My first experience was as a curious child attempting to see if dowsing would work alas it did, and was an experience that was never forgotten. Even though I wish to try dowsing on our retirement ranchland, it might be an unfair test due to being in the middle of the Great Divide Basin but perhaps shallow areas of water will be identified.

Have panned for gold and have never thought of using dowsing, as a method of finding gold this is a hobby venture with no desire to get rich quick on my part however finding flakes of gold is fun.

Do understand your perspective concerning greedy people wanting to misuse a gift to benefit themselves financially instead of finding water for their survival.