What is Lions Gate, Exactly? Revered since ancient times, it's a day of astrological alignment and untold potential.
Jordane Maree | yoga journal
Updated July 29, 2024

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Considered a mystical day in astrology, Lion’s Gate is the coinciding of two strong cosmic energies—the star Sirius aligning close to Earth as the Sun exerts an unparalleled influence from its ruling sign of Leo.

Known as Lions Gate portal, it allows access to awareness beyond your usual perception and invites untold potential for manifestation.

When Is Lions Gate?

You can feel the effects of the astrological alignments from July 26 through August 12, although the most intense and transcendent experience of Lions Gate portal takes place on August 8

What Lions Gate Means in Astrology

The wisdom and beliefs related to Lions Gate date back to ancient cultures. The defining characteristics of the day focus primarily on the alignment of the star Sirius and the placement of our Sun in Leo.

Sirius Rising

The term “fixed stars,” a term coined by ancient Greek astrologers, refers to any celestial bodies other than our Sun, Moon, and planets. From the naked eye, these bodies appear to be fixed in the sky rather than wandering. Their energy and influence are precise and focused, like a laser beam of light, and their presence can be felt in a pointed, obvious way.

The brightest light in the night sky, Sirius is one of these fixed stars and is sometimes referred to as our “spiritual Sun.” Whereas our actual Sun illuminates our physical reality, Sirius illuminates our soul, our spirit, and our timeless and boundless selves.

The bright star has long been associated with abundance and fertility. Its annual rising occurs along the eastern horizon each August 8 when the star comes closer to the Earth. This corresponded with the annual flooding of the Nile River in Egypt, which enriched the soil and literally supported life. In a sense, it was a rebirth.

Our spiritual Sun’s rising brings a potent influx of energy and reminds us of our untold potential. Sirius represents our higher ambitions and aspirations. It reminds us of possibilities that are beyond our current realm of belief. It’s a star that asks us to widen our perspective so that we can play in energetic realms that are beyond what we understand. It asks that we trust in the pure creation found within divinity and witness ourselves as sparks of that.

Sun in Leo

The other defining characteristic of Lions Gate is the Sun in Leo. In astrology, Leo is ruled by the Sun. As such, the energies, intentions, and influences of the Sun and Leo are similar. When they coincide in the skies, the effects of each energy are amplified.

Consider that the Sun is sufficiently magnetic to cause Earth to revolve around it. Our days are ruled by its rising and setting and we exist as a result of its presence. This brings us, as individuals, a certain magnetism. When we allow the energy of Leo season to wash over us, especially on Lions Gate portal, we connect with the fiery, courageous parts of ourselves that know our worth. We start to glow so intensely that life begins to organize itself in response to our intentions and vibration.