Dowsing rods or divining rods have been a part of society for hundreds of years, but what are they? And do they really work?
It is believed that dowsing first began in Germany in the early 16th century as a way to find water and metals buried in the earth. Originally, dowsers would take a Y-shaped rod (usual hazel or witch-hazel branches) and hold it in front of them, waiting for the tip to dip at the presence of water, metals, gemstones, oil, or grave sites. Today, dowsing rods are usually L-shaped metal rods held in each hand which will cross when over water or metals.
Of course, not everyone is a fan of dowsing rods. Martin Luther declared as early as 1518 that dowsing for metals broke the First Commandment for Christians and considered it witchcraft or occultism. Today, people aren’t so worried about it corrupting Christians, but many consider dowsing to be a pseudoscience with no actual evidence of it working.
Still, go on a ghost hunt in Gettysburg or any other haunted city, and tour guides might pull out a pair of rods and pass them around for tourists to try. Why? Well, it is believed by paranormal investigators that dowsing rods can pick up on energy–whether its groundwater, metal ores, or the spirit of someone who has passed on.
What is your opinion on dowsing rods? Do you think they help pinpoint energy spots? Do you think it’s a hoax? Have you ever tried using a pair? Let us know in the comments below!
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