As we grow older, it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of disconnect from the world around us. The rapid pace of change can leave us feeling like strangers in our own time. I remember my late grandmother sharing stories of her youth, along with the peculiar gadgets and tools she used back then – objects that none of us recognized.

I often wonder if I’ll experience the same feeling when I reach her age. Perhaps it’s this sense of nostalgia that makes articles like “what’s this?” so appealing. People share pictures of unfamiliar objects, hoping to unravel the mystery of their purpose and history. There’s one particular object floating around the internet right now, and it’s proving to be quite enigmatic.

When I first came across a photo of this tool, I had absolutely no idea what it was. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary, V-shaped tree branch – nothing remarkable. However, little did I know that it had a fascinating story dating back to the 1500s and a practice known as “Water Dowsing.”

This tool, also known as a “diviner,” “doodlebug,” “well witch,” or “water-finder,” was primarily used to locate water sources. To employ it, one would hold both branches in their hands, palms facing upwards, and tilt the bottom stem of the V (where the two rods meet) towards the ground at a 45-degree angle. The user would then walk back and forth, searching for vibrations at the base of the V that would signify the presence of water hidden beneath the Earth.

Interestingly, dowsing with metal rods was initially used to locate metals in the ground during the 1500s. However, over time, people began using it to find water sources for those living in rural areas. It became an essential tool for new homeowners.

If you’re curious to learn more about Water Dowsing, watch the video below! And if you already knew the purpose of this intriguing instrument, let us know in the comments box.