Divining Rod

Divining Rod, a forked twig, usually of hazel, "commonly called Moses' rod, which, freely held forth, will stir and play if any mine be under it." So Browne defined it, wisely adding "we are of opinion that it is a fruitless exploration." It was, and indeed still is, also employed to discover hidden springs, and remarkable stories are told concerning it, which are, however, capable of explanation without attributing occult power to the rod or the operator. The rod is laid lightly in the open hand, or held by the forks between the balls of the thumbs, and as the operator walks over the spot where the mineral or water is to be found, the rod is said to incline toward the object of search.