So, I had my first experience using dowsing rods while in Gettysburg. I must say, it blew me away. I always thought that the user would be manipulating the rods somehow but for me I can say that I did not (consciously anyway). I used them inside and outside and found that even with the wind blowing, the rods still responded (against the wind, too). I really feel like I had a conversation with someone on the other side. My husband tried them before I did and he couldn't get any response whatsoever, they just didn't move one bit. At the Branalea Farm, he and Wrightghost had some interesting responses out there by the barn and by the three trees. Hopefully, they will share some details so you can hear what all went on. One evening, we went to the Wheatfield (battlefield near Devil's Den) and to Sykes Bridge (a covered bridge where some Confederate deserters were punished). Dr. Obvious was kind enough to provide a debunking of the rods which I give him props for but certain people in our group will never accept his logic due to their own personal experiences (Wrighty, Mike and Mrs. O /tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' /> ). Dr. Obvious certainly explained and demonstrated how to manipulate the dowsing rods, that is true.

My thoughts are that since this low tech, low budget device has been around for centuries and has been proven effective for searching for water sources, perhaps there is something to it. One of my coworkers paid hundreds of dollars to an engineer who was unable to locate water on the property he was wanting to build a house on. He talked with the neighbors and some of the old timers suggested he use the witching method. Now my coworker is an educated man who scoffed at the idea until he ran out of options. Finally, he tried it and it worked! He located water and has commenced building. Just one story I know, but nonetheless, as COL Klink says, "verrrry interrrresting".

Please share your experiences if you have tried them and/ or your opinions on whether or not they are a bunch of hooey.