Seed of Life

Peace Sanctuary & Vibrational Community

Peace Sanctuary

Location

Our “Essene Way of Peace” Sanctuary is a place for visitors from abroad as well as our local Johnson City community to take a nice walk in a park-like peaceful setting. Come and visit us on the 290 Texas Wine Trail. We are on the south side of the Rocky Creek curve, a little over 7 miles west of Johnson City. We aim to be open to the public on Second Saturdays. We are still in the building process. There are currently no “modern” bathroom facilities onsite.

Love gift is not necessary, but appreciated to continue our mission to build out our retreat center.

GPS:30.252548° Lat.; -98.527296° Long.

Please Use the Google Map Link for Kookie the Vegan Oreo Cookie Cow to find us.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLBb6JX5SuHAmDed9

Layout and Features to Enjoy!

Our sanctuary was initially inspired by what Rabbi Dr. Gabriel Cousens created at Tree of Life in Patagonia, AZ. In addition we visited Brother Day at the Essene Monastery in Oregon, spoke with Leslie the Enchanted Garden in San Diego, and researched the writings and  community from ancient writings such as Nag Hammadi Scriptures and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Modern interpretations such as those created by Edmond Bordeaux Székely, translator of the Essene Gospel of Peace.

1) Kookie, the Vegan Oreo Cookie Cow – Selfie Spot!

Kookie is the official mascot of the Seed of Life. She is a belted galloway breed cow also affectionately known as oreo cows, made of fiberglass! Come and take your picture with Kookie and tag yourself with her on Google. Kookie’s official birthday is April 1, 2024. She was made by PK at Main Street Collectors in Victorville, California. She took a cross country roadtrip all the way to Texas (with a stop in Las Vegas to visit vegan chef friend) on top of a Chevy Van! She loves to get flowers put in her Minnie Pearl style hat.

Did you realize that ALL cows are vegan? They build their immense muscle mass from eating grass and flowers. when you tag your selfie, please share about your future commitment of peace towards all cows and vow to abstain from beef. Kookie would really like that!

2) Rock House Art Gallery

Right behind Kookie is one of our two historic rock buildings. We believe this structure dates back to the late 1800s. We have been told it used was used to sell local peaches. And during prohibition, we have been told this historic rock house stand used to sell bootleg liquor!!! Later, it was a place where Highway 290 travelers could stop and pick up waters and cokes.

Now, it is serving as a Art Gallery space for local Texan artisans.

Check out blog out for who is currently exhibiting. (blog coming soon)

In additional, we also are the Location for the Little Free Health Library Charter #33110

3) Main Gate

There are 4 gates on property to help control traffic flow. Our Main Gate is flanked by two recycled telephone poles with a solar Seed of Life twinkle light above. We ask you to take the time notice our tiny solar neon cross that lights up the night sky by the Main Entrance. It is there to remind Wine Trail travelers along the highway at night of our Heavenly G*D’s ongoing love for us.

Also, by our front entrance is our “Sunset Swing.” This is a perfect spot to watch the sun setting at the end of the day as the cars roll by. We intend to have a little wishing well like receptacle to place your wishes in the future.

4) Farm Stand

Our newest addition to the property is our roadside farm-fruit stand. We are still finishing it up now, including the to be executed is the experimental “charcoal radiator” walls.

This structure is an amalgamation of various architectural salvage. It is build from reclaimed cedar posts with a ‘living roof’ on top that will be planted out with pleasant smelling and drought tolerant herbs. One side wall is made from recycled picture frame moldings! It’s another colorful nice spot for Selfies!

Here we will offer the excess fruits of our land as well as other homemade artisan items of interest: electroculture wands, crystals, plant starts, home-made raw food delicacies and more.

5) Selfie Signpost

We are at the very hub of an energy Vortex. Our Sacred Sites signposts can let you know how far you are to your next destination!

Please take a shot and share on our Google Map pin just how many of these places you have been and where else you intend to visit!

Here is the complete explanation about this unique sign on the Highway.

>>> Sacred Sites Signpost

6) Mushrooms!

We are members of the Central Texas Mycology Society.

We offer mushroom blocks that may be used to grow your own edible mushrooms at home in a cool dark location, or pick up blocks to add the mycellium-infused wood chips to your soil to improve the vibracy of your garden.

https://www.centraltexasmycology.org/

7) Reading Room, Yoga Deck & Gathering Space

We have two seperate 20′ (single use) shipping containers that have been repurposed into functional indoor spaces. One of them serves as our Community Meeting and Reading Room / Library. There is an extensive library including the following topics:

  • Bibilical and Scriptural Study
  • Essene Books
  • Permaculture & Homesteading
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Natural Healing and Anatomy
  • Philosophy and Self Improvement
  • Arts & Architecture
  • Addiction
  • Plus some fun Games!

On top of the reading room is what we call our “Yoga Deck.” The way the roof is designed creates a natural updraft of cooling air in the summertime when the Texas temperatures can get mightly warm. So there are tables and chairs up there to look over the land and enjoy the view or use one of our yoga mats to do some stretching above it all.

7) Stage & Music & Listening Room

Our other shipping container is our music room is outfitted for all of your performance needs, including amps, weighted keyboard, full set of drums and professional PA system. We are in the  process of building out a raised platform stage in between our two shipping containers. We have 40 stacking chairs available for meetings and events. We even have a large mirror ball available for dancing if someone is inspired to host a dance night.

We also have a fun analog listening space complete with a fine collection of vintage LPs (from jazz to classical to soundtracks and American songbook to comedy) and an excellent record player for your listening pleasure complete with black lights and a black light poster!

And finally… and most importantly… we offer a Ping Pong Table!

8) Main Garden & Old Fireplace Patio

The very prominent old fireplace is from the old circa 1940s home that burned down we believe in the 1970s. The fireplace still functions and the area in front of it is being worked on to serve as an extension of the primary garden space.

We have planted a few fruiting trees (peach, plum, nectarine – what we call a mini orchard) and created raised beds using only ‘veganic’ soil. The Garden area includes a Compost/Recycle Area. All of our compost is organic and vegan in nature in general as we try to abstain from typical commercial manure products that may contain GMO or unpleasant chemical byproducts.

9) Peace Pole

Our peace pole has a unique story. The pole was inspired by the Georgia Guidestones installed in 1980 in Elbert Country GA that included ‘New World Order’ type statements about reducing the world population in 8 different languages: English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, and Russian. Our Peace Pole was inscribed in these same languages, but with a message of peace. It was originally installed at the Whole Way Home in downtown Las Vegas in 2012, but was relocated to Hill Country in early 2022.

Amazingly, in July, 2022 the Geogia Guidestones were bo.bed to oblivion! Our pole remains as a sign that Peace Prevails!

9) ‘Eye of the Storm’ Labyrinth

The Eye of the Storm is a spiral labyrinth, inspired in part by the giant spiral at Calico Basin in Red Rock National Conservation Area just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the featured part of a small Peace Garden. At the center of the 33 foot wide limestone labyrinth are Nikola Tesla inspired coiled copper pipes topped with double terminated crystals to create a positive energy vortex. The labyrinth was installed in the Summer of 2022 and officially opened on International Peace Day 2022.

We are officially listed on the World Wide Labyrinth Locator.

The twisted copper poles create an energetic healing vortex based on the principles of tensor rings. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1936659766838458

A signpost suggests passages from Gabriel Cousens’ Creating Peace By Being Peace from contemplation while walking the labyrinth.

10) Outhouse

Our temporary outhouse is in the general center of the property. It includes an old fashioned bucket and wood chip ‘toilet.’ The space also contains a solar heated shower. The water is reasonably hot during the day for a short rinse off and cools off in the nighttime.

(It is currently out of commission due to our recent hard freeze breaking the lines. help!)

11) Camp House & Healing Cave

There are two original historic buildings on property. The Rock House at the front (the Running Bird Art Gallery) and our community space. This second building likely dates back to the 1930s judging by the type of morter used in its construction.

Nearby is a nice swingset for a superchill afternoon! We also have a croquet set and “Conscious Cornhole.”

It includes two seperate rooms. First, we have a dedicated office hang-out space when you camp out at the land. This is a nice indoor place to get some cold AC or heat depending on the season. We provide a large screen Roku TV that has access to Rumble, YouTube, Live TV and a few other streaming channels. There is also a DVD player with both entertaining and educational movies available.

The other room in this building is what we call the “Healing Cave.” Every guest may spend 20 minutes a day enjoying this dedicated Biohack space that includes:

  • EMF Isolation Room
  • Infrared Biomat
  • 432 HZ Chakra Singing Bowls
  • Complete set of Chakra Tuning Forks
  • Oxygen Nebulizer
  • Esential Oil Diffuser
  • Elioslamp Photobiomodulation
  • Vibration Plate
  • Qi Machine
  • Copper water station
  • And a Chinese Traditional Medicinal and Ayurvedic Tea Service

12) Community Vegan Kitchen

We have outfitted a 1969 Airstream Trailer as our Community Kitchen. We ask that this space remains strictly vegan for the comfort of our strict vegan visitors. If you wish to cook with cheese or eggs, we have a “quasi” outdoor kitchen space where you can cook vegetarian animal-based foods.

The kitchen is equipped with all  of the tools required for creating healthy living and raw foods:

  • Excalibur Dehydrator
  • Vitamix Blenders
  • Vaccuum blender
  • Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
  • Cuisinart
  • Induction Cooktop
  • Toaster Oven
  • Community undercounter Freezer
  • Community undercounter Fridge
  • Cotton Candy Machine
  • Coffee Grinder and Maker
  • French Presses
  • Traditional Cider Press
  • Plethora of all of the Classic  Vegan, Vegetarian and Raw Food cookbooks by your favorite Chefs and Makers
  • Sun Oven
  • We also do have a separate “personal” fridge in our Community room for storing food items that you do not wish to share with the larger community.

13) Garage – Workshop & WWOOF Loft

This community space is filled with every type of professional tool and/or supply needed for building, making and general creative genius activities.

Downstairs there will be a comfy down couch and table and chairs for an additional interior hang out space when the weather in at issue. (coming soon).

We also have a functioning Tower Garden growing various herbs inside.

Upstairs there are two separated semi-private twin beds set up for WWOOF and other volunteers to sleep overnight with a lovely view out to the woods and down to the creek.

We offer a pillow and cover, but please BYO bedding please.

14) Solarium & Sauna & Shower

We have set up a semi-private space for all natural nude sun bathing.

There is a 2 person infrared sauna also at this location and a propane heated on-demand shower is being worked on as this is being written!

15) Prayer Pyramid & Crystal Palace

We have installed to unique locations within our small wooded grove for peaceful prayer and meditation.

First is a wooden platform with a copper pyramid with organite and crystal infused copper corners. It is installed on a north-south axis to increase the electromagentic frequency potential of the ‘pyramid power!.’ Perfect for forest bathing!

Next, is what we call our Crystal Palace. This is a gazebo structure with brightly colored industrial glass hanging from the ceiling in a feng shui appropriate color ‘schematic.’ the remaining crystals hanging wround the perimeter are all love gifts that have been given to the Seed. They help infuse the area with peace, strength and support.

The Crystal Palace has a unique ‘gravity’ lounge that when you sink back into it, allows your feet to be elevated above your heart as you look up to the trees and crystals and sky above you. Truly a place of transformation.

Finally, we have 4 hammocks scattered on property if chillin in the hammock is your groove!

16) “Lady of the Grail” Marian Shrine

Whether you are Catholic or not, you can find a venue of peace in the woods where our Mother Mary shrine lies. This is a quiet tree nook down by the creek with an antique statue overlooking our Ceremonial space.. The ground is covered in Rose Quartz heart healing crystals which is appropriate for the Rosa Mystica, as well as amethyst. It is a place for contemplation and veneration.

The “Grail” moniker came after prayer and contemplation and in a flash of a moment’s inspiration based on the fact that Our Lady is present on the Texas Wine Trail. The Grail is a wine mixing cup that was believed to hold the wine at the Last Supper. Both the virgin Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene were present at this supper. Various traditions describe the Holy Grail as a cup with miraculous healing powers, sometimes providing eternal youth or sustenance in infinite abundance. It figures prominently in the Arthurian legends.

Perhaps by visiting Our Lady, she may impart these things to you.

17) Ceremonial Ground & Main Stage

The lower ‘flood zone’ part of our property includes a magnificent splay of crystal-rich granite. This outcropping is alongside a year-round spring-fed creek. Underneath the massive, ancient lava magma lava flow granite river rocks are large crystals, quartz, topaz and tourmaline. Standing barefoot on the rock you can feel the energy emanating upward.

There is a natural limestone outcropping we use as an altar where we have placed the bones of animals found on site. It was designed so that if someone wanted to set up a tent or covering over the space, it is possible. There is also a ceremony circle firepit we call the “Leadership Citcle” directly adjacent for your stone heating.

In addition, there is another area in the flood zone, we call the Main stage. This is a bit of a natural ampitheater with the natural hill behind it. It is setup so that one could do talks or host music here.
We have hosted drum circles in each location.

Campsites

Camps are described on this page.

In Progress & Upcoming Projects

Please visit our Co-Creation Page and let us know what is your vision to share?

A) World’s LargestGrape

Please visit gaygrape.com

B) Geothermal Greenhouse

Initial underground work for the passive heated and cooled greenhouse has been completed. We also have related Rain Catchment Systems planned and Chickens?!?

C) Eight Sided Wine Bottle Meditation Room

The gazebo framework structure is in place (this is to reflect the historic 8 sided community house in fredericksburg) and we just needs bottle builders!

D) 7 Chakra Zome personal Retreat Cabins

We have the construction plans to build these zomes.

E) Additional Walipini Greenhouse and underground Hobbit Home

We are looking to build a few underground structures in this location. We have a temporary above-gound greenhouse currently in this spot. For the underground hobbit home, it is a perfect opportunity to do something with Aircrete!

F) Essene Outdoor Temple and Water Garden

This is a tribute to our primary benefactor Bill Sullivan and will include a water feature, tiny asain building village and aetheric energy display.

G) Group Triplex Home

A large shared group home with full kitchen, 3 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms and large communal living and meeting space has been designed.
This would be ideal for sober-living group home on property.

H) Lavaggi Essene Chapel of Hope

this will eventually be our primary draw to bring people to the Seed. We envision a peaceful sanctuary chapel along the Wine Trail where one can experience great spiritual art (also the lines of the Beloved Gallery in Marble Falls), and also have an intimate place to celebrate and worship. We envision this to be a “destination” architectural landmark along the lines of Lloyd Wright’s Wayfarer Chapel in Palos Verde in California, Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas, or Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona by Eichler architects, Anshen & Allen. We do not need an overtly large structure, just a striking yet intimate environment.

In addition to the primary chapel, the building will include;

1a) Music Studio: Underground basement (under the Temple) soundproof Music Studio. Sponsor this and use it with a lifetime lease as your private rehearsal and recording space in Hill Country.

1b) Art Gallery/Studio: The Temple will include additional dedicated meeting room spaces. Sponsor us building Art Gallery/Studio sections and use it with a lifetime lease for your personal studio space and Sales Gallery in Hill Country.