JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

April 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning water divining.

Water divining, also known as "water witching" and "water dowsing," is practiced all over the world. It is the craft of seeking underground water by means of a divining rod, commonly a forked stick which is held by the twigs, one in each hand with the stock pointing outward or upward. As the diviner walks over the ground, the stick will suddenly twist in his hands and point downward, supposedly indicating the presence of underground water. At times there is water; at other times there is none.

Hosea prophesied that divining rods would be used in our time. He wrote, "My people ask counsel at their stock and their staff declareth unto them" (Hos. 4:12). According to the "Critical and Experimental Commentary," by Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown, "staff" here refers to a divining rod.

What is the origin of this practice? How did it come to be used so extensively in our western, so-called Christian nations? In his book titled "Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science," Martin Gardner admits:

The employment of various shaped rods for divination purposes goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians .... In the Middle Ages, it was associated with the power of Satan, although many churchmen made use of divination rods. The forked twig, for finding minerals, apparently did not appear until the fifteenth century when it was used by German prospectors in the Harz Mining region. When German miners were imported to England in the century following, they brought the practice with them. It was in England that the use of the twig was transferred from minerals to the search for water.

God condemns such practices. He says, "Thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone ... that useth divination" (Deut. 18:9-10). And God adds, "I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people" (Lev. 20:6).

There are a few guidelines which can help one find a source of water. A Christian should first ask God in prayer to aid him in locating the right place to drill. Then he should analyze the lay of the land and drill in the most suitable area. Asking the advice of an experienced well driller -- one who does not consult "witchers" -- should also be helpful.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT