Dowsing rods, as a tool for spirit communication, has a long-standing history in various cultures and belief systems. While the effectiveness and legitimacy of dowsing rods remain a topic of debate, we can approach their usage with a scientific mindset to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Consider the following troubleshooting steps if you encounter difficulties using dowsing rods for spirit communication or locating anomalies during a paranormal investigation.
I have used dowsing rods for many years, and these are my pro tips for troubleshooting slow or nonresponsive dowsing rods.
If you are new to dowsing rods, make sure that you are following the tips in the article below.
Related article: How To Use Dowsing Rods in Paranormal Investigations
Follow the steps below to ensure your dowsing rods are handled and fine-tuned for the best result. Belos you will find a table with common errors and quick fixes. For more in-depth help you find details in the article.
Troubleshooting table
| Error | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Dowsing rods don’t move at all | Ensure you are not touching the rods with your thumb or fingers. It is important that you only hold the handles. |
| Spinning rods | Tilt the rods slightly downwards to adjust their sensitivity. |
| Uneven or jerky movements | Slow down and maintain a steady pace. |
| No response to questions | Rephrase the question or try a different approach. |
| False responses | Be sure to calibrate the rods correctly |
Tips #1: Calibrate your mindset
Approach dowsing rods with an open and focused mindset. Clear your thoughts on any distractions or preconceived notions. Being receptive and maintaining a positive attitude can enhance your experience.
It is key to not taking dowsing rods too seriously as it often lead to jams and blockages. In my experience, it is better to skip readings when you are tired, fatigued, stressed, or pressured in some way.
If you are in any of these states (or adjacent), it is better to dowse another day.
- Stressed
- Angry
- Worrying
- Negative
- Pressured
- Depressed
- Fatigued
- Low self-esteem
- Negative inner chatter
- Sick
Tips #2: Calibration
I check the calibration of my dowsing rods by placing an electrical cord on the floor (electricity on). The rods should cross or diverge when you walk over the cable.
If you are using your dowsing rods for spirit communication, be sure to calibrate them for “yes”, “no”, or “maybe”. Do this by asking the rods to show you “yes” – note the movement. Do the same for “no” and “maybe”. Then ask a question you know the answer to, and check if the dowsing rod answers correctly.
You can ask simple questions like these:
- Is my T-shirt (color)?
- Is this a chair?
- Is my name (your name)?
Tips #3: Check environmental factors
Environmental elements, such as electrical or magnetic interference, can affect the movement of dowsing rods.
Ensure you are in an area free from strong electromagnetic fields, such as power lines or electronic devices. Such factors can create false readings or hinder the rods’ responsiveness.
- Boilers
- Electrical cabinets
- Microwaves
- TVs
- Other electrical appliances
Use an EMF meter to localize electromagnetic fields that might interfere with your reading.
If you want to learn more about using an EMF meter, you find helpful information in the article below.
Further reading: How to Use a K2 EMF Meter [9-Step Guide]
Tips #4: Practice proper technique
Hold the dowsing rods lightly by their handles, allowing them to move freely without external influence. Avoid gripping the rods, which may restrict their movement and give you false readings.
Hold the rods parallel to the ground, with the long end pointing straight ahead.
Relax your shoulders and take a few deep breaths to release tension. Tension in your body can cause rods to jam and not work correctly.
If you want to learn more about how to hold the rods correctly, be sure to check out the article below. In this article, I show you exactly how to hold the rods for the best success.
Related article: Dowsing Rods for Spirit Communication
Tips #5: Adjust rod sensitivity
Ensure that your dowsing rods are properly calibrated and responsive. Test them in known areas without spiritual activity to establish a baseline response. Getting to know your rods is always a good idea; not all rods are the same.
Adjust the angle of the rods slightly downwards if the rods spinn too violently.
Tips #6: Practice consistency and repetition
As with any skill, practice is crucial. Consistency in your technique and repeated attempts can improve your familiarity and increase the accuracy of your dowsing rod usage.
If you are a beginner, don’t stress too much about your readings being off sometimes. You can do everything “by the book” and still get wonky readings. This is because there are many layers to a successful dowsing rod session.
Tips #7: External Influences
Wind, uneven ground, and other external factors might cause involuntary hand movements. Ensure that the environment is conducive to a stable investigation.
Tips #8: Subconscious Influences
You can subconsciously influence the movement if you feel pressure to get specific results. This is not uncommon to be influenced if hired to record evidence.
Mind, spirit, and body need to be in tune. If one of the parts is “off,” the rods might not respond optimally.
It might be helpful to stay blindfolded if you are researching a hot spot and do not need to move. Make sure to have your video recorder filming you and the rods at all times. Always be sure to stay safe, though. Not all environments are safe to stay blindfolded in.
You can also wear noise-canceling headphones, so outside sounds do not influence you.
Tips #9: Material
Ensure that the dowsing rods are made from a material that can move freely. Most dowsing rods are made of copper or brass. Other materials might not respond as effectively.
Final thoughts
While dowsing rods for spirit communication use remains controversial, approaching this practice with a scientific mindset can help troubleshoot issues.
Dowsing rods react to electromagnetic and energetic fields. Cross-referencing against a known energy source lets you easily ensure your rods work correctly.
In most cases, when the rods are not responding, it is due to stress or pressure to perform. Other common reasons for false readings are tilting or holding the handles incorrectly- restricting the rods’ free movement.
