Dowsing Rods

Almost anything can be used as a dowsing tool. Many people like to use pendulums but most prefer some form of dowsing rod.

Traditional

The most traditional type of dowsing rod, and the one most people are probably familiar with, is the Y-shaped twig. The dowser holds the twig by the two branches of the Y with the stem pointing forwards. When the target is located the twig will vibrate or twitch, sometimes forcefully. Traditional Y-shaped dowsing rods were cut from hazel, a tree with reputed magical properties. Today they are available to buy in many different materials.

Modern

Another common form of dowsing rod is the pair of L-Rods (also called angle-rods) - these are the sort most often found in a commercial dowsing kit. In this case two rods are used, one in each hand. The small branch of the L is held lightly in the hand, the longer stems facing forwards in parallel. As the dowser approaches the target the rods will begin to turn towards each other and possibly even cross. If both rods turn the same way then this can be a direction indicator. L-shaped dowsing rods are normally made from metal. You can buy rods that have a special "collar" around the short stem which allows the rod to turn freely in the dowser's hands.

A lesser known dowsing rod is the Hartmann rod. This is a single piece of metal twisted at the centre to provide an indicator. The rod is held upright with one finger at each end. It's reportedly more sensitive than other devices.

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