What is Dowsing?

Dowsing is most simply tapping into our instinct. It is most well known as a method for finding water sources for wells; it may conjure visions of an old guy walking around with a forked stick. I use dowsing in the blending process to select essential oils which are “most beneficial.” Just like animals, we can focus our mind/body on a clear question and access the unconscious where we actually know everything we need to know.

The dowsing instrument (L-rod, Y-rod, pendulum, bobber, etc.) amplifies tiny unconscious muscle responses as the dowser makes her query. This approach relies on the hypothesis that humans have access to the information that we seek. Dowsing is a technique to interpret and reveal information through your body. You can even use your own body as a dowsing instrument. An easy way to try is by standing and focusing on a question. Ask a question that you know the answer to (“Is my middle name Kermit?”) and notice if your weight shifts forward or backward. You can interpret whether forward leaning is a “yes” or a “no” for you. Then try testing vitamins or produce in the store. Hold the item and focus on the question, “Does my body need this nutrient?” Observe the way your weight shifts and that is your dowsing result. Keep practicing.

Questions to ask yourself while dowsing:

1. Did I perform dowsing accurately and definitively?
2. Did I have enough data concerning the target or requested information to make a successful determination?
3. Watch out for questions that can have both a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ answer that indicates the same thing; for example questions with negative phrasing make it difficult to interpret any answers you get.
4. Avoid asking questions about something you already know or can answer via other means with acceptable amount of certainty.
5. Are your questions clear?
6. Seek the answers from within, they will only be as truthful as you are to yourself.
7. If it is difficult to define your target (the information you are seeking), you may try to define what it is not.
8. Establish specific target limitations or boundaries.
9. Do not expect past or current conditions to continue in the future. For example, if your answer is based on past performance, it may have little impact on future performance.
10. Any instrument that works for you is valid. Free yourself of any self-imposed limitations (also those about asking permission or meditation requirements).
11. Be aware of conditions that are most beneficial to you in order to perform accurate dowsing.
12. Keep in mind that dowsing while being examined or tested by other parties can skew your results.

Here are some further tips about dowsing:

• Traditionally, dowsing meant locating water or minerals.
• It is a skill and procedure of gaining information not available through the five senses.
• Each dowser may have a different methodology; find one that works for you and keep an open mind to finding newer, better methods for this art form.
• Understanding in a descriptive manner the reality in which the target (the information you are seeking) is defined or exists is part of the equation. Otherwise similar targets within the same family of targets requested may come forth. For example, knowing to seek "potable water" rather than "water" can make a big difference in your results.
• Recognize that you may have preconceived notions about the target, of which you may or may not be consciously aware. Find ways to 'over-ride' any biases with as much data as possible.
• If rough terrain or wind conditions cause your rods to swing, you can steady them with a light touch of your thumbs at the bend of the rod. Sometimes wandering instruments can indicate a wandering subconscious. Take your time and settle down a little before dowsing. Try sitting down for a full minute and think of nothing except the dowsing question. Relax and breathe normally while you internalize the question.
• "Whatever we find through dowsing is determined by the breadth of our concepts, the nature of our intent, the clarity with which we focus that intent, and grace. If our concept is limited, then any larger reality is apprehended only through the limitations of our lenses. If our intent is limited, then so are our results. If our thinking is fuzzy, we may end up with results that we don't know what to do with. The last item, grace, is always a gift; we can only make ourselves ready to receive it if it is given."