Where we live in a time where technology is continually reshaping our lives and traditions are fading into obscurity, it is not unusual to come upon relics of the past that are so old that they are incomprehensible to the modern mind. One example of this is a unique tool that is causing a stir on the internet, arousing people’s curiosity and causing them to reflect on habits that have long since passed.
Upon initial inspection, the instrument looks to be nothing more than a straightforward, forked tree branch, which is humble and rustic. To be more specific, its ancestry can be traced back centuries, to an era that was rich in mythology and pragmatism. This century was the 1500s, and it was during this time when “Water Dowsing” held control over the minds and hands of those who were seeking.
This instrument, which was known by a variety of names, including “diviner,” “doodlebug,” “well witch,” and “water-finder,” served a single purpose: to determine whether or not there was water beneath the surface of the earth.
Simple yet mysterious was the method that was used. An individual who does this would hold each branch of the forked stick in their hand, with their palms facing upward. A V-shaped formation was formed by the convergence of the branches, with the lower end of the V inclined towards the ground at an angle of around 45 degrees. The dowser moved around the landscape with deliberate movements, paying attention to the subtle vibrations that were said to indicate the existence of underground water sources.
The technology was initially utilised for the purpose of locating metals in the earth; however, it has since been effortlessly adapted to the search for water that is essential to life, which is especially beneficial to those living in rural areas and homesteaders who are just starting out.
Even if the effectiveness of water dowsing is still a topic of discussion and scepticism in modern times, its historical relevance and cultural resonance continue to exist. This is a monument to the fact that humanity is always looking for ways to better understand and connect with the natural world.
We are reminded of the ageless mysteries that lay beneath the surface of our collective history, waiting to be excavated and recalled, when we come into contact with remnants of antiquity in this era that is characterised by fast change and technical growth.
