What tools do dowsers use?

Almost anything, it depends upon you, your skill level and what you feel most comfortable with.
But whatever tools dowsers use, they are simple. Dowsers do not need the scented candles, black silk bags or special dowsing maps and charts that many shops and web sites try to sell the novice.
The main ‘tool’ is you, the human.  All the dowsing instrument does is to make visible what your body feels. The tool is only an extension of your natural response, turning microscopic movements into visible signals. Some tools are better than others, but what is a good dowsing tool for me might not be so good for you.

L shaped Dowsing Rods made from copper

“Y” shaped Rod – Traditionally this is made from a forked twig, often from a hazel or willow tree. It can also be made up from any springy material such as wood, cane, plastic or metal.

“L” shaped or angle Rods
These are L shaped rods which are usually used in pairs. The shorter arm of the L is held in the hand with the long section parallel to the ground and to each other. When the object to be found is below the dowsing rods they typically cross over each other.

My own dowsing pendulum

Wand
A single long rod held in the hand and which reacts with a circular or oscillating movement.

Pendulum
A weight of some form on a chain or string which moves in different ways to indicate the lost item. A dowsing pendulum can be used ‘in the field’ or remotely by means of a map or drawing. The movements the pendulum makes is often unique to each individual.

Hands
Some dowsers feel a slight tingling in their hands when moved in certain ways and therefore they can dowse without any tool.
Each of these tools come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but they are almost all variations of the above.