As we move forward into 2026, I am feeling optimistic despite the many troubling events unfolding around us. I have always been inclined to see the glass as half full, a disposition which offers those who share it a small but valuable head start. In much the same way that we will soon see buds of new growth appearing on trees and beneath our feet as the natural world awakens, some people will find it harder than others to throw off their winter shackles.
Old friends of mine — we go back many years — are deeply aware and marvellously in tune with what is happening around them. Glen and Cameron Broughton have devoted their lives to guiding people to places of special interest and importance. Their quiet presence and deep knowledge lead not merely to surface understanding, but to something that reaches much deeper.
Through their regular letters and tour information, they share these insights, and their most recent letter captured something essential about this moment in our history. I am therefore including it here:
LIVING WITH EXTREMES
by Cameron Broughton
’As we arrive at the shortest day of the year, like a pendulum we find ourselves at the outer edges, and at this time quietly awaiting the return of the light.
We know that our natural world will return to balance as we begin the journey towards Spring. It is the cycles of the wheel of the year that teach us that extremes will always fall back into balance. We can have faith that whatever turbulent times we’re in, personally and globally, will be remedied. The same is true for the extreme highs, they can’t last forever; the ultimate natural world order is to return back to balance.
Since Samhain (Halloween) we have had the opportunity to go inwards, to reflect on our year past, to acknowledge what has worked for us and what hasn’t and have begun to dream of the seeds that we want to plant for a nurturing year ahead.
For extremes, taking stock is all about the acknowledging the pendulums of life; success/failure, right actions/wrong actions, joy/sorrow, etc. There are no mistakes only opportunities to learn and grow from. In this process, we can bring ourselves back into harmony by allowing the natural flow between our extremes.
If you believe that we are one with each other and our planet, know that our personal actions have an effect on us all. In the turbulent times that we are living in, may our vision adapt to the big picture, allowing us the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven. We can be the creators of harmony in the world.
May the blessings of the Universe shower down upon you and May the blessings of the Earth support your every step.’
Stillness…
“Outside the snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling and the stillness is palpable. It reminds me of the poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, where the narrator is drawn in by the beauty and allure of nature, yet remembering the responsibilities of life and pulled between the two…
I think many of us find ourselves in this dilemma often and finding the balance can sometimes seem unattainable. Glenn and I have shared this in many of our writings; it is the natural world that ultimately brings us back into balance. As the height of our celebrations have come and gone, we’re grateful for this quiet moment. We hope that your holiday celebrations have brought you joy and that you too can find a quiet time to reflect and be at peace.”
I was reflecting on how fortunate I have been, as thoughts came tumbling into my mind one after another.Memories unfolded into adventures lived and into the many remarkable people I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting.
Learning — and being guided by others — has played an enormous part in my journey,and I recognise how often I have stood on the shoulders of giants.
Acknowledging this does not mean that I am bowing out, merely that I am recognising the richness of the life I have lived within these circles, and the value of this ongoing education in what might be called the School of Life.
At present, I am planning a single tour on 31 July. Maria Wheatley has kindly agreed to lead us on one of her remarkable tours in and around Avebury during the morning. We will share lunch before visiting another extraordinary site — perhaps a new crop circle, or perhaps something equally unexpected — followed by an optional evening visit exploring the stones and history of Stonehenge. An opportunity not to be missed.
Maria Wheatley is a well-known and respected second-generation Master Dowser who specialises in dowsing for the geodetic system of earth energies, ley lines, and lost civilisations.
She is a Druid, and her heart lies with her Celtic past and heritage. She also has an affinity with ancient Egypt, where she discovered an incredible ley system and divine feminine earth energies at Abydos and Hathor’s temple respectively. She has dowsed in 17 different countries and coined the phrase ‘yin water’ to describe Gaia’s deep waters that emit powerful surface patterns and energy-line flows. She has recently discovered the Multiple-Geospiral energy pattern, a yin earth-energy system, and how the planets enhance these energies.
She is an international speaker who runs tours to ancient sites such as Egypt, Malta, and Ancient America. She hosts one-to-one tours and works with small or large groups. Her dowsing skills and profound understanding of Gaia’s energies make her a world leader with over 35 years of experience. Maria has studied the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age at Oxford and Bath University (CAT degree point system) with expert archaeologists.
St James Church, Selham
As we go forwards, strong in heart and will, my sister and I had the joy of going to a little village church in Selham, tucked away and, at first glance, just another church.
I could not have been further from the truth. Inside, it is so small that if about 20 people are present, it feels brim-full. Early on Christmas morning, we were lucky to get a seat.
The following description, written by a nameless visitor, gives it well-deserved credit:
St James’s Church, Selham, is a lovely little country church in a beautiful setting near the River Rother. The church almost certainly dates to the late Saxon period, and there is obvious Saxon herringbone-style stonework on the outside walls of the chancel. The nave and chancel probably date to the mid-11th century or even earlier.
The highlight of Selham church is the intricately carved chancel arch; a wonderful example of Saxon architecture. The capitals on
both sides of the arch are carved with fascinating details in a mix of geometric design and strange beasts. The north capital is intriguing; it was possibly plain whenbuilt, but shortly after the Norman Conquest it was carved in a mix of Norman and Saxon styles.
The lower section shows Scandinavian style serpent creatures eating their own tails. The upper section shows a ferocious beast.
The south capital shows more obvious Saxon style, with a three- pronged tool, common in the 10th century.
The font probably dates to shortly after the Conquest and is a simple tub-shaped favoured by the Normans. One of the carvingsshows a five-pronged tool, which came into use in the Norman period, as opposed to the three-pronged Saxon tool illustrated on the chancel capital.
The south aisle is Early English in style (1190-1245), with a squint – an opening to allow those seated in the aisle to have a better view of the high altar.
We are so blessed to have so many very ancient churches still in use.
May 2026 treat you with love and kindness, and may this thought find an entrance even into the hardest heart.
With my love and best wishes,
Lucy
Glen & Cameron Broughton
Journeys With Soul
Tel: UK +44 (0)7715 525 747
Email: info@journeyswithsoul.com