Pendulums
Pendulums, much like the simpler form of orb-viewing, are used to answer yes-or-no questions. But firstly,
we must discuss how to make one.
A pendulum can be bought at many of the stores in Diagon Alley, and even in Hogsmeade. They come as simple
as plain, silver ohms on a 7-inch silver chain, and as ornate as gold, or even ruby-encrusted. A typical simple pendulum is
not expensive, and it is reccommended that you buy one to bring to class. If, however, you prefer to make one, it is
quite simple. Take an object, something used as a weight, and drill a small hole in it near the top. Tie a string, approximately 7
inches, through the hole. A pendulum is born.
There are two ways to use a pendulum. They both yield the same results, but it is personal preference on
which way you'd like to go about getting the answer.
The first way requires you to ask the pendulum to define what a yes and a no answer looks like. You must
calmly hold the pendulum out a bit in front of you in the air, making sure it is still. Calmly ask the pendulum to show you
a yes. At this point, the pendulum could do anything. Whatever it does (example, swing to the left, perhaps), that is your
yes answer. Repeat these steps for your no, and you are ready to ask the question. This process is usually done
with more complicated, expensive pendulums.
The second can be done if you have a simple pendulum, or you just prefer it this way. Again, calmly hold
the pendulum out a bit in front of you in the air, making sure the string is still. It is important to practice calm, relaxing
breathing while dealing with the pendulum. Concentrating and remaining calm, ask a question; the answers will flow through
you and be channelled to the pendulum, causing it to swing. If it swings clockwise, the answer is typically yes. In contrast,
if it swings counter clockwise, the answer is typically no.
Pendulums are not specific, but highly accurate when done correctly. However, it is to be noted that those
who are not calm, or let other emotions take over them, tend to have the most problems with inaccuracy.
