a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Rhabdomancy...

Witching is a fascinating art.  Something I've witnessed proven over and over mostly in finding water but also in finding pretty much anything. 

I have read a few books since July 2011 when I witched for a cave.  I marked the spot.  Recently I returned.  My stick remained and the hole was larger.  Of course I did not return prepared, I just stopped in Fern Gully when I was on my way to another project.  Just me and dogs, no tools and other work to do.
Lil still swollen from killing a copperhead (Good Dog!) the night before started digging.  Now this is not a varmint tunnel.  This was one spot of two I witched in Fern Gully when I was cave hunting. 
After pointing Lil at the small opening she begins to dig.
When digging is involved Ki-Anne and Junior always join in.  I notice this is solid dirt they are digging.  Lil is pulling live tree roots out.  I have nothing with me to help dig and I am kicking myself.  I find a machete in the back of the Ranger and chop vines and briers out of the way.  I even misuse the machete a little and cut some roots and remove some dirt. This was going to be a special project and I had side-tracked to essentials instead of following my dream of finding a cave.  Of course I had excuses this past summer was too hot and too dry to dig anything.
As I leave Lil is as hesitant to abandon her project as I am.  Another day, maybe when we have the proper tools we will return.  I hope.  It's been almost a year and a half since I first witched this spot.  Calling Lil away so she can cool in the creek I'm hoping it's not another year before I return to this spot.

16 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I've heard of witching for water and for graves, but not for caves...how cool!

Buttons Thoughts said...

I hope it is not another year either you have me very curious.
I have witched for water and found it but never a cave. Cool I will have to go search the bush and the ridge. B

LilliStJohn said...

I have heard of finding water with a willow branch, but never heard the term Witching. Now graves n caves included. That cave looks like a "could be" great story for your blog Gail. I hope you return soon too . Ooh, and pack some tools to open it up more. Amazing the adventures you have right on your land. Neat Post.

Lynne said...

Interesting . . . hope you will go back soon and prepared to discover. Let us know please!

Tess Julia said...

Looks like those dogs are having a great time! And killed a copperhead and survived! Wow- what a dog.

MadSnapper said...

you are way to brave, i would not be digging in a hole not knowing what critter might pop out or a nest of snakes. so glad the pup is ok from the snake bite

Sandy Livesay said...

Glad to hear your dog is okay from the snake bite. I absoluetly hate snakes. Finding a cave,this could be interesting. Especially if it's from history.

TexWisGirl said...

i remember my dad showing us how to witch for water as kids.

Farm Girl said...

ME TOO!!!! I have been waiting for you to go back. The dogs act like there is something there. This has always intrigued me. I told my husband as he was going out the door about your post today and he even remembered about the old treasure too. I hope it is in that cave. :)

Laurel's Quill said...

I have knowledge of witching for water ( we did it on the farm) but not for a cave - do you use a stick? how is it supposed to work??

Country Gal said...

It's cool how it works isn't it ? Awesome photos and post . Soon it will be time for the witching hour at the end of the month what then maybe find one in the cave . Spooky ! Have a great day !

Judie said...

Gail, this is a VERY interesting post! Glad your pup is recovering from that snakebite. Little Liz was bitten by a rattlesnake last year, and we almost lost her!

LindaG said...

Great post Gail. Good luck! I agree that maybe you can work in a trip the end of the month. :o)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

You know, I grew up watching my Granddad witch wells. He used a diving rod AND willow..it used to twist right out of his hands. He would give it to me and show me how to hold it..but I was always afraid. I would like to try it again one day but probably won't.

God, but I miss farm life at times.
Hugs,
Me.
But of course I'm a witch. LOL

Jenny said...

Wow. This is really fascinating.

I'm curious to see what you find!

Pat said...

You are a woman of many talents! I, too, have only heard of witching for water. What will you do with the cave when you find it? Drag your husband by his hair back to the cave and live there? KIDDING!

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