_Water Witching_

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/72369

Water Witching _Water Witching_ My informant does not use the above term at all, but instead, "a man that can find water" He speaks of Saul Whalen, formally of B.B. but presently of Snooks Hr. T.B. When anyone cannot locate water (for a well) on their property they ask Mr. Whalen to locate it for them. I don't know his exact [reverse] procedure. He uses a forked branch of alder with the rind still intact. He holds each of the prongs in his hands. as illustrated and walks back and forth over the land until water if found. Water is indicated by the movement of the alder. Mr. Whalen can hardly hold the prongs in his hand because the alder bends down towards the land. He groaps the prongs very tightly but it still forces downwards. Sometimes the "pull" is so strong that the rind cracks. By reputation, Mr Whalen can always locate water if it is there to be found. If he doesn't locate water, it is assumed that none is present; that is, his power is accepted. DICT CEN. [checkmark] NOV 25 196 Not used Not used Withdrawn NEWFOUNDLAND FOLKLORE SURVEY Reverse side of w_14020 Diagram included