History Of Pendulums
Pendulum motion appears
in religious ceremonies as well as for divination and dowsing. The
swinging incense burner called a censer, also known as a thurible, is
an example of a pendulum. Pendulums are also seen at many gatherings
in eastern Mexico where they mark the turning of the tides on the day
which the tides are at their highest point.
A pendulum
of crystal, metal or other materials suspended on a chain is
sometimes used in divination and dowsing. In one approach the user
first determines which direction (left-right, up-down) will indicate
"yes" and which "no" before proceeding to ask the
pendulum specific questions, or else another person may pose
questions to the person holding the pendulum. The pendulum may also
be used over a pad or cloth with "yes" and "no"
written on it and perhaps other words written in a circle. The person
holding the pendulum aims to hold it as steadily as possible over the
center and its movements are held to indicate answers to the
questions. In the practice of radiesthesia,
a pendulum is used for medical diagnosis.
A 1986 article in Nature
included dowsing in a list of "effects which until recently were
claimed to be paranormal but which can now be explained from within
orthodox science."[18]
Specifically, dowsing could be explained in terms of sensory cues,
expectancy
effects and probability.[18]
Skeptics and some supporters believe that dowsing apparatus has no
power of its own but merely amplifies slight movements of the hands
caused by a phenomenon known as the ideomotor
effect: people's subconscious minds may influence
their bodies without their consciously deciding to take action. This
would make the dowsing rods a conduit
for the diviner's subconscious knowledge or perception; but also
susceptible to confirmation
bias
Pendulums used as a psychic
tool is not recommended for personal use as it is inaccurate when the
questioner is emotional involved with the question and answer. The
pendulum is a means of connecting to energy of the user or spirit and
therefore can give erroneous and inaccurate information. As with any
tool it is only as good as its user.
Usage: Anyone
Accuracy: Mixed, not
recommended for personal use
Safety: Medium to high
