Wiccan Tool Essay

Wiccan tools – Pendulums
There are dozens of divination methods that people use to access Divine guidance, many of them requiring a few tools at least. Pendulums have been used for centuries as a means of finding out questions and catching glimpses of the future. As one of the quickest ways to perform divination, the use of a pendulum is a popular method of divining and dowsing, so it’s not uncommon that I encounter a person who simply picks up a pendulum, demands an answer to a question and then becomes disgruntled when the pendulum presents no clear answer.
Like all wiccan tools, the Pendulum requires thought and preparation before use. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Step 1 – Obtaining a Pendulum
The first step is to acquire
a pendulum by either purchase a pre-made item or making one yourself. There are two parts to a pendulum, the pendant and a chain or string to allow the pendant to move freely. The pendant can be made of any material you wish; but it is preferable that the object you choose has a little weight to it, to facilitate smooth motion when the pendulum is in use. A gemstone with a particular meaning or significance is a popular choice, but a river rock, a crystal shard, sea glass or even a ring are all great options. When choosing a pre-made pendulum, go for the one that looks the most beautiful or attractive to you, selecting tools that ‘speak’ to you like this will allow for greater accuracy later.
The chain connected to the pendant can be made of any material but again, something with a little weight to it helps. It can be plain or decorated with additional gemstones, medallions of power (such as a pentagram or Celtic knot) or crystal beads. Many people also choose to use a favourite necklace as a chain, as it has been close to the body and imbued with the user’s essence.
To make your own pendulum you simply need to attach a string to a weighted object of significance, so that it can swing freely. If you are looking for a pre-made pendulum, go for the one that looks the most beautiful or attractive to you, selecting tools that connect with you like this will allow for greater accuracy later.
Step 2 – Preparing Your Pendulum for use
As with any sacred tool, purification should be done as soon as possible and dedication and concretion shortly after that.
A purified object is much more powerful than a contaminated one and objects that feel heavy or dark or hot energy need purification (This is particularly true of crystals). When clear, they will feel cool or tingly but even if this is the case, err on the side of caution with a new item and perform a purification process regardless.
There are many ways to cleanse a wiccan tool – bathing them in moonlight takes time (traditionally leaving them for a full moon cycle is required) but will also charge an item with energy.
Another method of cleansing is to completely cover your Wiccan tools in herbs. lay your pendulum inside a bowl and cover the object entirely with herbs such as sage and mint for cleansing, Rosemary and Basil for protection and Lavender for infusing the object with inner peace and bay leaves for aiding clairvoyance. If you have any available, I like to add splinters of cedar to the mixture for added purification properties. Leave the pendulum in the mixture for at least a full cycle of the
moon.
A faster method of cleansing a newly acquired pendulum is a sea salt bath. You can bury your Wiccan tools in dry sea salt for a few hours (salt water may rust the metal parts of the pendulum).
Step 3 – Warding off Negative Energies
Now that you have cleansed your new pendulum it will require calibrating. However, before beginning any divination you might consider performing an incantation to ward against negative energies. In a quiet place take some time to centre yourself. Trace a pentagram in the air while saying the following incantation;
I am ridding all negative energy from this place
I see only pure light
I feel only pure energies
Aid me in my divination
O’ Blessed Be
Step 4 – Calibrating your Pendulum
When you feel ready, take the tip of the string or chain of the pendulum between your thumb and finger and ask it to signal “yes” you will see the pendant begin to move. Generally, pendulums signal a yes with a clockwise circle, or sometimes a front-and-back swing. Thank it and allow the pendulum to come to a standstill. Next, ask the pendulum to signal “no”. Pendulums will usually move in a counter-clockwise circle, or sometimes left-and-right, to signal in the negative. If you are getting muddled reactions don’t worry! The ability to use a pendulum takes practice, as does developing a connection with your tools of magick. Take a break, relax and try again later.
Step 4 – Asking a Question
Once you and your pendulum have become attuned, it is time to ask it a question!
There are two methods you can use. You can rely simply on the yes/no method to begin with as it gives more simplified answers. Alternatively, you can use a Pendulum chart. A pendulum chart is a wheel with sentences that expand on yes/no answers. To use it, simply ask the pendulum the question and then hold it carefully over each answer written on the chart. If the pendulum begins to react with a ‘Yes’ then whatever portion the pendulum is suspended over is the answer to your question.
Whether you are a seasoned witch or a magickal fledgling, using a pendulum will lend a powerful and satisfying sense of dialogue with the Divine to the user. With time and practice one can quickly obtain answers to the difficult questions we encounter in life and help us to open our minds to the spiritual realm, answering the questions of our
hearts.