Valley of Light Project

The Oracle Institute believes that the world is on the verge of a major paradigm shift, the likes of which we have not witnessed in 2000 years. The worldwide resurgence of religious fundamentalism coupled with the emerging New Age theosophies are just two indicators that we are in the midst of intense spiritual confusion and a transition – a "Great Cusp" – which always precedes a Spiritual Paradigm shift.

In addition, the Institute is cognizant of the many other unprecedented factors contributing to this turbulent period, including: global warming, food and water shortages, pandemic indicators, terrorism, energy limitations, and a lack of visionary focus by political and business leaders. We believe the key to a smooth transition into the 21st Century is the creation of a new way of living based on an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life (i.e., the Golden Rule). To that end, Oracle is committed to assisting the New River valley region of southwest Virginia - the Valley of Light - prepare for the future.

The Eleven Sectors of a Sustainable Community

The Valley of Light will be part of a resilient economic community and sustainable environmental region that encompasses all 320 miles of the New River Valley. People who live in the Valley of Light should actively participate in planning for their future, since we are likely to face problems that government cannot solve. For example, it is prudent to assume no governmental assistance in the event of extreme emergencies (like Hurricane Katrina). In short, we must assume control of our own fate and we must start to make self-determining decisions that support a more compassionate way of life for the entire community.

Additionally, due to escalating Earth changes, our community inevitably will be forced to make heretofore unthinkable choices for those born in the United States, such as: (i) preservation of natural assets; (ii) equitable allocation of scarce resources; (iii) use of recyclable and renewable materials; (iv) independence from fossil fuels; (v) rationing plans; (vi) medical emergency contingencies; and (vii) moral decisions on a variety of issues. 

Thus, Oracle wishes to help build an independently motivated and self-sustaining 21^st Century community, and we encourage those who live in the Valley of Light to start developing these eleven sectors of a full-spectrum community:

1. Learning & Education:

   Including progressive education and ecological literacy
2. Communications & Media:

   Including collaborative media and information networking
3. Art & Culture:
   
Including music, fine arts, and the performing arts
4. Economics & Business:
   
Including complementary currency, cooperative businesses, social venture capital, and living wage principles
5. Security & Peacekeeping:
   Including alternative dispute resolution and peace building
6. Justice & Governance:
   Including alternative democratic models and community/regional representation
7. Health & Wellness:
   
Including traditional medicine and integrative holistic methods
8. Food, Water & Environment:
   
Including agriculture and food production, and protection for water, air, soil, forestry, and wildlife
9. Infrastructure & Resources:
   
Including renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro), green building, and affordable housing
10. Science & Technology:

    Including breakthrough and clean technologies
11. Spirituality & Religion:
    Including inter-faith dialogue on religion, spiritual enlightenment, and the evolution of human consciousness