What is the meaning of “divination?” Divination comes from the Latin term “divinare” which means “to foresee, to be inspired by a god”. The term, which is related to divinus, “divine” is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation by way of an occult, standardized process or ritual.
There are many passages in the Bible that allude to dowsing, relating in considerable detail how both Moses and his son, Aaron, used a dowsing device referred to as “the Rod” to locate and bring forth water.
Using a Y-shaped rod:
The most common divining rod is a Y-shaped branch cut from a tree or bush. Old-time dowsers and water witches, in the United States, preferred branches from the witch-hazel, willow, or peach tree, and often favored branches cut from green, wet wood as it was believed that the rod would be drawn to a water source.
The dowser holds the Y-shaped dowsing rod with one short end of the Y in each hand and the long end of the Y pointing forward.
Exercising a slight outward pull on the forks of the Y to keep the end under tension, the dowser steadily walks over the area in a regular grid pattern, carefully covering the entire area to be searched. When the dowser passes over or near the searched-for material, the dowsing rod points down, showing the spot.
Some dowsers claim that they can determine not only the place where the item will be found, but also its depth, as indicated by the strength of the downward pull on the tip of the Y-rod, or the speed at which it “dipped” when they approached the area.
Using two L-shaped rods:
Some dowsers prefer to use a simple pair of L-shaped dowsing rods. These may be made of metal, and generally have loosely fitted metal, wood, or cardboard tube handles which allow the long arms of the rods to spin loosely when the handles are tightly gripped. Experienced dowsers often prefer their L-rods to be made of either brass or copper. But, when you’re in a pinch, L-rods can be made from the wire of a coat-hanger sheathed in tube-handles made from discarded and cut-down paper-towel tubes.
The dowser holds one rod in each hand, with the short part of the L held in the hand and the long part of the L pointing forward. Walking the territory in a regular grid, the dowser observes the rods. If they turn to the right, the dowser walks to the right. If they turn to the left, the dowser walks to the left. When the dowser passes over or near the searched-for material, the two dowsing rods will either cross or uncross. If the rods stop pointing straight ahead and form an “X,” the dowser marks the spot. The field may be walked several times, confirming the marked spot, until the dowser is satisfied that the L-rods have accurately found whatever the dowser is searching for.
Divining rods have been used to answer questions. A rod or wand is held up in the air, and the diviner or “rodman” will ask a question. It is believed that if the rod moves, the answer is “yes”. If the rod doesn’t move, the answer is considered a “no.” Many who have tried this method of divination report that it’s much easier, dependable, and accurate to use a pendulum for “yes” and “no” questions.
The divining rod has been around for centuries, and it’s a fascinating, non-technical tool. Like all tools, if it calls to you, then it’s yours! Enjoy your journey together.
