In my opinion it is simultaneously both of the things you mentioned (Subconscious & Spirit), combined into some sort of Higher-Self/Super-Consciousness/Collective Spirit type of "source".
I've seen and recorded way too many crazy Tarot synchronicities -- coincidences that were so statistically unlikely and astronomically improbable, that I eventually had no choice but to acknowledge there must be a separate "intelligence" or "Spirit" at work in Tarot divination.
I've come to call whatever this energy is, "the Eternal Witness."
As far as Pendulum skrying, when I was 1st getting used to it I started with exercises to consciously will the pendulum to swing a certain way, which turned out to be super easy!
Next, after I saw how easy it was to will the pendulum, came the ironically more challenging practice of turning my will OFF -- NOT making the Pendulum swing, remaining neutral and unattached to the outcome -- since separating from my ego's desires as much as possible brings more objective & accurate results.
So for me, the real lesson of the Pendulum, as a learning tool, has so far been less about divination per se, and more about learning to recognize (and quickly access) a meditative, open and unattached state.
I'll try and find it in a bit.
Those were truly interesting experiences for sure.
