Dowsing, water witching, or divining—no matter what you call it, participants were learning about it (and doing it) at the University of Maryland in College Park this past weekend. They were taking part in The Science of Divination: What they DON’T Teach at Hogwarts, a workshop presented by the James Randi Educational Foundation.

The workshop gave those in attendance a chance to explore the history, methods, tools, practitioners, and scientific investigation of this practice. On the surface, dowsing may seem trivial and quaint but this comprehensive program took a closer look at dowsing’s darker side by examining the serious dangers of applying its pseudoscientific ideas to medicine or bomb detection.

The afternoon also gave the 35 participants of all ages a chance to create and test their own dowsing rods, made using authentic methods and materials. As one skeptic commented: “It’s not like you’re going to try this and instantly be convinced that it works, but it is petty amazing how it much it feels like something is causing those rods to move. It gives you a better perspective for understanding the belief.”

This JREF regional workshop was made possible through the assistance of the National Capital Area Skeptics and the UMD Society of Inquiry. Look for our upcoming workshops in Atlanta and northern California. For information on bringing a workshop to your city, email education@randi.org.

Photos by Bruce Press.

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