History of dowsing and the pendulum

Ancient origins

The use of instruments such as wands to locate water or minerals is attested in several ancient civilizations:
- Ancient Egypt: frescoes show figures holding objects resembling divining rods.
- China: Y-shaped rods were used to locate underground water flows.

– Ancient Rome: certain texts evoke divinatory practices linked to the movements of objects.

Middle Ages

In Europe, dowsing developed in the form of springwork. Water diviners used wands (often made of wood) to locate water sources, a valuable skill at a time when clean water was hard to come byr

19th century

The word "radiesthésie" was created in 1927 by Father Alexis Bouly, a French priest. It combines the Latin radius (ray) and the Greek aisthesis (sensation).

First scientific studies

Michel-Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist, conducted research on the pendulum in the 19th century. He concludes that the movements of the pendulum are influenced by unconscious micro-movements (ideomotor effect).
Physicists and doctors of the time also looked into sourcework, seeking to understand if invisible waves or energies were at play.

Modern dowsing

In the 20th century, engineer Georges Lakhovsky and physician Albert Abrams explored the idea that vibrational energies could be detected. They influenced the use of dowsing in the medical field.

Contemporary dowsing

Current applications: research of groundwater, minerals and missing objects, energy diagnostics in the field of alternative medicine, esoteric use for divination and personal guidance.

Dowsing procedure

The pendulum

Consisting of a weight suspended from a chain.
Can be made of metal, crystal, wood, or other materials.
The shape and material of the pendulum are often chosen based on personal preference.
The divining rods
Usually Y or L shaped.
Made from flexible wood (hazel, willow) or metal.

Operating principles

Vibration sensitivity

Dowsing is based on the idea that any object or living being emits a vibration or subtle energy detectable by the dowser.

Mental connection

The user must focus on a specific question or objective. This mental focus is considered essential for achieving results.

Typical procedure with a pendulum

Relax and avoid distractions.
Hold the pendulum by its end, without tension in the fingers.

Establish a response protocol

Ask the pendulum to show a movement for "yes" (often a clockwise rotation).
Ask for a movement for “no” (e.g. a forward-backward swing)

Ask questions

Formulate clear and precise questions.
Observe the movements of the pendulum and interpret them according to the established code

Interpretation

Analyze the responses obtained while remaining neutral and open.
Document the results for later comparison.

Typical procedure with a divining rod

Holding the wand

Hold it lightly between your hands, letting the wand point forward.
Walk slowly over an area to explore

Observation

When the wand bends or vibrates, it indicates a source of energy or water