Pendulums 101: How to Get Clear Yes/No Answers (Even with a Necklace!)

decision-making, pendulums, divination

If you’re looking for a tool that offers quick and easy Yes/No answers, then you might want to explore the magickal world of pendulums.

Choosing Your Pendulum

A pendulum is simply a small weight suspended on a chain, string, or cord. You hold one end, and the weighted part swings freely below your hand.

In the photo above, you’ll see the pendulums I use regularly—including one that’s actually a necklace (more on that in a minute!).

Pendulums come in all kinds of materials and styles. The weighted end is usually a crystal or metal shape, often attached to a chain with a small bead or charm at the top for easy handling.

• Metal pendulums (like brass, copper, or silver) come in a variety of shapes and are often used in healing work.

• Crystal pendulums are my personal favorite. I love matching the energy of the crystal to the type of question I’m asking.
  

Here’s a peek into my own pendulum collection:

• Carnelian for business decisions

• Rose Quartz for personal or emotional questions

• Rutilated Quartz when I want to boost intuition or connect with Spirits

• Lapis Lazuli when I’m seeking deeper truths or inner wisdom

And that necklace I mentioned? Any small object on a string can work beautifully as a pendulum—including rings, pendants, or charms. One of my most accurate pendulums is actually that very necklace.

When you’re just starting out, don’t worry too much about having the “perfect” tool. I’ve even used a ring on a piece of thread with great results!

How to Use Your Pendulum

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Hold the chain (or string) between your thumb and forefinger, leaving about 4–5 inches between your hand and the pendulum weight so it can swing freely.

2. Rest your elbow on a stable surface like a table. This helps keep your arm steady and avoids unintentional movement.

3. Relax and clear your mind. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Now it’s time to program your pendulum:

• Ask: “Please show me a Yes.”
  Your pendulum may begin to swing in a straight line (forward/back) or in a clockwise circle. Make a mental note of the motion.

• Ask: “Please show me a No.”
  This might look like a side-to-side swing or a counterclockwise circle. Again, take note.

• Ask: “Please show me a Maybe.”
  If your Yes/No answers were both lines, your Maybe might be a circle—or vice versa.

That’s it! You’re ready to begin asking Yes/No questions.

A Quick Word of Caution

Pendulums can shift their response patterns over time—especially after intense use or energy work. I learned this the hard way! After completing a class on pendulum techniques, I noticed my pendulums started answering differently. What had once been a “Yes” became a “No,” and vice versa.

Now I make it a habit to check in with my pendulums every so often, just to make sure we’re still on the same wavelength.

Using Pendulum Boards

Yes/No answers is one use for Pendulums, but they have a lot more to offer than that.

Pendulums are often used with Pendulum Boards - which is basically a flat surface that’s been marked with numbers, symbols, letters, words, phrases, etc. These boards are used to expand the range of information pendulums can provide, offer greater depths of clarity on the messages the pendulums are providing, and offer a more structured way for pendulums to deliver information.

Below are a couple of examples of Pendulum Boards.

These boards can easily be created and altered to suit your specific needs. For example, with Pendulum Board #1:

• you could add dollar amounts in each of the empty sections in Pendulum Board #1 below, and use the board and your pendulum to identify price points that you feel comfortable with for a specific product or service you are creating.

• or you could put letters in each of the blank spaces and use the board to help you identify a name (for a Spirit that is visiting you, or an Ancestor that is helping you, or for a project you are working on, etc)

• Or you could add a word, or a phrase, or an affirmation, etc. and use the board and pendulum to identify a daily affirmation, or a daily Sigil, or a weekly goal, etc.

To begin your session, simply hold your pendulum over the circle with the capital “T” written in it..

Pendulum Board #1:

Below is Pendulum Board #2, Sorry, this board is a bit messy! This is a basic pendulum board that I draw onto the back page of my journals or any notes book that I’m using. That way I have a basic pendulum board available whenever I write something or make notes. Surprisingly, I’ve found that having a simple pendulum board handy when I’m planning, or writing, or journaling to be very useful. It’s definitely redundant the amount of time I’ve spend arguing with myself about a decision I’m trying to make!!

Pendulum Board #2:

The labels on the board, from left to right, are: Wish, Yes, Not Set, No, and Influenced, with Maybe at the bottom. The weight of the pendulum is held over the black box to start.

Pendulums are a simple yet powerful way to tap into your intuition and get clarity when you need it most. Whether you're using a crystal, a necklace, or a ring on a string, what matters most is the connection you build with your tool. Stay curious, stay open—and don’t forget to check in with your pendulum from time to time. You might be surprised at what it reveals.