The Dog Days & Why Many Astrologers Don't Talk About the Lion's Gate Portal

Every year, without fail, the internet is ablaze with talk of the Lion's Gate Portal. We're told it's a time of heightened energy, powerful manifestations, and a cosmic doorway to enlightenment, or so we're told. As an astrologer, I've noticed a growing fascination with this concept, but I'm not convinced the Lion's Gate isn't a myth. And perhaps just calling it the "Dog Days" might be more meaningful?

I don't like the role of naysayer, but every year I do my best to hold my tongue about the Lion's Gate Portal. And this year I suppose I'm feeling more bold...dare I say thank you Leo season?:)

Numerology Misconception

Most serious astrologers--not astrologists because that isn't a word--don't post about this because we know it isn't about astrology. I understand the numerology is fun 8/8, but I also think 4/4 is cool and 2/2. So what makes 8/8 so special? While numerology can be a fascinating tool, it's important to use it with discernment. Attributing extraordinary powers to a single number is a stretch, even for an astrologer.

I would love to hear from Numerologists about their experience of how to work with the magic of numbers in dates of the year. Though I doubt it would be as simple as just double digits...

Not a Celestial Alignment

According to some it is when the Sun and Sirius align, though my understanding is that this changes each year on the day. The claim that the Earth, the Sun, Sirius, and Orion's Belt align perfectly on August 8th is simply inaccurate. While these celestial bodies do hold significance in astrology, their positions vary constantly, and there's no specific alignment that occurs annually on this date. The alignment of Sirius with the Sun occurs in early January, a time when Sirius is at its lowest point in the sky as seen from Earth and therefore not visible. As well as in late summer between July and August, but not a specific day.

Of important note, they rise together as Sirius appears before Sunrise near the Sun. While often called the "dog star" because of its prominence in the Canis Minor constellation, and perhaps the modern "Dog Days of summer" came from a similar understanding by the Greeks and Egyptians.

Astrologer Danielle Blackwood points out the term was coined by Ray Mardyks to refer to the lunar eclipse on August 8, 1988. I love the idea of 8/8/88 AND the sun being in Leo, but was Sirius aligned with the Sun? Most likely not then either.

This idea is also referenced Dane Rudhyar delves into this in his 1936 book 'The Astrology of Personality.' The Lions Gate Portal involves Sirius's heliacal rising. Leo and Sirius were explored in the 1951 book 'Esoteric Astrology.

What is magical right now?

The Sun is indeed in the tropical sign of Leo and the Perseids Meteor Shower becomes visible mid-July to late August, which is pretty magical to watch. I recently got back from a camping trip and was wowed by delight! And yes how cool that a star gets closer to the Sun this time of f year, though not specifically on a certain day!

Also, this time of year the astrological Lammas or Lughnasadh, which often occurs on or near August 7 when the Sun is 15 degrees Leo. In Wiccan and Pagan traditions, it occurs August 1 as a rough halfway point between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox for the Northern Hemisphere, though the astrological date shifts.

Manifestation Magic

This mythical portal is said to bring opportunities for things to come true, and while that word often makes my ears raise with New Age suspicion. I prefer to imagine as a gauge for our capacity to bring something into reality.

For me "manifestation" or bringing things into reality boils down t key themes possible not just when the "stars align" but also when your soul unfolds through time through Soul potential, astrological timing, aligned action, and unconscious awareness. Could say more on this, but still sorting through thoughts.

Every day offers an opportunity for growth, transformation, and connection to the cosmos. The true magic of astrology lies in its ability to help us understand ourselves and the world around us, not in fleeting, manufactured events. But also staying enchanted with our daily lives and the stars. And I fully recommend wishing on a star...even Sirius!