Luminara: A Mystical, Self-Discovery, Silent Reflection Sanctuary

 

By Netera Landar

 

 “Welcome to Luminara, a living spell, formed from intention, energy, and the ancient pull of what’s been forgotten but never truly lost. This is a sanctuary for the seekers, the wanderers, the ones who feel the veil thin and know there’s more.”---Sedona Starchild, Luminara’s creator. 

In destinations, under Nature and Beaches, I decided to explore Luminara. The SL summary said that “it’s a space created with care, where every detail holds a deeper meaning, if you’re open to it.” That piqued my interest.

This gem was first created by Sedona Starchild as The Healing Muse, then as Mudra, and is now in its latest evolution as Luminara. 

“This sim came from a very personal space, born out of my own need to heal emotional wounds. It’s an invitation to slow down, explore gently, and connect with something meaningful, both within the space and within yourself,” explained Sedona.

 

The sign at the landing point directs guests on how to use the books in the nearby building.

At the landing point, I saw a woodpecker very eager to make a hole in a sign. Not a good place for a nest, but the sign was informative. It said to touch a book in the nearby building, select “Read Now,” and the book will start reading in local chat. You’ll be the only one to see it. These books offer short insights to be experienced in-world. 

The bookshelves have numerous engaging titles to read.

Approach the bookshelves and browse the titles to find one that interests you. Each title begins with “Let’s Talk About.” There are books on Time Management in Second Life, Friendships, Social Bonding and Loneliness in Second Life, What We Choose to Become, Feminine and Masculine Energy, Emotional Affairs, and Rebuilding Trust After It’s Been Broken. Many more books are available.

A second sign welcomes guests to Luminara and tells them to explore, reflect, and discover.

Blackbirds circle the entrance of the Apothecary.

A short walk from there is the Alchemy Greenhouse. Starchild’s message encourages you to touch the jars of herbs to discover their secrets. A Tarot Wall explains the meaning of each card. You can explore Reiki, essential oils, astrology, numerology, and runes. You can even talk to Noah, an AI guide. Learn about the moon phases, and there’s a book on Celtic Druidism.

Inside the Apothecary

 Inside the greenhouse, you’ll find Midnight Oracle, a spiritual advisor who is a black cat. He watches you as you enter his domain. Touch a candle to hold it, and watch your step, as the animated broom is busy at work. To the left is a group join and a tip jar.  On the table, you will find a Himalayan salt lamp, a green yoga mat, a healing muse candle, a green Namaste cushion, and a healing muse bracelet. 

 

The dance circle awaits its dancers. Flames are intense here. Prayers will be spoken.

At the dance circle, stone pillars contain flames, and a bonfire is in the center. The floating key whispers questions, asking you to look deeper within yourself to find a path to self-discovery. According to the prompt, “this is a sacred space between the physical and spiritual, a way to release, awaken, and connect here.” The circle represents the cycle of life.

The Mirror of Introspection area features a slightly raised platform covered with garden grass and small wildflowers. A couch is there for silent reflection. The mirror is situated behind the sitting area. In front of a hedge, there is a floating key. When you touch it, it will ask, “A reflection meant for you reveals: What belief about yourself no longer serves you and is ready to be released?” 

The Native American Wisdom Circle was one of my favorite areas on the sim.

Walking towards the Native American Wisdom Circle, Sedona’s prompt states, “This is a sacred space of ancestral knowledge, reflection, and connection.” 

“The campfire burns as a symbol of warmth, storytelling, and transformation. Gather here to honor the wisdom of the past and the power of shared experience,” said another prompt.

Click Mother Drum for a menu of sounds. The sections are Seasons, Journey, Canyon, Tribal, Perfection, Creation, Callback, and Rabbit. Click one or all. Raise your computer’s volume so you can hear them louder and feel their power. A dreamcatcher is at the river’s edge, as well as the Chief and Elder Fox. Click both for words of wisdom.

“Learn about healing and protection from the bear. Embrace adaptability and resourcefulness with the fox. Discover the meaning of dreams by touching the dreamcatcher,” says Sedona’s prompt.

Sedona Starchild and her companion, Veil, in the sound bath.

 

 After five visits, I noticed that Sedona was online, so I contacted her. I was invited to see the sound bath. She told me, “After years of holding live meditations, I learned the importance of evolving how I hold space. The sound bath now offers ongoing meditations, Tibetan bowls, and shamanic journeys, allowing people to engage in their own time and way.”

Those chosen landscapes and attention to detail have been carefully arranged. This is the type of sim designed for self-discovery. Somewhere to venture to when you want to be alone to think about your life and the direction you wish to take. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Luminara/113/157/25

Netera Landar

Yosimite in Spring

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Yosemite spring 001 - I also took a side trip over to Yosemite to see the beautiful spring flowers and take a horseback ride as usual. It is definitely spring there now. I saw a mother bear and a cub in the distance but turned back quickly and quietly. The horses are out in the corral. There is a good map nearby that shows the loop for riding along the water area and through the forest trails. 

Camping is open and the kiddie playground waiting for visitors. The lovely B&Bs have become very popular she told me. Check those out.

My main reason for going was to see the marvelous new year round ski area that Jadin Emerald has installed up in the mountains, Forever Wild. It is wonderful and offers a choice of camping down on the spring area and going up for a ski trip for a day, or I see cute igloo tents(domes) for rent up there and even a few cabins if the family wants to stay a weekend or a week or more. There are free skis and also sleds provided and I found a high long ski slope and a lower one down below also. At the bottom is a tent set up with food and drink a chairs to relax for a while before taking the lifts up to come down again. What a treat for those who miss the cold snowy hills during the spring and summer. I never skied in real life so I enjoy the SL opportunity. I have to get out my ski outfit!

 

Not only that but you will find a sauna and a hot tub waiting for the after ski.

If you don’t have a navigator hud for the regions they are available when you arrive. It is all available to the residents and the visitors who frequent Yosemite. I got a photo of Jadin and a Yosemite resident and me trying the winter fishing hole.

What a terrific Lodge Jadin has installed. There is a dining area with a choice of food and drinks, a lounge and a gift shop with the lovely geodes at only 5L each that I could not resist. Some of the items in the shop are free.

 

Upstairs there are three lovely suites for rent at only 50L a night for skiers or those who need the winter views and skip skiing. It is a wonderful place to spend a few days. She is not finished yet though. I see more construction still going on. This is the entrance at the new area where you can find a Navigator and try the ski slopes.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forever%20Wild/176/200/2438

Gemma Cleanslate
 

The PBC's Voting Registration And Fall Arrives at Yosemite

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

The Premier Business Center is hosting a voting educational event through mid October. This is to prepare US citizens to register to vote in the November election and how it all works. I stopped over to check out the venue and there is loads of information available. All citizens are invited to come and get the free information and ask questions if you need.

Events are taking place also on various evenings. JardinAlexis says all are welcome to come participate regardless of intended affiliation of party or independent status. Better hurry over though in some states registration deadlines are coming fast!! Check out the map on the wall and click on the stars . look around at various posters and get more information.   

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/190/65/1150

I also took a tour over at Yosemite this weekend to check out the autumn arrival. The park looks lovely with the gold and yellows in the trees and grasses. It is a wonderful place to take a horseback ride, or just walk the many trails on the property.

The link below will put you inside the Visitors Center . Gifts on the wall! I hope you grab the great winter outfit on the wall in the Center! Pick up the explorers hud to help you get around when looking for a certain destination.

I decided to take a walk on the trails and ran into a couple of cub bears wandering about. 

 

I finally saw the mama coming my way and moved on fast! This is a great place to bring friends or family for a week or even for just the weekend. The prices are right . Enjoy horseback riding and other activities on the region anytime.
 

I had not seen the new wedding and other event Chapel near the Center but got a good look at it . All group members are invited to use it for ceremonies . It seats 48 ! It is also a charming place to just sit and meditate. You can contact Jadin if you have questions.

Some of the campers have put out pumpkins and other fall décor on their camp site. Try the wall climbing on the side of the Visitor Center after you pick up the free items and information inside. There is a wonderful group however and Jaden Emerald is overly generous with gifts at random times . Casual visitors are welcome however so drop over and use the public facilities. There are often Rangers around to help also.  

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/138/61/25

Gemma Cleanslate

 

The Buddha Garden

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

August is often considered the vacation month in real-life and Second Life. I seems to be quieter than most of the other months in general. After being so busy in July, not only in real-life but also SL with the SL21B events and then the Burn2 summer Whimsy I needed some quiet time. Time to regroup and contemplate. The Buddha Garden seemed just the ticket.  It is a beautiful region filled with sites to relax, consider the flora and fauna. Around each corner there is something that urges one to stop and think.

As soon as I landed at the entrance I found a lovely little building with a Buddha sitting and he offered these words “Buddha Garden: Your daily pearl of wisdom, take it and make it yours: 'Letting go is always the lesson. Have you ever noticed how much of our agony is all tied up with craving and loss?'” My first contemplation looking out the door at the vast ocean beyond.

I began walking along the beach to see if it went all the way around the island. I came upon a statue of the Buddha rising out of the water. Water signifies calmness, clarity and purity so it made sense. Off in the distance I saw two houses so I went to visit. Each contained a relaxing place .

When I looked up I saw that there were numerous Buddha’s protecting the island. Off in the distance was another island with volcanoes rising, one active and one dormant and I think the Buddha’s were watching these also. I passed waterfalls and beautiful pools with Buddhas and seating for meditation at each. Out on a tiny island I found a buddha that gave me more advice . “Buddha words. RARE: As an elephant in the battlefield withstands arrows shot from bows all around, even so shall I endure abuse.”

Well, I am not sure about that.

I found a house serving food and sat to eat . Even at such a place there is the water everywhere around that is soothing. I had to giggle at what looked like an old television that had been changed into a planter. Many books sat nearby. I learned that each Buddha statue has its own meaning and I will have to take time to learn about each with some research. I find Buddhism so interesting in its words that apply to life no matter what your other philosophies or beliefs.

Several of the beautiful temples high up on the mountain have extraordinary statues and vistas.At one I stopped to do tai chi . There are so many places more to explore here and I will return to look for more. Take time for a trip there. You will not be disappointed. Also look for another little island with a small gallery, Khin Tower Art Gallery. Visitors are invited to contact Gian if they are interested in exhibiting there, at no cost.  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ahimsa/57/85/24

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Kaleidoscope

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Spark has opened their new venture which is called Kaleidoscope. I learned for the first time that a group of butterflies can be called a Kaleidoscope flying and this is what the build is all about. It is an Education Project to introduce you to the life of this amazing little creature and how hard it is for them to survive.

From the entrance at the top of a mountain in Mexico you will follow a long path with educational information about the Monarch down down a winding stairway. Along the way are places to sit and relax to the music.

As I went along I found a cave under the waterfall and stopped in. It is magical with a swirling light filled with the Monarch stretching high to the top.

Farther down the trail walkway you will find your self surrounded by these delightful orange and black creatures. There are many places along the way just to sit and relax and enjoy the enchantment.

rαvєn вαnríσn кrαу (RavenStarr Resident and her team, who created The Pond and This Mortal Coil have done a wonderful job as usual and it will be here for the next three months.

They have dancing events under the waterfall that is great fun surrounded by the flickering insects as they fly by. I stopped by one party to join in. Begin your magical journey here. You will visit many times after your experience. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pebble%20Isle/52/90/80

I brought one home with me..(you can too.)

Gemma Cleanslate

"The Pond" And "The Forgotten"

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

While doing the Nature Collective Hunt I visited some venues I had never seen before, nature related . One startled me and brought memories of the Greenies home of old. The beauty invited me to return and explore. It is The Pond. Everything there is immense, from the lily pads to the outsized koi below the waters and insects in the sky. rαvєn вαnríσn кrαу (RavenStarr Resident) is owner, designer, builder of The Pond.

It is a marvelous place to hang out with relaxing sites among the lilies. Check out the delicious picnic area or play in the sandbox. There are secret places here so walk around and touch. I went around the outer edges of the Pond and discovered little animals and birds.

Well I say little but they were not. Some were the same size as me. I had a hard time locating the prize there but finally found it. It is a dancing frog so that made me happy. While I was there 7 visitors arrived in different groups to explore. Take some time to go visit and relax on land or under the waters. A bubble on the lily pad will take you down. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairhill/108/156/26

“A magical swamp born from sorrow, lighting the way for explorer's to follow.

A castle in ruin, gardens left to despair. Eyes of lost statues left only to stare.

Whispers of sadness from voices long gone, dancing fairy dust left to sing its last song.”

This is a description of The Forgotten, another place I discovered on my Nature Collective hunt.

I found a dazzling sky and a fantastical swamp to maneuver moving on walkways and tree roots. Float around on a leaf for a while to discover the environment. The foliage and insects are so whimsical.

A fanciful lamp post seems to look at a visitor with laughter in the light. Lionsheart (Elfing Shenanigans) the owner has touched the deep secrets of the past in creating the place.

Mystical creatures inhabit the ruins above the swamp. Dragons fly overhead and an enormous whale , seemingly out of place, floats through the sky and I took a ride on his back. Look for little nooks of relaxing places, some frightening but also inviting. Bring your honey and dance in the gazebo at the edge of the waters.

Everywhere I walked I was aware of the beautiful sky above. The whole region is a delight to the eyes. I will return to poke through those ruins for more adventures.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peaceful%20Shore/89/185/26

The Nature Collective has so many members with lovely places to explore and I will be doing that! Join the group and see all the offerings.

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Mount Campion National Park

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Since the Nature Collective had an update to their hud that takes one to a recommended nature place, I went over to the headquarters to pick one up. I forgot to mention that there is a hunt beginning July 18 at the member sites. I think I will do that. I did a little more exploring and wandered onto the Rainwashed Soul on the property. I had stopped by on my first visit but did not peruse what is offered there.

Standing in the rain just listening to the sounds of nature is soothing. I entered the little A frame shelter and discovered that there is directed meditation. I spent some time sitting and entering into the spirit of it and found it more than relaxing. There is a helping notecard there on meditation also. Stop there to delve into it.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Muslin/137/21/131

After that experience I walked out of the headquarters and found myself on Route 3. I decided to take a car ride on the road and headed east. I did not get far when I found myself at a Smokey Bear sign.

I discovered I was at Mount Campion National Park. I gathered the information offered and read about the park and its caverns. I discovered, ”Mount Campion Caves National Forest is over 150,000 sq meters of beautiful parkland, landscaped to look like a natural mountain park. It has the largest natural caves and caverns. Above ground are miles of scenic trails through natural canyons and forests. There is hiking, horseback riding, camping, and photography. and cabin rentals. Located on the slopes of Mount Campion, the highest mountain in SL on the beautiful Heterocera mainland continent. You can roam for weeks! “ This is one of the members of the Nature Conservatory.

I set off up the road and found a horse rezzer for public use of visitors. One can also use the Segway that is available at the entrance. Instead of rezzing one I brought my own horse out and continued up the trail that continued upwards on the mountain through the forest. Before I ventured too far I stopped at the Nature Center and went in to check it out. Interesting educational displays and projects are going on in the building and outside. I learned that Hiroko Nubalo takes care of the center with help from the mascot.

As I continued on my roaming I found good signage directing one to various sites to visit. The roads and trails are so numerous as I traveled up and up and up. It is amazing. I passed some of the camp sites and cabins off the road and finally reached the Caverns.

That is another site here that will take ages to explore but is well worth it. I spent some time on the rocky pathways in to the caves and found a lovely statue at one point. It would be easy to get lost in there I bet. You are recommended to give information to someone before entering the caverns just in case. The underground extends over three regions.

I took several trips to the forest after my first and I reached the peak when I found myself at a Gazebo way up on top. There are lovely rental homes summit that have wonderful views of the world around the mountain. The map is so helpful showing the rentals, trails and teleport locations. You CAN roam for weeks!!

Another day I went to the other entrance that is off of Route 6 on the other side of the mountain. This entrance is definitely more of a challenge than the one off Route 3.

There are three rangers at Campion, Scott and Maggie North and Hex Shining North Star (hextar Resident) who help out with activities and on the mountain. I met Maggie and the mascot, ?Maddison?Angel?NÔrth (lunaroseus Resident) who is the daughter of Scott and Maggie and also helps out. I will be visiting again. 

Activities taking place at various sites in the park: ballet dancing, belly dancing, several parties during the weeks with 80’s music and more. A lovely spa set into the mountainside offers calm and solace in the sauna there. With the forest all around there is a soothing effect just walking along the trails and waterfalls and rambling brooks abound.

I stopped off at the rental office just to take a peek at what is available. The owner of this magnificent site is Marz (Mar Scarmon) who says it all on her profile, “The forest embraces me, It encloses me and shelters me from harshness, Its soft greens and browns soothe my aches, And I slumber relieved while dreaming of primordial things.”

I was going to ask her about her reason for the park but I did not have to after reading this on her profile. I have not met her yet in my travels. There is no way to do justice to all that one can do or see at this marvelous mountain here. To get to Campion take this ride to the Route 3 entrance. Get all the information from the Squirrel. You will find shortcuts to various sites you might want to visit. I say just walk and discover.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Highflyer/40/248/122

Gemma Cleanslate