Could one accidentally open an Energy Portal by using a pendulum? I am interested in using them as I love stones, but fearful about opening a portal. How is a pendulum different from a Oujia board? I have some friends who have had bad experiences with those, hence my apprehension...Any insight appreciated.

The spirit behind this question is very good.  All too often, we engage in spell work or ritual we don't fully understand and underestimate, which can lead to very unexpected consequences.

My use of divination and elemental work is very limited because I really do not feel comfortable contacting "other" beings and requesting information.   From what I have learned of divination, many times you are asking for insight related to another being.  Of course, there are what I supposed can be termed "natural intuitives," but I am far removed from this and would require assistance for any form of divination.

Any time you perform magic, there is a potential to contact other beings or open "portals"--links to the supernatural and their environments.  This does not mean and evil demon is going to manifest in this world like a bad scifi movie every time you cast a spell, but the very nature of magic invloves powers that attract certain kinds of things.  The intent, workings of your spell, and the powers raised will often determine the "energies" that will likely be attracted to you.  

If you are concerned about performing a simple spell and attracting something negative, erect a barrier.  Casting a circle propr to any spell is the standard protection for this sort of thing.  There are other rituals, talismans, and spells you can use for protection, but I cannot honestly recommend any of them as I have not tried them.

Scrying is not generally a dangerous activity, but I would reccommend trying simple things and being cautious as you learn.  In the end, this is the only universal advice I can offer any magic user.  Perhaps some of our members more familiar with this particular form of magic can offer more detail.