Times change so quickly, it’s no wonder that as we grow old, we find ourselves surrounded by things we don’t recognize. It’s not just the big changes that leave us feeling bewildered, but also the small ones that happen gradually over the course of decades. My dear grandmother always spoke about her habits and routines when she was young, and she would often show us strange tools and trinkets that no one in the family recognized. I can only imagine that I’ll experience the same feeling if I’m fortunate enough to live as long as she did.
In today’s world, nostalgia is a powerful force, which is why articles about mysterious objects from the past always seem to capture our attention. People upload pictures of these objects, hoping that someone out there might have the knowledge to identify them and shed light on their purpose. Currently, there’s a mystery tool that’s making the rounds on the internet, and it seems to be particularly challenging to figure out.
When I first saw a photo of this tool, I had absolutely no idea what it could be. It looked like a simple V-shaped tree branch, unremarkable at first glance. But as it turns out, this tool has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to the 1500s and a practice known as “Water Dowsing.”
Known by various names such as “diviner,” “doodlebug,” “well witch,” or “water-finder,” this tool’s primary purpose was to locate water. Imagine that! An individual would hold both branches of the stick in each hand, with their palms facing upwards. The stem of the V, where the two rods meet, would be tilted toward the Earth at a 45-degree angle. The user would then walk back and forth, looking for vibrations at the bottom of the V, which supposedly indicated the presence of water hidden beneath the surface of the Earth.
Initially, dowsing with metal rods was used to find metals in the ground during the 1500s. However, people soon discovered that the same method could also be used to locate water, especially for new homeowners living in rural areas.
Now, take a moment to watch the video below to learn more about Water Dowsing! Did you have any idea what this instrument was used for? Share your thoughts and knowledge in the comments section below.
