History Early divination and religion thumb|right|Dowsing for metal ore, from 1556 "De re metallica libri XII" book thumb|Use of a divining Rod observed in Great Britain in the late 18th century thumb|right|An illustration of a divining rod Dowsing originated in ancient times, when it was treated as a form of divination. The Catholic Church, however, banned the practice completely.Inglis (1986) pp. 246–247.
History Early divination and religion thumb|right|Dowsing for metal ore from 1556 "De re metallica libri XII" book thumb|Use of a divining Rod observed in Great Britain in the late 18th century thumb|right|An illustration of a divining rod Dowsing originated in ancient times when it was treated as a form of divination The Catholic Church however banned the practice completelyInglis (1986) pp 246–247