The dowsing rods
Dowsing rods are two L-shaped rods held in the hands, one in each fist. They are the classic tool of the dowser, who walks along with them and watches to see whether they move.
Where it comes from
The divining rod, at first a forked branch, has been described in Europe for several centuries, notably for finding springs and ore veins. L-shaped rods, easier to carry, became widespread later.
Making a pair
- Two pieces of stiff steel, brass or copper wire (a metal coat hanger will do), about 3 to 4 mm thick.
- Each rod is about 40 cm long, with a right-angle bend 12 cm from one end: that is the handle.
- So that they turn freely, slip the handle into a small tube (a stiff straw or an emptied pen casing).
Holding them
- Hold each handle in your fist without gripping, as you would hold a pen, with the long arm pointing ahead of you.
- Keep your elbows close to your body and your forearms roughly horizontal.
- Walk slowly. The rods cross or spread apart when your hand turns slightly, even by a millimetre.
An honest test, to do with someone close to you
To judge for yourself, do a blind test. Hide a small bottle of water in one of ten boxes set out in a row, without the person holding the rods knowing which one (someone else knows). Note their ten choices over ten trials. Chance gives 1 right choice in 10 on average. If you do not get clearly more than that, the rods have added nothing beyond luck.
To go further: a session step by step, the tools, the history and the frequently asked questions.
Precautions
- Water and drilling: never decide on a borehole or a well on the strength of a dowsing rod alone. Drilling is expensive; ask a hydrogeologist, or consult the official data on groundwater.
- Before digging: consult the official service that tells you what is buried underground (gas, electricity, water; in France: le guichet unique des réseaux). The rod is no substitute for those plans.
- When you walk with your eyes on the rods, watch where you put your feet: keep away from road edges, ditches and slopes.
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