In ancient times only those who understood the consequences and power of using a divining rod actually used it. These were sorcerers, or learned mystics, who were thought to have associations with Elves and Pixies. Pixies were thought to be always present in Cornwall (UK) and able to guide the person to the water or treasure.

'Since the eleventh-century we find mentioned the use of the divine wand for discovering springs and treasures. It is a forked branch of Hazel, Alder, Beech, or Apple. This is how it should be held. One of the forks of the branch is held, not too firmly, with the palm of the hand turned up. By holding the other fork of the branch in the other hand, the main stem will be parallel to the horizon. The holder advances gently towards the place where water is suspected to be. When he arrives there, if water is below, the rod turns in the hand and bend towards the earth like a needle which has been magnetised. Such is the account of those who believe in the virtue of the Divining Rod. They add, that it has also the property of discovering mines, hidden treasures, thieves and fugitive murderers.'

Hazel nuts were also believed to possess mystical powers and could be used in divining. (See Mystical WWW Trees : Hazel).

Darren Gray emailed me and told us the following:-

The peach tree limb freshly cut is the best source for finding water. When over a powerful source of water the limb will actually bend downwards against the person holding the limb horizontal to the ground.

Iron rods (or old clothes hangers) are considered by many as todays best source for finding water and underground buried lines. The rods will cross when a water source is found.