Go on a course: water dowsing

'The Greek historian Herodotus recorded the first known instance of water dowsing in the fifth century BC. But, despite its ancient origins, with the effects of climate change, this country craft could prove a necessity for modern times. It is already used by farmers and property developers, and it could also reveal a precious source of H20 for irrigating the crops on your smallholding.

'With a background in mechanical engineering, tutor Colin Peal - who's been dowsing since 1969 - couldn't have been less like the hippy I had been expecting. After a brief history of dowsing, or divining as it is also known (because people used to give it a sacred status), and its many forms (which include detecting water supplies, architectural remains and good and bad energy fields, as well as healing with crystals), we were ready to test our own proficiency in this mysterious rural activity.

'We selected our instruments which consisted of the traditional hazel Y-rods plus a mix of coat hangers, PVC tubes, pieces of fencing wire and pendants with crystals. Armed with these (and a healthy helping of cynicism), our first task was to detect the route of the old millrace beneath the gravel drive. Treading slowly, with a wire rod held gently in either hand, I was astounded when both rods converged with surprising force.

'I repeated the exercise, but it was no fluke - the rods met at the exact spot again and again. We all experienced a similar sensation and continued to trace the line that Colin subsequently confirmed was the site of the watercourse (as shown on old maps).

'After a homemade lunch we discussed the principles of healing people by dowsing them with crystals, detecting magnetic fields and dowsing for people's auras; all of which I found less persuasive than dowsing water and archaeological remains (but many of my fellow tutees were enthralled). By the end of the day, I not only felt more closely connected with the land, but I was itching to discover whether my garden contained a secret water source.'

Dowsing for Beginners is held at Assington Mill, Assington, Sudbury, Suffolk. For more information, call 01787 229955 or visit www.assingtonmill.com.

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