What are some misconceptions about dowsing?

The most common image of a dowser as portrayed by the media is an individual walking over a landscape using a Y shaped or forked stick (sometimes called a doodlebug) to locate subterranean sources of water, oil or even precious minerals. But the art and skill of dowsing is much richer than this. There are many different approaches to it, depending on the task to be solved. Some dowsing techniques require the dowser to be present on-site, while others can be done from the comfort of your own home with suitable preparation.

Nor, contrary to the forked-stick image, does dowsing necessarily require the use of sticks or objects at all! Most people find it both useful and necessary when they begin exploring the skill to employ one or more of the various instruments traditionally used for the practice, and some dowsing tasks will always require certain tools and accessories. However, when trained correctly and well-practiced, some dowsers learn to work hands-free, utilizing this skill in virtually any environment and situation.