Why Rhabdomancy (Dowsing) Is Against the Bible: History, God’s Law, and Deliverance
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Rhabdomancy, more commonly known today as dowsing or using a divining rod, is the practice of seeking water, minerals, or hidden objects by means of a forked stick, rod, pendulum, or similar tool. While some defend it as harmless or folk tradition, from a biblical perspective it comes with serious spiritual risks. In this article we will explore what rhabdomancy is, its historical origins, its connection to the occult, why it’s forbidden in the Bible, who or what is involved spiritually, how people may be affected, why some are drawn to it, and why deliverance might be necessary.
What is Rhabdomancy and its Beliefs?
“Rhabdomancy” comes from the Greek rhabdos (rod) + manteia (divination). It refers to divination using a rod, wand, pendulum or other tool to locate water, ores, or hidden things. It has been practiced in many cultures, sometimes called water‐witching, radiesthesia, water divining, or divining rod work. BBC+3emystica.com+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3
Beliefs around it include that the practitioner has some sensitivity—spiritual, psychic, or natural—to energies or forces underground; that the rod will move, quiver, or dip when over what is being sought; or that unseen spirits, geomantic energy, or subtle forces guide the instrument. Some believe that nature or elemental spirits, or even demons, are involved in producing the movement. Others see it as simply a skill or inherited gift.
Origins: Who Started It, Where, and When
The exact human origin is unclear, but rhabdomancy has been documented in many ancient societies. There is evidence of use in Ancient Egypt and early China. For example, the Chinese Emperor Kwang Sung (ca. 2200 BCE) is said to have used divining rods. BBC+2emystica.com+2
In Europe it became widespread during the Middle Ages and especially in German mining regions. The 16th century scholar Georgius Agricola described miners using forked rods to find ore in his book De Re Metallica in 1556. emystica.com+2SAGE Journals+2
So the practice derives from many cultures, often intertwined with folk religion, superstition, occultism, and sometimes with ritual or mystical overtones.
Who is their God or Gods? Spiritual Entities Involved
From a Christian worldview, divination practices like rhabdomancy often involve spiritual powers that are not God. Whether one believes consciously or not, many accounts associate dowsing with occult forces—spirits, demons, or “powers of the unseen” that work apart from God’s will. Practitioners may believe they are tapping into natural forces or Earth spirits, but Scripture consistently warns that seeking knowledge through anything other than God invites demonic deception.
For people practicing it, the “god” or “spirit” is often an impersonal force, or unnamed spirits, or something akin to nature worship. From a biblical standpoint, such sources are false gods or evil spirits.
Purpose, Uses, Risks, and Victims
Purpose & Why Used:
Finding water, ores, minerals, treasure, or hidden things.
Sometimes used for practical reasons (e.g. locating well water) but often embedded with supernatural belief.
Sometimes people use it as a shortcut or “hidden knowledge” method.
If You Are a Victim / Affected by Others Using It:
If someone uses rhabdomancy over you (for example, using dowsing rods or energy work claiming influence on your property or destiny), spiritually it may open pathways or “doors” for deception or spiritual oppression.
Protection involves relying on Scripture, prayer, rejecting occult involvement, renouncing any link or covenant, asking for God’s covering.
Is It Divination, Occult, New Age, Witchcraft, or All?
Yes—it can be all of those, depending on belief, intention, and spiritual accountability.
Divination: because one is seeking knowledge or guidance by supernatural means.
Occult: because it deals with hidden, secret, spiritual forces that are not of God.
New Age: in modern times, rhabdomancy is sometimes wrapped up with energy healing, vibrational medicine, crystal work, or beliefs in earth energy grids—typical in New Age belief systems.
Witchcraft: often used interchangeably in Scripture with divination, sorcery, interpreting omens, etc.
Biblical Teaching: Why the Bible Forbids It
The Bible has several clear passages condemning divination, sorcery, witchcraft, interpreting omens, mediums, spiritists.
Deuteronomy 18:10‑12 says:
“Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or who is a medium or spiritist... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD” YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com+1
Leviticus 19:26 (“You shall not practice divination or soothsaying”) and Leviticus 19:31 (“Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out”) Bible Hub+1
The principle is that God alone is the source of truth, revelation, knowledge of hidden things; when humans seek hidden knowledge apart from Him, they violate the First Commandments to worship no other gods and to have no other spiritual authorities.
Also, reliance on divination leads to spiritual deception, idolatry, and possible bondage under evil spiritual forces.
Why Would Anyone Get Involved?
People may be drawn to rhabdomancy or similar practices because:
They are desperate (for water, resources, health, answers).
It promises quick results without scientific or technological cost.
It appeals to mystery, to hidden knowledge.
Cultural or familial tradition.
New Age thinking or interest in the supernatural.
Even some Christians may be tempted to try it if it seems harmless or practical.
Why Deliverance May Be Needed
If someone has knowingly engaged in rhabdomancy or occult divination, or was exposed to it through family, culture, media, or spiritual manipulation, deliverance may be needed because:
They may have opened spiritual doors to evil or demonic influence.
There may be spiritual deception, influence, or curse that they cannot break by themselves.
They may be unknowingly relying on occult methods for guidance rather than God.
Deliverance would typically involve confession, renouncing the practice, breaking any agreements, prayer, repentance, asking the blood of Jesus to cleanse, asking the Holy Spirit to protect, and possibly pastoral or ministry help.
Conclusion
Rhabdomancy (dowsing, divining rods) may seem benign or even useful to some, but from a biblical perspective it falls among forbidden practices of divination, witchcraft, and contacting spirits. The Bible is very clear: God wants us to seek Him, rely on His Word, trust His revelation, not lean on secret spiritual forces or tools of divination. If you or someone you know has been involved, please consider renouncing the practice, seeking deliverance, and walking in the truth and freedom found in Christ alone.
Call to Action:
If this article spoke to you, share it with friends or family who need to hear this truth. Seek prayer, find a pastor or deliverance ministry you trust, and commit to obeying God alone.
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Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
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Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
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Christian Warning: Why rhabdomancy (dowsing/divining rod work) is forbidden in the Bible. History, occult dangers, and how to protect yourself. Read now! #Rhabdomancy #DiviningRod #Dowsing #Occult #GodsWord #BibleTruth #ChristianWarning #Deliverance #SpiritualWarfare #NewAgeExposed Click the link to learn more 👉
45‑Second YouTube Script:
(Begin with calm, slightly serious tone)
“Have you heard of rhabdomancy, also called dowsing or divining rods? It’s the practice of using a forked stick or pendulum to locate water, minerals—or even hidden truths. While many treat it as folk tradition, the Bible actually prohibits divination, witchcraft, interpreting omens, mediums, spiritists—and any seeking of knowledge apart from God. (Show Deuteronomy 18:10‑12 on screen.) If you’ve ever used dowsing, or considered it just “harmless,” you may be opening a spiritual door. But there is hope: Christ offers freedom. If you’ve been involved in such practices, confess, renounce, break any spiritual tie, and ask Jesus to cleanse your heart. Seek deliverance if needed, lean into the Word, prayer, fellowship. God alone holds true hidden wisdom and power. For more details and how to protect yourself, read the full article now. God bless.”
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