Find lost objects with pendulum dowsing: The ultimate guide

Have you ever lost something and impossible to find? Like your car keys on a Monday morning? We have all been there. Now it is time to dust off your pendulum and get to work. Pendulum dowsingOpens in a new tab. is the perfect way of retrieving lost objects, and it is fun too!

Three ways of finding lost objects with pendulums

There is not one way but several ways you can find lost objects with the help of a pendulum and some great targeted questions. Yes, targeted questions. Not everything is due to the pendulum, you see. This is the most important thing to keep in mind from now on.

There are as many ways of locating a lost object with the help of pendulums as there are readers. There are five primary methods, though. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

The most common one is to ask the pendulum for directions. Ask the pendulum yes or no questions, and let it tell you where the object is. For example: “Is the car keys in the house,” “Is the car keys on the first floor,” and so forth.

The second method is to use a pendulum chart. You can create your pendulum chart by drawing a circle and then dividing it into sections, like pizza slices. In every piece, you write a room, building, area, and alike.

The third method is to let the pendulum show the way by swinging in the direction of the lost object. This method is very straightforward.

The fourth method is a bit more time-consuming. You need to draw a map of the house or area you think your lost object is located. It needs to be in scale to work best.

The fifth method is also a bit more tricky. You ask your pendulum to locate the object in the crossing. First, let the pendulum swing and make a note of the direction. Move away from the spot and let it swing again. Make a note of the movement. In the crossing of both lines, you will find the lost object.

All methods have their strength and weakness. Depending on your unique situation and lost item, you can pick the one you think will work the best.

The important this is to always be crystal clear about how you want the pendulum to respond. The pendulum will give you wonky readings otherwise.

In the guides below, you find in-depth guides for all the methods above.

If you are uncertain where to get a pendulum, this one is a great option. Copper pendulums are great for finding objects. They are also great options for beginners as they don’t store residual energy as crystal pendulums do. I found it on Amazon (affiliate link).

#1: Ask the pendulum for directions

The most common method for finding lost objects is asking the pendulum for direction. With the help of yes and no questions, you can hone in on the thing’s location.

Before you get going, you need a pendulum (of course!) and a picture or similar object to hold in your hand or place nearby (optional).

  1. Cleanse your pendulum by tapping on it three times
  2. Take three deep breaths to calm down and focus
  3. Pick up your pendulum and make it still
    1. Tell the pendulum that only spirits of light are allowed to come trough
  4. Program the pendulum
    1. Ask the pendulum to show you “yes” (take note of the movement)
    2. Ask the pendulum to show you “no” (take note of the movement)
    3. Ask the pendulum to show you “I don’t want to tell you” (take note of the movement)
    4. Ask the pendulum if it wants you to ask for directions (if no – stop here)
  5. Ask clear questions for direction to the object
    1. Example: Is the object in the house?
    2. Example: Is the object on the first floor?
    3. Example: Is the object in the kitchen?
    4. Example: Is the object in the kitchen cabinet?
    5. Example: Is the object in the blue box in the kitchen cabinet?
  6. End the reading when you found your item or if the pendulum asks you to
  7. Close the session by telling the pendulum the reading is over
  8. Tell the pendulum that no communication is allowed
  9. Tap three times on the pendulum to clear any energy
  10. Store the pendulum in a safe place (with the dignity it deserves)

Make sure to go from big to small. As soon as you get a “yes” answer, you move on to a minor part of the search area.

Always make sure that the pendulum wants to find the object. If not, there might be a reason for this. Accept it and do not force a reading. If the pendulum in the reading says, “I don’t want to tell you,” – accept it and move on. Always leave options for your pendulum to not tell you information. This will make your bond with the pendulum stronger.

As with all spiritual and paranormal practices, it takes time to master the technique. So don’t feel discouraged if you fail the first time you try it.

#2: Use a pendulum chart

This option is excellent if you have a hunch about where the lost object might be. A chart can give more profound, detailed insights as they deliver messages beyond yes or no.

A pendulum chart is often a circle divided into sections. The sections have messages written on them. You start your reading by holding the pendulum still in the center of the chart. In the picture below, you find an example of what a pendulum chart might look like.

You can create your chart by drawing a circle on the paper and dividing it into sections. You don’t have to buy any fancy chart if you don’t want to. It will work as well. There are lots of different alternatives on Etsy that you can use if you wish. I recommend going with a blank so you can use it over and over.

I have created a free blank one for you. Feel free to download it if you wish. Just jot down the rooms of your house, and you are ready to go.

You need a pendulum and a chart to get going.

  1. Jot down the rooms in your house on the chart
  2. Cleanse your pendulum by tapping on it three times
  3. Take three deep breaths to calm down and focus
  4. Pick up your pendulum and place it in the center of the chart
  5. Make sure the pendulum is still
    1. Tell the pendulum that only spirits of light are allowed to come trough
    2. Tell the pendulum to use the chart when answering your questions
  6. Ask the pendulum to show in which room the object is located
  7. Make a note of which room the pendulum swings towards
  8. Continue with method #1 or,
  9. If you have a chart with yes or no options, you can continue using the chart
  10. End the reading when you found your item or if the pendulum asks you to
  11. Close the session by telling the pendulum the reading is over
  12. Tell the pendulum that no communication is allowed
  13. Tap three times on the pendulum to clear any energy
  14. Store the pendulum in a safe place (with the dignity it deserves)

#3: Let the pendulum show you the way

This is one of my favorites in finding an object with the help of a pendulum. Hold the pendulum in your hand and ask it to swing in the direction you need to go. The downside is that it can be in two directions. If the pendulum starts to circle, it is often a sign that you have made the “wrong” choice. Turn around 180 degrees and continue your hunt.

When you are very close to the object, it might start to circle or come to a complete still. If you don’t see the object anywhere, you can proceed with method #1, asking it yes or no questions.

  1. Cleanse your pendulum by tapping on it three times
  2. Take three deep breaths to calm down and focus
  3. Pick up your pendulum and make it still
    1. Tell the pendulum that only spirits of light are allowed to come trough
    2. Tell the pendulum to swing in the direction of the object
    3. Tell it to circle when you are very close
  4. Ask the pendulum to swing in the direction of the object
    1. Make a note of the direction. Walk a few steps in that direction.
    2. Stop
    3. Repeat
    4. When the pendulum starts circling, you are close
  5. Continue with method #1 if you don’t notice the object
  6. Close the session by telling the pendulum the reading is over
  7. Tell the pendulum that no communication is allowed
  8. Tap three times on the pendulum to clear any energy
  9. Store the pendulum in a safe place (with the dignity it deserves)

#4: Draw a map as a dowsing chart

This method of finding an object with your pendulum is for the handy and crafty ones. Draw the house as a map. The more accurate the map is, the better it will work. Hold your pendulum over the chart/map and slowly move the pendulum over it. When it starts to circle, you know where the object is!

If you have a blueprint of your house, that is a gold mine. Use it to get spot-on directions.

  1. Cleanse your pendulum by tapping on it three times
  2. Take three deep breaths to calm down and focus
  3. Pick up your pendulum and make it still
    1. Tell the pendulum that only spirits of light are allowed to come trough
    2. Tell it to circle on the location
  4. Continue with method #1 if you don’t notice the object
  5. Close the session by telling the pendulum the reading is over
  6. Tell the pendulum that no communication is allowed
  7. Tap three times on the pendulum to clear any energy
  8. Store the pendulum in a safe place (with the dignity it deserves)

Another method is using your index finger (or a pen) and a positive response from your pendulum. Hold the pendulum in one hand and run your finger across the map or blueprint.

Start with the horizontal axis. When you get a hit, you go vertically. When you get your second hit, you have found your spot.

When your finger hits the spot where the missing item is located the pendulum will start swinging in your unique “yes” pattern.

The important thing is to be clear about which method you will use and tell your pendulum how to respond. This is key to all pendulum dowsing.

Here is a great video showing different ways of using the pendulum to find things using a map.

#5: The treasure map method – crossings

With the treasure map method, you let the pendulum indicate two bearings. Where the bearings cross, you will find your lost object. It is a bit more tricky than the other ones. I never used this method myself but got intrigued when I read about it in a forumOpens in a new tab..

Put you start by letting your pendulum give you the first bearing. Make note of the direction. Walk a few steps away and let the pendulum swing yet again. Make note of the direction. Where the two lines cross, the item will be found.

This method is best used outside, in the garden, or in an open field. I will certainly try this out when ghost hunting outdoors.

Finding hunted objects with pendulum dowsing

You can use all the methods above to find hunted objects during a ghost hunt or paranormal investigation. It all comes down to preference and what you got at hand. If you have a blueprint of the house, use it! With practice, it will bring results, I promise.

Using a pendulum chart is another favorite of mine. You can jot down your hot spots and get guidance on where to put your efforts. Combining all methods will give you the overhand when it comes to sneaky demons and negative entities.

Remember to clear your pendulum and only allow spirits of light or your highest good to come through the pendulum. When searching for negative entities there is a big risk that they will try to lure you or make you atray. Remember, they do not want to be found.

If you want to learn more about the dangers of using the pendulum you find an article I wrote on the subject below.

Is pendulum dowsing dangerous? What you should know

Learn everything you need to know about dangers and pendulum dowsing

Claudette Beaulieu

A certified paranormal investigator, accredited demonologist, and psychic stuck in the Victorian era.

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