighting for ALL women. What terfs don't understand is when trans women are free, cis women shall also be free.

Are the “women” in the room with us right now? Why should FEMinism, a movement about FEMale liberation and rights, include males? You know, the very group of people that oppressed us in the first place?

Also this is unrelated to the point but I hate?? when people?? talk like this???

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thatgurlpersephonee

1 month ago

Today, when we went to the forensics, I was in the morgue section, and I was always looking to see someone like Sherlock there :'((((

# Wasn't HE supposed to be in the morgue?!

# What if I don't find Sherlock in the criminal justice field? :'V

# I NEED HIM FOR MY ..Criminal assignments given by professor's

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thatgurlpersephonee

3 weeks ago