The Pit of the Pendulum

A pendulum is a crystal or other weighted object suspended at the end of a chain. These tools can be very simple or hand crafted with beads and ornamentation, the applications and use are still the same.

Individual pendulums can be dedicated to discerning different types of information depending upon the materials used, but that is left to the discretion of the individual diviner.  

Occult practitioners believe pendulums can be used to divine the future, uncover the past, discern medical conditions, find lost objects, communicate with spirits, determine the sex of a child before birth, etc. 

I had a natural affinity for this method of divination above other forms such as tarot, and truly enjoyed the practice.  Initially I used the pendulum to ask questions about the future. Eventually I included finding lost objects, discerning the past, uncovering hidden motivations in other people,  asking advice before making important decisions, and communicating with spirits on paranormal investigations.  

If you use or have used a pendulum, have you ever bothered to ask yourself what power is truly being "tapped" when a person employs one of these spiritual tools?  Many adherents…including myself at the time…believe a person is merely using their own inner wisdom or "god within", placating themselves that only good or benevolent energy is being utilized.

Here's something to consider.  Instructions on how to use a pendulum usually encourage the diviner to "cleanse" any potential negative energy from the device with some kind of ritual.  Diviners are admonished to charge the device with their own energy, use the pendulum within a protective circle of "white light", and recite a prayer or incantation declaring "no falsehoods or lies" may be given by the pendulum in answer to any question.  If a diviner believes they are tapping into their "higher or inner god consciousness" why a concern about deception?

Another consideration.  What proof is there that these "safeguards" are effective?  How does one judge the outcome?   The honest person will admit there is no real way to ensure the integrity of information divined by the pendulum.  Merely using positive results and experiences as an indicator the diviner is not being fooled by a negative (demonic) spirit is naive at best.  The truth is most people who use occult devices such as the pendulum (or tarot, runes, etc) don't want to believe the outcome of their divination practice could lead to deception.

I firmly believe use of an occult device such as the pendulum ultimately draws the individual away from a personal relationship with God.  Deafening them to the gospel of grace and forgiveness as defined by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. Placating diviners and occult experience seekers instead with information they want to hear or believe, but ultimately leading to spiritual death in the end.

Divination is a practice which should be avoided and this includes the use of a pendulum.  As Christians we are certainly open to spiritual experiences as we are led by the Holy Spirit day by day but experiences alone are not our guide.  God calls us to study the Bible, not depend on esoteric practices to divine information.  We are to know His word so we may stand on the knowledge of His unchanging character and goodness in faith. 

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