Most recently, we have stumbled upon an interesting object that stole our attention. Eager to learn more about it, we have also turned to the netizens for help.
The object in question resembles a regular, old tree branch, Y shaped but otherwise quite unremarkable.
It turned out that this strange object dates back to the 1500s. It goes by several names, including “Water Dowsing,” the most common one, a „diviner“, „doodlebug“, „well witch“, or „water-finder.“
When it comes to the purpose it served, the name speaks for itself – to locate water!
It is used by holding both ends of the Y-shaped stick in each hand, with palms facing upward. The bottom point where the two branches meet is tilted toward the ground at a 45-degree angle.
As the person holding it walks back and forth, they are believed to sense vibrations at the tip of the Y, indicating the presence of water underground.
Originally, in the 1500s, dowsing with metal rods was a technique for locating metals in the ground. Later, people adapted this method to find water sources for new rural homeowners.
