How to access higher guidance with crystals

Just recently, I came across a lovely amethyst pendulum while I was looking for something else. It was sparkling so vibrantly as if calling me to pick it up. And of course I did. I was immediately struck by the vivid, vibrant rainbow and I knew that this pendulum was calling to someone—or someone was calling to the crystal. My sense is that it is for a light worker who heals with colour energy or who balances chakras with crystals. I set it aside and planned to put it up on the website so the match could be made.

I had a light log post prepared for today but then I noticed this crystal pendulum sparkling again—so much so that I stopped what I was doing and listened. I heard insistent whispers letting me know that plans have changed and today, I would be talking to you about pendulums instead.

This Simple Tool Can Strengthen Your Intuition

The art of divining with pendulums can be intimidating but it’s not as mysterious as it may seem. It is is essentially a practice of seeking inner guidance through an external tool. Pendulums allow us to tap into our higher wisdom and guidance and bring forward information that we can’t access through logic.

You know how sometimes you walk into a room and immediately feel uncomfortable, but you can’t put your finger on why? Or you meet someone and instantly know whether you can trust them? That’s the same intelligence we’re tapping into here. Whether you call it connecting with your higher self, your spirit, your soul, or the divine, the essence remains the same: you’re accessing wisdom that flows through you, made visible through the pendulum’s movement.

Learning the Pendulum’s Language

Before you can play with your pendulum, you must learn its language. How it responds to your questions will be unique to you. It’s a language that is easy to learn. One that I’ll show you how to do right now. 

Hold your pendulum with a firm, steady hand, allowing it to have the space to swing freely without any obstructions. 

Ask your pendulum: “Show me a yes.” 

Then be still and present and wait for it to respond. The pendulum will move in a way that will indicate a “yes” response. It may move clockwise, counterclockwise or side to side. Then whenever you ask a question and see that movement, you will know the answer is “yes”.

Then ask your pendulum: “Show me a no.” 

Again, be still and present and notice how it changes. For me no is a side-to-side movement, but it may be different for you. 

Next, ask your pendulum: “Show me a maybe.” 

There may be times when there is not a yes or no answer. There might not be a clear right choice, it might not be the right time for the question or it might not matter. 

If you’re a visual learner or you want to see a demonstration, click the play button below:

Allow the relationship between you and your pendulum to develop naturally and trust what you receive. Every swing and circle reflects back your own magnificent capacity to sense, to process complexity, to navigate with an intelligence that transcends ordinary thinking.

What kind of pendulum to use

Pendulums can be made of any material really—crystal, silver, brass, copper, wood. I’ve used keychains or pendants in a pinch. You can even tie a stone to a piece of string. Anything that can hang well and swing freely. That being said, I love a pretty pendulum. There are some beautifully designed ones. Works of art. My favourite are the handmade ones. The ones made with love and an intuitive sense for how to bring crystals and metal together.

The Pendulum’s Purpose

The pendulum teaches us how to get in touch with our higher wisdom. It is not meant to take its place. When you first see a pendulum move as if by magic, it’s tempting to outsource all your decision-making to it. But that will take you further away from your inner guidance system rather than closer to it. The pendulum’s purpose is to guide you in developing your own internal trust and knowing, not to become dependent on it for all the answers.

Ask your question, get your answer, but also notice what your body is telling you. How does the “yes” feel different from the “no” in your gut? What shifts in your energy when you consider different options? The pendulum is teaching you to recognize these signals, not replace them.

Asking the right questions

Pendulums are great for simple yes/no questions. Things like choosing dates for events, determining a price for a service you’re offing, deciding which crystals to get, etc. Begin with a very clear intention of what your question is. Be present, open and playful. Word your question in a clear, succinct way. 

“Is red a good healing colour for me at this time?”

“Will this crystal help me to remember my dreams?” 

“Is Tuesday the best day for my coaching consultation?” 

Play with your Pendulum

Practice playing with your pendulum. It will not take long to get the feel of it. Don’t worry about doing it “right.” There’s no wrong way to start a conversation with your own unconscious. Some people see dramatic movements right away; others barely notice anything. Both are totally normal.

Remember that Every movement of that pendulum is reflecting back your own capacity to sense, to process, to know things you didn’t realize you knew—to tap into an intelligence that transcends ordinary thinking. The magic may appear to be coming from the pendulum itself but it’s really coming from you. You will soon develop such clear internal guidance that you don’t need external tools—though you might still enjoy using them occasionally, like calling a friend who knows you really well.