Learning to use a pendulum is both surprisingly easy and remarkably effective. However, there are a few steps needed to be successful

Obtaining a pendulum: You can purchase a pendulum for a minimum price to one that costs hundreds of dollars or more. Some pendulum weights have a hollow area for you to place a substance being sought. Others are expensive gems. However, even a simple, decorative pendant on a necklace will work fine, especially for your beginning experiments with the pendulum.

The pendulum itself has two parts, the weight or "bob" and a string, chain, or other connector that links the weight to a "fixed point" which, for the purposes of this article, consists of the fingers of either hand. We'll assume that you are using one of your favorite necklaces with a simple chain and pendant.

Sizing the chain: The weight needs to be able to swing freely. Hold the chain between the thumb and fingers at a point in the chain that will allow it to swing. Many people prefer to rest their elbow on a table. Some people, rather than simply holding the chain between their fingers, hold the chain between their thumb and first finger, and then rest it over their second finger. This is a bit more complicated, but some people think this helps prevent unconscious movement of the pendulum.

Obtaining your directions: There are only a few ways the pendulum can move: forward and back (vertically), left and right (horizontally), diagonally, and in a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise). Some authorities give predetermined directions (i.e., horizontal means "yes," vertical means "no"), however they do not necessarily agree. Further, trying to "force" your pendulum into someone else's pattern may not work for you. Therefore, the easiest thing to do to obtain your directions is to ask your pendulum to reveal them to you.

Rest your elbow on a table and hold your pendulum so that it can swing freely. Hold the pendulum as still as possible. Say (aloud or to yourself) "Show me yes." In a few moments your pendulum will begin to swing in one of the directions described above. After you have obtained the direction for yes, use your other hand to stop the pendulum's movement. Then say (again, aloud or to yourself) "Show me no." Soon, the pendulum will show you the direction indicating the direction for a "no" answer.

Try it out: Begin by asking a simple question of your pendulum. Hold your pendulum still. Then ask, "Is my name (say your name)?" Very quickly the pendulum will start moving in the "yes" direction determined moments ago. Still the pendulum and try it again, only this time give the wrong name. Your pendulum will indicate the "no" direction.

Have someone hide something of value in a room. Enter the room with your pendulum. Ask the pendulum, "Is the object to my right?" Repeat until you get a direction. Then ask, "Is it two steps to the (direction)?"Repeat with a different number until you determine how many steps it is to the object. Keep asking simple questions and move accordingly until you find the object.

Remember that when you first started driving a car or bicycle you weren't very good, but soon it became second nature to you. The same is true with using a pendulum. Practice will improve your ability. You should eventually be able to come up with variations. For example, put letters of the alphabet around a disk and ask the pendulum to spell out answers for you by the way it is swinging.