As you can tell by the drawing above, the art of water witching or "dowsing" is nothing new to our world.  Scientists have found cave drawings dated as old as 8,000 years ago with a man holding what appears to be a forked stick. Long ago, and still today, dowsers were contracted by landowners to locate water for wells and underground streams.  Water Witches were highly regarded and respected members of their communities.  Today, they are called upon in much the same ways, but the art has expanded and grown into multiple other areas, such as locating energy lines, ghost hunting, spirit communication, and even homework help!

Because there has been controversy in many discussions regarding dowsing and religion, we wanted to shed some light on this issue.  There several biblical references to dowsing. 

The Bible has countless references to rods; however, the two primary meanings are a staff or stick used for authority or as a means of correction for children, and the figurative use of the word meaning, Christ, Christ's rule, authority or Gospel.  We'll be studying "staff/stick" and "authority."

Biblical references can be found in the following texts:

Exodus 4:2; God asks Moses what he has in his hand, and he responds, "A rod," and is instructed to toss it onto the ground where it is turned into a serpent.

Exodus 4:20, it is referred to as the rod of God.

Exodus chapter 7 is loaded with referenced to rods but I would have to write a book to provide you with detailed information. The plagues that were put on Pharaoh were done so by the Rod.

Numbers, chapter 17: God instructs each member of a household to have his own rod with his family name on his rod. God had each of these people take their rods to a tabernacle, where he chose one rod, one person, to whom He would give his blessings - Aaron.  Aaron blossomed in prosperity.

1 Samuel 14:27: Jonathan's eyes were enlightened after he dipped his rod in honey and tasted it.

Jeremiah 1:11: I see a rod of an almond tree.

Micah 6:9: The Lord's voice is referred to as the rod.

Micah 7:14: The rod is used to feed the people.

Revelations 11:1: The writer describes an angel giving him "a reed like unto a rod."

 In other important texts, we are told that whatever we ask, we shall be given if we believe (Mark 11:24) and to knock and the door shall be opened (Matthew 7:7).  If we were not meant to ask and to seek, why were we instructed to do so?  See Matthew 6:33: seek first God's kingdom and all these things will be added to you.  How about Colossians chapter 3: Set your attention on things above.  And finally, Philippians 4:3, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  You get the idea.

An excellent article, written by Susan Collins, Past President of Canadian Society of Dowsers can be found at http://www.dowser.ca/article2.html. I would strongly encourage you to read this article. It is very informative.