TheParagon

The detectorist’s journal is not just a record, it is a companion. It holds the echoes of each outing: the weather, the mood, an atmosphere, the soil’s texture, the signals heard and the silences kept. It is a ritual of remembrance, a field-bound archive of presence.

Why Journal?

To honour the land’s voice and reminder

To track patterns, anomalies and emotional resonance
To transform fleeting finds into enduring offerings
To cultivate ethical reflexes through reflection

Suggested Structure

Each entry might include:

Date & Time

When did you enter the field?
What was the light like? The temperature? The mood?
Other people present?

Location

Permission granted
Field name, coordinates, or local landmark
Notes on terrain, flora and human traces

Signals & Silences

What tones did you hear?
Which signals were strong, faint, erratic?
What did you not find? (based on research or expectancy)

Finds

Description, depth, soil type
Photograph in situ
Initial thoughts or questions

Reflections

What did the land teach you today?
Did you feel welcomed, warned, or watched?
What ethical choices did you face?

Sample Entry
Date: 4 September 2025 Location: Edge of the Hollow Field, near the elder grove Signals: One strong tone near the hedgerow, faint pulses near the stone boundary Finds: Bronze fragment, possibly brooch; 12cm deep in loamy soil Reflection: Felt a sudden hush when I uncovered it. The soil was warm, almost reluctant. I paused longer than usual. Ritual: Whispered “Who remembers you?” (Be one with the moment, it also helps one to remember details of the find) before placing it in the padded pouch. Will report tomorrow.