METHODS 2011>

The central part of the investigation consisted of several overlapping stages spread over a 6-year period from 2011 until December 2017; each stage representing a moderate improvement in the way reactions were recorded. After an assessment period between 2018 and 2021, a follow-up phase of further investigations commenced in 2021 in order to deal with the outstanding unanswered questions that had been revealed. Further routine long-term observations still continue at the time of writing. 

The key stages involved were as follows: -

Phase I: 2011 – 2014. Demarcation of the 'internal physiological' response from a reaction that is the result of  stimulation by an 'external' force; and explorations to outline the structure of that force.

Initially a very simple 'visual' 2-D approach was taken, focused mainly on the horizontal plane across the whole site. Records of locations where a reaction took place were made directly on to a single Imperial sized plan drawn at a scale of 1:100. Reaction points were temporarily marked on the ground, using 6 x 1 cm strips of stiff white plastic card inserted or laid on its surface; distance from a known point was measured, converted to scale and plotted directly onto the plan. Although visually appealing at the time, the disadvantage of such a method was that it took no account of the day or the hour when reactions occurred - resulting in positions and readjustments accumulating on the plan over many months.

As the importance of time began to be realized, the inadequacies the large scale 'Single Plan' method became increasingly obvious., The attempt to record all of the detail, across the whole of the site in a single 'snap-shot' was eventually abandoned in 2013; it was replaced with a new strategy, whereby over a period of just a few hours only a small segment of the site was examined. This modification meant that 'time' could be logged and thus, if reactions displayed a 2-D pattern in the horizontal plane which then appeared to change, it could be captured and monitored. Simultaneously, if any differences in 'strength' or a 'sub-pattern' of reactions was detected, that too could be recorded and seen. By recognising that a pattern may 'shift-over-time' required a method that focused on and documented whether any such movement might be:

a) sudden, i.e., 'on-off' or

b) steady i.e., have a constant rate of increase or

c) accelerating.

And further, whether the movement was:

• a general drift in one direction; perhaps on a large time scale of several years (like the movement of magnetic North for instance) or
• an oscillation, back and forth with a shorter time period, perhaps like the twice-daily movement of the tides.

Over the winter of 2013/14 lines of reaction were intercepted within the house at a few easily accessed places, and their occurrence crudely marked on the skirting boards with slim pieces of adhesive paper noting the Moon's phase at the time in case it had any bearing on their position. These tests were followed up in February 2014 by the drawing of an accurate 1st floor plan of a bedroom at a scale of 1:25 - allowing observations to be noted on it at almost any hour of the day or night. Other 'time' recorded observations were undertaken outdoors at specific locations around the site as weather conditions improved in the Spring of 2014.

Alerted by the initial findings of the investigation, it was realised that there was a need to take account of the three-dimensional 'Vertical Plane'; and so detailed plans of the ground floor and the 1st floor of the house were drawn, along with a series of sections (AA/BB/CC) through the long axis of the building (see below). A height differential of 2.54 m existed between the two floors thus, allowing a more comprehensive study of the vertical plane; but limited to places where there was an easily accessible space at two points vertically above each other, and where there was sufficient floor area to walk and produce a reliable reaction.

Phase II: 2014 - 15. Recognition of the critical importance of time.

a] Horizontal Plane over Time (Lunar 1st & 3rd Quarters).

In the spring of 2014 observations started to be recorded on a regular time scale every 14 or 15 days; arranged around the possibility that 'Tidal Forces' and/or distortions of absolute ground height might be involved. Thus, the timing of observations was based on 1st & 3rd Quarter lunar phases (when the local Neap Tides on the Solway Firth were at their lowest ebb at around midday. Only the strongest, narrowest reaction points were recorded, then scaled and noted down directly onto a blank A4 site plan which was freshly printed for each fortnightly period (see Fig. 1.1 below). Two days were usually required to survey the whole site but occasionally this was extended to a third day if weather conditions had made recording difficult.

Over the following months the number of observations made each fortnight was in excess of 135 (over a site area of slightly over 1,600 m2) giving a location-point density ratio ≥1 per 12m2. The observations were always made where the distance from either a building or some other significant feature could be used as a reference; or were made in specific locations around the site where new reference points had been created thus, all distances could be scaled and recorded on the individually printed site plan. These additional reference points were set up by using either sightlines or by triangulating from known points and then marking them with either an upright metal pole left permanently in the ground or with an X-arrangement of flat stones - easily seen, yet embedded in the ground to prevent them from being disturbed (see blank master plan left below).

By identifying and noting only, the 'Single-Pulse' reaction (i.e., the strongest and narrowest reaction and thus, the key element of a possible repeating pattern and omitting any intervening secondaries) a great deal of time could be saved. This led to each of the main vectors occupying the horizontal plane being allocated a unique identity tag. The system adopted was based on a 'Grid & Lattice' paired system and was organised as follows to suit the site: the vector pair forming a 'Diagonal X' or Lattice on the plan were denoted by the capital letter 'D'; while the second pair of vectors forming a Grid 'Cross +' and closest to the compass bearings North/South & East/West, were denoted by the capital letter 'P'. An accompanying lower-case letter, 'n' was added to denote a Northing or an 'e' added to denote an Easting direction. Finally, a unique number was allocated to each in a sequence rising 1,2,3…etc. from bottom (South) to top (North), and from left (West) to right (East) - see diagram Fig. 1.2 above right.

As the study progressed and skill in identifying the 'feel' of reactions improved, the recorded pattern's width increased and various unanticipated anomalies arose which demanded that this initial sequence of consecutive numbers be modified: certain intervening numbers needed to be dropped. Firstly, they were amalgamated with the next number in the sequence, allowing a zone to be defined where on closer examination only one single 'narrow' vector existed due to originally misidentifying the 'feel' or 'width' of a reaction/ Later even these second numbers were omitted completely. By the summer of 2014 the designated sequence used for the easterly section of the Diagonal lattice had become De1 - De2/3 - De4/5 - De6 - De7. Likewise, the P-Grid northerly sector became: Pn1 - Pn2/3 - Pn4/5 - Pn6 - Pn7; and the easterly sector was allocated Pe1 - Pe2 - Pe3/4 - Pe5/6 - Pe7. This resulted in a potentially confusing numbering system but, having initiated the system during the early period, it was not possible change it without altering the original notes - which was felt to be undesirable and had the potential to lead to greater confusion when referring back to them.

The normal observation method was to proceed on the first day by surveying one pair of vectors across the whole site (usually the Diagonals); followed on the second day by the remaining pair (the Cross Grid). The recording of measurements was still done by scaling and then drawing directly on to a plan. Each fortnight the individual A4 sheet of working notes was scanned into computer and then opened in Adobe Photoshop. The scaling of the scanner used at the time (Hewlett Packard psc1350) was found to be never exactly 100% - being closer to 99.2%: this resulted in a discrepancy of ~1.5 mm, representing about 25-30 cm at the scale used. This distortion was felt to be unacceptable; therefore, each scanned document firstly underwent careful adjustment, by scaling back up to match the original 'master' plan from which it had been printed. Only then, were the pencilled 'Reaction Lines' traced over and colour coded in a new 'Layer'. The two-colour method was used to allow for the possibility that a configuration recorded like a Lattice and Grid was being brought about by two separate, as yet unknown, autonomous influences i.e., any movement of one pair independent of the other needed to be monitored. The initial aim was to accumulate at least a year's worth of these fortnightly scale drawings of 'reaction locations (26 sheets amounting to over 3,500 data points spanning 12 months or so) in the hope that they would provide sufficient images to produce a short video sequence which might reveal the nature of any movement.

[b] Vertical Plane over time: Phase II (2014 - 15).

It became essential to establish whether certain Reaction Responses were connected along a straight vertical path perpendicular relative to the ground level, or on the other hand, occurred at an angle to it, or possibly had a curved path. The drawback to most plans is that although appearing to be two-dimensional, they in fact incorporate a 3-Dimensional aspect. Thus, the Site Plans being used in this particular investigation were a shallow view of the vertical plane consisting of barely 4 metres (or 6 metres if the 1st floor of the house is included). The initial method of dealing with this compression problem was to produce of a set of four 'Elevation' drawings of the whole site.

Each elevation was drawn from a different compass bearing with the aim of seeing if there was a relationship between what was visible in plan-view and what was being drawn in this wide vertical plane. However, like the fortnightly 'horizontal' plans, these '2-D elevation' drawings were in fact a compression of three-dimensional space - only in this case stretching for more than 30 metres across the site.

Such limitations were intermittently supplemented by making narrow vertical sections through the house - section CC has already been mentioned earlier (see Figs. 1.7a, 1.7b, & 1.8). Observations made at both ground floor and 1st floor point vertically above permitted a specific focus on a single part of one particular reaction Vector. These initial drawings were constructed as if in a 'single time-frame': i.e., an overlapping series of short vertical sections drawn from measurements made at the two points at monthly intervals; the whole series portrayed along a single sight-line thereby allowing assessment not only of whether reactions occurred perpendicular to the ground plane or were tilted at an angle, but also of whether over time a 'rising or falling' motion or a horizontal oscillation might be involved.

However, in order to make understandable sense of any 'movement' it eventually became obvious that the data collection method needed to have a much clearer 'Time-Dimension'. To meet this requirement a regular series of observations commenced towards the end of November 2014 made over fixed periods of time and at several separate locations - some on a daily basis and some weekly. These regular measurements were drawn on individual sections for each particular location thus, greatly improving the visualization and understanding any movement involved.

Based on these drawings a Perspex and wood, 3-D model was constructed as a supplementary aid to help in the complex visualization process required – it proved to be a useful reference for understanding the likely structure of 'an invisible, moving, three-dimensional form'.

[c] Physiological and Psychological aspects. Phase II: 2014/15 (and *2023).

As the investigation progressed it became essential that the Author's physical reactions be simultaneously compared with other individuals that appeared to be experiencing similar reactions - any differences their approach and their interpretation of these physical reactions, needed to be observed. Two such opportunities arose during the course of 2014.

Firstly, on 24th July, 2014, twenty-four members of the Westmorland Dowsers met at the National Trust's Acorn Bank, in Cumbria and the investigator asked if he could also attend. Never having witnessed a group of dowsers at work before (supposedly looking for an actual leak in a water pipe somewhere along a 300m length underground in fields) this meeting provided the first ever opportunity to unobtrusively watch individuals using L-rods or pendulums, and allow discreet and direct comparison of their zones of reaction with those of the author.

Secondly as a follow-up, an invitation was given to the West of Scotland Dowsers to attend the Barnbarroch Site. On 2nd November, 2014 a group of five members came, unaware that they were to be the subject of a short experiment in which the author attempted to observe their dowsing reactions, but this time independent of group influence. The individuals were not privy to any of the surveyed reaction details relating to the site that had been recently noted by the author. The group assembled in a central room within the building and, as a preliminary, the leader of the group (Pat Toms) was asked to demonstrate the use of the L-rod to detect for any response i.e., without any self-conscious thought about water or its depth (a common starting point for many dowsers).

Each of the five dowsers was given a blank Site Plan and, prior to them being asked to walk one at a time through two separate parts of the building, they were instructed to mark in pencil on their plan any points in these two areas where a response might subsequently be elicited. The two rooms where they were to walk were remote from the central room, where the remainder of the group would remain out of sight while each individual completed their round. When finished they were instructed to return to the centre but not reveal their plans or discuss the location of their reactions until all the other members of the group had traversed the same route.

As a supplement to this initial experiment, over eight years later in 2023, a second visit to the site by the West of Scotland Dowsers was arranged. This time the group was slightly larger and comprised of mostly different individuals, the exception being the group leader who was by now aware of the general direction of the author's investigations; however, the group as a whole were unfamiliar with developments over the intervening years. No instructions were given as to where to direct their thoughts: instead, they were simply asked to walk about in a small area outdoors (roughly 10 x 20 m) using their L-rods and confirm each other's places of reaction to establish if any particular vector direction was involved; if so, it was then marked on the ground using a series of small white plastic strips. This method of approach allowed the group to discuss and retrospectively see how what they had plotted compared with reaction vector positions recorded separately by the author on plans of the same area over many years but it also simultaneously allowed the author to gauge the effectiveness of the L-rod at producing similar reactions to the Underwood 'sensitive' rod.

The general method of approach taken in these tests had much in common with that taken in the late 1960's and early 1970's by Tromp S [1] and by Chadwick D G and Jensen L,[2] although it should be noted, these two research projects were investigating the likelihood of a 'magnetic field' influence on muscle tension in their subject's bodies and took place in the decades before the development of the electron microscope and the subsequent breakthroughs in neuroscience such a development facilitated.

[1] Tromp S W (1968). 'Review of the possible physiological causes of dowsing'. International Journal of parapsychology, 10,363-391.

[2] Chadwick, Duane G. and Jensen, Larry, "The Detection of Magnetic Fields Caused by Groundwater" (1971). Reports. Paper 568

Phase III: (Late 2014 & 2015) Gradual transition to computerized data storage.

Tests for the usefulness of recording direct to spreadsheets marked the beginning of the Third Phase of investigation methods. The transition to this system took place gradually over the course of 2014/15, overlapping with the fortnightly method of scaling and drawing directly on to individual plans - which was not phased out until October 2015. As a preliminary test for the layout required, measurements that had been made previously at Eight Key Locations' on the fortnightly scaled plans were retrospectively extracted - starting with those made in July 2014. Although far from ideal, the approximate measurements derived from these early plans facilitated initial plotting by hand on graph paper with 'time' and 'distance' as x / y axis. There was an inevitable lack of precision (the thickness of a pencil line on the scaled plans representing ±12 cm) but despite this, there was sufficient accuracy in the test graphs to demonstrate that it was indeed a better method of showing time and tackling the problem of how to understand any movement involved.

The initial 'Eight locations' were chosen for having good access to an obvious 'Coordinate Point' from which to measure distance, and selected to facilitate observation of any pattern of movement which might exist. Their make up was such that four points were based on the Diagonal Lattice (Dn2, Dn3 plus De4/5 & De6) and four based on the Grid Parallels (Pe3/4, Pe5 plus Pn2/3 & Pn4) - see Fig.1.3[a] below. Equally important, three were situated in the interior of the building i.e., Dn3, Dn4/5, and De6; while the remaining five were situated in the surrounding exterior parts of the site.

It quickly became apparent that to represent direction on a 2-D graph, the numbers had to be assigned a 'Positive' or 'Negative' sign in relation to their co-ordinate point otherwise, when it came to comparative analysis of data from similar locations, any 'directional shift' at one place could end-up appearing as a mirror image of its neighbour rather than running parallel with it. Initially the Cardinal points 'North' and 'East' were arbitrarily assigned to 'Positive', while points 'South' and 'West' were allocated to 'Negative' - as shown in the small Compass Rose in Fig. 1.3[a] below. However, certain anomalies became apparent in 2022 requiring this assignation to be subtly modified. Thus, while the data polarity of three of the vectors - Dn, De, & Pe, remained untouched, the polarity of the fourth Vector (Pn) was reassigned (in newly created columns in all spreadsheets) such that South & SSW became 'Positive [+], and North & NNE was switched to 'Negative [-] (The replacement Compass Rose is shown below in Fig. 1.3[b]).

Encouraged by the information which became manifest by these initial tests, specially prepared and printed  A4 sheets were used fortnightly from the Spring of 2015 onwards to record directly in the field the 'co-ordinate position' as a number in a specific column. These could then be typed directly into matching 'Excel' spreadsheets on computer and meant graphs could be reproduced and extended instantly. By the end of the first 12 months, using this improved arrangement, over 200 'fortnightly' data points were available which, when viewed as a sequence over time, allowed appraisal of any 'broad' annual pattern of movement that might exist far better than the originally proposed video sequence. However, viewing these Eight Locations only once every two weeks could not provide the detail required to deliver answers regarding movement over smaller timescales - particularly those that might involve days or months i.e., if Lunar influences existed, they were unlikely to be revealed at this observation frequency and at the phase dates chosen.

To rectify this shortcoming, Daily 'Reaction Location' readings were started in late December 2014 – again recorded to spreadsheet and overlapping those made fortnightly. Initially they were carried out at just one of the 8 locations but gradually the remainder came under daily scrutiny so that by early February 2015 all Eight Locations were being observed between 10 am and 1 pm each day. As the year progressed supplementary locations were steadily added until there were 32 locations under observation, both indoors and outdoors. The intention was to generate a large mass of data - sufficient to be able to say that either the reactions were entirely random or that perhaps some sort of an underlying pattern existed; and, if the latter was the case, identify the source behind it to be more easily. By the end of 2015 the total data count for the year amounted to over 4,000 in the horizontal plane at ground level; plus, close to 3,500 observations made within the house in the vertical plane.

Homing in on the problem further, if any movement in the vertical plane was to be identifiable as being produced by a wave, and specifically whether that wave underwent any changes in wavelength and/or amplitude, then the plotting of certain critical angles was required. At the two Interior Ground Floor locations  already under observation within the house, there was a small vertical clearance between the observer's head and the ceiling amounting to about 50 cm - just sufficient headroom to record one slightly higher point above each G.L. point. Similar measurements were also made at the two 1st Floor locations, such that by the beginning of November 2015, four points were being recorded daily in the vertical plane at each 'Interior' vector.

Running in parallel with these investigations at the four Interior locations, observations were extended horizontally from each of them to include any nearby 'Secondary Reactions' that might be found accompanying the main, strong reaction - the intention being to allow better assessment of whether any shape revealed was part of a larger resonating pattern or was something separate.

A supplementary series of Exterior vertical sections was started in in January 2015. Initially on a monthly basis, but by mid-April the observation frequency was increased to fortnightly, continuing at this regularity throughout the remainder of 2015, the whole of 2016 to the late summer 2017. The location was level and free of ceiling restrictions and thus, permitted the use of ladders & plank to make observations at a series of heights in excess of 1.50 m

Phase IV: (2016 – 17) Identification of wavelength and amplitude and the search for secondary oscillations. A large body of Data available on computer spreadsheets used to examine alternative time periods in 3-D and 4-D; and the continuation of daily observations but with greater focus on the vertical plane.

In addition to the Vertical Plane work already underway, both indoor and outdoor, 'Weekly' observations were started at a second Exterior location in January 2016. It was important to not to be reliant on a single source of data for constructing a picture of what might be happening in the exterior' vertical plane. This additional location was level and thus again suitable for the 'ladders & plank' method; further, it was immediately adjacent to the house wall (barely 20 cm below the interior GL), permitting the vertical data derived from it to be not only compared with any movement or any 3-D form that might be observed in the 'interior' but also allow comparison with the first 'exterior' location. Moreover, this new location occupied a position midway between two locations already under observation along a 9-metre length thus, allowing not only horizontal plane mapping but also simultaneous monitoring of any wave movement in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

More detailed vertical observations within the building were difficult - primarily because of height restrictions. However, attempts to provide 'interior' vertical sections were carried out on a 'weekly' basis from late April 2016 onwards in the stairwell - adjacent to the two locations - Hall and 1st Floor Bedrm-3). The data from these was used to 'fill in the gaps' and supplement the two pairs of daily measurements. The method was far from ideal - requiring subtle adjustments to the horizontal angle in order to compensate for the 1.0 m deflection from true vertical; but by doing so the full 2.54 m height between the two floors could be plotted, using from between 9 to 12 vertical points to indicate any curves in the form and their direction (depending on where the reaction took place in relation to available 'head-room' at the time).

So that all four compass bearings could be observed simultaneously, additional weekly observations were started in October 2016 at a third level 'exterior' location. The intention was for it supplement comparisons being made between 'exterior' and 'interior' sections and for it to provide more information on what was happening in the vertical plane in relation to any possible secondary movements - whose timings were critical if proof of an association with Lunar phases was to be found.

 Weekly observations stretching almost the full horizontal length of the site (> 25 m), had first been started in the summer of 2015 and continued throughout 2016 along key vectors. They were carried out to provide a clearer picture of any oscillation or movement existing in the broad horizontal plane. It was essential to be looking in both the horizontal and vertical planes simultaneously in order to not only gauge if any changes in wavelength or amplitude were occurring but also monitor any if changes in a vector happened if it passed through a building from the 'Exterior' to the 'Interior' or vice versa.

PHASE V: (2018 Onwards) Assessment of Data, and recommencement of Targeted Observations.

To achieve a comparison of any annual shift of wavelength which might be occurring outdoors with that occurring within the mass of the buildings, the daily 'exterior' and 'interior' observation data from 2014 onwards was converted where ever possible to a 30/31-day average for each of the 12 months of the year.

At the time it was unclear how any lunar oscillations might operate within an annual cycle and there was little if any guidance to be had from other scientific sources. More information was needed and so 'Daily Observations' were restarted (after a 3-year gap) just before the Spring Equinox of 2021 and continued throughout 2022, 2023 & into 2024. This third round of investigations started initially at just two 'exterior' locations, 20 metres apart but later a number of other locations were included. The initial pair were chosen in order to determine:

• the shape or form of any Lunar oscillation pattern that might occur throughout a full year;
• whether there was any similarity between years over an extended period;
• if there were similarities between any 'Exterior' daily Lunar oscillations and any 'Interior' annual shifts in polarity.

At one location the daily observations were made in the vertical plane: initially spanning 1.05 metres in 25 cm incremental steps. Later, in the summer of 2022 and continuing into 2023, more detailed measurements were made to determine any vertical plane 'minimum to maximum' variations in wavelength by increasing the height above GL of the observations from the original 1.05 m up to 2.66 m i.e., to roof top height. Simultaneously, 20 metres away at the second of the pair, where there was greater height (≥1.00 m) above the bedrock, horizontal plane observations were carried out spanning a horizontal distance of 3.0 metres, in increments of 50 cm.

In October 2021 additional vertical plane observations were started at a third location in an attempt to establish a particular location's distance above or below any Inflection Point that might and thereby, permit any changes in wavelength that might be occurring to be determined. This supplementary location was clearly situated at a greater height above bedrock (≥1.50 m) than the first and thus, had the potential to provide comparative data.

Further, the daily observations made at this third location were extended horizontally both NW and SE of the 'strong' reaction vector by 3 metres thus, allowing the nearest edge of any secondary elements to be recorded and better determine if a harmonic pattern existed or not. This had never been carried out on a daily basis before and was intended to allow consideration of any relationship that might exist between the 'strong' single pulse and its apparently 'softer' adjacent neighbour.

After the spring equinox of 2022, two widely separated, additional locations were placed under observation so that their slightly different heights above bedrock could also be considered: both locations possessed a greater depth of topsoil and subsoil than elsewhere (≥0.50 m & > 2.0 m) and therefore their distance from any Point of Inflection could be expected to be different. It was hoped that 3-D information from them might reveal more about any annual changes in wavelength. The depth of soil present also meant that they were exposed to highly variable amounts of day-to-day rainfall and therefore subject to geophysical changes of mass density due to their varying moisture content. Such differences occurring immediately below an exterior location had not been considered up until this point. 

Parallel Investigations in the Wider Landscape.

The use of GPS mobile phone technology allowed the local reaction vectors to be followed and their path traced outwards from the site; this was done over distances ranging from 200 to 600 metres depending on accessibility. Starting in 2015, the 'View Ranger' mobile app was used to record path orientation in relation to Grid North; it was later superseded by the 'Strava' App for exploration of more distant parts, both East and West of the site, allowing different geological, magnetic and gravitational characteristics to be sampled.

To investigate whether there was any relationship between the reaction pattern's orientation and/or spacing with that seen in the patterns shown on gravity field strength maps two areas along the Solway Coast with widely differing Bouguer Gravity Anomalies were chosen for GPS tracking. The first of the sites was at Ross Bay with +24 mGal assigned anomaly - close to sea-level and situated geologically on greywacke. The second site was an ancient volcanic upland area at Long Fell with an anomaly of -5 mGal and situated on granite - see fig. 1.4.1.

Yet another method of tracing the path of reaction vectors, where ever they occurred in the UK countryside, was to use readily available, scaled plans of Abbeys and Cathedrals - a method used by Underwood [1] who in turn, was inspired by the archaeological investigations of Reginald A Smith (Keeper of Antiquities, British Museum, 1928-38). Such plans, when reproduced allowed reaction locations to be marked directly on them and details of their spacing recorded at scale. The vector orientation and distribution pattern found at one site and in the immediate vicinity, particularly if supplemented with GPS tracking, could then be compared with that found at other similar sites – where ever built across the land.

[1] See Underwood G, 'The Pattern of the Past', Museum Press, 1969. Chapter 16; Pages 174-183