Shiva Lingam pendulum with a point

A pendulum cut from natural stone and hung on its fine chain; the balance is checked piece by piece, without which the swing drifts.

An ovoid brown-beige pebble, marbled with red, polished by the river and then by hand.

What tradition says. Gathered from the Narmada, a sacred river of India, in Hinduism it represents the union of the masculine and feminine principles.

In practice. Held with the chain free between thumb and forefinger, elbow resting. You first agree your movement conventions, then you ask. Hang it up rather than leaving it loose, so the chain does not tangle.

• The shape is natural: the river current forms these ovoids, which craftsmen finish by polishing.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.