The Valley of Light (“VOL”) is a sustainable, spiritual micro-community located in the rural town of Independence, Virginia. Our 23-acre campus is situated in the Appalachian Mountains and it borders the ancient New River – the oldest river in the Western Hemisphere and possibly the oldest river in the world.
VOL was founded by team members of The Oracle Institute, a 501(c)(3) educational charity and socio-spiritual think tank. Oracle operates an award-winning publishing house, a spirituality school, and a global peace practice. See: www.TheOracleInstitute.org. VOL and Oracle share the campus, and Oracle serves as the community’s tax-exempt teaching vehicle.
VOL Members are aware of what is happening in the world and understand that humanity is on the verge of a major paradigm shift. The global decline of democracy and emerging New Age theosophies are just two indicators of the polarization, confusion, and looming transformation. VOL Members also are cognizant of the many unprecedented factors contributing to this turbulent period, including: global warming, food and water shortages, clean energy delays, pandemics, terrorism, and lack of visionary focus by political and business leaders.
We believe the key to a smooth transition into the 21st Century is the adoption of new ways of living based on an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. To that end, VOL is seeking committed “Cultural Creatives,” who wish to build a model micro-community that operates in every sector of society (like the Federation of Damanhur in Italy).
The “Peace Pentagon” is the heart of our campus, and it functions as the VOL community center, Oracle’s headquarters, a training center for progressive and pluralistic programs, and a wisdom center that spans cultures and creeds. The interior chapel of the Peace Pentagon is maintained by Oracle Temple, our esoteric and multi-faith church. See: www.PeacePentagon.net.
If this brief description of our community resonates with you, please contact: In**@***********ht.org.
The Valley of Light is a sustainable, spiritual community dedicated to the Principle of Peace and the Universal Laws of Truth, Love, and Light. We seek social architects in all sectors of society – people who want to build new world and who are in service to humanity.
1. After your Valley of Light visit, we will write to invite you to join VOL or provide an explanation as to why we have decided not to extend an invitation. We also may offer you a Non-Resident membership.
2. For Resident Members, there is a 3-month trial period, during which you will live in community housing and get to know us (and vice-versa). If the initial Trial Residency is successful, then you will be invited to complete a full year trial residency.
3. After one year as a Resident Trial Member, we will engage in a series of interviews and evaluations. If it is deemed a good fit by a super-majority vote of the existing Members, then you will be invited to become a Resident Member of VOL.
1. Potential members should read these informational pages at our website:
www.TheOracleInstitute.org/About-Our-Community
www.TheOracleInstitute.org/Community-Principles
www.TheOracleInstitute.org/Paths-of-Perfection
www.TheOracleInstitute.org/New-Member-Profile
2. If it feels like a good fit to you, then please fill out the Valley of Light Interest Form.
The form can be accessed at our website: www.TheOracleInstitute.org/Valley-of-Light-Visit
Or you can email us to get the form: In**@***********ht.org
3. We will schedule a Zoom interview with you after we receive the completed VOL Interest Form.
4. If it still feels like a good fit, we will schedule your VOL Visit!
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
More than 50% agreement needed.
Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.
VOL has a Constitution and By-Laws, which are reviewed every year during the annual VOL gathering. The VOL governance structure is democratic and includes an elected board of trustees (the “Council of Sages”). Members discuss and agree on day-to-day issues. Large decisions require a super-majority vote of the community and the Council of Sages.
Members select a primary area of focus within the community (their “Path of Perfection”). Currently, there are five paths:
(i) Path of the Native, for those who wish to focus on the grounds, gardens, and livestock;
(ii) Path of the Scientist, for those in technology, energy, and health related fields;
(iii) Path of the Peacemaker, for those passionate about social activism, mediation, and justice;
(iv) Path of the Artisan, for builders, writers, artists, musicians, and performers; and
(v) Path of the Oracle, for those who wish to focus on spiritual growth and oversee our community church, Oracle Temple.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Join fee: $5000
Regular fees: $100
Labor: Yes (5 hrs/week)
VOL members are financially sound and contribute to the maintenance of the campus. Members pay dues to support the farm animals and common areas, including: the community garden, internal roads, the Peace Pentagon (our community center), campground (with kitchen pavilion and bathhouse), trails and recreational areas (along the New River and Saddle Creek), outdoor sacred space (medicine wheel, labyrinth, and kiva), our shared farm equipment and tools, and county real estate taxes. All our property is DEBT FREE.
Common House, Garden(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
kitchens, dining, and social areas.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
Residential communities focused on providing space for meditation, spiritual practice, and personal growth retreats.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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