Ian's Dowsing webpages

"The bystanders would ask to have a try.
He handed them the rod without a word.
It lay dead in their grasp till, nonchalantly,
He gripped expectant wrists. The hazel stirred."

- from The Diviner by Seamus Heaney

Introduction

Dowsing (or divining) is a traditional country practice which dates back centuries if not thousands of years. Dowsers believe that a simple hand-held device such as a forked branch or pendulum or a pair of L-shaped rods may be used to detect the presence of underground objects or to gain answers to questions. The movement of the device is due to a small muscular change in the hands of the dowser which happens without any conscious intervention. Most newcomers are taken by surprise when they experience the "dowsing-reaction" for the first time.

I've written an introductory article which you can download (see this page) and you'll find more information on the links page so I won't go into great detail here.

My own experiences

I've been interested in dowsing for a few years now. A few years ago I joined the British Society of Dowsers and more recently West Wales dowsers. My main area of interest is dowsing for archaeology. I'm also very interested in the history of dowsing. I've had some success in finding missing/hidden objects, water, surface-springs, ancient wall foundations and Iron Age trenches.

I have been to many ancient sites in Wales and also the South West of England. I've met some interesting people and made a few friends along the way, too. I also manufacture a variety of dowsing rods for myself and others. I can make pendulums and L-rod sleeves using a woodturning lathe.

Above: Pendulums are one of the commonest tools employed by dowsers. The one on the left is made of common blackthorn, the others are mahogany. A dowser's choice of pendulum is almost entirely down to personal preference although there are pragmatic concerns which should be taken into account. The large spherical pendulum on the right is heavier and more suitable for outdoor use. Small pendulums with pointed ends are more typically used for map-dowsing.