The Powwow Guy

The use of a forked branch or stick to search for water is fairly well known. Finding hidden water or metals is what is refered to in Powwow as "divination". This practice has been expanded upon within the tradition to finding lost objects. A section of outdoor space is designated as a floor plan of the patient's home or place of employment or whatever. The forked branch is held with the forked branches in each hand, the bottom of the Y part facing out. You walk over the area. When the single branch points downward, that represents the area where your patient will find their lost object.

The following two charms from Long Lost Friend (Hohman, 1820, Reading PA) are curious and interesting and worth a try.  If you are looking for something a little folksy and magical to do this Christmas then here you go! 

To Make a Wand for Searching for Iron, Ore or Water

On the first night of Christmas, between 11 and 12 o'clock, break off from any tree a young twig of one year's growth, in the three highest names (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), at the same time facing toward sunrise.  Whenever you apply this wand in searching for anything, apply it three times.  The twig must be forked, and each end of the fork must be held in one hand, so that the third and thickest part of it stands up, but do not hold it too tight.  Strike the ground with the thickest end, and that which you desire will appear immediately, if there is any in the ground where you strike.  The words to be spoken when the wand is thus applied are as follows:

Archangel Gabriel, I conjure thee in the name of God, the Almighty, to tell me, is there any water here or not?  Do tell me!  + + +

If you are searching for Iron or Ore, you have to say the same, only mention the name of what you are searching for.

Words to be Spoken While Making Divinatory Wands

In making divinatory wands, they must be broken as before directed, and while breaking and before using them, the following words must be spoken:

Divining rod, do thou keep that power

Which God gave unto thee at the very first hour.

If anyone does this as a project, I'd love to hear about it!  Write to me at robertphoenix73@gmail.com !