Dowsing is practice of seeking water or other substances with the aid of a forked stick,  rods, or pendulums. In magic and mentalism, dowsing is presented as a demonstration of intuition or psychic ability, achieved through psychological techniques, subtle cues, or clever props. Performers create the appearance of locating or identifying unseen elements without relying on scientific instruments.

Dowsing effects are framed as divination or ESP (extrasensory perception), drawing on historical associations with water witching and treasure hunting. Dowsing methods include ideomotor responses, pre-show preparation, and audience misdirection to simulate an intuitive connection to hidden forces.