Lion's Gate Portal
WHAT IS THE LION'S GATE PORTAL?
The Lion’s Gate Portal combines astrology, numerology, and the regular Gregorian calendar. It occurs each year on August 8th (8/8) and signifies a huge shift in cosmic energy. As the name implies, a barrier is removed on this day, opening up new possibilities and giving everyone an energetic boost. Portals open when the calendar date repeats two numbers for the month and day: January 1st (1/1), February 2nd (2/2), and so on. Portals are great days for manifestation, ritual, and reflection – and August’s Lion’s Gate is among the most powerful calendrical portals.
THE LION ARCHETYPE
The Lion’s Gate Portal takes place during Leo season. The Lion is a regal figure, known as the “king of the jungle.” As an archetype, the Lion encourages us to take control of what we can, and not spend as much time worrying about what we can’t. We are asked to step into our own power, not as authoritarians or tyrants, but as strong leaders and role models. You may not be in a position of authority in your job or at school, but you aren’t totally helpless. What are you in charge of?
You may have heard the phrase, “a lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of sheep.” Although this line comes from Game of Thrones and is meant in a tyrannical sense, we can use this as a guide to build our confidence. That’s not to say that everyone around you is a sheep. But if you struggle with self-confidence, you may find it helpful to visualize yourself as a lion. You are in charge of yourself – don’t worry about what others say about you.
Lions do what they want and what is best for them. They look out for themselves. But they aren’t solitary creatures. They recognize that what’s best for them is also best for their pride. We may be tempted to fight against our family, work environment, or society as a whole, feeling resentment because the situation isn’t working for us. But if you start looking after your own needs, you’ll find it easier to take care of others as well.
On a lighthearted note, lions love to lay out in the sun. Leo in the zodiac is ruled by the sun and its bright light and warmth are characteristic of Leo’s confident and fun energy. Even if you aren’t a Leo sun or you don’t have much Leo in your chart, you can still take advantage of this opportunity to soak up some rays and relax outdoors (don’t forget SPF!).
THE NUMBER 8 IN NUMEROLOGY
Numerology is the study of how numbers affect our lives. In numerology, the number 8 represents balance and is connected to the infinity symbol. It is an extremely auspicious number, so any time it comes up it’s a good sign. The number 8 represents one’s action towards goals and achievement. Coupled with Leo season and the symbolism of the Lion, the number 8 encourages us to go forth with confidence and make it happen!
The number 8 contains two fours (4+4=8). Four is the number of stability and sturdiness. Think of a table with four legs: it can stand comfortably on its own and, depending on the material, can hold a lot of weight. It props things up on a solid foundation. Two fours (in other words, the number 8) represent a double-dose of that stability. The more solid the foundation, the more confidently you can proceed towards your goals.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE LION'S GATE PORTAL
The Lion’s Gate Portal is the prime day for manifestation. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to invite into your life, a new habit you want to try out, or a goal you want to achieve, now is your chance! Rituals for manifestation are supercharged at this time. Here are some ideas to make the most of this auspicious day:
- Do a sun salutation yoga flow (bonus points if you can do it outside!)
- Write down your goals and your plan for how to achieve them
- Make a mood board to inspire you every day
- Do something that scares you
- Write down and release the obstacles in your path
