Why did we choose 5 May for International Dowsing Day?
Primarily because it was the birthday of much-loved and respected dowser Hamish Miller, who was the first to track the Michael and Mary currents across southern England (recorded in 'The Sun and the Serpent', written with Paul Broadhurst, and available from http://penwithpress.co.uk/). The idea was proposed by British Society of Dowsers' member Mike Barwell at their 2011 conference, and was formally launched in 2012.That year, the 5 May was a Saturday and coincided with World Labyrinth Day (always the first Saturday in May). As dowsing and labyrinths go hand in glove with each other, this happy conjunction was too good to pass up.
Dowsing groups around the world marked the first year, with the New Zealand Society of Dowsing and Radionics starting the day with the following affirmation:
"‘I call on the divine powers of nature, our guides and angels, to bless all dowsers and provide all with the proper frequencies to remove unnatural impurities and energies, to balance the chakras, energy pattern and meridians of the globe. To draw us close to our highest potential as loving spiritual beings. Let every dowser bring illumination to every situation and person they connect with.
In deep gratitude.’"
Several British Society of Dowsers' affiliated local groups were out in force, providing dowsing demonstrations at fairs and other public events, making and dowsing labyrinths, singing and dowsing the Michael and Mary currents at various points, and generally spreading the word about dowsing. Events also took place in Sydney, California, Ontario and elsewhere, thanks to the efforts of the national Australian, American, British and Canadian dowsing societies and enthusiastic dowsing groups. To close the day, the same NZ affirmation was read out at the Canadian Questers' convention in British Columbia by then BSD President Grahame Gardner.
Subsequent years have seen the event day move to the nearest weekend and even spread out a bit over the two days. But the basic intention to spread the love and celebrate dowsing all over the world remains strong. Anyone can join in - use this page to publicise your event, and get out there and dowse!
You can read an obituary about Hamish Miller and watch some of his videos at this link:
http://www.parallelcommunity.com/rememberhamish.html