Explore transcendent image creation and push the envelope to reach the extraordinary.
Stepping into the Ethereal Realms feels like exploring spaces and states beyond our physical world, where the beauty is almost intangible. Picture this: landscapes where skies blend with seas amidst mist and light or creatures made purely from air and dreams. These realms defy physics, offering endless possibilities for form, color, and composition.
This theme strikes a chord because it echoes our inner longing for the beyond, tapping into our wonder and the mysteries of existence. It’s about seeing beyond the tangible, encouraging us to find beauty in ephemeral moments and to ponder life’s fleeting transcendent moments.
In this ethereal journey, we encounter breathless auroras, calm cosmic valleys, and silent thunder prisms. Each is a whisper from the universe urging us to look deeper and appreciate the quiet beauty around us.
There are many paths to the Ethereal Realms. In this first set, the prompts are very simple, allowing Midjourney to interpret and fill in all the details. The words shown in the caption are the full prompts separated by the || for the left and right images. Adding stylize or weird can take these sorts of simple prompts even further; try them with --s 444 --w 444 for example, and see where they go.
An interesting thing with Midjourney is that aspect ratio --ar can sometimes affect the image, so trying both a portrait and a landscape with prompts you like can be worthwhile.
A surreal landscape where the sky and sea merge into one; hues of deep blue and emerald green dominate; celestial bodies hover close to the horizon at twilight — ar 3:4 || A floating garden in the sky; lush with exotic flowers glowing softly under a full moon; islands of greenery suspended in air; waterfalls cascading into the clouds below — ar 3:4An ethereal forest with trees made of light; paths glowing with bioluminescent plants; fireflies dancing in the air; a serene lake reflecting the starry night sky — ar 3:4 || A vast desert under a galaxy-filled sky; sand dunes shimmering with phosphorescent colors; an oasis with crystal-clear water mirroring the cosmos above — ar 3:4A dreamlike seascape with floating jellyfish the size of islands; underwater creatures glowing like stars in the deep blue; a mysterious light beckoning from the abyss — ar 3:4 || A serene beach where the sand glows under a crescent moon; gentle waves sparkling with bioluminescent plankton; palm trees swaying in a soft breeze — ar 3:4An enchanted snowscape under the northern lights; snowflakes glittering like diamonds in the air; ice sculptures creating a shimmering labyrinth; a silent night filled with wonder — ar 3:4 || A whimsical forest where trees have leaves of crystal; sunlight creating rainbows in the mist; a clear stream meandering through; animals made of light and shadow — ar 3:4A bridge connecting two worlds; one bathed in daylight and the other in night; stars and sun visible at the same time; landscapes blending seamlessly at the horizon — ar 3:4 || A fantastical galaxy viewed from the edge of space; vibrant nebulae and swirling star systems; a silent ballet of cosmic forces; colors unseen by the human eye — ar 3:4An ethereal figure meditating in a crystal cave; soft light refracting in myriad colors; a profound sense of tranquility and enlightenment enveloping the scene — ar 3:4 || A bridge made of light spanning across the cosmos; connecting stars and galaxies; travelers moving across it in a quest for knowledge and understanding of the universe — ar 3:4A figure walking on a path of light through a dark void; guiding stars above; each step a journey through inner fears toward enlightenment; a metaphor for personal growth and discovery — ar 3:4 || A cosmic garden where planets and stars grow on ethereal trees; a realm where the physical and spiritual worlds merge; visitors wander in awe; exploring the mysteries of existence — ar 3:4A surreal scene of a figure dancing with the auroras in the polar night sky; a celebration of life and the universe’s wonders; vibrant colors against the dark — ar 3:4 || An ocean of clouds under a starlit sky; a lone eagle soaring; a sense of freedom and boundlessness; the scene evoking thoughts of the soul’s journey through life and beyond — ar 3:4An infinite staircase ascending into the light; each step represents a phase of life; a journey towards enlightenment and understanding; the climb filled with challenges and revelations — ar 3:4 || A city of crystal and light floating in the ether; its inhabitants living in harmony with the universe; technology and spirituality intertwined; a vision of a utopian future — ar 3:4An ancient manuscript illuminated with starlight; pages containing the blueprints of the universe; studying it reveals the interconnectedness of all things; a blend of magic and science — ar 3:4 || A portrait of a cosmic being whose eyes reflect galaxies; a visage of wisdom and serenity; a connection to the universe that suggests an understanding beyond human comprehension — ar 3:4
An example of how aspect ratio changes content here is the two images above rendered at 16:9 instead of the 3:4 ratio above. Sometimes, the difference is rendered significant, and other times the images are fairly consistent; only experimenting allows us to see which we prefer.
An ancient manuscript illuminated with starlight; pages containing the blueprints of the universe; studying it reveals the interconnectedness of all things; a blend of magic and science — ar 16:9 || A portrait of a cosmic being whose eyes reflect galaxies; a visage of wisdom and serenity; a connection to the universe that suggests an understanding beyond human comprehension — ar 16:9An interdimensional garden where each flower represents a different universe; colors and scents that speak to the soul; pathways lead to new dimensions of consciousness — ar 16:9 || A realm where rivers of light flow through landscapes of dreams; trees shimmer with the essence of life; spirits wander in harmony; beauty transcending physical form — ar 16:9A vast plain under a sky of swirling auroras; ethereal animals roam; their forms fluid and luminous; the air vibrates with the music of the spheres; a symphony of cosmic balance — ar 16:9 || A mirror lake in a forgotten valley; its waters reflect not images but the true essence of those who gaze into it; surrounding trees whisper ancient wisdom; a place of deep reflection and understanding — ar 16:9A city in the sky built from clouds and sunlight; streets of golden light lead to temples of reflection; beings of air and light ponder the mysteries of existence; a place of tranquility and thought — ar 16:9 || A dimension where time flows like water; inhabitants experience life in moments and eons simultaneously; ancient wisdom and futuristic insight blend seamlessly; a realm of boundless potential — ar 16:9An ethereal realm where shadows dance with light; creating a tapestry of stories and dreams; shadow beings and creatures of radiance share tales; a celebration of contrast and unity — ar 16:9 || A realm of stars where celestial beings weave constellations; each star a note in the cosmic song; creation and destruction in a dance of light and darkness; a universe crafting its own mythology — ar 16:9A nebula garden where cosmic flowers bloom in vibrant hues; their fragrance is the music of the spheres; a sanctuary for souls traveling the celestial paths — ar 16:9 || A cosmic tapestry where every thread is a life; woven by beings of unfathomable consciousness; the pattern reveals the interconnectedness of all existence; a vision of unity in diversity — ar 16:9A city of shimmering light floating in space; its inhabitants resonate with the energy of creation; architecture and thought merge in a symphony of enlightened existence — ar 16:9 || A forest of crystalline trees on an alien planet; their branches hold the stars in place; a harmony between living consciousness and the cosmic ballet — ar 16:9An island suspended in a twilight sky; gardens thrive under a perpetual aurora; creatures of myth and legend roam freely; a place where the boundaries between stories and reality blur — ar 16:9 || A cosmic waterfall cascading into the void; stars and galaxies mingling in its waters; a symbol of the universe’s endless flow and renewal — ar 16:9A bridge spanning galaxies; built from the dreams and aspirations of countless beings; a pathway for the adventurous spirit; connecting distant corners of the universe — ar 16:9 || A cosmic festival on a planet where night never falls; beings from across the universe gather to share their cultures; art and music create a tapestry of interstellar unity — ar 16:9A desert of glass under a binary star system; sand dunes reflecting endless patterns of light; a place of clarity and revelation; where the vastness of the self meets the expanse of the cosmos — ar 16:9 || A city of shimmering light floating in space; its inhabitants resonate with the energy of creation; architecture and thought merge in a symphony of enlightened existence — ar 16:9
Using Style References to influence your images
The new style reference --sref [URL] allows you to use one image to influence the style and character of another image you are generating. Below, I have run two sets of experiments to give a good sampling of what is possible with these sorts of ethereal prompts. First are four images that I will use against a set of prompts. Then below that is a single quad of what the given prompt generates without any style reference images. Then the four quads below that are that prompt run with one of the four style reference images.
These four images are used for Style References in the sets below.Without sref: A valley cradled by the calm cosmos; stars and planets visible in the clear night above — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: A serene lake under a tranquil twilight sky; hues of pink and lavender reflecting off the water’s surface — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: An expansive field under the glow of still starfall; each star’s light softly touching the earth — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: A forest cloaked in serenity’s shadow; trees whispering secrets of ancient wisdom — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: The path of muted moonbeams leading through an otherworldly landscape; shadows and light dancing in harmony — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Second Experiment Set
These four images are used for Style References in the sets below.Without sref: A forest where each tree reflects a silent solar flare; bark and leaves shimmering with captured light — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: A garden of quietude quasars; blossoms of light in the deep space void — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: A horizon hushed by the first light; the boundary between day and night softly blurred — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: A tundra echoing with the whispers of the wind; solitude and silence blanketing the frozen landscape — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Without sref: Stars of halcyon hush scintillating in the deep void; a ballet of light and tranquility — ar 16:9
The images below have the same prompt as the one above, but each has one of the four style images for this experiment.
Thoughts on Style References
On some of these, especially the last set above, we see how much a style reference image can influence what is in an image. It is possible to dial down the influence of your style reference images using the --sw which has a default value of 100 if nothing is specified. The scale for style weight on style reference images is from 1–1000.
I ran the images again with the same prompts but with a style weight of 50.
And the same prompts and style references with a style weight of 20:
And one more time at style weight 5.
If you look closely, particularly at the black and white style reference images, the influence of style weight can be seen, notice how at the default of 100 the images come out grayscale, but by the --sw 20 image weight, we see color, and at the --sw 5 the black and white effect is nearly gone.
The power of using style references is huge. They can take us to completely different images than we could ever have prompted with only words. Any image can be used as a style reference, and it is possible to iterate and use a couple of style references together to create a new image to use as a style reference for prompts.
Thank you for joining me for this ethereal realms safari. If you were inspired, entertained, or learned something new, please leave lots of claps; you have up to 50 to give! You can also follow me to get all my latest articles as they are published. Your engagement keeps me motivated to keep sharing my Midjourney explorations and find new places for us to trek with our prompting. See you next time!
