Dousing

Dousing, also commonly spelled Dowsering, refers to a type of divination or search technique used to locate hidden things, especially water, but also other substances like minerals, oil, gemstones, or even lost objects and gravesites. It is often practiced using a forked stick (traditionally hazel or willow), metal rods, or a pendulum. The dowser holds the instrument, and when a target is located, the instrument is said to move, dip, twitch, or otherwise react, indicating its presence.

The exact mechanisms behind dowsing are not scientifically understood. Proponents of dowsing often attribute the movement of the dowsing instrument to paranormal or supernatural forces, or to a sensitivity within the dowser to subtle energy fields or vibrations emanating from the targeted substance. Skeptics attribute any perceived success to chance, the ideomotor effect (unconscious muscle movements influencing the instrument), or psychological suggestion.

Dowsing has a long history, dating back centuries, with evidence suggesting its use in ancient cultures. It was particularly prevalent in Europe during the medieval and Renaissance periods, and later spread to other parts of the world. While its popularity has waned in some areas, dowsing continues to be practiced by some individuals and organizations, particularly in rural areas for locating water sources.

Despite its widespread use in some contexts, the scientific community generally considers dowsing to be pseudoscience. Numerous controlled experiments have failed to demonstrate its reliability beyond chance. Therefore, dowsing is generally not recommended for professional or critical applications where accurate and reliable information is required.