Archaeological Dowsing

Dowsing has been used as a tool to aid archaeological research for many years and in a wide variety of situations. Although it is not always publicly acknowledged that dowsing is being employed, the shortage of time, of human and material resources and the often overwhelming size of a site of potential interest lend great weight and value to the guidance and focus that dowsing can bring.

In an archaeological context, dowsing can allow a wide and thorough site survey to be conducted, either on the ground or from a map, with great efficiency of both time and resources.

The concealed presence of structures, of artefacts and of all manner of residue from previous habitation or use of a site can be ascertained by dowsing, allowing analysis to be performed in a non-intrusive manner, without the necessity of disturbing, damaging or otherwise interfering with a site.

If excavation is planned, dowsing allows the analysis to be well focused and therefore more likely to produce valuable and informative results. In addition to assisting in the locational aspects of site surveying, dowsing can be used to aid in the dating of artefacts, in tracing their origin, history and use, and in assessing many aspects of human relationship with place in a historical context.

Available as a tool to both the amateur and the professional, archaeological dowsing is best learned from a competent and experienced practitioner, and practiced in situations with a minimum of extraneous stress and pressure. As with other aspects of dowsing, comparing one’s results with those of other dowsers as well as with information from other definitive sources allows the development of confidence, accuracy and competence.

The British Society of Dowsers supports, encourages and promotes dowsing and dowsers in a manner consistent with the highest standards of personal integrity and behaviour, and is a resource for all those interested in exploring and contributing to the field.

1933 - 2006 © The British Society of Dowsers