What Does It Mean When Your Pendulum Spins?
BY NICOLE LAU
You hold your pendulum, ask a question, and instead of swinging back and forth or side to side, it starts spinning in circles—sometimes wildly. What does it mean when your pendulum spins?
Understanding Pendulum Basics
Most pendulum users establish basic movements:
- Back and forth (vertical): Yes
- Side to side (horizontal): No
- Clockwise circle: Positive energy, yes, or opening
- Counterclockwise circle: Negative energy, no, or closing
- Diagonal or erratic: Unclear, maybe, or rephrase question
But what about when it spins—rapidly, intensely, in wide circles?
What Spinning Generally Means
High Energy or Strong Response
Spinning indicates:
- The answer is a strong YES (clockwise) or strong NO (counterclockwise)
- Intense energy around the question or subject
- Powerful emotions or spiritual presence
- The matter is very important or urgent
Energy Clearing or Activation
The pendulum may spin to:
- Clear stagnant energy from a space, object, or person
- Activate or open energy centers (chakras)
- Release blockages
- Raise vibration
Spiritual Presence or Communication
Spinning can indicate:
- Spirits, guides, or angels are present and active
- Strong spiritual communication happening
- The veil is thin
- Multiple entities or energies responding
Confusion or Multiple Answers
Sometimes spinning means:
- The question is too complex for yes/no
- Multiple factors or outcomes are possible
- The situation is in flux or uncertain
- You need to ask a more specific question
Your Energy Is Charged
Rapid spinning may reflect:
- You're emotionally intense about the question
- Your energy is very high or activated
- You're anxious, excited, or passionate
- Your hand is unconsciously moving (ideomotor response amplified)
Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise Spinning
Clockwise Spinning
- Positive energy, affirmation, opening
- Healing, growth, expansion
- Divine masculine, yang, active energy
- Bringing in, attracting, manifesting
- Strong YES or enthusiastic agreement
Counterclockwise Spinning
- Negative energy, denial, closing
- Releasing, banishing, clearing
- Divine feminine, yin, receptive energy
- Letting go, removing, protecting
- Strong NO or emphatic rejection
Alternating or Changing Direction
- Situation is complex or changing
- Both yes and no elements present
- Transformation or transition happening
- Balance between opposing forces
Context-Specific Meanings
Spinning over a chakra: That chakra is very active, blocked, or needs attention
Spinning over a person: Strong energy, emotion, or spiritual presence around them
Spinning over a location: Powerful energy vortex, ley line, or spiritual activity
Spinning over an object: Object holds significant energy, charge, or history
Spinning during yes/no question: The answer is emphatic, or the question needs refinement
Spinning during spirit communication: Spirit is present and eager to communicate
Speed and Intensity Matter
Gentle, slow spinning: Mild energy, subtle clearing, or soft affirmation
Moderate spinning: Clear response, active energy, normal spiritual activity
Fast, vigorous spinning: Intense energy, urgent message, powerful presence, or strong emotion
Wild, erratic spinning: Chaotic energy, multiple influences, or you need to ground
What to Do When Your Pendulum Spins
Step 1: Observe Without Judgment
- Don't try to stop it immediately
- Watch the direction, speed, and duration
- Notice how you feel
- Stay present and curious
Step 2: Interpret the Direction
- Clockwise = positive, yes, opening, bringing in
- Counterclockwise = negative, no, closing, releasing
- Note if it changes direction
Step 3: Check Your Energy
Ask yourself:
- Am I grounded and centered?
- Am I emotionally charged about this question?
- Is my hand steady or am I unconsciously moving it?
Step 4: Clarify or Rephrase
If spinning feels like confusion:
- Ask a more specific question
- Break complex questions into simpler yes/no parts
- Ask: "Is this spinning because the question is unclear?"
Step 5: Allow the Clearing
If it feels like energy work:
- Let the pendulum spin until it naturally slows
- Trust it's clearing or activating what needs attention
- Visualize the energy moving as the pendulum directs
Step 6: Ground Afterward
- Touch the earth or your body
- Drink water
- Take deep breaths
- Thank the pendulum and any spirits present
When Spinning Is Positive
Spinning is favorable when:
- You're doing energy clearing or healing work
- The direction is clear and consistent
- It feels powerful but not chaotic
- You asked for clearing or activation
- It eventually slows and gives a clear answer
When Spinning Is a Warning
Be cautious if:
- Spinning feels chaotic, frantic, or out of control
- You feel dizzy, nauseous, or drained
- The pendulum won't stop even when you ask it to
- It happens every time you use it (may indicate you need grounding)
Ground yourself, cleanse the pendulum, and take a break.
Using Spinning Intentionally
Some practitioners use spinning for:
- Chakra balancing: Hold over each chakra and let it spin to clear/activate
- Space clearing: Walk through a room and let it spin to clear energy
- Object cleansing: Hold over crystals, jewelry, or tools to clear them
- Energy diagnosis: Spinning indicates where energy is stuck or active
Troubleshooting Excessive Spinning
If your pendulum spins constantly and won't give clear answers:
- Ground yourself before using it
- Cleanse the pendulum regularly
- Establish clearer yes/no signals with it
- Ask simpler, more specific questions
- Check if you're unconsciously influencing it
- Consider if you're too emotionally invested in the answer
Final Thoughts
When your pendulum spins, it's not malfunctioning—it's communicating in a different language. It's saying the energy is strong, the answer is emphatic, or clearing is happening.
Don't fear the spin. Understand it. Work with it. Let it show you where energy is alive, where it's blocked, and where it's ready to move.
The pendulum that spins is a pendulum that's working—powerfully, actively, and with purpose.
Trust the spin. It knows what it's doing.
