Eclipse 2024 – New Tribe Rising at Simply Shenandoah

​​A significant cultural and spiritual star-event happened yesterday, April 8, 2024 at Simply Shenandoah in "Star" Tannery Shenandoah County, Virginia. 

Oral stories tell us that Shenandoah means the daughter of the "stars." 

Group photo by Chris Anderson (Cherokee)

Our group, consisting of close spiritual friends, new acquaintances, and longtime companions, gathered as like-minded peoples and kindred spirits. This unique gathering felt like a modern-day family reunion, signaling the emergence of a new tribe rising.

As the moon rose to eclipse the sun a rebirth set in emotion. This cosmic alignment invited our hearts to connect to ourselves and each other in a new way.  

What a respectful and reverent time! In partnership with Simply Shenandoah and The Mind Mat, our intimate celebration related to the four elements: 

• Water – a flowing tour around the property to orient our project and small group. 
• Earth – a grounding sound bath ceremony connecting us to this land’s power. 
• Air – a liberating music exploration inviting growth and expansion into our lives.
• Fire – a releasing experience to gratefully donate what no longer serves us into the past. 

​​We believe the land itself is ready for a sacred celebration marking its own transformation! This 2024 Total Solar Eclipse was the perfect backdrop, not be seen again in Virginia until well after 2044.

​Over the past two years, we have held land clearing and blessing ceremonies at our site in Star Tannery Virginia. Now, we are preparing to start construction so we can open our transformational wellness resort in 2026. Still in its raw form, Simply Shenandoah Resort 640-acre property is ready to receive this dramatic shift.

We would like to thank our Sanctuary on the Trail members and supporters for attending and sharing this moment of harmony in the natural world. May we continue to reflect on our interconnectedness with all living beings especially those who will come to this resort in the future for their healing. 

We recognize the 50+ new friends we met for helping feed the fire, dance your own fields, share gifts, and lay down prayers. Our shared reflections, meditations, and connections have a resonance with us, this place and we believe the universe. Thanks for sharing your stories, songs, and time.  To those unable to attend, you were here in spirit.

Special Thank You Carrie Fox - Chris Anderson - Clay Morris - Bryant Sandman - Dr. Virginia Rae - Glenda Skelley - Isaac White - Jacob White - Jeff Wolf - Kelly Ferguson - Nate Fox - Mary Shapiro - Sabine Hutto - Stuart Hill.

We Especially Recognize Co-Founders Mike Marburg and Jennifer Marburg, and Community Engagement Liaison Greg McCarley for hosting and opening your hearts to this new possibility.

Thank you.

Chris (Comeswithclouds) White 
Rene' Locklear White
Indigenous Advisors, Simply Shenandoah
Co-Founders, Sanctuary on the Trail

Isaac learning about making fire from the sun with his Cherokee grandfather. Photo by Rene' Locklear White (Lumbee)

Artist rendition of the new Simply Shenandoah Resort planned for Shenandoah County, Virginia.

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