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By Robert Gaspar and Juan Quilacio

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Said to be one of the earliest practitioners of dowsing, Emperor Yu is said to have utilized dowsing to determine the flow of water in the Chinese heartland in order to determine a method to prevent flooding which eventually became a predecessor to another pseudoscience known as Feng Shui, or "wind-water", below is a depiction of Emperor Yu with his dowsing fork. Some red flags relating to his legacy involve Mystical Energy, where the energy of the world itself is determined to find the pathings of the waters, another is Ancient Wisdom, being built upon ages of tradition and such. The most prominent red flag is Appeal to Authority, as he himself was the emperor. Seeing as this occurred well into the past, not much evidence can be gleaned of his practice of dowsing, besides the fact that he was a wise emperor.

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This website discusses multiple facts about dowsing and ways to explain how it works. One supposedly scientific explanation is that our brain is a much more attuned instrument for detection than we think, and that the brain receives stimulus and produces an appropriate electrical signal to the muscles producing micro-movements, which if interpreted correctly, can be used to detect the location of various things such as water and precious ores. The other spiritual explanation says that a mind at harmony with its surroundings is at sync with the soul, and thus can receive information from higher dimensions, resulting in the movement of the chosen dowsing equipment. Several red flags include Mystical Energy and confusion of Correlation with Causation. As stated before, dowsing is said to use the mystical energy of parallel higher realities to determine a divination from dowsing, along with the fact that dowsers associate the success of finding a mineral to dowsing, which is simply a correlation. This along with the Law of Large numbers states that a dowser will eventually find the ore or water as they keep travelling randomly due to the quantity of the item they are looking for. A dowser can take years or a few days to find a vein, which relates to large numbers. The website lacks much evidence and is mostly explanation, and even states in the beginning that each dowser has an individual belief on the matter.

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1. What is Dowsing
Susan Collins - CSD Convention 2014

The earliest recorded dowser was Emperor Yu of the Hsia Dynasty in China about 4,000 years ago. Dowsing in China at that time was known as Geomancy or today's Feng Shui. Throughout the centuries and in many cultures people have been using dowsing to find answers to their questions. Dowsing has been known in both of the Americas among Native Peoples, as well as in Ancient Egypt and in Europe (Roman Empire).

In our more recent history, dowsing really came to light when in Germany in the 1920's people noticed that certain houses had higher incidences of cases of cancer than others. Dowsers were able to detect significant numbers of underground water streams crossing under the houses with the cancer cases.

The process of dowsing can be explained and considered from two points of view: Scientific & Spiritual. To find a common ground for both standpoints we can say then, that while dowsing we are tuning in to subtle vibrations both inside and around us.

From a scientific point of view, dowsing is a process by which electrical impulses are sent to the dowser's brain. In response, a compatible wavelength is created and another electrical impulse is sent back. These kind of impulses create a micro-constriction of muscles, which pushes energy down along the arm and underarm to finally reach the string and the pendulum, creating its movement. Since "positive" or "negative" states of our energetic system are represented by different level of energy, we also observe two different movements of pendulum.

From a spiritual point of view, dowsing takes place when your mind connects and vibrates in harmony with your soul (as an extension of Higher Source). Information needed is given to dowsers from higher dimensions, penetrates their physical existence and manifests itself as a movement of the pendulum.
2. Discouragement re: Dowsing Practice
Question: I'm a new dowser and I have been trying tricks such as locating a coin under three glasses, and separating kings from queens from a pack of playing cards. My problem is that I am invariably getting the incorrect answer from the pendulum most of the time. This is very frustrating. Why do you think this is happening and what can be done to help?

Check what questions you are asking. For example - If your question was "Is there something under this glass?" you will always get a yes answer as there is always something under the glass - the table for one thing.
- Gary Skillen

I can understand your frustration all too well! It is a common problem. It seems that when you are just "practicing", the universe (or whatever name you give to the place from where you get your answers) doesn't take you too seriously. And thus doesn't give you the correct answers. Also no dowser, no matter how experienced, can dowse for winning lottery numbers. I suggest you read Letter to Robin by Walt Woods. There is a free download at www.lettertorobin.org and especially study the section on programming and "when to trust your dowsing" and "asking the right question".

When practicing with playing cards or coins under a glass, I would limit the practice to no more than 10 minutes at a time, once a day. Check beforehand, by dowsing, to see if now is the best time to practise. Don't practise unless you get a YES. Check afterwards what percent you influenced the answers (use a chart numbered 1 to 100). There is a blank chart you can print out here. Keep a record of the date, the number of tries, the number or percent of correct answers, and the percentage that you influenced the answers. Do this for 7 times (no more than once a day). Hopefully you'll start to see that you are getting more correct answers. If not, continue for another 7 days. What you want is to get better results than pure chance - don't expect to be 100% correct or even 80%. If after 14 days your results haven't noticeably improved then take a break for a week or so and then try again. However, some experienced dowsers never have success with this type of practice. Please don't get discouraged, it might be better to practise by having someone hide something in your home and you use your dowsing to find it. Be very careful how you word your questions so there is no ambiguity.
- Diane Marcotte

Before I dowse, I always "zone in": my protocol is to connect with the intelligence of nature, with the Divine, with my spirit team, I ask to be guided in my dowsing for the best and highest good as appropriate. If you don't zone in to the Divine first, it's like picking up the telephone and taking advice from any random person who answers. You want to establish a relationship of trust with your guides. Then your answers get more accurate. One should always use the "May I ... Can I .... Should I .." before beginning any session, and when the focus of a session is changing. Perhaps if the "card reading" isn't going well, you could try dowsing your foods to see if they're all supporting your health, or if you have a friend of family member with a health issue, dowse for them. You could try looking for detrimental or beneficial energies in your home.

Dowsing works when there is a real need, for example if a well is dry or for a missing object or to resolve a health issue. A real application would probably bring better results than a pretend one. Dowsing in service for someone else brings the best results. I also have a rule, that if I ask for advice, I follow it. For e.g. if the answer comes back "Coffee doesn't support your health", then I don't drink the coffee. The more you trust and respect the advice you get, the better the advice becomes. If you pay no attention to the advice, the universe won't bother giving it. Personally, I'm never guided to do those card practices since they have no point. And if they're not working, it might be better to try something else completely - doing the same thing for 14 days will just be boring and become frustrating if there's no results.
- Susan Collins

When I first began to dowse, I tried practising on selecting red or black cards from a playing card deck, with a frustration similar to your own. I don't play cards very often, so maybe that influenced my lack of success. One of the things that I practised on at the beginning, and still do frequently, is to dowse what clothes to wear. In the course of time, any decisions here are something less than earthshaking. Sometimes I would focus on a combination, and then ask for a pendulum opinion. Often it would agree. When it didn't, I would then explore my cupboard and chest of drawers, curious to see what "higher wisdom" suggested. Usually, I wear what is advised, again out of curiosity. Often, someone will comment about what I'm wearing. Perhaps it was for them that I wore the colour purple instead of blue! Dowsing for clothing is fun for me.

Another thing I have tried dowsing for is cooking food. I make homemade soup frequently. I check with my pendulum to see how much salt to put in, what herbs to add for flavour, which vegetables to use, how much soup base to add. I will ask if the soup has simmered sufficiently. The good part about this is that you can check with a spoon to see what you get. Occasionally, I have personally preferred to add more salt, or soya sauce, or garlic, and I have done so without guilt! I look at the pendulum in these situations as a "valued second opinion," but I feel free to make my own decisions on small matters if I happen to disagree with the answer.

Another enjoyable area for dowsing practice for me has been using some of the many sets of cards that are available these days. Some sets are traditional tarot, while others are angel messages, fairy messages, quotes from Conversations with God, etc.. You could use one of the many calendars with a nice quote of the day, even an outdated one. Set an intention for a message that will be helpful for you today. On a calendar of quotes, you could then dowse which month, which week, which day, and then read the message. Enjoy digesting it, and be thankful. See if you get the same messages frequently. Are they helpful? After a while, I began to feel that I was receiving welcome support that somehow seemed to be "custom-selected."

For me, learning to dowse was learning NOT to try to "guess right" (and I really like to be right!). Dowsing is a receiving process, not a figuring-out process. As we practise dowsing, we learn to relax the thinking processes we use to make decisions. We learn to become receptive to intuitive insights. One side of our brain handles thinking functions, while the other side handles intuitive reception, feelings, etc. Our society has tended to downplay intuitive knowledge, so most of us have rather undeveloped "listening to intuition" skills. Please be patient with yourself as you begin to practise. Your intention to develop your skill will be honoured. Dowsing is meant to be fun. It's meant to take the worry out of life, leaving us free to enjoy ourselves and others. It's meant to help us use our full brain power to tackle the challenges of life.
- Joan de New
3. Healing Modalities - How Do They Differ? 4. Cleansing a Pendulum?
Question: I've heard about cleansing pendulums. How and when do I cleanse a pendulum? Does the pendulum material make a difference?

Many people worry a great deal about cleansing pendulums. It has never been a particular concern of mine. Perhaps it is because of how different people view their pendulums. I view mine as an amplifier of the kinesthetic (movement or muscle) message my body receives to the question I have asked. The movement is very tiny. The pendulum swings in response to the movement because of gravity. I figure I'm working for God. My pendulum and use of it are dedicated to God. Cleansing is no issue for me.
- Joan De New

Pendulums, used as a tool to obtain a response to a question asked, do not need to be cleansed. The confusion probably arises because some healing practitioners use a pendulum to identify where a client may have an energy deficiency/surplus; to determine the placement and spin of their chakras; to send healing energy; or perhaps to remove excess energy in their auric fields. There is a common belief that crystal pendulums may attract and hold energy from the healing session. The best way to determine if this is true, is to dowse! Just ask, by dowsing with a second pendulum, if any unwanted energy is attached to the pendulum. If there is, then you can ask that it be released "to the universe" and transmuted to neutral or beneficial energy. You can use your second pendulum or a bobber to do this. If you haven't yet set a program for releasing unwanted energy, you might consider having your pendulum or bobber swing in a counter-clockwise motion until all the unwanted energy is removed. Conversely, have the pendulum or bobber swing in a clockwise motion to bring in healing, beneficial energy. Depending on your normal swings for Yes/No, you may decide on the opposite rotations (i.e., clockwise swing to remove energy) or use any swing that you wish.
- Diane Marcotte
5. I Want DOWSING FACTS, not someone's beliefs !
Question: have noted on your webpage that there is a large variety of beliefs. I would prefer to find out some facts, and learn more about dowsing from the rational viewpoint, rather than dealing with the other stuff people drag into it. Is this possible?

I wish I could give you a rational explanation for dowsing. But to date, there is no explanation, scientific or otherwise, as to how dowsing works. There are just theories. A theory identifies the factors that may cause or affect the problem or situation. Science consists of the things we know about the world ...knowledge that is subject to change based on later and better information. In science, theories should explain, generate testable hypotheses, and be logical. The present theories for explaining dowsing do none of the above. Trying to scientifically test a subjective art like dowsing is nigh on impossible. If dowsing worked because of magnetism between the object being searched for and the dowser's tool (rod, pendulum, etc.), then science should have been able to find the connection. They haven't.

Dowsers in the early twentieth century often believed that they needed a switch from a hazel (or willow tree) to find water. They thought the water and hazel switch had an affinity for each other, or a radiation of some sort was coming up through the ground and affecting the switch so that it turned downward in the dowser's hand. They were certain they did not move the stick! Scientists have found no evidence of any rays, electromagnetic or otherwise, coming up from the underground water. We do know that running water gives off ions, that ions moving in one direction are an electric current, and that an electric current produces a magnetic field. But there is no evidence a dowser is reacting to this (very weak) magnetic field. There are those who believe the metal rods react to this magnetic field which then causes a change in the dowser's own electric field, ultimately causing his/her hand to move the rod. However, dowsers can find water using wooden dowels or even without using a tool of any kind (deviceless dowsing)! And how would one explain map dowsing?

At this point, I subscribe to the school of thought that dowsers, through intent, can access the needed information using their intuition. But I cannot define exactly what I mean by "intuition", nor do I know what the process is or how it works. I just know I can dowse. The whys and hows I must leave for another time. Once science can come to terms with, and understand, such things as consciousness, energy fields, etc. then experiments can be devised to test the various hypotheses. I would suggest you continue your search, accepting only the beliefs, explanations, etc. that resonate with you. Discard the rest.
- Diane Marcotte
6. Broken Water Vein... Where Does It Go?
Queston: When a water Vein is broken due to an earth fault or shift, does it re-route itself and re-connect to its original path; does it make a whole new path; or does it stagnate and go no-where? I have observed in at least one case that the vein appeared to find the original path on the down-side of the fault.

Anything is possible in nature - and direct observation combined with dowsing is a good way to figure out what's going on in a specific instance. The amount of shift in the water vein and resulting changes in water volume would depend on the degree of the shift and the underlying structure of the ground. In a highly fractured rock, for example, a small shift could result in a huge change and the water vein could find a completly new path. If the vein became blocked, it could "back up" and cause flooding upstream until it found another outlet. Any shift could leave a large or small pocket of isolated water that would become stagnant over time. You mention you have observed the water vein finding its old path, so this too is clearly possible.
- Susan Collins
7. Pendulums - Types & Uses?
Question: I have seen pendulums made from many different things - crystal, semi-precious stones, beads, holy medals, etc. I have heard about an Isis pendulum from Egypt. Can you explain what is special about this Isis pendulum?

You are right: there are many types of pendulums on the market - some are made of wood or metal, some even of plastic. Some are decorated, some not, some on chains, some on string. Such a variety! So, what to choose? What are meaningful aspects of a pendulum? To address all of above questions, we would have to write a book. Let's start with the very first, most important aspects of pendulums: shapes and material.

A) Shape

First, we need to talk about shapes, since, as you will soon see, material may be secondary to shape. Let's start with statement that pendulums may have basic or more advanced shapes. Basic shapes are not able to emit a lot of energy, hence we use them for very basic work, such as: "Should I go there?", "Is is good for me?" etc. I call them "life questions." These pendulums have shapes such as: ball, teardrop, cone, acorn, etc. They are easy to use, aerodynamically correct, but just cannot do much more than answer your question. You may identify a problem with them, but you wouldn't be able to address it.

Then we have highly advanced shapes (Isis is one of them), based on the principles of Sacred Geometry. Those, in turn, are able not only identify a problem, but also deal with it. Those pendulums emit a lot more energy (compared to basic ones) and may also be used in therapy, since part of the energy released by the shape can be directed to the body to address ill health.

The majority of therapeutic pendulums is based on shapes brought to France from Egypt in the 1930s. Isis is one of the three main shapes from that time. Found in the pyramid of Giza Plateau, and researched by a physicist in Paris, Isis is the most sought after and popular therapeutic pendulum today.

We should mention here also another advantage of using therapeutic pendulums: those shapes are self-clearing, which means there is no maintenance at all. You just enjoy using them. The other aspect worth mentioning is that therapeutic pendulums can be very successfully used to find answers to "life questions." Their vibratory qualities make them very sensitive to the energy of the questions and effective in finding matching (compatible) energy of the answers.

B) Material

Now that we have outlined the topic of shapes, we may address the other aspect of pendulums: material. Basic pendulums, due to the simplicity of their shapes, will always be influenced by material. If it is natural material such as wood or crystal, you must consider the influence of material on quality of the work of your pendulum. Quite often, especially in case of gemstones, they may overrule the shape and "run the show". For example, if we have a basic pendulum made of amethyst, it will be practically impossible to energize the person with it, since amethyst is about calming down emotions or energy. This pendulum may be useful if one works with aggressive behavior, nervous breakdowns, etc., since that is the essence of amethyst. The intelligence of gemstones may then, on an ongoing basis, play a deciding role in your dowsing.

More advanced shapes are so strong that they are never influenced by the material from which they are made. They simply override everything else. On the other hand, those shapes are so detailed that it is impossible to make them of gemstones, which are too fragile to cut to shape properly. That's why therapeutic pendulums are made of brass or wood exclusively.

- Alicja Aratyn
8. How Can I Ask Better Questions?
For as long as I have practiced and taught dowsing I have met people asking that question. You are not alone: we are all on a permanent quest for perfection. Asking proper questions is the key to receiving proper answers. I often struggle with this as well, and I think every responsible dowser will always search for even better ways to phrase their questions.

My point of view is simple: before we ask any question on any subject, we need to ask ourselves the primary question: "What do I want to know?" Many people think that since they focus on their whole problem, the pendulum will know what they have in mind. Unfortunately, as great as the pendulum is in GIVING the answer, it is not a tool for SELECTING questions.

First of all, what do you want to know? Chop your problem into the smallest parts possible. Make sure that you do not play games but go directly to the point. When you get a reply to the first part, proceed to the next and the next. When you get the answers to all parts of your problem, put them together and see if that will constitute a consistent stream of information. If not, ask questions to clarify and fill the gaps: i.e. ask "if it is raining now" instead of asking "if the weather is good." "Good" is a subjective perception, while the fact that it is raining or not is not a subject of discussion or interpretation).

Second: let go of expectations of any desired outcome. Whatever comes, accept it. Nobody said you must follow the advice, or like it. You just asked a question. In reality, when you have a problem you probably call a few friends and family members to get their advice. When you have gathered evidence, you make your own decision. No one expects you to follow their advice. The same applies to questions. Often people are afraid of the answer, so they ask silly questions to avoid pinpointing the core of their problem. This is wrong in life as well as in dowsing. It never pays off.

Third: relax. Since you do not have to follow the advice of your pendulum, you shouldn't fear the answer. That should ease up your conscious mind and allow proper energy flow through your arm.

I left to the end what is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of any given conversation with your pendulum. It is: WORKING FROM YOUR WAVELENGTH. If you do not know on which frequency you operate, how can you hear the answer? You and your pendulum need to operate on the same wavelength. Only then will YOU hear YOUR answer to YOUR question. Let me explain how to find your wavelength. (This part is taken from my website.)

With your dominant hand, hold the pendulum by its string between your thumb & index finger. Starting at the bottom of the string (closest to the pendulum) state your request or intention: "Show me my wavelength," then walk your fingers up the string, releasing it slowly until you will get consistent movement.

Mark it with a bead.

Next, repeat in your mind: "Show me the YES direction" until you see a steady, regular pattern of movement. This shows you the direction of your YES response. Repeat this again asking to find your NO direction.

My last advice to you is: Always clear the pendulum before and after each session by tapping it gently against a hard surface (table, book, etc). Unless you work with more advanced shapes, based on Sacred Geometry and called Therapeutic Pendulums, you need to shake off the energy gathered inside the pendulum.

- Alicja Aratyn

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1. What is Dowsing Susan Collins - CSD Convention 2014 The earliest recorded dowser was Emperor Yu of the Hsia Dynasty in China about 4,000 years ago. Dowsing in China at that time was known as Geomancy or today's Feng Shui. Throughout the centuries and in many cultures people have been using dowsing to find answers to their questions.

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Post #4 Canadian Society of Dowsers: Research Paper

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Post #4 Canadian Society of Dowsers: Research Paper

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Another page of the Canadian Society of Dowsing, which tests the pseudoscience with experiments by scientists. This article is quite interesting as they are trying to find the linkage between the method of dowsing and what science may be behind it, and eventually they study the hyper-sensitivity of the human senses to the environment, which they attribute as the source of dowsing. The article branches towards studies such as loss of older evolutionary abilities. One such ability is the organic sense of direction many animals posses in order to migrate, which to ability to perform dowsing may be attributed to. Ultimately the study concludes lack of evidence for dowsing, but studies more in depth about unknown human senses. One reason for belief displayed in the article is belief in the Unknown, the study says that humans may be generating signals to what may be an unknown type of stimulus. A red flag attributed to this paper is Appeal to Authority, seeing as it was written by scientists.

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Alexander P. Dubrov Phd.

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Russian Medical-Technological Academy, Research-Practical Center of Traditional Medicine and Homeopathy the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 34/4/188 , Novatorov Street, Moscow - 117421, Russia.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines modern achievements in the theory and practical application of dowsing on the basis of extensive research publications both in Russia and abroad. The paper outlines the views of competent researchers on the nature of the dowsing field and possible biophysical mechanisms of the effects of this field on the dowser.

Particular importance is attached to the achievements of dowsing in the practical aspect : in applied geology and geophysics - prospecting for water resources and minerals ; in ecology - location of zones of biological comfort and discomfort ; in medicine - identification of relationship between cancer cases and geopathogenic zones ; in land and marine geology - reconnaissance and prospecting for oil and gas deposits ; in engineering - as a method of non-destructive control aimed at identifying the risk and reliability of engineering and other installations.

Many years have elapsed since the previous reviews on the development of dowsing in Russia, the CIS and overseas {1,28} . This period has seen a substantial growth in the application of dowsing for research and practical work conducted in geology, mining, architecture, town-building, and ecology. It should also be noted that the scientific world has changed its attitude towards dowsing . Qualified researchers working in various fields of science have been displaying growing interest in problems of dowsing.

They have conducted fundamental and experimental studies in the mechanisms of the biophysical effect of the dowsing field on humans. Extensive research and practical projects in the field of dowsing have been conducted at the request of private companies and state institutions. Various foundations have provided the financing and grants, particularly in the field of geology and geophysics. At the same time, there has been a growing number of people attending short-term dowsing courses. This, in turn, has led to the emergence of popular publications and non-professionals who discredit this important field of human activity.

The economic advantages which dowsing entails in various fields of human activity are beyond any doubt. These advantages are becoming increasingly recognizable for top managers in industry, the medical sphere, and in business. Express diagnostics based on the dowsing method is developing into an important method of fast and non-destructive control. This is particularly important in places where the operators or dispatchers ( at thermal or nuclear power plants) have to control and monitor a big number of units. It should be emphasized that all data on dowsing application provided in this paper come from properly screened and talented dowsers with a wealth of experience in this field.

1. Fundamental and experimental studies in dowsing

Man's ability to operate dowsing still remains an enigmatic biophysical phenomenon. However, serious attempts have been made to decipher this phenomenon by qualified researchers in physics, geology, geophysics, biophysics, medicine. These studies have been facilitated to a considerable extent by research papers and monographs published in various parts of the world which illustrate the specific features of dowsing, the mechanisms of its impact on man and which, at the same time, open new vistas for its application in various practical fields of human activity {2-9}.

An analysis of the above-mentioned publications indicates to the fact that dowsing is based on the hyper-sensitivity of the human organism to geophysical and cosmic fields, to irradiation and their gradients, irrespective of the field tension level and the type of incoming signals. The extreme sensitivity of man to weak and ultra-weak fields and irradiation has been aptly described by Professor H.Berkhemer from the Department of Terrestrial Science at the Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics of the Johann W. v. Goethe University in Frankfurt-am-Main : " There are many indications that man , with his complex biological system, in a sensitized state , can process minute changes in the strength of known and other not yet identified fields, the latent ability for which may still originate from earlier phases of evolution" {10}. This fully reflects one of man's important biophysical aspects with regard to dowsing.

Man's ability to dowsing displays yet another important feature associated with man's paranormal characteristics, specifically extrasensorial reception which, so far, has no explanation according to the laws of classical physics. This prevents most orthodox scientists from recognizing dowsing as a scientific discipline, inasmuch as it fails to conform with their understanding of the physics of this phenomenon . Serious fundamental and experimental attempts have already been undertaken to provide a scientific interpretation of man's unusual abilities and to explain them on the basis of the postulates and laws of quantum physics {11}.

The extrasensorial abilities of man which have been noted point to new aspects in the existing knowledge of human psychology, the role of the mind, the subconscious, and intuition in our relationship with the outside world {12}.

This is particularly vivid when we apply the so-called method of remote dowsing according to which the dowser derives information about the location of a remote object (water aquifer, oil or mineral deposits, etc.) using a geographical map, frame, or pendulum for dowsing This is described in detail by the well-known Russian specialist in dowsing Professor A.I.Pluzhnikov (head researcher for "Geoleptonika", a Moscow based company) who has developed a school of his own and has numerous followers {13}, and in a monograph by Joe Moneagle, a well known researcher in the problem of remote viewing {16}.

To illustrate the application of remote viewing we may refer to studies conducted by marine hydrology specialist Captain R.A.Dubovik (Reserve), currently engineer-hydrographer for the Navigation and Oceanography Department in Moscow, Russia. Captain Dubovik applied various methods of dowsing (remote viewing and simulation) to construct surface water circulation maps for the North Atlantic, part of the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk. In these he indicated the vortexes and their depth, the vertical distribution of temperatures, and other indices. Data obtained by dowsing methods are well correlated with data from official hydrological sources, satellite observations and direct oceanographic surveys {14}.

Joe McMoneagle, a highly gifted person in the sphere of extrasensoriaL activities, notes the great similarity between human abilities to dowsing and remote viewing in his circumstantial book {16}.

Studies conducted by V.C.Reddish, Professor (Emeritus) of Astronomy at Edinburgh University deserve special mention when we attempt to examine the physical bases of dowsing. The research team led by Professor Reddish specialized in the study of the physical bases of dowsing and, for a number of years, conducted investigations of the dowsing phenomenon by the method of interferometry on the surface of the Earth {17}.

The researchers arrived at the following conclusions : 1) the dowsing force field is of a wave nature, but is not an electromagnetic field ; 2) the spatial distribution of interferometric lines varies in the course of one year - there is a sharp increase in the width between the lines in April and a rapid decrease at the end of November, with an isolated maximum in March. This variation in the width of the lines is repeated year after year which is an indication of the fact this phenomenon is associated with cosmic factors and the movement of the Earth in outer space ; 3) in view of the variations in the interferometric patterns it may be assumed that the dowser is exposed to several types of fields lnstanteously.

The researchers believe that the interferometric picture is stable and comprises 9 clearcut maximum lines with an interval of 2.3 metres between them. This is an indication of the stability of wave processes. The studies revealed yet another interesting phenomenon. Whenever the experimental sample was a plastic pipe (and not the traditional copper wire) which had laid on the ground for about an hour, after its removal the parallel maximum lines did not disappear immediately but only after a few minutes. This means that the Earth possesses hysteresis with regard to the system of standing waves in this force field.

This phenomenon may find its explanation in the theory developed by Yu.V.Volkov, a Russian physicist who conducts fundamental research at the Computer Centre of Moscow University. His theory concerns the existence of "phase and force waves in a pulsating space" {18,19} .

There is also explanation to be found in the theory of the German scientist Dr. H.Muller in Erfurt, Thuringia concerning the role of standing gravitational waves in world space as the basis of all physical process in living and non-living matter {20-22}.

Other ideas have been put forward in fundamental research conducted by V.I.Gridin, Professor of Geology at the Moscow Institute of Problems of Gas and Oil, and Dr. E.Z.Gak, a geophysicist at the Agrophysical Institute in St. Petersburg. Both researchers believe that the development of the dowsing field is heavily influenced by the Coriolis rotation forces and the tangential forces which originate on the borders of gravitational anomalies where the lithosphere of the Earth is ruptured under the gravitational impact of the forces of the Solar system {23}.

A.G.Parkhomov comes forth with his hypothesis on the physical mechanism of dowsing in the case of reconnaissance for ore deposits, subterranean aquifers, and various types of engineering lines {15}.

This researcher believes that dowsers are affected by the flux of ultra-low energy neutrino with a wave length of 0.8 - 1.1 mm. This neutrino flux is refracted, reflected, and dispersed at the borders of media with different properties. Since this neutrino flux is subjected to the influence of gravitational fields its oscillations display rhythms associated with the axial rotation of the Earth and the positions of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.

The researcher bases his calculations on the assumption that the dowsing field is perceived by the spinal column of man which is a sort of active linear antenna grid with a period equal to the spacing of the vertebrae (3-4 cm). The influence of cosmic and geophysical factors on the exceptionally high sensitivity of man, animals, and plants is mentioned in the circumstantial publication by the Cuban researcher , Doctor of Geology L. Lufriu {24}.

In the course of studies of global grids and lines, geophysicist Professor A.A.Drozdovskaya of the Institute of Applied Problems of Ecology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry under the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences in Kiev, arrived at the conclusion that the regular grid lines are not merely flat grid formations on the surface of the Earth, but constitute volumetric framework structures made up of two-dimensional disks which cut through the axis of the Earth and are oriented differently with regard to longitudes and latitudes. This forms a unified energy framework of our planet which operates as an energy exchange mechanism within the Biosphere - Earth -Cosmos system, and which, in turn, develops close links between the Earth and cosmic fields and irradiation {45,46}

2. Applied geology and geophysics 2.1. Geology Dowsing techniques have long been actively in use in various spheres of geology and geophysics, e.g. for the reconnaissance of mineral deposits and water resources, for the study of geological structures and identification of zones of anomaly. A detailed review of the methods and techniques applied in dowsing over the past decade has been provided by I.A.Nepomnyaschiy, N.N.Sochevanov and O.A.Isayeva from the Institute of Economics of Mineral Resources and Geological Prospecting in Moscow.

These geologists have studied numerous patents on the application of dowsing in prospecting for oil, ore, and gas deposits and its integrated use with other methods {28}.

The authors of the review stress the particular importance of studies which incorporate dowsing with geochemical, geophysical, geological, and biophysical methods of prospecting for mineral deposits. As an illustration of this we may refer to studies conducted by V.A.Tischenko, L.S.Kravchenko and other geologists at Saratov University in Russia. Remote dowsing based on a topographical map scale 1:25,000 was integrated with seismic, geochemical, and mineralogical studies in exploratory wells sunk in the process of gas and oil prospecting {29}.

These studies showed that within the dowsing zones of anomaly there was a high concentration of heavy hydrocarbons (from butane to hexane) which was more than double the concentration of these gases beyond the zone of anomaly.

The researchers recommended the use of dowsing as an integral part of geological prospecting since it allows to cut back substantially expenses on traditional geochemical and geophysical methods of deep well drilling.

Dowsing should be applied with the purpose of identifying various anomalies and selecting promising regions for mining and drilling operations in oil, gas, and water prospecting {30}.

One of the most outstanding works in the field of dowsing and applied geophysics was the fundamental field exploration for water resources in arid zones of the world conducted by a big group of German scientists led by Professor H.-D.Betz of Munich University {31}.

In these operations the geophysicists and geologists were joined by dowsers that had been carefully tested. Among them was the highly gifted engineer H.Schroeter {32}.

The project which provided for the use of dowsing in prospecting for water in Sri Lanka, Congo, Niger, Kenya, Yemen, Namibia, the Dominican Republic, and other arid areas was financed by the German Ministry for Research and Technology and conducted in cooperation with the German Society for Integrated Engineering Projects (GSIEP).

Professor H.-D. Betz reported the results of research to the Geophysical Society of Germany in Leipzig. They were discussed at the international seminar of specialists on terrestrial sciences and won high acclaim of the scientific community. Professor H.Berkhemer, who was project reviewer, gave the following assessment to the research results: "In the following report the author describes the impressive and amazing results obtained by numerous GTZ projects within the main field of water detection in arid areas in many countries ,especially by means of the dowsing technique" {10}.

Extensive studies conducted on the basis of precise techniques incorporated blind and double blind experiments, verification of dowsing prognosis by direct exploratory well drilling ,the application of modern geophysical instruments for seismic and geo-electromagnetic studies, and accurate registration of all experimental conditions.

This brought the following important scientific and practical results :
1. There is proof of the full professional suitability of dowsing in the sphere of terrestrial sciences, particularly in hydrogeology ;
2. Exploration of aquifers based on dowsing resulted in an 80 % average pinpointing of locations for drilling high-debit wells, something that cannot be achieved by classical methods of prospecting for water. In Sri Lanka the efficiency of dowsing exploration reached 96% for a total of 691 wells drilled for water;

2.3. Instrumental support for dowsing

Dowsers nowadays, much like in the past, use rods or pendulums in their operation. Today, they enjoy the assistance of geophysical instruments which measure various physical parameters of the exploratory sites and human reaction to these parameters. This issue has been examined in detail by Professors Yu.V.Gotovsky and Yu.F.Perov ("IMEDIS" Moscow Center for Intellectual Medical Systems) in their monograph which reviews over 100 patents of various devices and methods for measuring irradiation in geopathogenic zones and protection of man {57}.

To date, the number of patents pending and approved patents in this sphere has grown considerably and exceeded 300 (O.A.Isayeva, personal report).

One of these instruments is a unique indicator of geophysical anomalies (IGA-1) which has been invented and developed by the Russian engineer Yu.P.Kravchenko (Ufa Aviation Engineering University). This indicator is used for the express diagnostics of geological and geophysical anomalies: identification of geological faults, water flows and veins, their intersections, karst caverns, lines and nodes in Hartmann and Curry grids, borders of geopathogenic and technopathogenic zones, etc. {33-35}.

The instrument is a hypersensitive resonance measuring device for electromagnetic frequencies in the range of 1-100 picovolts (10/-12 V) which is tuned to a fixed frequency of the natural electromagnetic emanation of the Earth's field in the range of super long waves (1 - 15 kHz).

For an output parameter is taken the phase shift integral on the receiving frequency, whose value changes on the borders of media transitions : "ground - cavern", "ground - pipe", "solid ground - void" and energy emanations.

Engineer E.G.Bondarenko (St. Petersburg, Russia), who has developed a unique biofield sensor, which is capable of interacting with non-electromagnetic fields , insists on the non-electromagnetic nature of the human biofield which interacts with the field of the Earth {36}.

The sensor changes its conductivity under the impact of the dowser's brain activity or his changing emotional state. The dowser draws information from the environment, it is transformed by the brain and the sensor picks up the signals of the human brain E.G.Bondarenko reports on the use of the biofield sensor in geological prospecting, in emergency and life-saving operations, in the search for subterranean water resources, anomalous filtration zones within dams and dykes, in identifying geopathogenic zones, etc.

Biophysicist Dr. L.Mersmann has developed a high-class integrated geophysical instrument {37}. It is a combination of radiometer and geo-magnetometer and provides a three-dimensional spatial image of the state of the geophysical parameters within a given section of land or building. The instrument is fully computerized and very handy in field geological, geophysical, and ecological operations. It has already been used for a number of years by specialists working in various spheres and has been tested uccessfully in many ecological studies {38}.

The Russian woman radiophysicist Dr..O.A.Isayeva who has been studying the problem of dowsing for many years, has suggested the radiation method for identifying pathogenic zones using standard radiometers {39}. This simple and reliable method is based on the fact that geopathogenic zones display changing parameters of the radiation background, the ionization level, and atmospheric electricity {5,34,40}.

It should be emphasized that information on the progress in dowsing cited in his paper constitutes but the tip of the iceberg, inasmuch as over he past decade dowsers have conducted numerous and important studies in the field of geological ecology and health protection.

Such specialists in ecological geology as E.K.Melnikov ("Nevskgeologia" under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg) and V.A.Rudnik (Institute of Geology and Precambrian Geochronology under the Russian Academy of Sciences) have conducted studies showing that active faults within the earth's crust
have their impact on man due to the combined action of low-amplitude electromagnetic radiation (in which the H component is 5-50 microV/m, while the Z component is less than 100 kHz), the sharp reduction in the concentration of negatively charged aeroions (600/cu.cm with the admissible level equal to 1,500 and the optimum level ranging from 3,000 to 5,000),the atmospheric chemical anomalies within the fault zones where sulphurous and volatile compounds of rhenium, helium, and methane are released in big amounts
{41,42,43}.

A new technique for identifying geopathogenic effects on man has been developed over the past few years by a group of researchers {51}. It is called the vegetative resonance test (VRT) is based on the method of electropunctural and bioresonance diagnostics. The technique boils down to measuring the Electrical conductivity of a certain biologically active point on the human body at the time when a control (test) homeopathic preparation is introduced into the measuring circuit. This electromagnetic circuit makes it possible to identify the existence or absence in the human organism of any disturbance under the impact of various environmental factors, particularly geopathogenic anations.

The reaction of the human body to VRT is an indication of the influence or absence of harmful effects from the location. Medical specialists studying health problems with their patients by the VRT method have found that exposure to geopathogenic zones leads to various health disturbances - depletion of the immune system, hormonal, psycho-vegetative, and intestinal diseases, as well as arthralgia and polyarthritis {52}. Investigations have shown that over 90 % of cardiovascular diseases (infarction, apoplexy), 80% of cancer cases, and 70% of gynecological diseases (myome of the uterus) are associated with the harmful effects of geopathogenic factors in dwellings or work places {53}.

On the basis of the fore mentioned it becomes clear that the geoactive zones, which are formed at the intersection of fault lines, water oil prospecting using dowsing on board an aircraft {57}. Merited geologist of Russia Dr. E.K.Melnikov was in charge of geological and geophysical operations at the state owned "Nevskgeologia" unit. He applied dowsing for prospecting and mapping ore deposits (uranium, diamonds), the depth of these deposits (100-350 meters) with an accuracy of +/- 25% operating from motor vehicles and aircraft (personal reports).

In conclusion, it may be said with great confidence that dowsing has and continues to contribute to geology, geophysics, ecology, medicine, and the economy of those countries where dowsers conduct their operations. Research in various aspects of dowsing meet with increasing support of top managers of state owned enterprises, research centers and the scientific community at large. His attitude and the international recognition of dowsing are based on the practical results achieved by dowsing in the national economy, health protection, science, engineering and other fields of human activity.

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45. Drozdovskaya,A.A. (1994) : New concepts on the nature of regular terrestrial energy anomalies and the nature of their impact on living organisms. Proceedings of the international congress "Traditional medicine and nutrition : theoretical and practical aspects". Institute of Traditional Methods of Treatment. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, p.412. *
46. Drozdovskaya,A.A. (2000) : The energy-tectonic nature of weak and super weak geogenic fields and their influence on the ecology of Kiev. Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress "Weak and super weak fields and irradiations in biology and medicine". Russian Academy of Sciences. Litseum Publishers. St. Petersburg, 223-224. *
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Electropunctural vegetative resonance test. Methodical recommendation. Research cum Practical Center of Traditional Medicine and Homeopathy of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow. *
52. Gritsenko,E.G.,A.G.(1998) : Geopathic zones and their injuring action on human organisms. In : Theses and reports of 4th International Conference "Theoretical and clinical aspects of using bioresonance and multiresonance therapy". Moscow, IMEDIS, 277-281. *
53. Fedotov,N.A., Fedotova E.N. (1998) : Clinical and diagnostical correlations and the role of the geopathic zones in the genesis of grievous diseases. See ref. 52, 281-284. *
54. Marcondes,J.B. (1992) : Protection against dangerous action EM field and geopathic zones. The proceed. of International Congress : EM pollution and geopathology, Foz de Iguazu, Brazil, 1-10.
55. Bachler, K. (1989) :Earth Radiation.
56. Bergsmann,O. (1991) : Risikofacor Standort. Rutengaengerzone und Mensch. Facultas,Wien.
57. Gotovsky,J.V., Perov,J.F. (1998) : Energy-information devices and methods for therapy, diagnosis, and etiotropic protection against irradiation of geopathogenic zones (overview of patent information). Ch.1. The devices and methods of etiotropic protection against irradiation of geopathogenic zones. Moscow, IMEDIS, 8-122. *
58. Bondarenko E.G. (1991) : Dowsing method of oil prospecting by means of aircraft. In "The problems of the biolfield", Rostov-Yaroslavsky, 1-10.
* NOTE : * = published in Russian.

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Alexander P. Dubrov Phd. --------------------------- Russian Medical-Technological Academy, Research-Practical Center of Traditional Medicine and Homeopathy the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 34/4/188 , Novatorov Street, Moscow - 117421, Russia. ABSTRACT This paper examines modern achievements in the theory and practical application of dowsing on the basis of extensive research publications both in Russia and abroad.

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Post #5 Dowsing and Spirit Communication

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Post #5 Dowsing and Spirit Communication

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This video is a tutorial of using dowsing rods to communicate with nearby spirits, which is based on the idea that the soul of the spirit is a kind of energy that can manipulate the sensitive rods. Similar to a Ouija board, the dowsing rods can be used to perform simple communication via a true/false system. Based on the movement of the rods, an attempt of communication can be deciphered. Some red flags in the video include Mystical Energy and confusion of Correlation with Causation, where the movement of the rods is attributed to spirits instead of the other belief where it is due to the mind sensing an unknown energy, causing slight movements to the rods, which makes it inconsistent to the normal belief of dowsers. Being a tutorial video, it lacks much conclusive evidence as this is not the purpose of the video.

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How to use Dowsing Rods for Spirit Communication.

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Recently some companies in the united kingdom were exposed for using dowsing as a professional strategy. This article talks about different perspectives regarding the use of what is essentially "witchcraft" and the potential harms of using dowsing to find water pipeline leaks. The article talks about a few different scientific reasons for belief however these are more or less just different ways to rationalize an ideological belief based on the reason for belief: unexplained. For example, there are many cases where dowsing has been shown to work however science has no real explanations for it.

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OK, so most UK water companies have people who use divining rods to find leaks and burst pipes, although many have since back-pedalled on these admissions since the story broke, thanks to the sterling work of science writer Sally Le Page, who deserves all credit for it. Understandable perhaps; if you were a major utility provider earning millions by providing an essential resource to large populations, you'd probably be a bit embarrassed if people found out your highly-trained and expensive technicians were essentially using witchcraft to fix problems.

But, the expense and professionalism aspects aside, is it really that bad? Aren't people overreacting a bit? It's not like they're claiming they can cure cancer or speak to the dead or anything like that, effectively taking money from the grieving and desperate. So some technicians wander around a field waving twigs about in an effort to find a leak? Bit weird, but where's the harm? There must be something to it, surely? So what's the harm?

Well, there's a lot of potential harm that could be easily avoided by water companies sticking to methods that have a basis in reality.

But hold on, you may say, dowsing has been around for hundreds of years and, demonstrably, is still in use, so surely there must be something to it, right? In a way, maybe. The idea that you can walk around unremarkable ground with a rod or pair of rods which will dip or cross when you walk over underground water is an odd one. How would this even happen?

Sure, water is actually strange and weird stuff, despite how common it is to us humans, but the idea that a moderate volume of water can exert some form of hitherto undetectable field, one that can reach through several metres of solid ground to tweak a stick held by a passing human, is a bit of a stretch, surely? If this were the case then you'd expect your kitchen cutlery to end up pointing at the bath you'd just run upstairs. Thus far, there have been no reports of this happening.

Most scientists attribute the "effects" of dowsing to the ideomotor effect. There is a lot of complex science around how this works, but to put it simply, sometimes our brain tells our body to do something without us knowing. Don't forget that there are many processes going on in our brains at any one time, most of which we're blissfully unaware of on a conscious level. A lot of instinct, reflexes, basic housekeeping, and so on. And sometimes, regions are activated when they're not "needed" to be, purely as a reactive measure.

You see someone reacting with disgust, you experience activity in your own insula, the region which processes disgust perception. You think about eating something delicious, you start salivating. And you expect to find water in a certain place, the muscles in the arms and hands holding the finely-balanced rods that would reveal this twitch and tense slightly, enough to provide a "positive reaction".

It could be argued that professional water company engineers using dowsing rods are reacting to subconscious cues indicative of water underground; slightly softer surface, grass discolouration, maybe even moisture in the air? I don't know, but perhaps it's a wholly unconscious process.

However, this would still be massively vulnerable to expectations and suggestions; someone says "I think the leak is over there" and your rods cross at that point, because you expected them to. As a result, dowsing has never been reliably demonstrated under laboratory conditions.

Still, though. What's the harm? So some technicians resort to more dubious methods to find leaks? They're not hurting anyone, right? Well, maybe. But then, maybe not. Using dowsing to find leaks is little better than guesswork, and that means sometimes they're bound to guess a leak is in the wrong place, leading to long and expensive efforts to dig up and expose an intact pipe, while the real leak is elsewhere, still merrily pumping out valuable water.

People need a regular water supply, it's hard to imagine a modern life without it. Drinking water is most important of course, but consider all the household and industrial processes that depend on it, from washing machines to construction. Any delay will have considerable, expensive and potentially dangerous consequences. And that's not to mention the damage being done to ground with the water leaking.

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"Keep back please, we've summoned a warlock to deal with it and he's on his way" Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA

But there are other consequences too, subtler but perhaps more pervasive overall. Imagine your house was burning down, and you called the fire brigade, only to have them turn up and, instead of unrolling their houses, they started performing a rain dance, to extinguish the flames. You'd likely be baffled at least, possibly rather alarmed and angry. Trained professionals in an emergency situation, trying to fix a problem with a method that, cultural and traditional aspects aside, has no logical hope of working?

And yet, that's essentially what the water company engineers are doing. Arguably less pressing and elaborate, but the situation is the same. But, when people see trained professionals, ones they may well have summoned and are paying for, using these methods, what are they supposed to think? How we recognise expert credibility is a tricky and elaborate process, but it's definitely there.

So, you see someone you recognise as knowing more than you doing something you assumed to be nonsense, in a professional capacity, how do you resolve this dissonance? Either call your own judgement and decisions into doubt, which our brains really don't like doing, or, conclude that maybe it's not nonsense. And once you've done that with one thing, reasoned that what we've been told about science and logic isn't necessarily correct, why stop there? Maybe the Earth is flat! Maybe Bigfoot does exist! Maybe your face will stay that way if the wind changes! And so on.

OK, so that's maybe a bit excessive, but who knows? It's 2017, nothing is certain any more. But in a world awash with misinformation and bogus beliefs taking precedence over established fact, we can ill afford more getting out there. We need to stop the leaks as soon as they happen.
Dean Burnett covers other facets of how our brains betray us in his book The Idiot Brain, available now, in the UK and US and elsewhere. Topics

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Divine intervention: yes, water companies using dowsing really is that bad

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OK, so most UK water companies have people who use divining rods to find leaks and burst pipes, although many have since back-pedalled on these admissions since the story broke, thanks to the sterling work of science writer Sally Le Page, who deserves all credit for it.

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This picture shows a simple tutorial describing how you can easily make a dowsing rod out of household materials. I chose to upload this picture because it shows how simply and easily it is to convince people that dowsing rods are real. This is a case of simplicity. People Do not want to find a actual tool of science that can point towards whatever destination is needed. Rather, it is much simpler to use a "easy" to prepare tool based on ancient wisdom. This is also a red flag: Ideological support.

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Dowsing is widely accepted in society. Many people have heard of dowsing and so the concept makes it into pop culture and the media. This a picture taken from a very popular video game called pokemon.  In the game it is used as a tool for seeking out items and it is almost one hundred percent accurate. I chose this picture because it shows how commonly the concept is, pokemon is one of the most common games. Proof by verbosity is any case where you may hold a belief simply because you have been told it is true over and over again and the media the source of many of our beliefs and dowsing is one thing we have been told about many times.

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This video is one of many videos that show how to use a pendulum for divination. I could have chosen any of a few video but this one is specifically about divining locations of objects, which is essentially what a dowsing rod is used for. She explains how you must ask the pendulum to show you both 'yes' and 'no'. Confirmation bias relates to this topic as people likely try to use a pendulum quite often and with the few successes they find they choose to believe this is suitable evidence. In this scenario you would also ask the pendulum to show you what yes and no look like which is a case of confusing causation with correlation. The pendulum will move however it is meant to move, you do not know that it is caused move because you asked.

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Lost an Object? Use a Pendulum to help you find it

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This lady talks about using dowsing and the ways in which your environment change the results. For example, she describes how having a home with good feng shui can make your searches more effective. She talks about taichi, chi gong and many other ancient methods with her only evidence being that people used to do it. Concepts such as feng shui are different types of mystical energies which are a misunderstanding of the word's actual meaning - "measurable work capability".