How Pendulums Work

Pendulums are psychic tools which have been around since ancient times. They have been used for hundreds of years to obtain information which the normal senses are unable to access on a conscious level. Physical uses include finding hidden minerals or underground pockets of water. Spiritual uses include divining, spirit communication, detecting imbalances in energy and healing. Pendulums can also be used for everyday practical purposes such as searching for lost items and answering questions that you want to find out.

Basically, a pendulum consists of a weight suspended at the end of a string or chain. The weight can be improvised with an everyday object such as a pendant, a ring or a plumb bob. However, a purpose-made pendulum is best because it has a shape and geometry - that is, a symmetry. This symmetry allows the swing to be more even and sensitive, therefore working more effectively. It works even for people with little or no spiritual connection. There is no definitive correct way for dowsing and as you practice more, you will gradually find out what works for you.

Pendulums are popularly made out of crystals, precious or semi-precious gemstones for their beauty as well as added metaphysical properties. They can be very beautiful when hung on a necklace chain serving as both a decorative piece as well as a healing or divining piece. Wearing your crystal pendulum lets you take advantage of using it to make predictions whenever you please.

How do pendulums work?
Just as radios pick up information from radio waves, the pendulum is a powerful antenna that receives information from the vibrations and energy waves emitted by people, places, thoughts and things.

Some say that the pendulum creates a connection between the logical and intuitive parts of the brain. Some say that the pendulum connects them with a higher power and call it “divining”. Research done by many scientists has shown that the pendulum responds to electromagnetic energy that radiates from everything on Earth.

No one knows for sure how the pendulum works, but the important thing is that it does work! As Thomas Edison is said to have replied when asked about electricity: "I don't know what it is, but it's there, let's use it." Some famous dowsing advocates in history include Leonardo Da Vinci, Robert Boyle (Father of modern chemistry), Charles Robert Richet (Nobel Prize winner), and General Patton (U.S. Army).

You can still benefit from its use even if you do not understand how the pendulum works. The concept is similar just as most people do not understand the workings of a camera or telephone but are able to use them too.

Why Our Crystals Are Priced So Affordably

Many people have been commenting that the gemstone products we offer are priced so affordably, they find it incredible. Some have even asked if the crystals are real! Well, I'm proud to say that yes, all Ornate Oriental products are made from natural gemstones. There are occasions when natural gemstones are dyed, but rest assured that it will be stated in the listing if it is so. Failure to identify enhancement of natural gemstones when present is an unfair trade practice and Ornate Oriental does not advocate such practices.

Now, back to why our crystals are priced so affordably:

1. Crystals are obtained from source
Our raw gemstone materials are obtained directly from the mining sources. Most of the raw materials are mined in India, and some are obtained from other countries like the U.S. and Brazil. By going direct to the source, we cut out any middlemen in-between, lowering our overall costs and enabling us to offer our products to you at lower prices.

2. Different grades of gemstones
All natural stones are unique, and there are different grades of gemstones. For example, diamonds and other precious gemstones sold at jewellery stores undergo a strict selection process and highly specialized cutting and polishing processes. These, including appraisals, certifications and retail rentals all add to the high prices of the gemstones. At Ornate Oriental,
we are unable to craft every piece from top grade gemstone material and still remain affordable. However, we provide fine, well-crafted pieces of the best quality possible. Our products are each hand-made by a single, master stone cutter, leading to a variety in size and shape. Also, despite the different grades the metaphysical properties of each gemstone remains, and it is the energies that truly benefit us.

3. Introduce more people to crystals
At Ornate Oriental, our desire is to allow more people to experience the beauty and healing power of crystals. By ensuring prices are affordable, we help to bring the crystals to the people, allowing them to try for themselves the benefits, uses and power of gemstones.

I hope these helps with understanding more about Ornate Oriental and our products, and we look forward to providing you with an enjoyable and affordable shopping experience!

Crystal Cleansing and Charging

Crystal cleansing refers to more than just removing physical from the stones. From the perspective of crystals, it also means discharging the unwanted energy of the stones and restoring the unique vibrating energy of the stones. Every crystal possesses its own unique vibration which can be affected by the energies in its environment. It is therefore always important to fully cleanse any crystal before you start to use and become attuned with it.

Here are some methods that Ornate Oriental recommends to cleanse your crystal:

Running Water
Most crystals can be held under running water. Imagine a waterfall falling over your crystal until you feel that all the negative energies have been washed away. Please ensure that your crystal is not water-soluble before cleansing in this way. Most water-soluble crystals end in "ite", such as selenite, fluorite, calcite, angelite and sodalite. Lapis Lazuli is also water-soluble.

Sea Salt Bath
Salt absorbs and removes the negative energy from the crystals and is an effective cleansing agent. Using natural sea salt, put the crystal in a water-filled container to soak for 24 hours. Only use sea salt and not table salt as the latter is chemically processed. Sea salt can be easily purchased from aquariums. After that, rinse the crystal thoroughly with running water and make sure that all sea salt is completely removed. As with running water, please ensure that your crystal is not friable before using this method.

Smudging
An ancient, traditional method is the use of a smudging stick or incense to cleanse crystals. After lighting the incense or smudge stick, hold the crystal in one hand and pass the stick up and down the length of the crystal in a spiral pattern. Be very careful not to burn yourself and ensure that the incense or smudge stick is properly extinguished after use. This method uses the energy of fire and the sacred scent of the smudge or incense to clear any unwanted energy.

Brown Rice
Use dry, uncooked, organic brown rice and fill a bowl large enough to accommodate your crystal. Gently bury the crystal in the rice and leave for 24 hours. Any negative energy will be absorbed into the rice. After cleansing, the brown rice should be carefully disposed of - most definitely not cooked and eaten or you will absorb all of the cleared negativity!

Moonlight
Leaving your crystals on a moonlit windowsill overnight can cleanse and charge them with the moon’s gentle energy. Both moonlight and sunlight can be used to cleanse your crystals. However, sunlight can fade some crystals, whereas moonlight is a powerful safe cleanser.

Other Crystals
Some crystals such as Clear Quartz, Carnelian and Selenite have the ability to cleanse other crystals. Amethyst and Citrine clusters are also useful in cleansing other crystals by drawing out their disharmonious energy. Simply place your crystal on top of the cluster and leave it overnight or place a Carnelian piece together with the crystal that needs to be cleansed overnight. This is an extremely useful method for delicate crystals.

It is important to continue cleansing and charging the crystal at regular intervals to maintain its purity and integrity. If your crystal looks dull, it may be that it has picked up and absorbed negative energy from the surrounding environment. Also, try not to let anyone touch your crystal as it will absorb that person's energy. If your crystal has been handled by someone else, do a cleansing to clear it of any absorbed negative energy.

Caring For Your Crystals

Every crystal is a precious gift of the earth and should be treasured well. The first thing to note on crystal care is to avoid putting crystals into direct sunlight. Many crystals with vibrant colours such as fluorite will fade in direct light. Also, other crystals may crack due to temperature fluctuations.

To clean your crystals of dust, simply run the crystal under a gentle faucet flow and wipe dry with a soft, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Avoid other types of cloths as they may be abrasive and scratch or dull the surface of your crystal. Do note that some crystals are water soluble and should NOT be subject to any direct contact with water. If you are unsure whether the crystal can withstand water, wipe the crystal gently with a damp cotton cloth. Then, wipe again using a dry cotton cloth this round to ensure it is completely dry.

Next is to have a proper storage system to prevent any damage to your crystals. Keeping an assortment of crystals all together in a bag may cause the harder crystals to scratch or chip away at the softer crystals. Crystals with polished surfaces and natural points especially are easily scratched or damaged. Tumbled stones are more durable and can be kept together, but do take care for all other crystals.

When not in use, keep your crystals in a soft silk or velvet pouch. This prevents scratching and also protects the crystal from absorbing foreign energies. The pouch also makes it convenient to carry the crystal with you.

At Ornate Oriental, we provide a oriental silk pouch together with every item purchase to ensure the best care for your crystals! Cotton-lined on the inside, the 10x10cm pouch protects your crystal from scratches and damage and the size is just perfect for you to carry around. The pouch can also double as a charging bag for your crystal. Various designs are available!

For wands, each wand will come in a elaborately-designed oriental box for safe-keeping. It can also double as a charging box for your wand. Various colours and designs are available!

Understanding Crystals and their Effects

Everyone is attracted to gemstones and their beauty. They have been used for ornamentation and as a symbol of power for thousands of years. But such crystals were valued for more than their beauty - they each had a sacred meaning. In ancient cultures, their healing properties were as important as their ability to adorn.

Crystals were created as the earth formed and they have continued to metamorphose as the planet itself has changed. They are the earth's DNA, a chemical imprint for evolution. They are miniature storehouses containing the records of the development of the earth over millions of years, and bearing the indelible memory of the powerful forces that shaped it. Their crystalline structure can absorb, conserve, focus and emit energy, especially on the electromagnetic waveband.

Crystals make excellent jewelry for both men and women. Wearing gems used to be a royal or priestly prerogative. The high priest of Judaism wore a breastplate set with precious stones. It was much more than a badge of office; it conveyed power to the wearer. As far back as the Stone Age, men and women wore crystal jewellery and talismans. They had a protective as well as decorative function, guarding their wearer from harm.

Crystals have been used for millenia to heal and bring balance, working through resonance and vibration. To gain maximum benefit from crystal healing, you need to be properly trained or be treated by someone who is well-qualified and experienced. However, you can find benefits in crystals for common ailments. They are effective remedies, especially when made into gem essences. Crystals also heal holistically - that is to say, they work on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of being. They realign subtle energies that surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body and activating linkage points to the chakras that regulate the body's vibrational stasis. By bringing the chakras back to balance, many states of physical and psychological dis-ease can be ameliorated.


(information extracted from: The Crystal Bible - Volume 1, Judy Hall)