When used with mindfulness, dowsing can provide an ancient solution to a modern problem.
By Anthony Talmage
In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, do you feel trapped in a whirlwind of overthinking, where anxious thoughts are never far away, and the pressures of life leave you mentally exhausted? What if there were an ancient, almost forgotten tool, that could provide an antidote to the mental frenzy? One that would sharpen your focus and quieten your mind? I have news for you: There is such a tool—it’s called a pendulum, and it’s used in an art called dowsing.
Now, I know what you might be thinking—dowsing? Isn’t that the way people used to find water with forked sticks? And yes, you would be right. Historically, dowsers have been associated with locating underground water sources. But there’s so much more to this ancient skill—it connects us with our deep, inner self, in a meditative state usually only achieved by Zen Buddhists after years of training.
Coupling this mental state with the modern miracle of mindfulness provides a unique way of extricating ourselves from the turmoil of uncontrollable, anxious thoughts. It allows us to be fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings without judgment. The pendulum and mental condition it creates are the perfect partners for mindful meditation.
Some of you may know that I’m a dowser; I’ve even written a book on it. When I first started exploring how dowsing could enhance mindfulness, I discovered something remarkable: The very act of using a pendulum automatically focuses your attention like a laser. It grounds you, pulling your thoughts away from the mental chatter, guiding you into the present moment.
For those of us who struggle with overthinking, dowsing provides a unique solution. How often do we find ourselves going around in circles with no clear way ahead? In my research, I discovered dowsing offers a simple yet profound way to cut through this mental noise. And the even more amazing thing is it’s free—well almost. What I mean is you don’t have to buy an expensive crystal on a gold chain to gain maximum effect. Any weight on a string will do the same job just as effectively—a ring at the end of some cotton, a nut on a piece of string, a lump of lead on a few inches of fishing line—all these would be suitable.
However, there is a small cost—your time and patience in learning how to dowse effectively. No, it doesn’t need a special gift; it’s like riding a bicycle. Almost everyone can do it, it just takes practice.
Once you’ve mastered the art, imagine holding a pendulum in your hand, asking yourself a question, and watching as the swinging weight answers, responding to the subtle shifts in your own energy. The act itself pulls you out of your head and into your body. The process is grounding—suddenly, instead of swirling thoughts, you’re focused on the movement of the pendulum, the weight of it in your hand, the sensation of your feet on the floor. You’re fully present, fully here. And in that presence, the mental clutter fades away.
What’s more, as dowsing facilitates bypassing the overactive left brain, the right brain takes over offering access to a deeper part of yourself—the intuitive mind. While the practice of mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts, dowsing takes it a step further and puts us directly in touch with our own inner wisdom.
In today’s turbo-charged world, where our mental health is constantly being tested, dowsing could be the very tool we need to bring balance and calm back into our lives.
For women, especially, who often find themselves juggling multiple roles—mother, partner, career woman, friend—dowsing provides a space to slow down, reflect and reconnect. It offers a moment to step away from the demands of life and simply be. In that moment, with pendulum in hand, you create a bridge between the chaos of modern living and the serenity of a gentle, quiet mind.
And, as a bonus, while you are swinging your pendulum you can ask yourself questions, seeking clarity on issues bothering you. It’s a process that feels less like overanalyzing and more like listening. It typically involves first asking the pendulum to show you “yes”, “no” and “maybe” responses and then proceeding to inquiry.
Many people I’ve worked with have found this process particularly helpful in navigating stress, anxiety and even indecision. By incorporating dowsing into their mindfulness practice, they not only find clarity in their thoughts but also develop a deeper emotional understanding.
At the heart of mindfulness and dowsing lies a simple truth: we all have the capacity for inner peace. Yet, in the chaos of 21st Century life, we often lose sight of it. Dowsing acts as a compass, pointing us back to that place of calm and clarity. It’s a practice that offers more than just mental quiet—it opens the door to greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and, ultimately, a deeper connection with ourselves.
Anthony Talmage’s latest book Mindfulness and the Pendulum, available on Amazon. Anthony is also author of four books in his Psychic Mind series, Dowse Your Way To Psychic Power, In Tune With The Infinite Mind, Unlock The Psychic Powers Of Your Unconscious Mind and How To Crack the Cosmic Code all available in Kindle, printed and audio versions from Amazon. He also covers more of the above themes in his podcast, available absolutely free. Just click on this link to listen or download: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1742930
