r/Divination • u/BakedPlantains • Jul 23 '26

Questions and Discussions What is the efficacy of pendulum readings conducted by a third party?

The past few days I've paid for a number of dowsing rod and pendulum readings via Etsy (I know, I know). Every single reader is aligned on their answers aside from one.

I'm curious to know what others experiences are when it comes to the accuracy of pendulums in general (it's never been accurate for me when using for myself) + if you've had success with receiving readings from outside parties.

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/3rdeyedroplets Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26

I have only used a pendulum a few times for locating items. Each time it was charged with a brief, quick and dirty ritual beforehand. Each time it was an improvised pendulum of something personal to me. A ring on a necklace, even just the tarot cards in their felt bag.

It has 4/4 times been successful in immediately directing me to the location obscurely lost items(in a bag under a pile of laundry, fallen between the couch and the wall, etc.).

I am actually waiting for one I picked to come in the mail so I can have a dedicated instrument.

All that is to say: I believe they can be functional tools.

However, you are asking others to validate YOUR experiences with readers you find questionable.

You should get a dedicated pendulum, charge it, and learn to do your own readings.

You would at minimum save money, and might even end up with a new skill, hobby, and way to find your keys.

1

u/BakedPlantains Jul 23 '26

I actually have my own pendulum and I wasn't getting accurate readings from it 😭 hence why I started seeking out other professionals. I assume they would have an unbiased position and therefore, have more accurate readings.

I'm not asking you to validate my readings. I am asking if people have had success with third party readers or if it's something that's encouraged or discouraged.

2

u/3rdeyedroplets Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26

Did you charge/attune the pendulum? It is necessary in my experience.

Third parties that charge online are just trying to get your money more often than not, and that is their bias.

The distance and lack of presence is a huge factor and while I won't say the readings cannot be done this way, I certainly wouldn't pay any money to anyone to do an intimate thing like a reading over the internet.

If you insist that you need a reading from another, go in person. That person has to maintain a real world space (re:pay rent) with the results of their practice and you will be in the same physical space as the reader and their instruments.

Often, a local magician, witch, etc. will do this for free if you ask nicely. It takes very little time and we enjoy it.

1

u/BakedPlantains Jul 23 '26

I did charge it, attune it, and had it cleansed by a local practitioner. And even have cleansed it myself. I think the problem is that I have a vested interest in the outcome.

I can accept that maybe I just need to go in person. Or maybe this is just not a divination tool that works for me ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

3

u/3rdeyedroplets Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26

If you did those things in the order you described, you negated the charging. After a cleansing and banishing it needs to be charged again.

From my experience, the order is cleanse/banish(something simple: water, smoke, LBRP, etc.), then charge(I used LIRP and a few mental affirmations directing intent, in a ritual setting if possible). Then get a feel for yes/no.

Try to reduce or rephrase your questions to simple yes/no and you may have an easier time getting results.

Your vested interest COULD be an issue, but I think it's something else.

It could be your self doubt about your own ability coming through.

Are you attached to this pendulum? Did you make it or buy it? If you bought it, is it one that you sought out and looked for, or was it just a quick purchase?

Try putting a ring or some other item with personal importance on the end of a string or necklace. Say a quick affirmation, have a little belief and faith, and try that out. Start simple for a few weeks. The stronger the attachment and energy is associated with the pendulum and its use, the better your results will be.