Bethel United Methodist Church in Wildwood
Making disciples of Jesus * Leaving no one behind * Inviting you for the journey
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Bethel United Methodist Church in Wildwood Making disciples of Jesus * Leaving no one behind * Inviting you for the journey
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Dowsing (Divining) for Graves “At Rest in Wildwood”, September 2005, Wildwood Historical Society While working at the Bethel Cemetery George Gaehle taught himself, through trial and error, (or perhaps a little bit of Divine Guidance) to locate unmarked graves using a pair of bend brazing rods. Invaluable in the winter when the frozen ground makes it impossible to probe for existing coffins, dowsing allows George to accurately locate the space between bordering graves. George (otherwise know at "G") said he heard about the idea from others. Loosely holding the short end of the bent rods in each hand, George tries to keep the rods as level as possible, and then slowly walks across the area in question. he indicated that a number of factors could alter the success, such as carrying other equipment under his arm, or even carrying a cell phone in his pocket. George said he has to wear shoes, and helps pinpoint the size of a grave by crisscrossing a potential site. A windy day can make successful dowsing almost impossible as the loosely held rods are simply blown around by the wind. While no one can seem to explain the "physics" behind the process, watching the rods slowly swing together, and then separate, as George moves across a series of graves provides an almost eerie sensation. Some have indicated George's dowsing is nearly 95% accurate. Sought after to help find those resting in peace throughout eastern Missouri, George brings a whole new meaning to "looking for one's roots." |
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