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The circles have had a continuing association with a range of beliefs, ideas and theories that could be considered under the general heading of 'New Age’. They have attracted interest from channellers, visionaries and dowsers. This chapter explores some of these themes and looks at some of the paranormal events that have been reported from within the circles. Early researchers were quick to notice the proximity of many circles to the numerous ancient sites in southern Britain and, as we have seen in Chapter 4, it has become accepted amongst some researchers that these sites can be connected to the circles by temporary modifications to the local ley system. The primary method used to detect these lines has been dowsing. Dowsing has assumed such importance in investigation of the circles that it is worth considering in some detail. Dowsing Historically, dowsing was used to detect underground water and, traditionally, payment for a dowser's services was made by results. This pragmatic approach is important, because it underlines a reality to dowsing, which some of the more extravagant claims made for the technique stretch considerably. Dowsers generally use a small Y-shaped hazel branch, angle rods or a pendulum. Whilst there is no concrete evidence of how dowsing actually works, there is some consensus that the instrument used, whatever it is, acts to amplify small muscular movements of the arms, wrists and hands. Some dowsers even claim to be able to dowse with 'bare hands' (Pat Delgado found he was able to dowse in this way). When dowsing with a hazel 'wand' or rods, the dowser looks for a movement from a stationary ‘neutral’ position as they walk over or into a hidden line of force, or an underground water course. With a pendulum, a neutral swing is set up and, as either a mental question is asked, or a line crossed, the swing changes to a circular motion, the direction being interpreted as a positive or negative answer. 6. The New Age The Paranormal and the Circles