Divining using a pendulum dates back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians provide the first recorded evidence of using a pendulum. They used pendulums as a means of spiritual healing -- the same as we do today.
Pendulum dowsing is said to bring about psychic awakening to acquire knowledge beyond the scope of the normal human senses. Many psychics will carry with them a pendulum, typically around their necks for easy removal and use.
Some paranormal research groups employ the use of pendulums fixed on tripods as another tool to detect paranormal energy or as another means for communication based on the direction of the swings (clockwise = yes, counter clockwise = no, etc). A pendulum is nothing more than a weight on a string, or cord and can be made of any material. The preferred material is quartz crystal, but many are moving to the belief that heavy woods are better.
