The Flow of Light
LUMA is designed to be simple enough to explain to a friend in five minutes, and strong enough to support real collaboration over months and years. Here is the mechanics of the heart.
The big picture in one view
At its heart, LUMA is a mutual-credit ledger of time and presence. Instead of asking “How much money can I charge?”, we start from “How much care, focus, and skill is being shared?” and track that using LUMA as a symbolic unit.
LUMA Lane
The non-monetary lane. Here we track LUMA balances (+LUMA when you give, −LUMA when you receive). No money moves; we're just keeping a gentle tally of give/receive across time.
- Symbolic unit, not a currency.
- Used to record reciprocity, not to speculate.
- Backed by trust and community, not banks.
Fiat Lane (optional)
When people need or prefer money in a given exchange, they can still use regular payment tools (e.g. bank transfer, Stripe). LUMA simply records the non-monetary side of the relationship.
- Each member chooses how much to keep in fiat.
- Mixed-light contracts (part LUMA, part money) are possible.
- Stays simple and legally lightweight.
The core unit: a Light Contract
A Light Contract is a simple, voluntary agreement. It doesn't need legal language; it needs clarity and consent. Think of it as “putting our intention into words.”
Name the exchange
What is being shared? For example: “4 QHHT practice sessions,” “Branding package for your business,” or “Hosting 3 community circles in my space.”
Agree the scope and timeline
Clarify what's included, what's not, and over what period of time. This can be a couple of bullet points or a short paragraph — enough so everyone feels anchored.
Attach a LUMA amount
Using the baseline of 1 LUMA ≈ 1 minute of present, loving service, both sides agree on a LUMA value (and, optionally, any money that will also change hands).
Record completion
When the exchange is complete, the giver receives +LUMA, the receiver −LUMA. Over time, this creates a living map of contribution and support across the community.
LUMA is not money and not redeemable for cash. It honours reciprocity.
A simple example: three people, many wins
Imagine three Luminaries: Ana (healer), Leo (designer), and Fanny (holistic financial coach).
1 · Healing
Ana gives Leo a series of energy sessions worth 180 LUMA (about 3 hours of deep work). Leo receives support, Ana receives +180 LUMA.
2 · Branding
Later, Ana needs a full brand refresh. Leo offers a package valued at 600 LUMA. Ana uses her previously earned LUMA plus some additional capacity, and now Leo holds more +LUMA.
3 · Finance
Fanny helps both of them review taxes. She receives LUMA from each, plus some fiat for governmental work. Everyone's life gets lighter.
No one needed to come up with all the cash at once. Support moved where it was needed, and LUMA kept a soft, visible record of who has poured into the field — without turning their relationships into invoices.
Who LUMA is especially for
- ✦Healers, coaches, facilitators, and guides.
- ✦Designers, developers, and creative technologists.
- ✦People holding space for community — circles, hubs, events.
- ✦Small businesses and projects that want to weave more reciprocity.
LUMA is not for:
- ✕High-frequency trading or speculative investing.
- ✕People looking for legal/financial guarantees or returns.
- ✕Replacing your local currency or tax obligations.
Ready to experience LUMA?
Join the early Luminary circle and help us test, refine, and embody this living economy in real life.