Divination is the art of seeing the unknown, the interpretations of symbols, and the act of crossing the veil to see the unknown. When we first think of Divination we think of tarot cards. Though this is a very popular and successful way of divining, I wanted to start with something a bit simpler, yet mysterious. Divination with the pendulum can be a very rewarding practice and is a great starting point for anyone interested in becoming a Master Diviner. I know some people that have become so attached to their pendulum that they wear them as necklaces, creating a bond both physical and energetic.  A necklace pendulum, whether this is a regular pendulum that has been turned into a necklace or a necklace that has been turned into a pendulum, is great to have in an emergency divining moment…on vacation, at the store etc. When choosing a pendulum it is very important to find one that you are attracted to. This is a very simple yet extremely effective way of finding one that will resonate with you.  Visual and energetic attractions are the key to finding a pendulum that will work for you. It is vital to find something that you are harmonious with. Though this might sound silly, if you think it is pretty then there is a good reason for that and a good chance that it is the right one for you. This is the easiest way to find a pendulum. If this is too simple for you then go deeper and start to feel the energy. If you choose one that is metal, look for a shape or symbol that you resonate with. If it is a crystal then go with something that you can feel and hold it for a while.  Ask yourself, your guides, and the pendulum if this is the right one for you. If you find that you get a yes then take it home! If not then keep looking.  You will find that certain shapes, colors, and styles will attract you. You can also make one yourself. I have always felt that the most magickal tools were the ones that I put so much care and craft into. Basic supplies can be found in nature, or the craft store. Once you have acquired a pendulum that resonates with you, it is good to cleanse and then consecrate it. I personally love to use white sage but if your crystal is not negatively affected by water you could create “holy water” from rose petals and moonlight. Sprinkle the pendulum with the water. Sunlight can also be very effective. After I have smudged my pendulum I like to create invoking pentagrams over the base of it.  It helps to solidify the positive energy and start to activate it. The Cho Ku Rei Reiki symbol is also very effective if you are a Reiki practitioner. I pass it through each of the elements to consecrate and align it with the energy of each. I have heard of some giving names or breathing life into their pendulum, these are also very effective methods to enhance your connection with it.  Once it is properly cleansed and consecrated it is time to program it. Many occult stores sell beautiful embroidered velvet mats that have yes, no, maybe, etc. on them. If finances do not allow for this is it simple to use a piece of paper with these same words written on it. Simply hold the pendulum between the thumb and first finger lightly and very still. You can then let the pendulum start to swing on its own in the direction it wants. When it has reached a good speed, see where it is swinging on the paper and begin to chant the words over and over again. If you find that it doesn’t swing on its own, begin to swing it in the direction of Yes. As it is swinging, chant over and over YES, YES, YES. After this is done, continue on with No and then for the rest of the words. Do this repeatedly until you feel that the energies are aligned.  Then take the mat or paper away and begin to try it on your own.  Ask a simple question that you know the answer to and see if the pendulum will swing in the correct direction. When you find that this is working perfectly begin to try it on things you do not know the answer to. I personally like to use it on chakras when I am working on a Reiki client. I will pull out my pendulum and hold it over the chakras to see how it swings… watching for different movements, vibrations and patterns.  A simple way to use it on your own chakras is to get in a comfortable position and hold the pendulum over a chakra.  Watch to see which way it swings. Whatever you programmed as “no” would be a chakra that needs work or is ‘small’ or ‘dirty,’ and whatever was programmed as a “Yes” would be a chakra that would be healthy and balanced. Skeptics will say it is your own hand that is creating the swinging; that you are influencing the direction it swings.  I personally don’t agree. I think that the subtle energies are moving the pendulum.  For argument sake, even if they are correct and it is the hand that creates the direction, isn’t that the point? The purpose is to find the hidden things of the mind, to have a visual confirmation of what is going on in our subconscious, to create trust, and encouragement to follow one direction. You can learn more about Triskele Rose by visiting her web site at: www.triskelerose.com]]>