The water witch is a term used to refer to a person, usually a woman, who has the ability to locate water sources underground. This practice, also known as dowsing, has been around for centuries and is often used in rural areas where access to clean water is crucial. Dowsing is believed to be an ancient art that dates back to ancient Egypt and China. In these cultures, dowsers were often highly revered for their ability to locate water sources and were sought after for their services. The practice was even mentioned in historical texts such as the Bible. The water witch typically uses a dowsing rod or a pendulum to locate water underground.
The Water Witch Club in Middletown is located at:
43 W Twin Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732
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The water witch typically uses a dowsing rod or a pendulum to locate water underground. The dowsing rod is a Y-shaped wooden or metal rod that is held by the dowser. As they walk over an area, the rod is said to move or react when it is above a water source.
Lake Schooner Water Witch
Water Witch was constructed as a steamboat by Jahaziel Sherman at the mouth of Otter Creek in 1832. Between 1832 and 1834 she plied Lake Champlain. However, in 1835 the Champlain Transportation Co. bought her to solidify their position as the lake’s dominant steam-boating company. Learn more about the early career of the Water Witch in our online exhibit, Jahaziel Sherman of Vergennes, Steamboat Pioneer.
Line drawing of Water Witch.
Water Witch’s days as a steamer were over. Her machinery was removed and she was converted into a schooner. Little is known of her life as a work-a-day craft propelled by wind, but we know that it was long. In 1866, she began her thirty-fourth season. She was captained by Thomas Mock, who had on board his wife and three children. On April 26 the schooner met its end when it foundered in a gale while carrying a load of iron ore. The Mock’s infant, Roa, was in the cabin, and was lost.
Water Witch was discovered in 1977, and was later studied archaeologically. This vessel is unique for both its construction and history.
Features of Interest
- Wreck is 83′ long, 18′ wide.
- Graceful 12′ long tiller bar.
- Foremast draped over the hull.
- Intact bowsprit.
- Small boat located off the stern.
Diving Information
- Experience level: Very Experienced.
- Control your buoyancy. Avoid ANY contact with the fragile shipwreck.
- Lights necessary
- Depth of water: 90’
- Runoff from Otter Creek can cause zero visibility conditions after a heavy rain.
- Significant surface and bottom currents may be encountered.
Location
- 44 13′ 59.037″N 073 20′ 04.801″W
- The wreck lies approximately ¼ mile south of Diamond Island.
Thank You Adia Photography and Fernando Colon for some of these beautiful photos.
Similarly, the pendulum is a weighted object that is suspended from a string or chain. The dowser holds the string or chain and allows the pendulum to swing freely. The direction and intensity of the pendulum's movement are believed to indicate the presence and location of underground water. Although the scientific basis for dowsing is widely debated, many dowsers claim to have a high success rate in locating water sources. Some skeptics attribute the success of dowsing to the dowser's familiarity with the landscape and the subconscious cues they receive while observing the environment. Regardless of the mechanism behind dowsing, the water witch continues to be sought after in many rural communities. Their ability to locate water sources can be invaluable, especially in regions where water scarcity is a pressing issue. In conclusion, the water witch is a person with the ability to locate water sources underground using dowsing techniques. While the scientific basis of dowsing is debated, the water witch is often highly revered in rural communities where access to clean water is crucial..
Reviews for "Ancient Methods of Finding Water: The Water Witch's Legacy"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The water witch" because I'm a fan of supernatural stories, but I was left disappointed after finishing this book. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. The pacing was also off, with slow parts that dragged on and exciting moments that were over too quickly. Overall, I found "The water witch" to be a lackluster read that didn't live up to my expectations.
- John - 1 star - I couldn't get past the first few chapters of "The water witch" before I decided to put it down for good. The writing was choppy and awkward, making it difficult to engage with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the characters lacked depth and development. I didn't find the supernatural elements to be believable or compelling, and the overall plot seemed uninspired. This book just wasn't for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Emily - 2 stars - "The water witch" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, leaving me with more questions than answers. The protagonist was unlikable and made questionable choices throughout the story, which made it hard for me to root for her. The romance subplot also felt forced and rushed, lacking in emotional depth. Unfortunately, I found "The water witch" to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.