Our world is full of phenomena that may not be clearly understood by the rational mind. One such skill or art is dowsing; it is considered to be a psychic talent, which helps in finding hidden things.

Its origin can be traced back thousands of years. Dowsing is used to find underground water, oil, minerals, treasures, archaeological remains etc.

Although it is a lesser known art, many famous figures from history have proved themselves as dowsers such as Leonardo De Vinci, General Rommel and Robert Boyle. It is believed that anyone can dowse and it can even be taught to some extent.

How does dowsing work?

Since it is not an empirical skill, it can’t be explained with certainty. One of the prominent theories suggests that all beings and objects emanate energy and dowsers have the ability to tap into that energy and identify the desired object. The skeptics, on the other hand, try to present more pragmatic explanations such as pure luck or good instincts.

While there is no scientific evidence to support dowsing, a quote attributed to Albert Einstein does give it some authenticity.

He is quoted to have said, “I know very well that many scientists consider dowsing as they do astrology, as a type of ancient superstition. According to my conviction this is, however, unjustified. The dowsing rod is a simple instrument which shows the reaction of the human nervous system to certain factors which are unknown to us at this time. (Google Books – Intuition Technology By John Living)

The Tools Used in Dowsing

Dowsers use certain tools to tap into the life force of the universe or the energy of the objects. These tools include:

Forked Rod: It is a fork-shaped rod which is made is made from materials like wood, plastic or metal. A willow tree branch is most commonly used for this purpose. When a dowser holding the fork, walks over the target, the fork is drawn towards the ground indicating that the object may be there.

Pendulum: When dowsers work remotely, they use a bob on a twine which is hung over a map to show the correct location.

dowsing wandWand: One of the primary tools, it is a long rod, which starts oscillating as it approaches the target.

L-Rods: These rods are also called angle rods because they are shaped like L.  Dowser puts the long arm of the L on the ground and tries to connect with the energy.

Normally, two rods are used simultaneously and when the sought after the object is reached, the rods cross suggesting that the object of interest might be there.

Dowsing and Religion

There are several references in scriptures that seem to support dowsing.

“And thou shalt take this rod in thy hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.” Reassured that God would show himself through the tool he had been given” (Exodus 4:17) (Dowser.ca – Susan Collins – Drowsing Teacher and Intuitive Consultant)

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) (Bible Hub – Psalm 23:4)

“And I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will bring you under the bond of the covenant.”  (Ezekiel 20:37) (Ning – Responsible Dowsing is Endorsed by Religious Leaders by Susan Collins)

“Never use the pendulum for speculation, to gain power over others, for prediction and what not. It is a device of measurement and one that uses it correctly is under the covenant of the Most High as the Bible said.” Rev. Hanna Kroeger (Dowser.ca – Susan Collins – Drowsing Teacher and Intuitive Consultant)

It may be difficult to conclusively say whether or not dowsing is credible, but we should remember that we are still in the early stages of learning about the universe. Therefore, just like many other less understood things, we should approach dowsing with an open mind.

References:

  1. Bible Hub – Psalm 23:4. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bible Hub: http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-4.htm
  2. Dowser.ca – Susan Collins – Drowsing Teacher and Intuitive Consultant. (n.d.). Retrieved from Dowser.ca
  3. Dowser.ca – Susan Collins – Drowsing Teacher and Intuitive Consultant. (n.d.). Retrieved from Dowser.ca
  4. Google Books – Intuition Technology By John Living. (n.d.). Retrieved from Google Books
  5. Ning – Responsible Dowsing is Endorsed by Religious Leaders by Susan Collins. (n.d.).

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This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Ria Swift

    It’s misinformation to say that dowsing is psychic. I’ve been dowsing since 1989 and it has nothing to do with being psychic. I think it reacts to the energy of something through the nervous system of the person holding the pendulum. It has a large variety of uses. There is medical dowsing which registers the percentage of an organ, system, chakra. One can test to find out if certain foods are good or bad for you. You can use it to find the exact vitamins, minerals, foods, the best brand and amount for you. It is a simple yes or no tool. Anything that requires that simple answer of yes/no can be found with a pendulum or with muscle testing.Being directed towards something missing or the right direction you should travel are other good uses. There is also a national organization called The American Dowsing Society. You could have done much more research and written a much more thorough article. In order to take this subject seriously…more research would have been warranted. It deserves that!

  2. Roz Abbott

    I was skeptical, or at least not sure about what I believed, until I tried it under guidance from someone who had good results. This was water dowsing with a pair of right angled wire hanger pieces. It worked, and was definitely not of my own volition, or controlled by me. I felt the pull, it was not “controlled” by my muscles. The only factor might have been that I sensed where the terrain indicated possible water source. But I am now a believer, at least in water dowsing. I have not tried anything else.

  3. Steve

    I was using an angle brass rod to locate a silver coin and to my surprise dug down three feet and there was dead center over an old water line of PVC ???? THANKS

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