Category: Exploring Second Life

I discovered Goddess Temple by way of the Destination Guide, and was immediately intrigued by its description. Occupying one quarter of a Full private region leveraging the Land Capacity Bonus available to such regions, it is a genuinely magical setting created by Sharon Edwyn, offering a virtual journey into a realm of physical world mythology.

A sanctuary of stillness and mystery, where one may reflect, find serenity, and awaken the spirit. A temple consecrated to the goddess Hekate.

– Goddess Temple Destination Guide description

More generally spelt as Hecate (HEK-ə-tee), the name belongs to one of the more multifaceted deities in Greek mythology; a figure associated with the Moon, the underworld; with magic, mystical arts and witchcraft, and whose name was invoked for a range of reasons, such as healing, protection, and divination. Her roots span ancient Greece, Egypt and Caria, as well as both the Titan and Olympian pantheons, Hecate having originally been a Titan prior to their downfall at the hands of the Olympians, who then allowed her to retain her powers and position.

Further, her influence also encompassed the Roman civilisation, and she even featured in post-Christian writings of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, in which she was seen as (among other things) the Mother of Angels, and she was frequently worshipped with offering of food at crossroads where she was said to dwell as a protector of thresholds.

Goddess Temple most notably reflects Hecate as the goddess of magic and mysteries; protector of households, thresholds and crossroads; keeper of wisdom and her links to the underworld. What’s more, it does so quite marvellously through the core temple space, which is quite magnificent, and which I’ll come to in a moment or two, as the rest of the setting is equally as visually engaging.

Before continuing, however, this is a setting which should be visited using the local Shared Environment and with local sounds enabled. A PBR-enabled viewer is also highly recommended. The Landing Point is located towards the southern side of the setting. It sits upon a junction of path which, whilst not a crossroads, is still highly appropriate to Hecate’s aforementioned role as protector of crossroads.

An information giver stands alongside the Landing Point, and I recommend touching it to receive more information on the setting and to be clear on the rules. Of the three paths offered to those arriving, one appears to lead to the entrance to Sharon’s private residence in the adjoining parcel (no trespassing please!), although a right turn at the door will lead visitors to a terrace with a view out over the waters beyond the region to an off-region surround.

A second path, pointing north and guarded at either end by two pairs of triple-headed street lamps (a subtle reference to Hecate often being depicted as triple-bodied, perhaps?), sits another terrace overlooking a large pool of water fed by water falling from on high on its far side.

Like the costal terrace, this offers places to sit, whilst a statue of Persephone, the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld kneels in the middle of the pool, the waters of which escape to the west, dropping to the sea by way of a rocky, fast-flowing stream. Beyond Persephone, and just visible through the curtain of water from the high falls, is the first hint of the secrets awaiting discovery.

However, to reaches these secrets, it is necessary to travel west along the third arm of the footpath and through the arch of a great stone portal wrapped in trailing vines and lightly fingered by the boughs of the trees pressing close to it. Here the path becomes more of a trail and the trees multiply in number as they continue to cast a green and brown canopy over much of the landscape, the ground of which is lush in shrubs, grasses and flowers whilst lanterns hang from boughs to provide gentle illumination.

Within this part of the setting there is much to be discovered. There is a partially ruined pavilion offering a place to sit and perhaps read (or cuddle!) and enjoy tea from a copper samovar; then there is the remnants of a temple to Aphrodite, again with places to sit;  whilst within a clearing within a ring of trees and ancient columns can be found a place of ritual.

But it is the path leading to the entrance to the temple of Hecate which offers the way to greatest surprise / reward for visitors. Watched over by a statue of the Three Charities (or Graces, if you prefer), and passing by way of a bridge over the stream tumbling down from the central pool, this path leads to the unassuming entrance to what appears to be a cave with another columned stone portal standing before it.

This cave proves to be a tunnel with a paved floor wet with what may be water formed from condensation rather than by any water flowing or dripping through the rock. Lit by torches mounted on the rough rock walls, the tunnel reveals itself beautifully a little at a time (if you are running with Shadows enabled).

The appearance of the Temple of Hecate is itself a literal revelation as you round a corner, its full, stunning beauty suddenly laid out before you without warning. Its astonishing beauty is literally breath-taking, and folds into it subtle references to Hecate’s manifold roles. Tall bookcases in the main chamber of the temple, complete with a reading table before them speak to her role as a goddess of wisdom, while the runes within the pages of the book mounted in the reading table suggests magic / mysticism.

Meanwhile the flooded floor of the temple’s inner chamber not only points towards a statue of Hecate, it offers a reminder of the Underworld’s River Styx and thus Hecate’s own links to that realm. In addition, the use of torches and fire bowls reflect Hecate’s role of illumination and guidance through darkness.

Whilst the statue might not reflect the three-body form in which Hecate is often – but not always – depicted (the three forms reference her ability to see the past, present and future), it does include a pair of dogs. The latter were seen as both her loyal companions within the Underworld and as symbols of her links to the nocturnal and the mysterious. That the statue is set against the slowly swirling backdrop of a spiral galaxy appears to echo Hecate’s celestial place and being.

There is more to see within this main temple – and more to explore with the tunnels, including the marvellous retreat hidden behind the waterfall mentioned above and dominated by a painting of Hecate; but I’ve leave you to discover the beauty of that room for yourself.

A genuine tour de force of creativity and design, and offering plenty to see – and learn: look for the information boards to find information on the likes of Hecate and Aphrodite – Goddess Temple is an absolute jewel within Second Life.

SLurl Details

• Goddess Temple (Highland Park, rated Adult)

In between fantasy and reality, between the seasons of the year and the time of day, lies a place where the magical beauty of nature is reclaiming the land.

So reads the About Land and Destination Guide description for Enchanted Glen, a marvellous Homestead region held and designed by Flower Caerndow and which I recently had the opportunity to visit after noting it in the Destination Guide.

The Landing Point sits on the south coast of the region alongside the junction of a gravel footpath, one arm of which sweeps around the inlet sitting behind the landing point, to follow a headland as it curls around the inlet to end at an ivy-hung pavilion.

Directly opposite the Landing Point lay a set of steps leading up to the central highlands of the region, while a second arm of the path runs inland to where another set of steps lead upwards, a tunnel close by also inviting visitors to go underground.

However, the simple fact is that wherever you go within Enchanted Glen, the regions offers a lot to see and appreciate. Caught under an EEP setting created be Flower, every inch of the setting has a sense of beauty and mystery much in keeping with its description.

The top of the hill offers a largely open landscape with scattered trees and shrubs. Also spread across its relatively flat top is a multitude of ruins suggesting this was once a place of import and give region a sense of age and romance. They sit draped with ivy and climbing vines or hugged by shrubs, tall grass and wild flowers, with standing stone on the north side of the hill.

The largest of the ruins overlooks a rocky shoulder of rock which may have once formed the roof of the caverns under the hill. However, a part of the roof appears to have collapsed, leaving a ring of rock looking down onto a river following outwards.

Water tumbles from the ruins above to feed this river, the falls forming a curtain of water behind which the bulk of these caverns sit. Meanwhile, the river flows outwards under the rest of the rocky shoulder, before branching into two streams to reach out to the east and north-east coasts of the island.

The island’s lowlands offer multiple routes of exploration with plenty to see that adds to the region’s serenity and grace. The local wildlife is sufficient to add a sense of life to the island and, in places, nicely frames the various places singles and couples might choose to sit and relax.

Such is the overall design of Enchanted Glen that lengthy descriptions are not required; it speaks clearly and softly for itself in so many ways. This being the case, I’ll simply going to encourage readers to take time out and go and visit and see for themselves – and offer Flower my thanks for her greeting while I was exploring, and for her very kind gift.

SLurl Details

• Enchanted Glen (rated Moderate)

Designed and held by Kimma McGregor (Kimmie Rayna), Celestial Vale is a Full private region leveraging the available Land Capacity bonus to offer a mix of private and public spaces. The latter forms the larger part of the region, while the majority of the former are clearly separated from the public spaces, allowing visitors to wander without too much risk of trespass.

Seasonal, tranquil, nature-focused haven where peace and beauty intertwine. Ground yourself with meditation and yoga in serene surroundings. Feel the rhythm of life.  Come unwind. Come home.

– Celestial Vale About Land description

The Landing Point sits on a high plateau overlooking the small island of the southern aspect of the region. A large, friendly Welcome Centre occupies one part of the plateau’s top, a path to one side leading up to the uppermost part of the plateau and the Tea & Tack Café. This is a charming little place with indoor and outdoor seating, the ground around it set out as something of a garden space.

A path runs down from the café to a shoulder of the plateau where a little country chapel sits. From here, steps lead down to the lowlands as a means to continue exploring the region. However, this isn’t the only way down from the Landing Point plateau; in front of the Welcome Centre steps ending in a rock path also descend to the region’s lower public spaces.

The lowland areas might be split into three major parts. The path down from the Welcome Centre leads to a small camping area, fronted by a large pool of water fed from high waterfalls and the home to swans swimming gracefully. It’s a nice little retreat, completely with a table top game for those some inclined.

Another path curves around one side of the pool, hugging the plateau’s cliffs below the chapel.  As it does so, it reveals one of the region’s little secrets – a tunnel cutting through the rock to reach the lowlands on the west side of the region – of which more anon.

Follow the path without passing through the tunnel and you’ll reach the steps coming down from the chapel. Here the land becomes something of a meditation garden, with a grotto, a garden pavilion and a summer house now converted into something of a contemplative shrine or temple to Buddha.

Rich with flowers in bloom, the space flows neatly into an outdoor music events area partially screened by trees threaded with strings of lights. This area can be reached by walking along one of the bursts of path among the grass and flowers and under the trees, or by passing along the length an old covered bridge set upon the grass and which actually forms the formal entrance to the events space.

Sitting close to one side of the summer house / shrine / temple is another archway cut through the rock separating these central areas of the region from its west side. Passing through this arch brings visitors to a broad flat meadow, on which has been built a barn with accommodation on the ground for the horses roaming within its surrounding fences, and for humans on the upper floor.

A road wraps itself around most of the meadow and barn, connecting with a footbridge at its southern end. It is here that a degree of caution is required; cross the bridge brings visitors to another portion of the region dominated by a large, flat-topped hill on which sits a private residence and gardens.

This is the only private residence directly accessible from the region’s public spaces (the others being screened by hills and curtains of rock), so it is best to skirt around the land below the hill to avoid accidental trespass, and towards another covered bridge. This bridge, also covered, leads back over the water to the tunnel cutting through the shoulder of the rocky plateau I mentioned above. A tarmac track runs a short distance from this covered bridge to link it to a smaller footbridge which in turn provides access to a little corner retreat snuggled under the cliffs of the high plateau.

Perfectly landscaped, rich in detail throughout and highly photogenic, Celestial Vale more than lives up to its About Land description; it’s a place that soothes the eye and mind and offers one or two little surprises I’ve not mentioned here (hint for one: look behind the waterfalls). Very well worth taking time out to visit and appreciate; joining the local Group will provide information on events, etc.

SLurl Details

• Celestial Vale (Nature’s Embrace, rated Moderate)

Bloom Haven is the latest Homestead region design by Yoyo Collas and AmyDenise. I’ve covered many of Yoyo’s designs in these pages, whether his own or collaborations with AmyDenise, so I’m always keen to what has sprung from his imagination.

The region sits as a rugged island sitting under a late summer sky, its three high peaks topped by wind turbine (depending on the position of the Sun) cast long shadows across the lower-lying landscape. Two of these tall peaks directly overlook the fourth major element in the setting’s landscape: a large lake towards the south-west of the island.

Nestled in the vast expanse of the ocean lies Bloom Haven, a charming little green island waiting to be explored. Surrounded by shimmering blue waters, this tranquil paradise is covered in lush, vibrant foliage and blooming flowers that fill the air with sweet fragrances. The island’s gentle hills and hidden coves invite adventurers to discover their secrets, while the peaceful beaches offer perfect spots to relax and soak in the natural beauty. Bloom Haven is a hidden gem in the ocean’s embrace, ready to welcome curious explorers seeking adventure and serenity alike.

– Bloom Haven’s Destination Guide description

The Landing Point sits within a meadow to the east side of the island. It has its back towards southern hills that climb up to one of the two peaks overlooking the lake mentioned above. A second of the two peaks rises on the east side of the meadow, as if standing guard over one of the routes down to the island’s accessible coastal shelf.

An outcropping on rock extends inland from this third peak, breaking up what might otherwise have been an island-spanning meadow of lush grass and wild flowers.

With a small pond of water trapped within its clutches, this spine of rock is topped by a tall and broad wooden deck, which in turn supports a large, open-plan cabin complete with a tall stone-built tower rising from one side. The latter has the appearance of a lighthouse tower although no lantern sits within its upper level, despite the manner in which it emulates the lamp room and cupola of a lighthouse.

To reach the northern meadow, visitors must skirt around the cabin and the rocks under it, passing by way of a wide wooden deck sitting above the northern extent of the western lake. A long suspension bridge is anchored to this deck. Reaching out over the water, it swings low over the lake and even resting on rocks before gently rising to the southern shore and proving access to the western side of the island.

Whereas the southern meadow appears to be in part something of a garden space to the deck-occupying cabin – albeit with sheep grazing on the slopes rising to the southern peak – the northern meadow appears to be solely given over to cattle grazing, there being no direct access to it from the cabin (save by jumping from the deck!).

This northern meadow provides further access to the coastal area of the island. This is largely notable for its houseboats and caravan gathered around and on a shingle headland, where they form something of a shoreline encampment.

As well as the large lake with its low-slung bridge, the western extent of the island is home to another meadow where horses graze and an artist has been at work. A hilly climb offers the way up to the island’s western peak and its wind turbine, beneath which a bench offers a view out over the island’s interior.

Throughout the region are multiple places to sit, indoors and out, on the water and close by it, on the coast and among the hills and slopes. All encourage visitor to lengthen their stay and enjoy the region’s relaxing beauty. The island is also rich in wildlife in addition to the more domesticate animals and chickens. Capybara, otters, ferrets and raccoons mix with egrets, red-crowned cranes, geese and other wildfowl to add a further layer of life to the region.

In all, Bloom Haven is a richly detailed and engaging destination in SL, and well worth a visit.

SLurl Details

• Bloom Haven (rated Moderate)

Paradise Of Fantasy is both a home to the Vanaheim family and a setting open to the public to explore and enjoy. A Full private region, the location is the work of BarB Randt Vanaheim (BarBarella Darkrose) and Ivy Vanaheim (Ivory Ireton), and encompasses within itself multiple aspects of fantasy – although it is not per se a role-play setting.

Nature meets fantasy in this home for the “Vanaheim Family” and all fantasy creatures. This  magical place where fantasy creatures stand strong together in light and darkness.

– Paradise Of Fantasy About Land / Destination Guide description

The Landing Point sits just off of one to the many trails winding through the setting, and close to a large manor house. Like all the buildings in the region, it is open to the public, although the furnishings are an esoteric curio. Rooms include conventional lounge-style furniture to more period pieces, to a classroom (for magic?) and offices with a mystical air about them, whilst the loft is devoted to games and pastimes.

The Landing Point itself includes a Welcome scroll. When touched, it will provide an introductory notecard for visitors, together with the local rules. The latter are minimal and easy to remember, being common sense.

Where you go from the Landing Point is entirely up to you; as noted, there are numerous trails winding through the setting, and signposts (and warning signs in some cases!) offer direction or  humorous cautions.

The landscape itself is beautifully put together, presenting a wooded setting, rich in colour from trees, shrubs and the flowers carpeting much of the ground.  Two streams cut through the setting, one rising form waterfall on the south-east coast of the land to meander northwards to empty into a pond tucked in the north-east corner of the region.

The second stream might be considered more of a channel. It enters the region from a bay on the west coast and runs inland before turning north to once more return to the coastline, essentially splitting the north-west corner of the region into its own island.  Both streams are spanned by wooden bridges (and tree trunks) so feet need not get wet when crossing them.

Sitting within north-western corner of the region are two more structures: the Woif’s Grotto and Eiarion. The former is a cottage literally built / hewn into a rock formation, carrying with it a Nordic / medieval sensibility. The latter occupies a headland reaching out from the bay mentioned above. Taking the form of a fairly intact ruin, Eiarion presents a mystery as to how to access it; all of the windows are either intact and glazed or boarded-up.

The solution to the mystery can be found in the teleport stones which can be found close to each point of interest in the region. These form a network of teleports, and using the Eiarion destination will deliver you to the interior of the ruins – I’ll leave you to reflect on how to move between the two rooms.

This teleport system also provides access to those locations not necessarily directly accessible from the ground. Two of these are in the sky, one of which is well rooted in a fantasy sky, the other offering a Japanese setting. A third lies under the western sea of the region. Taking the form of an octopus’ garden, it comes with the not unreasonable request don’t pee in my sea(!).

A further cottage lies to the north-east of the region. Set as a witch’s home, it offers broom parking outside and potions and seed for sale in the garden. It sits not far from where a fortune teller is waiting to tell you all about your future – or perhaps, how to cover up your past – as the song goes.

Nor is this all; throughout the setting is a richness of detail in glades and along the trails. Ruins sit partially overgrown, little shrines mark hallowed clearings among the trees; benches, chairs, blankets, and boats offer places to sit. For those who enjoy music there is a grassy clearing set up for events, details of which I gather can be obtained by joining the local group.

In all, a beautiful, well-designed region mixing nature, mysticism and fantasy in a package rip for exploration and photography.

SLurl Details

• Paradise Of Fantasy (Tasta Island, rated Moderate)

I recently received an invitation from William Gide to visit Oscarton Forest Park, a setting designed by William and his SL partner, Dekon Carter.

Comprising a number of parcels spanning two regions within the south-east of Heterocera, the park offers around a quarter of a region of a landscaped setting with something of a unique history.

The Park started life as a “COVID sanity project”, helping William – who designed the majority of the ground level elements – cope with lockdown by allowing him to exercise his creativity. Since then, the park has remained open as a public setting which visitors can use as a place to enjoy a sense of nature and recharge their batteries.

Given this, there are a number of distinct Landing Points to be found throughout the park. For the purposes of this piece, I’m going with the “main entrance”, so to speak, as it is here visitors can obtain a notecard with landmarks to the main hangouts within the setting.

Bordered by part of the SLRR to the west and a river gorge to the south, the latter spanned by a bridge leading to what I believe to be William and Dekon’s private home, the public park runs northward. Passing a vegetable garden, the landscape opens out to offer a choice of possible exploration routes, the clearest being the main path.

The latter sweeps out to the east side of the park, passing between two Chinese lion statues, the first of multiple pieces of sculpture awaiting discovery as one explores the park. In making its sweep, the footpath skirts the lower end of the forest, a copse of silver birch. However a trail also runs through the birch trees, almost doubling back on the main path to drop down to where a trail points to the north and west, winding through the forest proper.

The main footpath, meanwhile descends to where a bridge spans one of the parks streams, joining another path as it follows the bank of the stream northwards. Passing by way of a secluded cabin, this path eventually drops down to the setting’s camp site prior to making a sharp left turn to arrive at the octagonal pavilion.

This pavilion can also be reached via one of the many paths branching off from the second trail mentioned above, all of which pass various places to hang-out and also admire some of the large wood sculptures to be found among the trees.

The northern end of the park includes two newer elements. The first is the Oscarton Forest Café. Occupying a large building by Cory Edo, on its east side this overlooks one of the park’s bodies of water and the pavilion beyond. On its west side, the café offers a terrace with seating a view of any passing trains.

Steps lead down from the terrace to a stone footpath and walls forming a border to the park, looking like it may have been some form of ancient fortification. Tucked within a part of these works – which also run along the northernmost extent of the park – is the Oscarton Forest Park Reflection Cove, described as a place for meditation.

Also to be found within these walls is a Zen garden watched over by two large rune stones, whilst the woods in this northern extent of the park also hide the teleport platform up to the sky platform – but I’ll leave that for you to find.

Offered with a richness of detail, Oscarton Forest Park is an idyllic location, and for a first-time public build, is exceptionally pleasing to the eye and rich in opportunities for photography and for relaxing.

My thanks to William for the invitation to visit; I really enjoyed doing so.

SLurl Details

• Oscarton Forest Park (Dubia, rated Moderate)