The Art of Dowsing

Why you should pick up the pendulum

I have used dowsing as part of my practice, and part of my life really, for more than 20 years now.

I was first introduced to the art of dowsing when spending time in the gem fields of Nth West Queensland Australia, areas known as Sapphire, Rubyvale and Emerald (what’s not to love there!). It was affectionately known as ‘The Gemmies’ to my parents, who went there every winter for around 10 years, to dig for sapphires. I spent a couple of winters with them the first few years of my son’s life and while I was up there I met some very special people – characters all 🙂

One of whom taught me the art of dowsing. He grabbed a couple of copper rods one day and said simply, ‘lets see how you go’… and, well… I went good 🙂

I left it alone for a few years; then when studying herbal medicine I worked in a wonderful little ‘new age’ book shop. This is where I first came across books on ‘dowsing'(otherwise known as divining). New Age stores were very popular back then and what fabulous places they were – all full of spiritual texts, crystals, essential oils, flower essences and so much more.

The first instruction was to find a pendulum (something heavy(ish) that hangs on a string or cord or chain or whatever), and ask it to show you a yes, and then to show you a no. I simply used what was hanging around my neck… and it just kinda took off! This was pretty special to me, as my pendulum of choice was a beautiful sapphire crystal, sometimes called a ‘dogs tooth sapphire’, that my wonderful mother had dug out of the earth herself, and gifted to me many years before. Joy. I still have it. And it’s very powerful.

Intention and detached awareness

So what have I found out about the art of dowsing since then? A number of things over the years, such as – do not ask it if you are going to meet the man of your dreams this week (or any time soon)! It loves to play games, and intention is everything. I’ve learnt that if I use it to assist with the development of healing protocols, the wisdom and depth of information that is able to be teased out is nothing short of astounding. (You might now be asking – what exactly is this ‘it’ you’re referring to? More on that later).

When using the pendulum to assist in dowsing up herbal formulations, it’s important to understand that I use it in combination with 4 years of formal study and many years of experience! If something is contra-indicated, I’ll know about it. Beyond that, it offers true beauty as it’s able to see far beyond my current understanding. You may have heard me say this before, but I’m going to say it again…

I see it as drawing together specific notes to create a beautiful piece of music to enhance the health of the individual person (body & mind) that I am working with.

I start by choosing indicated remedies according to my training, however for each specific organ system there can be up to 6 or more herbs indicated. So when this is combined with other remedies for other organ systems that may need addressing, there are quite a few combinations on offer! This is the art of herbal prescribing. For me, dowsing first broadens the potential herbs that can be considered (as generally you only want 5-7 herbs in your formulation to maintain potency), before fine tuning the remedy into something that is absolutely specific for the individual I am treating. You can learn more about this on my therapies page.

There is much, much more that can be done here, such as working from a diagnostic perspective… but that’s beyond the scope of this blog 🙂

I believe that working from this place of science based learning and intuited understanding, allows me to ‘SEE’ (Science, Energy and Empirical knowledge) so much more…

Dowsing basics to get you going

I also use various crystals to dowse and cleanse chakras, however there are many simple day-to-day uses as well. A very simple one is to place an item (anything and everything from crystals and jewellery… to food, vitamins and even books!) next to your hand, and then dowse the two. For me, it will look like this (and I say ‘look’ as I bear witness and learn so much about what this is while dowsing)… the pendulum will arc and encircle your hand and the item while it reads it, then it drops for a moment. After that, it will either circle and encompass the two again, indicating that the item is ‘good’ for you to take into your mind-body system, or if there is no value (or if it is detrimental) – then it will divide the two with a straight up and down motion. You can also use it to ‘read’ any ad or piece of information to determine the value of it ‘for you’.

And of course, the most obvious one is to use it to answer a question, however this is not my forte when it comes to the pendulum. I’m more a dowser of energies.

Start with finding what your ‘yes’ and ‘no’ looks like… to do this just ask it. Always remember though, that the potential for healing and insight offered will be matched by your intention, as well as the depth of your intention. Work with your values and ground yourself in your ideals, and keep your heart and mind pure – or at least working toward that place 🙂

Shhh – secret dowsing business

Another very special thing that I have discovered along the way, that I have not found in any of the literature, is that if you place your left hand over your brow chakra while dowsing (divining), it dramatically enhances the energy coming through.

So there you have it. A little about me and how I work, and a little about the potential of divining – a very special, and somewhat forgotten – art. I encourage you to give it a try!

Oh – and the it I refer to? Well, I think everyone has a different idea on what is actually happening when you work with a pendulum. Personally, I believe it is our higher self, our intuition making itself known to us. Having said that, as noted earlier – it can be influenced by your conscious mind (and other energies), so I always start with a prayer of protection 🙂