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Using Pendulums to Make Better Decisions

Blog post image how to make better decisions, how to be decisive, too many choices, how to stop overthinking

Why Can't I Make Decisions? 

From choosing between shopping items, what to eat for dinner, whether to go on a date, choosing a housemate, or whether to take a new job... having to make decisions can be hard! For many (myself included), indecisiveness is an everyday problem and can cause extreme anxiety.

Overthinking and the Human Brain

Overthinking takes a lot of mental energy. The brain has the tendency to simultaneously generate many competing thoughts and scenarios, leading to more confusion. This often results in analysis paralysis - a state in which you are unable to make any decision. Aside from the mental overload, overthinking causes our bodies to produce the stress hormone cortisol, which over time can lead to physical exhaustion, fatigue and burnout. 

It is safe to say we have all regretted decisions and on reflection said things like "why didn't I listen to my gut?"  or "I knew it was a bad decision!". Sadly, over-thinking and being so caught up in our own thoughts leaves little room for intuition, gut feeling or natural instincts to kick in. 

 

 

making a choice, blog post cover on how to make better decisions, stop overthinking, be decisive

 

Accessing Intuition

By definition, intuition means "the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning". For an over-thinker; tapping into this deeper knowing and even trusting our own instincts can be difficult. 

Did you know that only 2-10% of the mind is Conscious Mind? Over 90% of our mind function is Unconscious Mind - also known as the Subconscious.

Neurological Research has shown that anytime we make a decision, we are using both parts of our mind. Research using imaging machines showed that the UNCONSCIOUS part of the mind makes the decision before the person even knew they had made a conscious decision. So what does this tell us? That our subconscious knows better than our active thoughts? 

 

Pendulum Dowsing and Decision Making

Pendulums are weighted objects; often pointed and/or symmetrical, on a string or chain.  By holding it still and asking yes or no questions, or even other specific questions, the pendulum gradually starts to swing in a distinctive direction, answering your question. 

But WHO is answering the question?

In short, YOU are. Your higher-self, that is. That 90% of your subconscious mind that makes a decision before the overthinking 10% of your Conscious Mind thoughts take over and lead to analysis paralysis. 

It is up to you whether you want to look at this decision making as coming from a scientific perspective and call it the "Subconscious Mind", or from a spiritual perspective and call it the "Higher-Self". Either way, the decisions using a pendulum are not coming from overthinking. We are highly intelligent beings, and using tools to reconnect us with our intuition is key to making better decisions. 

 

 instructions on how to use pendulums for beginners, easy guide, dowsing pendulums hanging

 

So, can Pendulums Help me Make Better Decisions?

Try it for yourself!

In my experience, yes! The pendulum is not telling me some surprising shocking information that I didn't already know deep down. But we all tend to ignore our "deep down" at the best and worst of times. Some of us are so disconnected with our intuition that we don't even hear it. 

What many of us forget is that we are not a body with a soul... we are a souls with a body.  Your higher-self has all the answers already. 

We all have a tendency at times to make decisions by overthinking, writing pros and cons, asking friends etc. But in our gut, our intuition and higher-self knows the answer. Sure there are some big decisions like starting a new company that require some cost/profit analysis etc. But, there are literally decisions we make everyday that we could allow our subconscious, deep down, higher self to answer, and save ourselves a lot of time and anxiety. Plus, maybe your intuition also knows you don't want to start that big business, because your passion lies elsewhere, or you know you actually need some time off to rest.  

 

 tony robins quote how to make better decisions about making choices how to choose

 

How to Use Pendulums 

There are many ways to use a pendulum, however asking yes/no questions is the easiest place to start and often the most useful technique. 

 

Some tips to start:

  • Approach this with an open mind and heart otherwise your doubts will affect the outcome
  • Try to use your pendulum when you are feeling good. This will allow for a clearer signal
  • Avoid using when low energy, tired, sick or upset. These things can interfere with the outcome
  • If unsure on an answer, you can always ask the question again the next day, to see if the answer comes out the same
  • You can cup your other hand underneath the pendulum weight to help focus energy
  • Try not to predict answers or hope for/be attached to an outcome 
  • To get in sync with your energy, you can wear your pendulum as a pendent when not using it. Most of our Pendulum Collection have detachable pendents
  • Avoid letting other people touch or use your pendulum
  • Rinse pendulums under water when they are new, and especially crystal pendulums can be cleansed often under running water
  • Keep in mind there are different techniques on using a pendulum. It is worth researching/trying different techniques until you find one that works for YOU. The following instructions are based on the most popular and commonly used method in yes/no pendulum use.
  • Using a pendulum is not for predicting the future, but for tapping into your intuition and seeking clarity

     

    How to ask a Pendulums Questions 

    Relax and quiet you mind. To use a pendulum it helps if you are present and focused on nothing else. This means not using it while you are watching Netflix or having a conversation with someone. Ideally, you want a quiet moment/place where your mind and body can relax. You will only need a few minutes. If you choose to play soft background music, like meditation music to relax and tune in - choose music without lyrics. 

     

    Hold your pendulum correctly. You can hold the pendulum by the chain or by the ball/fob/end of the chain.  Either way, you need to leave ample room between your fingers and the weighted part of the pendulum (at least 10cm). Ideally you should hold the chain/ball/fob with your thumb and pointer finger. If your pendulum had a very long chain you can wrap the chain around your pointer finger to shorten. 

     

    Position your body correctly. While it is not mandatory, it is recommended to use a table/ledge/arm of a chair etc to steady your arm, by placing your elbow on the surface. This means you are not using your arm muscles, but instead being supported. Steady your arm at about a 45-degree angle, and let your hand arch slightly. Ideally you will have both feet on the ground when using a pendulum. 

     

    Calibrate your pendulum. In this step you are programming your pendulum on how it signals "yes", "no" and "maybe/not sure/do not want to answer". You only need to do this once unless you want to re-program the way it signals. Some people instead ask test questions and let the pendulum decide how it wants to answer the questions. This is up to you. It can be easier to establish your own signals especially if you have multiple pendulums. 

    Using the pendulum, physically demonstrate each signal will look and feel like for each of the three answers. You can choose what your signals will be, but as an example, common signals used are:

    • Swinging front to back (commonly used for “yes”)
    • Swinging side to side (commonly used for “no”)
    • clockwise circle (commonly used for “yes”)
    • counterclockwise circle (commonly used for “no”)
    • No movement/unclear (commonly used for "maybe")

    For example on how to calibrate; hold the pendulum in the correct position and say “When I ask a question and the answer is yes, move like this, in a front to back swinging motion.”. Say this aloud as you swing the pendulum in a front to back swinging motion. (Or whatever signal you have chosen for yes, say that and do that motion). Repeat for "no" and "maybe".

     

    Ask test questions. Once you have calibrated your pendulum, ask the pendulum a couple of test questions questions that you ALREADY know the answer to, to ensure it is calibrated. First questions to which you know the answer is yes... Eg. "Is my name *your name*?". Then ask a question that you know the answer is no. Eg "Is my name *not your name*?". You can do this a couple of times to make sure your pendulum is being consistent. If it is not, try calibrating again. If it is not working- this may indicate you should return to it the following day, or when your energy levels are higher. It is recommended to do this step every time you use your pendulum, before you start asking your real questions. 

     

    Make a statement/intention. This should be done every time you come to use your pendulum. This can vary depending on your beliefs or if you have your own spirit guides to call upon. You can make a statement aloud or in your head such as: "I call upon my higher consciousness to answer these questions. I seek only truthful answers, aligned with greatest good for all.” This simply aligns your intentions toward truth and opens your heart to receive the answers without attachment or bias. 

     

    Ask your questions. Be specific and clear with your wording. Intention is everything. Avoid using "should" or "supposed to". For example, if you ask "Should I go to this party?", the answer will probably be maybe. If you ask "Is it in my best interest to go to this party?", you are much more likely to get a clear answer. Another example is "am I supposed to move to this new house?", compared to asking more specifically "is moving to this new house in alignment with my highest and best interest?". 

    Focus on your question and try to remain quiet in your mind while waiting for the answer. Remain unattached to the outcome. If you are thinking an answer in your head, your answer will come with bias. If you are not getting a strong response you can say: “respond louder please”or "please be more clear".

     

    Receive the answer. Be patient and concentrate on your question, but do not concentrate on what you think the answer should be. Remain unattached to the outcome and instead focus only on receiving a truthful unbiased answer.

    When the pendulum swings, its direction will show you its answer. If it doesn’t move right away, give it time, or if it’s unclear, try rephrasing the question. When the pendulum swings with a strong force, it is answering loudly. If it swings gently with very light force, you can interpret this as perhaps a less committed response.

     

    Clear your pendulum between questions. You can co this by touching its weighted end to the palm of your free hand or on another surface. This signals that your question has been answered and you are ready to move on to the next question. 

     

    To get your own personal pendulum, or get one as a gift, check out our range of unique and beautiful dowsing pendulums here.