The practice of water divination, also known as dowsing or witching, has a long and mysterious history. People have been using this method for centuries to locate underground water sources, buried objects, and even missing persons. One intriguing example of this ancient practice can be found in the town of Kennebunk, Maine. Located on the picturesque coast of New England, Kennebunk is famous for its stunning beaches and charming small-town atmosphere. But beneath the surface lies a hidden secret – the bewitching water divination of Kennebunk. For years, local residents have relied on skilled diviners to help them find water for their wells.
He believes Des Moines needs to experience the emotions around Salem because, although this tragedy occurred more than 300 years ago, the effects are recognizable.
He believes Des Moines needs to experience the emotions around Salem because, although this tragedy occurred more than 300 years ago, the effects are recognizable. Taking a history lesson from the Salem witch trials, choreographer and Ballet Des Moines Artistic Director Tom Mattingly was certain that people need to be reminded to not judge a book by its cover.
For years, local residents have relied on skilled diviners to help them find water for their wells. The process is simple yet captivating. The diviners use various tools, such as divining rods or pendulums, to locate underground water sources.
Inspired by the infamous witch trials, Ballet Des Moines’ ‘Salem’ stages a raging fire of fear
Ballet Des Moines pulls from a moment in history this fall to show that different doesn’t mean dangerous. Taking a history lesson from the Salem witch trials, choreographer and Ballet Des Moines Artistic Director Tom Mattingly was certain that people need to be reminded to not judge a book by its cover.
“I thought it was so interesting that the fear of demonic possession and witchcraft was being really pushed by the church, ‘we have to resist all of this evil,’” Mattingly said. “Whereas, they were some of the biggest impacts in creating the evil within the community because of how it spread.”
Salem, the first offering in the company’s 2022-23 season, encourages audiences to confront these fears and judgments. The new work is set to compositions by Igor Stravinsky (Rite of Spring) and Evan Ziporyn (Qi).
The Salem witch trials were held 1692-1693 in Salem Village (present-day Danvers), Massachusetts. More than 200 people were accused of witchcraft; 30 were found guilty and 19 were executed. The local justice system was overwhelmed with trials, which pushed the governor at that time to order a special court.
Fears of witchcraft peaked in the American colonies after the British war with France there in 1689. Accusations in Salem Village originated from a group of young girls who, encouraged by superstitious adults, claimed to be under the influence of local witches, performing spasms, contortions and screaming.
“And there were things, like, all of a sudden, they would twist and writhe and say, ‘She’s pinching me, she’s pinching me!’ But you can’t prove that any of that is true,” Mattingly said. “And that spectral evidence was allowed in the court as evidence for so long until towards the very end of the trials, it was finally taken out.”
Some of those who were accused admitted guilt in hopes to save themselves, often throwing friends and family members under the bus as well.
“I think as soon as it became clear that if you are accused … you participate and you help to find the other witches, then you’re spared — that temptation just to keep your own life, I completely understand why so many of them then accused others,” Mattingly said.
But many of the accused, he said, began accusing those who were already exposed or already executed. Mattingly thinks this roundabout strategy made perfect sense.
“So many of the accused were trying to stop the madness by not accusing new people,” he said.
The Ballet Des Moines production will start in the middle of the history of the Salem trials, which will be portrayed with costumes evocative of the time (a modern-dress reimagining of harsh Puritan styles) and showcased through the villagers’ behaviors towards the unpopular, minority community of Salem. The characters include a Preacher, a Girl, the First and Second Accused and a personification of Fear.
“It starts, it’s a fire,” Mattingly said. “There’s these little sparks that then catch on to the tinder. Then enough of that happens, and there’s this whoosh to this raging fire. Then eventually, it takes so much time to stamp it out … And it took so long for people in power to step in and help.”
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Mattingly looks at the Salem witch trials to be an awful moment in time and doesn’t understand how something so monstrous could have happened.
“It’s sad and really disappointing that it didn’t get squashed immediately, that there weren’t people in higher positions of power to recognize that this is awful and wrong,” he said. “And there’s literally no proof that any of these accusations are true. Nothing demonstrative. And it’s like, why? Why did these people have to suffer? The entire community? It’s ridiculous. It makes me mad. It’s surprising that it was able to run so rampant.”
Courtesy of Ballet Des Moines
One historical figure included in the piece is Giles Corey. He was pressed to death after his wife was accused and put to death. Corey refused to enter a plea resulting in him demanding more weight as stones were stacked on his chest.
Mattingly learned about the history of Salem from Erin Wegleitner, a Salem descendant and assistant professor of theater arts at Drake University, and from Lisa West, a Drake English professor who is teaching the Salem witch trials. Mattingly also has done a lot of reading and listening to podcasts.
He believes Des Moines needs to experience the emotions around Salem because, although this tragedy occurred more than 300 years ago, the effects are recognizable.
“I think we see people today who get swept up by fear and panic and power, and horrible things come out of it if it’s not checked in some kind of a way,” Mattingly said.
He says it all comes down to people feeling the need to be 100 percent correct.
“I feel like there’s a lot of fear right now. And a lot of panic. And power is such a commodity,” Mattingly said. “And there’s so much power given to so few people, that there are so many other people that are just in survival mode, like the accused witches in Salem.”
Ballet Des Moines chose to stage Salem at Des Moines Performing Arts’ Stoner Theater because of the way its intimacy complements the show. Salem opens Oct. 20; tickets are available now.
This article was originally published in Little Village Central Iowa issue 006.
“I think we see people today who get swept up by fear and panic and power, and horrible things come out of it if it’s not checked in some kind of a way,” Mattingly said.
They walk slowly over the area while holding the tools in their hands, waiting for them to react. When the rod or pendulum starts to move, it indicates the presence of water. What makes the water divination in Kennebunk so fascinating is the accuracy of the results. Many people have reported finding water exactly where the diviner predicted, often just a few feet below the surface. This uncanny ability has earned these diviners a reputation as skilled practitioners of their craft. The popularity of water divination in Kennebunk has even led to the creation of a local society dedicated to preserving and promoting this ancient practice. The Kennebunk Water Divination Society holds regular meetings and workshops where individuals can learn the art of divining for themselves. While some skeptics argue that water divination is nothing more than a pseudoscience or a result of subconscious cues, many residents of Kennebunk firmly believe in its power. They see it as a deep connection to the natural world and a way to tap into ancient wisdom. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there's no denying the allure of water divination in Kennebunk. It's a practice that has captivated generations and continues to intrigue visitors from near and far. So the next time you find yourself in this charming coastal town, take a moment to explore the world of bewitching water divination and see if you can uncover its secrets for yourself..
Reviews for "Connecting with Nature through Water Divination in Kennebunk: Tapping into Earth's Energy"
1. Amy - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Bewitching Water Divination Kennebunk. The divination session felt like a complete waste of time and money. The water reading was inaccurate and generic, with no personalized insights or specific details about my situation. The staff seemed uninterested and lacked knowledge. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a genuine and meaningful divination experience.
2. John - 2 stars
I went to Bewitching Water Divination Kennebunk with high expectations, but unfortunately, they were not met. The water divination session felt rushed and superficial. The staff didn't explain the process thoroughly, and I had to ask for clarification multiple times. The reading itself was vague and didn't provide any useful guidance or answers. Overall, it was a subpar experience, and I wouldn't go back or recommend it to others seeking accurate and insightful divination.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had mixed feelings about Bewitching Water Divination Kennebunk. While the atmosphere was calming and the staff was friendly, the actual divination session left much to be desired. The water reading felt generic and lacked depth. It seemed like the reader was just spouting off general statements that could apply to anyone. I was hoping for more specific insights into my life, but instead, I left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed. I won't be returning for another session.