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Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, October 31, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

A request from a representative of the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD (Reinhard Heydrich) to the Ahnenerbe for an update on the review of dowsing and pendulum documents expressing the hope that this activity can be completed shortly, as they must report to the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler).

Report By Josef Wimmer On The Position Paper By The Reich Association For Dowsing And The S.D. Report, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In this report, Josef Wimmer adds his opinion on first, the position paper by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and proposes official measures to protect the practice and empower the association and second, a report from the SD in response to the Reich Association petition. Wimmer responds to criticism of dowsing included in the SD report while also recognizing sources of error that the Reich Association training fails to address. He concludes with proposals that would reorganize the association and strengthen the training and oversight capacities, placing the association within the oversight of the Ahnenerbe and encouraging …

Assessment Of Confiscated Dowsing And Pendulum Literature By Josef Wimmer For Reinhard Heydrich, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In a document sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD, Josef Wimmer provides an assessment of confiscated documents related to dowsing rods and pendula. He describes nine documents and provides his own opinion on their value. He recommends the release of seven documents, the classification of one (Baron von Pohl's Earthly Radiations as Pathogen) and the sequestration of one (F. Kallenberg's "Revelations of the Sidereal Pendulum". He additionally comments on the state of dowsing rod research and the principles he used to assess the documents. Finally, he states that the Ahnenerbe should be consulted on all cases …

Assessment Of Confiscated Astrology Literature By Josef Wimmer For Reinhard Heydrich, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In a document sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD, Josef Wimmer provides an assessment of confiscated documents related to astrology. He recommends the release of two documents, Astronomical Ephemeris for the year 1940 and Abdias Trew's Layout plan for reformed astrology. The sequestration is recommended to be upheld for Planet Signatures by Thomas Ring and The New Planet Pluto by Fritz Brunhübner. Wimmer remained undecided about a final document, The Dynamics of the Cosmos by H.H. Reinsch.

Letter From The Ahnenerbe To Walther Wüst, September 25, 1940, Ahnenerbe

Dowsing Research

In a letter written on behalf of Wolfram Sievers, it is requested that the requested assessment of dowsing rod documents be completed as soon as possible as the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD Reinhard Heydrich is eager to find a solution.

Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, August 13, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

This letter accompanies documents seized during the sequestration of occult literature. It is noted that the Reich Association for Dowsing requested the release of the books and the letter writer asks that the Ahnenerbe provide a statement of opinion on the documents in question.

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Reinhard Heydrich, August 5, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

Writing to Reinhard Heydrich, Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and of the SD, Josef Wimmer summarizes a letter from Paul Beyer of the Reich Association for Dowsing, in which Beyer states that dowsing is useful in many areas and offers examples from his own experience. Wimmer references his own response to a prior document. He states that the regulation of dowsing is planned for the period following the end of the war, but transitional provisions could be made in agreement with the Ahnenerbe for the time being to allow the use of dowsers for economic and military purposes.

Note From Rudolf Brandt Representing The Reichsführer-Ss Himmler To Reinhard Heydrich And The Ahnenerbe, July 23, 1940, Rudolf Brandt

Dowsing Research

In this note sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD and to the Ahnenerbe, Rudolf Brandt as a representative of the Reichsführer-SS states that he is sending to the recipients copies of a paper from the Reich Association for Dowsing regarding the confiscation of literature on dowsing and pendula. He mentions in particular works published by J. Huber in Diessen vor München as well as a book from Baron von Pohl on earth radiation as a pathogen. He conveys the opinion of the Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler, that the works should be released and the Ahnenerbe consulted on …

Letter From Paul Beyer To Heinrich Himmler, July 12, 1940, Paul Beyer

Dowsing Research

In this letter, Dr. Paul Beyer writes to Heinrich Himmler, Reichsführer-SS and Head of the German Police regarding the confiscation of literature related to dowsing and pendula. He relates his attempts to address the confiscation with Dr. Koch of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, who ordered the confiscation. He requests that Himmler abolish the program and proposes the creation of a department dealing specially with dowsing questions which would benefit from Himmler's protection.

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Walther Wüst, June 4, 1940, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

A letter from Wolfram Sievers, managing director of the Ahnenerbe, to Walther Wüst, curator of the Ahnenerbe. Sievers states that he is forwarding a letter from the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD as well as a letter from Dr. Paul Beyer which includes the document "My Successes with Dowsing Rods". Sievers asks that Wüst take action in forwarding the documents to Josef Wimmer, as the meeting they had planned had not yet taken place. A handwritten note from Wüst confirms this transaction.

Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, May 31, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

This letter, composed on behalf of the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD Reinhard Heydrich, was written to accompany a document forwarded to the Ahnenerbe. The document in question is Paul Beyer's "My Successes with Dowsing Rods". The writer notes that nothing is known of Baron von Leesen and the Ahnenerbe should deal with the document as circumstances require.

Letter From Paul Beyer To Heinrich Himmler On The Uses Of Dowsing Rods, April 3, 1940, Paul Beyer

Dowsing Research

Dr. P. Beyer explains to Himmler the uses for dowsing rods and offers examples of success using dowsing rods to locate oil and gas deposits, water, mineral deposits and to avoid lightning.

Account Of Bundling Related By Christ Geiger, March 5, 1940, Alfred L. Shoemaker

Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents

Handwritten notes compiled by Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated March 5, 1940. Within Christ Geiger relates an informant's experience with the courtship practice of bundling.

Zeitschrift Für Wünschelrutenforschung / Journal Of Dowsing Rod Research; Volume 20 Issue 7/8, Josef Wimmer, Paul Beyer, Reich Association For Dowsing, Franz Wetzel, Joseph Wüst, Friedrich Lautenschlager, Hans Falkinger, Hanns Fischer, Helmuth Husserl

Dowsing Research

The July/August 1939 issue of the Journal of Dowsing Rod Research, published by the Reich Association for Dowsing. Paul Beyer, Chair of the association, wrote (in other documents in this collection) to the Ahnenerbe, Himmler and Heydrich requesting support for dowsing and the association. This particular issue includes an article by Josef Wimmer, Head of the Department of Applied Geology within the Ahnenerbe.

Journal of Dowsing Rod Research, organ of the Reich Association for Dowsing

Editor: Dr. Paul Beyer

Volume 20

Issue 7/8 July/August 1939

Herold-Verlag Dr. Franz Wetzel & CO.K.-G. Munich-Solln

Contents:

Invitation to the General Assembly of the …

Folktale About Rising Bread, June 30, 1939, Alfred L. Shoemaker

Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents

Handwritten notes recounting an informant's story about a Pennsylvania German baker with supernatural powers. When the baker was not present in the bake-shop, the dough would refuse to rise for his assistants.

Memo From Wolfram Sievers, June 12, 1939; Forwarded To Josef Wimmer On August 3, 1939, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

In this memo, Wolfram Sievers reports changes to be made to proposals made in a report on dowsing based on a telephone conversation with SS-Sturmbannführer Ehlich. The note at the bottom forwards the memo to Josef Wimmer who is in possession of the paper in question.

Report On The Visit Of Dr. Wentzel On June 6, 1939, Unknown

Dowsing Research

This report on a visit to Berlin by Dr. Wetzel notes progress in scientifically determining physical causes for the dowsing rod phenomenon and laments the rejection of dowsing by experts due to activities by "dilettantes and frauds", whose activities should be stopped through official measures.

Wetzel expressed a desire for the Association for Dowsing to come under the umbrella of the German Police with the protection of the Reichsführer-SS, possibly within the Ahnenerbe. He compares dowsing research to World Ice Theory research, both facing opposition from government and party officials which could discourage researchers.

Wetzel additionally mentions his support for …

Letter From The Reich Main Security Office To The Ahnenerbe, May 26, 1939, Reich Main Security Office

Dowsing Research

This note from the Reich Main Security Office on behalf of the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler) accompanied a report on dowsing rods which was submitted to Himmler. The note states that the report was being forwarded for information purposes.

Report Of The Sd Directed At Reichsführer Ss Heinrich Himmler, May 26, 1939, Sicherheitsdienst

Dowsing Research

This report from the SD responds to the petition by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and asks for measures to regulate dowsing and empower the association in its oversight capacities.

The SD response begins with a summary of the arguments made by the Reich Association for Dowsing which refers to dowsing successes and outlines obstacles in the form of hostility from the science community, lack of resources, and the detrimental effect of "wild dowsers" on the overall reputation of the practice.

The paper then explores the organization itself, noting that it is based on a system of …

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Walther Wüst, May 22, 1939, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

In a note to Ahnenerbe curator Walther Wüst, Wolfram Sievers states that he is forwarding documents on dowsing to Josef Wimmer. Wimmer is asked to provide his opinion, particularly on a paper from the Reich Association for Dowsing. It is hoped that this can lead to the creation of a research center proposed by curator Wüst.

Letter From Walther Wüst And Wolfram Sievers To Heinrich Harmjanz, February 27, 1939, Wolfram Sievers, Walther Wust

Atlas of German Folklore

Wolfram Sievers and Walther Wüst write to Heinrich Harmjanz informing him that he has been tasked with the leadership of the "Atlas of German Folklore".

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 23, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers in which Harmjanz requests a document related to the commissioning of the work for the Atlas of German Volkskunde by the Ahnenerbe. He indicates that it is needed for an upcoming meeting with the German Research Association.

Nebraska Folklore: Pamphlet 19,  Reminiscences Of Dad Streeter, Nebraska Department Of Public Instruction, Federal Writers' Project Of The Works Progress Administration For The State Of Nebraska, Nebraska Writers' Project

Digitized Books

These reminiscences of George W. Streeter, who prefers to be known as Dad Streeter, relate experiences and events in which he participated while living in Nebraska during the 1880's The manuscript was first submitted to the Federal Writers' Project in Utah (where Mr. Streeter now resides in Ogden), and then, through the National Office in Washington, D.C., to the Nebraska Federal Writers' Project. In order to preserve the flavor and flow of the rough narrative, editing was reduced to a minimum.

During the years covered by the reminiscences, "Dad" lived the life of a roving cowboy-constantly moving from Nebraska to …

Letter From The Ahnenerbe To Heinrich Harmjanz, January 12, 1939, Ahnenerbe

Atlas of German Folklore

This note, written on behalf of Wolfram Sievers, accompanied letters from Rudolf Mentzel of the German Research Assocation which Harmjanz had requested for an upcoming meeting regarding the Atlas of German Folklore (see letter from Harmjanz to Sievers from January 5, 1939).

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, January 5, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers asking for copies of letters from the German Research Association which Sievers had previously promised to share with Harmjanz. Harmjanz asks that they be sent as soon as possible, as they were necessary for making decisions about the staff and relocation of the Atlas of German Volkskunde.

Stories And Notes From The Dietrich Family, 1939, Unknown Author

Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents

A handwritten set of notes documenting various stories passed down through the Dietrich family by an unknown author, dating from circa 1939. Within, the author details various tales involving early settlers and Native Americans, folk cures, hypnotism, a grandfather clock and a peddler of eyeglasses.

Superstitions, Proverbs And Notes From The Dietrich Family, 1939, Unknown Author

Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents

A handwritten set of notes documenting various stories and superstitions passed down within the Dietrich family, author unknown, dating from circa 1939. Within, the author documents a number of folk beliefs, riddles, proverbs, and anecdotal stories - many written in Pennsylvania Dutch dialect.

Letter From Rudolf Mentzel To Matthes Ziegler, November 30, 1938, Rudolf Mentzel

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Rudolf Mentzel of the German Research Association to Matthes Ziegler of the Professional Association for German Folk Studies in response to Ziegler's request for the source material of the Atlas of German Volkskunde. Mentzel explains that the material has been sent to Heinrich Harmjanz of the Ahnenerbe for use in his work.

Letter From Rudolf Mentzel To Walther Wüst, November 30, 1938, Rudolf Mentzel

Atlas of German Folklore

A letter from Rudolf Mentzel to Walter Wüst agreeing to send the Atlas material to the Ahnenerbe for Harmjanz to use in ongoing work. The letter refers to a request for the material by Matthes Ziegler of the Professional Association for German Folk Studies, which was refused by Mentzel due to his verbal promise to Harmjanz.

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Oberregierungsrat Zimmerman, November 17, 1938, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

A letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Oberregierungsrat Zimmerman of the German Research Association discussing access to the Atlas source material. Harmjanz assures Zimmerman that Matthes Ziegler was incorrect in believing the Atlas work to complete. He details future plans and reasons the material was still needed. He notes that work would continue under the auspices of the Ahnenerbe. He also mentions that Rudolf Mentzel had verbally promised the loan of the material and assures Zimmerman there would be no financial cost to the German Research Association for this project.