The indicator, either the rod or pendulum, as previously mentioned amplifies the person’s sensitivity, and its operation and indications are essential.

Rods

Dowsing as well as radiesthesia operate by the use of a rod, commonly a “Y” shaped stick, formerly a branch of hazel. Frequently before beginning the dowsing practice, the dowser “attunes” himself to the object being sought. Included within this attuning method are techniques of visualization or exposing the rod or pendulum to a location, personal belonging, or type of material which is being sought.

After this method of attuning has been completed the dowser holds the rod by its handles, formerly the upper ends of the “Y” shaped hazel branch, and proceeds looking for what is sought. If, for example, the person is seeking water he searches thoroughly in a location pointing the branch or rod downward. Presumably when the person comes across an underground stream or reservoir of water the dowsing rod will turn in his hands, sometimes with force.

Pendulum

The reason for the replacement of the rod with small pendulums is that in many incidences they are easier to work with, especially in medical diagnosis.

Usually pendulums are small balls attached to a thin string attached to the end of a stick. The string should be non woven preferably nylon so to register any extraneous movements of the bob. It is necessary the person be experienced in using the pendulum so not to allow any of his own muscle activity influence the activity of the bob. The only desired activity of the bob is to be caused by the influence of the sought after object.
The pendulum is held over the area in which the object is thought to be located. Then the observation of the action of the string and bob is crucial. The bob may be raised or lowered to assist in its observation by winding the string around the stick, or vice verse. Usually it gyrates or oscillates in a clockwise or anti clockwise movement.

In medical diagnosis the pendulum is first placed over the healthy portion of the body, then over an unhealthy portion. The difference of the movement of the pendulum is noted between the two areas.

As far as divination is concerned, you will hold the end of the chain lightly in the fingers, and ask he question. The pendulum should, within a minute or so, begin to swing in a particular direction, thus giving you the answer to your question.

Before using a pendulum, determine which direction means “yes”, which means “no”, and which means “uncertain or don’t know”. You may decide the answer is Yes, when the pendulum rotates clockwise; and No when it rotates anti clockwise. Other way, a north-south direction means yes, an east-west direction means no, and a circular motion means uncertain. The best way to determine this for yourself, though, is to make these the first questions you ask your pendulum: “Which direction means yes?” And so on.