For ghost hunters, intuitive tools like pendulums offer an intriguing way to bridge the gap between the seen and unseen realms. Used for centuries in dowsing, healing, and divination, these simple but powerful tools are now making waves in the paranormal field. Pendulums can help detect subtle energies, communicate with spirits, and even uncover areas of active paranormal activity. If you’re a paranormal investigator looking to expand your toolkit, understanding how to effectively use a pendulum might be your next big step into the unknown.
In this post, we’ll explore what pendulums are, how they work in ghost hunting, and most importantly, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to use one during an investigation. Let’s dive into this fascinating intersection of energy work and paranormal exploration.
What Is a Pendulum and How Does It Work?
The Basics of a Pendulum
A pendulum is a weighted object typically suspended from a chain, string, or cord. The weight can be made of metal, crystal, wood, or even glass. When held still and asked a question, the pendulum swings in specific directions that are interpreted as answers. It’s believed that the subtle movements of the pendulum are influenced by the subconscious mind, spiritual energies, or entities trying to communicate from beyond.
How Pendulums Are Used in Paranormal Investigations
In the context of ghost hunting, pendulums are often employed to:
- Communicate with spirits: Spirits are believed to influence the pendulum’s swing to answer yes/no questions.
- Detect energetic shifts: Pendulums can respond to changes in electromagnetic or spiritual energy in a room.
- Locate haunted hotspots: Investigators use pendulums to find areas with high paranormal activity.
While skeptics argue that pendulum movements are a result of the ideomotor response—the subconscious motion of the hand—many paranormal investigators report consistent, intelligent interactions beyond mere coincidence.
The Energy Connection
Many within the paranormal community believe pendulums act as a bridge between our physical reality and the metaphysical. Some theorize that spirits or energies communicate through the pendulum by subtly influencing the energy field of the user. Others believe it taps directly into your intuition, which may already be receiving psychic input from spiritual entities nearby.
How to Use Pendulums for Ghost Hunting
Now that you understand the theory behind how pendulums work in the field, let’s look at the practical steps you can take to use one effectively on your next investigation.
Step 1: Choose the Right Pendulum
There are many types of pendulums available, and your choice should align with your intention. Here are some popular materials used by ghost hunters:
- Clear Quartz: Amplifies energy and spiritual communication.
- Amethyst: Offers protection and psychic strength.
- Metal: Durable and often more neutral in energy response.
Choose a pendulum that feels comfortable and resonates with you. Many experienced investigators prefer to “test” a pendulum before purchasing by observing its swing response in their hand.
Step 2: Cleanse and Charge Your Pendulum
Spiritual tools absorb energy, so it’s important to cleanse your pendulum before any paranormal investigation. You can cleanse your pendulum by:
- Holding it under running water (if the material is water-safe)
- Smudging it with sage or palo santo
- Placing it in moonlight overnight
- Using sound, like a tuning fork or singing bowl
Once cleansed, hold the pendulum in your hand and mentally set your intention. Ask it to help you receive clear and honest spirit communication.
Step 3: Establish Swing Directions
This is one of the most important steps. Each pendulum and user often have unique “default” movements. Determine what each swing means before beginning communication. Here’s how:
- Hold the pendulum by the chain, allowing it to hang about 2 to 3 inches below your fingers.
- Ask aloud, “Show me YES.” Observe the movement—it may swing side to side, back and forth, or in a circular motion.
- Now ask, “Show me NO.” Again, observe and commit the movement to memory.
- You can also ask “Show me MAYBE” or “I don’t know” to develop a broader communication system.
Be patient. The pendulum may take a few seconds to move. These swing signatures will become your communication code during sessions.
Step 4: Create a Spirit Circle or Safe Space
Before inviting spiritual communication, take steps to protect yourself and the environment. Many ghost hunters create a protective circle using salt, crystals, or visualization. You may also say a simple protection prayer or statement, such as:
“Only positive spirits and energies of the highest good may communicate with me through this pendulum.”
This step ensures a safer and more focused experience when using pendulums with unknown spiritual energies.
Step 5: Begin Your Paranormal Session
With intentions set, your pendulum charged, and swing definitions understood, you’re ready to start.
- Hold the pendulum steady: Let it hang still and ask your first yes/no question aloud, such as “Is there a spirit present with me?”
- Observe the movement: Be still and watch how the pendulum responds. Make sure your hand remains calm and relaxed.
- Ask follow-up questions: Use yes/no questions to gain more insights. Examples include “Are you male?” “Did you live here?” or “Do you want to communicate further?”
Keep sessions short—no more than 15 to 20 minutes—to avoid fatigue or confusion. Most investigators find pendulum responses are clearest at the beginning of the session.
Step 6: Record and Cross-Reference Results
Bring a notebook or use a voice recorder to document each question and answer. Later, compare responses with any relevant evidence (EVPs, EMF readings, temperature changes, etc.) to validate your findings. When used consistently, pendulums can help identify spirit personalities, timelines, or messages.
Bonus Tips for More Effective Pendulum Use
- Use a Pendulum Board: These boards provide marked positions for letters, numbers, and more detailed responses.
- Stay open-minded—but critical: Pendulums are a tool, not a definitive proof. Always corroborate with other evidence.
- Practice regularly: The more familiar you are with your pendulum, the stronger your responses may become.
- Avoid leading questions: Keep your queries neutral to avoid subconscious influence.
Conclusion: Add Pendulums to Your Ghost Hunting Gear
Pendulums are one of the most accessible and insightful tools in the paranormal investigator’s toolkit. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a weekend enthusiast, using a pendulum can bring an extra layer of interaction and discovery to your investigations. They are small, easy to use, and highly effective when handled with care and intention.
By learning how pendulums work and practicing your technique, you open the door to meaningful spirit communication and deeper energetic awareness. Whether you’re seeking answers from entities or simply mapping out energy hotspots in a haunted location, pendulums offer a hands-on, intuitive way to explore the unexplained.
So next time you head out into the field, don’t forget to pack your pendulum—you never know what messages from the beyond you might receive.