“That’s that thing with pendulums or when you walk around with sticks.” Fortunately, the attitude of most people to dowsing has changed considerably. I was introduced to dowsing by my parents over ten years ago, and I still have the first pendulum, a rose quartz one, which my father gave me.

So, what makes my father’s approach to dowsing any different from other people’s ideas. It is best summarised in his own words, taken from his website: www.theneempeople.com

This web site is all about The Neem Tree, so what has Dowsing to to with Neem? I will tell you. Marjorie and I do Mind, Body, Spirit type exhibitions all over the country and also in Ireland; people coming to the events come looking for help spiritually, emotionally, physically etc. and there are far too many exhibitors more interested in pushing their products and “latest technology” than in whether the person will really benefit. Mammon rules!

Simply put, my parents saw too many vulnerable people being sold inappropriate solutions to their problems. Through dowsing, they might be able to determine if their purchase was in their best interests.

I won’t go into much detail about the ‘how’ of pendulum dowsing, other that to simplify it:

1. Hold the chain of the pendulum between the thumb and forefinger, with enough length that the weight at the end can swing freely.
2. First ask for the pendulum to show a ‘yes’ motion and then ask for a ‘no’ motion.
3. Second question, ask if you are dowsing at greater than 90% accuracy.
4. Then the matter on which you are dowsing. There are three questions: “May I dowse for/about …”, “Should I dowse for/about …” and “Can I dowse for/about …”

Provided that you receive a ‘yes’ to all three questions, you are good to go.

I have a particular reason for finding dowsing invaluable. I have an unusual food allergy, and I eat out a lot due to being away on business. Not all the menus are in English, so how can I be sure that the dish is safe. In this day and age of using convenience ingredients in the majority of restaurants, it is a real problem for me. A reaction can knock me out for 48 hours.

So, dowsing. What I have found is that I can dowse over a menu. “Is this dish safe for me to eat?” or “Will this dish cause a problem for me?”. To date, despite using this around Europe and the UK, my pendulum, a lump of Ethiopian opal on a cotton cord, has not given me a wrong answer.

As to the material for your pendulum, my parents sell a very pleasant range of hand-made wooden pendulums. I have used crystal and wood, and currently use either my opal or a wooden pendulum my mother made for me. The material is your own choice. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ material. You could use a tea-bag on a string if necessary. One thing I would say in this age of airline security: crystal pendulums do not scan well on security arches, so if you fly regularly, you may want to use a ‘safe’ material.

If you have any questions, leave a comment, and I will be happy to answer.