Basic dowsing accessories: Historical development and application
The origin of the basic radiation detection instruments goes back to the earliest stages of the development of human society. The chance observation of the inexplicable movement of a broken branch in the hand led ancient civilizations to use this phenomenon to solve key life problems, such as finding water or tracking herds. In the same empirical way, the power of a weight suspended from a string was also discovered.
Pitchfork: From a twig to a modern tool
The first and oldest dowsing instrument are forks. In the form of a stick, they are mentioned in ancient history and biblical traditions. Among certain tribes in Africa and Polynesia, the use of long sticks that rotate or intersect has survived to the present day. Slightly bent rods, such as those used by early explorers such as Penet, were in widespread use until the end of the 18th century.
Over time, it was noticed that the so-called forked forks — shaped by joining two sticks or using a naturally forked branch — are much more suitable for work. When the ends of such a branch are tightened in the hands, the instrument begins to rotate or suddenly move up or down in the presence of specific underground radiations (such as water or ores).
Characteristics of wooden forks
- Choice of wood: Traditional researchers most often choose willow or hazel.
With the advancement of industry, wood is slowly giving way to metal. Historical accounts from the 17th and 18th centuries show a wide range of tools and even attempts to use scissors, tongs, clock springs or spiral steel wires. It is interesting information from the literature that hard-dried sausages were occasionally used for experimental purposes. The way of holding also changed: from the lower grip (with the palms facing up), over the upper grip, to specific fingertip holding techniques, such as the one practiced by the researcher Bleton.
Today, various patented models made of steel wire (thickness 0.5 to 1.5 mm) can be found in specialized stores abroad. Most often, they have movable rollers (sleeves) on the handles, in order to avoid direct contact of the palms with the arms of the instrument.
Angled (L) forks
A special category consists of rectangular forks. They consist of two independent metal wires (thickness 3 to 5 mm) bent at right angles. The longer arm usually measures between 30 and 40 centimeters, while the shorter arm (about 12 centimeters) is held in the hands. They are held horizontally and parallel in front of the body, at a distance of 20 to 25 centimeters. When encountering the desired object, the wires attract themselves and cross. It is very important that the hands are not pressed against the body during work, because then the opposite effect of repelling the wires from each other is created.
Pendulum: From a mathematical pendulum to a sensitive sensor
A pendulum is any weight that hangs freely on a string. Its use was known as far back as the Roman Empire, and it is assumed that the practice originates from ancient China and India. At the beginning of the 19th century, Professor Gerboin tried to present the plumb line to the French Academy of Sciences, but was rejected by the scientific community at the time. The real popularization of this instrument was achieved by the famous researcher Abbot Mermet (1866–1937), defining the key laws of its operation.
It is important to distinguish between an ordinary physical pendulum and a dowsing instrument. While the mathematical pendulum is subject to strict physical laws, the so-called sidereal (radiesthetic) pendulum in the hands of a sensitive person defies proper oscillation. It slows down, stops, changes direction, draws ellipses and irregular circles based on radiation.
Materials and workmanship
The pendant can be made of metal (steel, brass, copper, silver, gold), wood, marble, quartz, amber or glass. There are also hollow "trial" models (Mermet's pendulum) in which a sample of the desired material is placed, as well as more complex models with built-in capacitors constructed by Professor Heime.
Shape and mass
It is considered that the ideal shape is aerodynamic - spherical, with a final spike at the bottom. The vertical axis of the instrument must be perfectly symmetrical. The weight usually varies from 10 to 100 grams, whereby people with a more pronounced sensitivity prefer heavier instruments to calm uncontrolled oscillations.
The thread, cord or metal chain on which the pendulum hangs must be extremely flexible so as not to hinder the movement of the instrument, and the recommended length rarely exceeds 20 centimeters. It is an interesting fact from practice that the movements, that is, the amplitudes of the plumb line, are significantly enhanced if the instrument is slightly warmed in the hand before use, which makes it easier for people with lower initial sensitivity.
