Wiching

Wiching is an archaic English term referring to the practice of using a forked stick, rod, pendulum, or similar device to locate underground water, minerals, or other hidden or lost substances. This practice is also commonly known as dowsing, divining, or water witching.

The purported principle behind wiching is that the device used is somehow influenced by the presence of the sought-after substance, causing it to move or point towards its location. Proponents of wiching often attribute this influence to a variety of forces, including magnetism, electricity, or even a psychic connection between the dowser and the target.

While wiching has been practiced for centuries in various cultures, scientific studies have consistently failed to demonstrate its effectiveness. The movements of the wiching device are generally attributed to involuntary movements of the dowser, known as the ideomotor effect. Despite the lack of scientific support, wiching remains a popular practice in some rural areas, particularly for locating water wells.

The term "wiching" is less common than "dowsing" in modern usage.