How to Use a Pendulum & Pendulum Board

by Rachael Jean - Indie tarot deck artist & printables designer of MoonHaus Studio, 2026

Pendulums and pendulum boards are one of the simplest (and most underrated) ways to explore divination — especially if you want clear answers, quick guidance, or a gentle way to practise listening to your intuition.

If you’ve been curious about using a pendulum board but felt unsure where to start, you’re in the right place.

This guide from MoonHaus Studio will walk you through the basics step-by-step: choosing a pendulum, setting up your space, cleansing and charging, asking better questions, and interpreting movement without overthinking it.

And before we begin: you don’t “master” divination. And even if you could, would you really want to? I know I wouldn’t.

How permanent, how yawn-inducing, how final.

No matter how many years you practice, there’s always more to learn, more to notice, more to refine.

That’s part of the magic. Half the fun of all this comes from being an eternal student of it.

Plus it means you remain curious, open, and willing to meet yourself in new ways.

And if that’s the case, how can you ever be bored? 

 

 

What Is Pendulum Divination?

Pendulum divination is a practice where you use a weighted object on a chain or string (your pendulum) to receive guidance through movement.

A pendulum can swing, rotate, pause, or move in different directions — and those movements become a simple “language” you learn over time. For many people, it feels like a bridge between:

• intuition
• subconscious awareness
• energy sensitivity
• spiritual reflection

Some people call it “spirit-led”. Some people call it “subconscious cues”. Either way — it can be a powerful tool for clarity.

What Is a Pendulum Board?

A pendulum board (sometimes called a spirit board) is a flat surface with printed words, symbols, letters, or options like:

 

• YES / NO / MAYBE
• NOW / SOON / LATER
• letters and numbers
• elements, planets, timing, etc.

The board gives your pendulum somewhere to “land” so you can interpret answers more clearly — especially if you’re new.

 

A Quick Note on the History of Pendulums

Pendulums have been used for centuries in different cultures and contexts — sometimes for spiritual guidance, sometimes for decision-making, sometimes for practical tools like dowsing.

Depending on the source, you’ll see pendulum use referenced across ancient traditions and later spiritual movements (especially in the 1800s and onward). But the biggest truth is this:

Pendulum divination has always been about humans seeking clarity.

It’s not new. It’s not trendy. It’s just one of the many ways people have tried to listen more closely to what they already think, feel, know, and sense.

How to Choose the Right Pendulum (Without Overthinking It)

The best pendulum is the one that feels good in your hand and doesn’t make you feel weirdly tense.

 

Pendulums come in all sorts of materials:

 

▪️ Crystal Pendulums

Popular choices include:

• clear quartz
• amethyst
• rose quartz

People love them because they feel energetically “alive” and often connect them with healing, clarity, and intuition.

▪️ Metal Pendulums

Metal pendulums (especially copper) are often chosen for their weight and responsiveness. They can feel very clean and direct. 

I personally love metal pendulums as the energy feels super pure. If you can’t find a metal pendulum, or perhaps don’t want to invest in one just yet, you can still add metal and it’s unique energy to your reading space by adding metal materials.

Maybe you’ve got a copper bracelet, silver earrings, a gold ring. Wear the items, keep them on you, or keep them safe within the boards space. From there, they can easily lend that clean and pure energy to your reading.

They also look quite beautiful and striking. 

 

▪️ Wooden Pendulums

 

Wood can feel grounded and gentle — especially if you prefer a softer, earthy vibe.

But here’s the honest answer:

The “best” pendulum isn’t about what it’s made from. It’s about what you feel when you hold it.

Also yes — it’s completely normal to end up with a small pendulum collection. 😄 It happens quickly and easily. It’s a beautiful slippery slope.

How to Set Up Your Pendulum Board (Simple, Nothing Over-the-Top)

You don’t need a dramatic ritual setup. You just need a space where you feel calm enough to focus.

There are no cameras filming or watching you (unless that’s your thing and if it is, power to you, but usually you’ll be doing this solo and there’s zero need to perform.

Instead, try feeling relief that it’s one of the few times in your day where performance isn’t needed on any level and you can be the totally unedited, unfiltered you.

 

▪️ Step 1: Choose a quiet spot

Somewhere you won’t be interrupted for a few minutes.

▪️ Step 2: Place your board on a flat surface

A table, desk, or even a book works fine — just make sure it won’t slide around.

 

▪️ Step 3: Ground yourself first

 

Take a few slow breaths. Let your shoulders drop.

You don’t need to be “perfectly clear” — you just need to be present.

 

▪️ Step 4: Set an intention

 

Say it out loud or in your mind, like:

“I’m here for clarity. Only what supports my highest good.”

Keep it simple. Your energy doesn’t need a speech. You’re not writing your memoirs either.

How to Cleanse and Charge Your Pendulum

Pendulums pick up energy. That doesn’t mean they’re “dirty” — it just means they’re tools, and tools benefit from care.

Easy cleansing methods

Choose what feels right:

• pass it through smoke (sage, incense, etc.)
• place it on selenite
• sit it near a window overnight
• visualise it being cleared with white light

If your pendulum is crystal-based, be careful with salt or water, as some crystals can be damaged.

 

Charging your pendulum

Hold it in your hand and take a moment to “sync” with it. Give it some of your energy first instead of trying to ‘take’ from the pendulum.

This is an energetic interaction that becomes a conversation and then a relationship. Take your time and be gentle with it, and with yourself.

You can try:

• imagining light filling it
• speaking your intention into it
• asking it to work with you clearly and honestly

How to Use a Pendulum Board: Step-by-Step

This is the beginner-friendly method that works for most people.

 

▪️ Step 1: Learn your “yes” and “no” - because what is a “yes” for me, could be very different to a “yes” for you. 

Ask:

“Show me YES.”

Wait. Watch the movement.

Then ask:

“Show me NO.”

Do the same.

You might find your pendulum swings:

• forward/back
• side to side
• clockwise
• anticlockwise

There’s no universal “yes” direction. Your pendulum language is personal.

▪️ Step 2: Ask clear questions

This matters so much. I can’t emphasise this enough.

Instead of:

• “Will I be happy?”
  Try:
• “Would focusing on rest this week support me most?”

Instead of:

• “Should I quit my job?”
  Try:
• “Is now the right time to plan my next step?”

 

▪️ Step 3: Keep your grip gentle

Hold the chain lightly. Let it move freely.

If you grip too tightly, you’ll tense up and over-control it.

▪️ Step 4: Say thank you

Even if the answer annoys you. 😅 Trust me, annoying and unwanted answers will appear. That’s part of the process. Learn to love it all and feel thankful for it all. 

Gratitude keeps your practice respectful and grounded.

How to Interpret Pendulum Movement

A pendulum reading isn’t just the movement — it’s the energy behind it.

Pay attention to:

• speed (fast = confident / urgent, slow = softer / uncertain)
• strength (strong = clear, weak = unclear)
• direction (based on your yes/no calibration)
• pause (sometimes “not now” is the answer)

If it feels messy or confusing, you can say:

“Clear. Reset. Thank you”

Always show a little gratitude okay? Genuinely thanking the spirits, energy, and guides who are present is always a nice thing to do.

The catch here is that you actually do need to feel genuinely thankful.

Lies, both big and small, don’t fly with those from the energetic realms and you’re wasting your time if you even try.

Let’s just say that they know before you know - they’re reading and feeling your energy and frequency, remember that.

Then take a breath and try again.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

➡️ Holding too tightly

A death grip creates noise in the reading. Relax your hand.

➡️ Asking vague questions

Vague question = vague answer. Get specific.

➡️ Asking the same question 10 times

This is the fastest way to lose clarity. Ask once, trust it, write it down, move on.

➡️ Reading while emotionally activated

If you’re spiralling, anxious, or desperate for a certain answer… pause. Pendulums work best when you’re grounded enough to hear the truth.

So settle the fk down, have a cup of tea, breathe a little, and return to it when you and your nervous system has settled.

Ways to Deepen Your Pendulum Practice (Gently)

This isn’t about becoming “perfect” at it. It’s about getting more connected over time.

➡️ Try:

• journaling your questions and answers
• using the pendulum for small decisions first
• practising at the same time each day
• experimenting with different boards
• checking in with your body (tension = interference)

And honestly? Let it be fun. Curiosity is part of the practice.

Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Be a Beginner Forever

I know I’ll happily remain a forever-beginner. I don’t want to know it all. If you do want to know it all - ask yourself why. You might surprise yourself with the deep, honest answer.

Pendulum divination isn’t something you “complete.”

It’s not a level-up game where you eventually graduate and know everything.

It’s a relationship — with your intuition, your energy, your patterns, your inner self and your innate truth.

➡️ Start small:

• one question
• one clear answer
• one note written down

Over time, you’ll build trust.

Not because you “mastered” it — but because you kept showing up. And I reckon that’s half the fun of it. 

Pendulum Divination FAQ: Some Basic Beginner Questions

▪️ Is pendulum divination real?

It’s real in the sense that it creates meaningful guidance and reflection. Some people experience it as spirit-led. Others see it as subconscious cues and intuition moving through the body.

Either way, it can be a powerful tool for clarity. Think on this though…what is real? What makes something real? Think on it, journal about it, whatever you like. But it’s good to know where you stand on the real things of this earthly realm.

▪️ What questions should I ask a pendulum?

Ask questions that are clear and grounded. “Is this supportive for me?” “Is now the right time?” “Would focusing on X help most?” Avoid vague questions or ones that put your entire future on the line.

▪️ How do I know if my pendulum is giving a true answer?

Start by calibrating yes/no each time. Stay calm. Ask once. If the movement is weak or messy, it may be unclear — and it’s okay to pause and come back later.

▪️ Can I use any pendulum board?

Yes. You can use a printed one, draw your own, or even use a simple YES/NO setup. The best board is the one that feels easy to read and not visually overwhelming.

▪️ Do I need to cleanse my pendulum every time?

Not necessarily. But cleansing regularly is a good habit — especially after emotional readings, intense sessions, or if it starts feeling “off.”

▪️ What if my pendulum doesn’t move?

That’s normal at first. Your body may be tense, your grip may be too tight, or your question may be unclear. Take a breath, relax your hand, recalibrate yes/no, and try again.

Keep practicing, keep enjoying it. Small, consistent steps and practice is better than exhausting slabs of hours of time spent trying to converse with source energy. 

Always in your corner,

Rachael | MoonHaus Studio 

 

Rachael Jean is the spiritual af artist, fur mum, and tarot deck creator behind MoonHaus Studio. From her beachside home in Victoria, Australia, this top 0.2% Etsy seller with over 41,000 sales, hand-draws indie tarot & oracle decks and designs soul-led journals and grounded printables for intuitive, slow-living women.