One of the newest, and easiest-to-learn methods of divination, the use of a pendulum, also known as dowsing, is a versatile yet somewhat controversial modality, based solely on Yes or No type answers.

 

One of the ideas behind the use of a pendulum is that of tapping into the subconscious and using one's natural intuition to subliminally influence the movement of one's fingertips on a microscopic level, creating movements that correspond to the desired questions.

 

Others insist that this is a way that a practitioner can use this fact as a way to subtly influence the answer they want and that it is unreliable as a method for gaining truth.

 

Still, others insist that in the presence of spirits, (whether divine, human, supernatural, or elemental is up for debate), a pendulum can be influenced to supply answers they would otherwise be unable to communicate. Many practitioners and users of the dowsing art subscribe to this theory.

 

Pendulums can be made from almost anything- stone, crystal, metal, even plastic- the only requirements are that it be fairly heavy so as to not be swayed by ambient air currents, that it is balanced around a central axis (doesn't lean or wobble and can spin evenly if desired), and be on a string or chain that allow it to swing evenly. As such, found objects like rings, coins, and even lucky charm jewelry can be used in lieu of a dedicated pendulum.

 

Because it is so simple, it is a method that anyone can use, provided one knows how to ask the right questions.