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Jane Taylor Articles

Written Perspectives on Energetic Health & Therapeutic Insight.

  • Oct 1, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Dec 18, 2025

This special edition newsletter is all about dowsing, the possibilities are endless!

 



A little bit of history to start with.... 

Dowsing is an ancient practice that uses a tool, such as a pendulum or rods, to detect subtle energies and information. It can be used to find water, minerals, lost objects, and even to answer questions about oneself and the world around us.

 

The history of dowsing is long and complex, dating back thousands of years. Evidence of dowsing practices can be found in ancient cave paintings which when carbon dated were over 8000 years old and dowsing tools have been discovered in archaeological sites all over the world.

 

Dowsing was also practiced by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

 

In the Middle Ages, dowsing was widely used to find water and minerals, but it was also used for a variety of other purposes, such as finding lost objects and treasure. Dowsing was also used to detect evil spirits and geopathic stress zones.

 

During the Renaissance, dowsing became increasingly popular in Europe. Dowsers were hired to find water for new towns and villages and to locate minerals for mining operations. Dowsing was also used by military commanders to find water for their troops.

 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, dowsing began to decline in popularity, due to the rise of science and technology. However, dowsing never completely disappeared, and it is still practiced by people all over the world today.

 

Dowsing has been called by many different names throughout history, including:

  • Divining

  • Water witching

  • Doodlebugging

  • Water finding

  • Dowsing rod

  • Witch hazel stick

  • Virgula divina (Latin for "divine rod")

  • Rhabdomancy (Greek for "rod divination")

  • Geomancy (Greek for "earth divination")

 

The term "dowsing" is thought to have originated in the English West Country in the 17th century, and is derived from the Old English word "dūsian", meaning "to strike" or "to knock". This may be a reference to the way that a dowsing rod is typically held and used.

 

There are many different theories about how dowsing works. Some people believe that dowsers are able to tap into a universal energy field, while others believe that they are simply more sensitive to the subtle energies that surround us all.

 

Whatever the explanation, dowsing is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is also a relatively easy skill to learn, and anyone can do it.

 

To dowse, you simply hold your dowsing tool in your hand and ask a question. The tool will then move in a certain way, depending on the answer to your question. For example, if you are dowsing for water, the tool may swing back and forth when you are over a water vein.

 

The key to dowsing is to be clear and focused in your questions. You should also be aware of your own body language and biases, as these can influence the results of your dowsing.

 

Dowsing can be a very beneficial tool for both individuals and businesses. For individuals, dowsing can be used to improve health and well-being, to make better decisions, and to connect with their higher selves. For businesses, dowsing can be used to improve productivity, to find new opportunities, and to solve problems.

 

Here are a few tips for getting started with dowsing:

  • Choose a dowsing tool that feels comfortable in your hand. Some popular dowsing tools include pendulums, y-rods, and L-rods.

  • Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.

  • Relax and focus your mind.

  • Ask your question clearly and concisely.

  • Pay attention to the movements of your dowsing tool.

  • Practice regularly.

 

Using Dowsing in Therapy Sessions 

I use Emotional Dowsing Techniques (EDT) in my practice to help clients heal from emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. It is a way to use dowsing to work with the subconscious mind. EDT can be used to identify and release negative emotions, limiting beliefs, and core wounds. It can also be used to balance the chakras and aura and to promote overall healing and well-being.

 

Come Dowse With Me Live WorkShop

If you are interested in learning more about dowsing, I am running a live workshop called "Get Into Dowsing" on Saturday 21st October 2023.

To provide a personalised learning experience, workshop numbers limited, providing a relaxed and informative atmosphere where you can learn about dowsing and practice your skills, searching for water, energy lines, using charts, self-care and healing.  

 

Come Dowse With Me on YouTube & Spotify

It's been a while since Amanda Peet and I joined forces and our YouTube channel ' Come Dowse with Me' which was born in 2020. We finished filming series 3 this summer and are now about to start filming series 4 this autumn.  

 

The Dowsing Academy

In 2023 Amanda and I decided to collaborate further and now as well as our YouTube channel, all our dowsing courses are under one banner. The Dowsing Academy is now home to my Dowsing Workshops and Amanda's online course.

 

Dowsing Resource

In the last newsletter, I shared a dowsing chart which I hope you have found to be useful. This time I am sharing a dowsing timeline that I use out in the field, to help date places. The instructions for use are on the download. Sign up to the Newsletter to gain access to FREE RESOURCES


If you have any questions about dowsing or the therapy sessions that I offer, please do get in contact.

 

I look forward to seeing those of you who are coming to the live event in a couple of weeks.

 

Happy Dowsing!

 

Jane x

 




Samhain is a Celtic festival celebrated on October 31st, which is the halfway point between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. It is a time of great change and transition, both in the natural world and in our own lives, that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is a time to connect with our ancestors, to reflect on the past year, and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

 

The history of Samhain

Samhain has been celebrated for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-Christian Celtic people of Britain and Ireland. For the Celts, Samhain was a time to celebrate the end of the harvest season and to welcome the new year. It was also a time to honour the dead, as it was believed that the veil between the worlds was thin during this time, this allowed them to communicate with their ancestors and to seek their guidance. Samhain was also a time to celebrate the harvest and to give thanks for the food that would sustain them through the winter. People would gather together to eat, drink, and tell stories. They would also build bonfires and dress up in costumes to ward off evil spirits.

 

In modern times, Samhain is still celebrated by many people around the world. It is a time to come together with family and friends to feast, drink, and make merry. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

 

How to celebrate Samhain

There are many ways to celebrate Samhain. Here are a few ideas:

  • Create an altar. An altar is a sacred space where you can place objects that represent your beliefs and values. Your Samhain altar might include photos of your loved ones who have passed away, symbols of harvest or items that represent your spiritual beliefs. You can decorate your altar with candles, flowers, food, and other items that have special meaning to you.

  • Build a bonfire. Bonfires have been a traditional part of Samhain celebrations for centuries. They are believed to purify and protect and to help guide the spirits of the dead home.

  • Tell stories. Samhain is a time to gather together and share stories. You can tell stories about your ancestors, stories from other cultures or about your own personal experiences.

  • Feast. Samhain is a time of feasting and celebration. Prepare a meal with your loved ones and enjoy each other's company.

  • Dress up in costumes. Samhain is a time to dress up in costumes and masks. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and to protect you from harm.

 

Winter Wellness

Winter can be a difficult time for many people. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and it can be harder to stay motivated. Here are a few tips for supporting your wellness at the start of winter:

  • Get enough sunlight. Sunlight helps to regulate our circadian rhythms and mood. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure each day.

  • Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. Even a short walk in the park can make a difference.

  • Get regular exercise. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

  • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will give you the energy you need to get through the winter months. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Get enough sleep. When we're well-rested, we're better able to cope with stress and adversity. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

  • Connect with loved ones. Social support is important for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for the people who are important to you whether it's in person, over the phone, or online.

 

Clocks Going Backwards

On Sunday 30th October the clocks go back one hour. This is known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). DST is intended to save energy by making better use of daylight hours. However, some studies have shown that DST may have negative consequences for our health and well-being.

 

If you are struggling to adjust to the time change, here are a few tips:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

  • Get plenty of sunlight exposure during the day. This will help to improve your mood and energy levels.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

 

Samhain is a time of great transition and change. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to honor our ancestors, and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. As we enter the dark half of the year, let us remember the blessings of Samhain.

 

On this sacred night of Samhain,

When the veil between worlds is thin,

I offer you these blessings:

 

May you be surrounded by love,

From those who are near and far.

May you feel the warmth of community,

And the support of those who care.

 

May you have the courage to face your shadows,

And to heal the wounds of the past.

May you be guided by your intuition,

And by the wisdom of your ancestors.

 

May you celebrate the beauty of life,

Even in the midst of darkness.

May you find joy in the simple things,

And may you always be grateful.

 

May the spirits of Samhain guide you,

And may you be blessed with all that you need.

 

Blessed Samhain!

 

Jane x



Updated: Dec 18, 2025

The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance and transition. It marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, and day and night are of equal length. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs on September 23rd this year.

 

The Autumn Equinox has been celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. In ancient Egypt, it was a time to honour the goddess Isis, who was associated with the harvest and the cycle of life. The Celts celebrated the Autumn Equinox as Mabon, a time to give thanks for the harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.

 

The Autumn Equinox was also an important time for the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks celebrated it as the Feast of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. The Romans celebrated it as the Feast of Consus, the god of stored grain.

 

In many cultures, the Autumn Equinox was also seen as a time of death and rebirth. The leaves began to fall from the trees, and the days grew shorter. This was seen as a time to reflect on the past year and to prepare for the coming year.

 

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning "equal," and nox, meaning "night."

 

The Autumn Equinox is the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance between the light and dark, the yang and the yin.

 

Today, the Autumn Equinox is still a time for celebration and reflection. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons and to let go of what is no longer needed. It is also a time to focus on our inner lives and to make changes that will help us grow and evolve.

 

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate the Autumn Equinox:

  • Go for a walk in nature and appreciate the beauty of the changing leaves.

  • Have a harvest feast with family and friends. Decorate your home with autumnal colors and symbols, such as pumpkins, gourds, and leaves.

  • Spend time in meditation or prayer, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the coming year.

  • Do some journaling or creative writing, expressing your thoughts and feelings about the Autumn Equinox.

  • Take a yoga class or other form of physical activity to connect with your body and mind.

  • Spend time with loved ones, enjoying each other's company and creating memories.

  • Plant some winter bulbs. This is a great way to welcome the coming season and to enjoy the beauty of flowers in the spring.  

No matter how you choose to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, make it a day to honour the natural world and to connect with your inner self. It is a time to let go of what is no longer needed and to embrace the changes that are coming. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of the season and to look forward to the future with hope.

 

I hope this article has inspired you to celebrate the Autumn Equinox in a meaningful way.

 

May this special time of year bring you peace, joy, and gratitude.

 

Jane

 


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Jane Taylor is an Energy & Dowsing Practitioner based in Devon

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