Rhabdomancy
Rhabdomancy uses rods or staffs in divination and also relates to dowsing for water.
How to approach it
A reading begins by recognising a sign and relating it to a question. Describe the observation first, then explore its associations: the image opens a reflection rather than imposing a conclusion.
An important distinction
A rod's movement does not establish the presence of water. Symbolic use differs from investigating actual ground conditions.
An example to explore
Compare staffs depicted as lots with a dowsing rod: they share a material but not necessarily a procedure.
Taking the idea further
To explore further, compare the related concepts and note differences in material, procedure and interpretation. If you open a related tool, read its own rules; sharing a symbol does not mean carrying out the same practice.