If you're interested in astrology, you've likely heard of the Lion's Gate on 8/8. It is considered a potent time for manifestation, stepping into one's power, and exhibiting one's strength.
But what does it mean?
Perhaps the most significant astrological event that occurs at the time is the so-called "heliacal rising" of the brightest star in our night sky, Sirius. Sirius is called the "dog star" as it is part of the Canis Major constellation, and considered the companion to the hunter Orion. In fact, the three stars in Orion's belt point directly to Sirius.
Sirius spends approximately 70 days each year moving through the daytime sky, so it is not visible at night. Every August, however, the star "rises" in the Eastern sky for the first time. Before dams were build in the 1970s, this star would appear each year around the same time as the Nile flooded, and it was so significant to the ancient Egyptians that they actually started the calendar year with its rising.
When viewing Sirius in the night sky, it appears to sparkle and shimmer and burn so brightly that the ancient Greeks named it "Seirios" which means "scorching." This, plus the fact that Sirius is considered the dog star, may explain where the term "dog days of summer" originated.
And we are certainly in the midst of them now. The Lion's Gate, considered to occur between July 28 - August 12 each year, is typically the hottest time of the year for those of us on the Northern Hemisphere. Ancient astrologers even believed that the star Sirius was to blame for that added heat and intensity. Today, astrologers consider the Lion's Gate to be important, but it's not only the rising of Sirius that makes this a significant time.
July 22 through August 22 is Leo season. This is where the "Lion" of "Lion's Gate" comes from. As we know, the sign Leo is all about stepping into your confidence, self-reliance, and strength. But why do we consider 8/8 to be such a special date (rhyme intended)?
In numerology, 8 is a particularly special number. The glyph alone - a vertical infinity symbol - hints at its power. It is a number of abundance, overflowing, and prosperity. It symbolizes the give-and-take of energy as well as the concept of as above, so below. It is an intersection of the spiritual and the material worlds, and as such, it is particularly powerful.
In tarot, trump 8 is called "Strength" and depicts a woman with an infinity symbol above her head stroking none other than a Lion. The prophetical meaning of Strength hints at how we can best co-create with the Lion's Gate this week: with courage, bravery, confidence and the willingness to overcome self-doubt.
This Lion's Gate, spend some time under the Sun, feeling the full force of its powerful rays. Lying on the Earth - either on the beach or in the grass - will amplify its healing potential. Connecting with your Solar Plexus chakra (above the navel, below the heart) and envisioning a bright yellow light is also powerful at this time. All things creative, carefree, and bold are auspicious during Lion's Gate. Let your inner lioness roar!