A total pendulum newbie - help please?

Hello all,
I am currently interested in pendulum usage. However, there are a few things that I am concerned about. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me clear up my confusion and answer some questions! My search for solutions on the internet has been quite unsuccessful. In case you are wondering about my experience with pendulums, all I have done thus far is "testing" - basically holding it with my right hand and placing it over my left hand, imagining a vortex of energy being released by my left hand and thus making the pendulum move in circles.
#1. I wish only to use the pendulum as a tool for extending my intuition or reaching out to my Higher Self. I do not wish to contact Spirits, let alone perform divination/open psychic doors! This is my main concern when it comes to pendulum usage - if I am using a pendulum to channel my subconscious, is there a possibility that Spirits will be able to come through/establish (unwanted) contact with me while I am performing the act?
#2. As you can probably tell from the first question, I am quite paranoid. Are there any ways which I can protect myself while using a pendulum?
#3. What should I do once I receive my first 'real' pendulum (I have been using tiger's eye beads strung on a red string for the past few days as practice)? For example, one source I read said that I should keep the pendulum on my body for the first two weeks. Do you have any tips when it comes to "bonding" with a new pendulum?
#4. Is there anything I can do to increase the accuracy of my pendulum (for example, through being unbiased)? If there is, what is it and how should I go about doing it?
#5. I am having trouble thinking of the way questions directed to my pendulum (or more precisely, my subconscious) should be phrased. What should I do and what should I not do?
Thanks alot in advance!
- Kyane