Lion's Gate Reflections

We have just passed through the portal that is commonly referred to as the "Lion's Gate," which peaked on August 8th.  From the end of July until just a few days ago, the star Sirius was in its closest proximity to Earth.  This time period is called a "Galactic New Year," and has ancient roots to the Egyptians.  It is said to be a time of powerful ascension for the planet as well as human consciousness. 

Sirius is referred to as our "spiritual Sun," it is the second brightest star (the first being our sun).  During this time period, Sirius is in alignment with the Sun, the Earth, and the Orion constellation.  Two Lions usher in this portal between the Earth and the cosmos.  The constellation of Leo being the cosmic lion, and the Sphinx as the physical representation of the lion.  Interestingly, there is also said to be a connection between Orion's belt, known as the 3 sisters, and the pyramids of Giza (the three larger pyramids for kings, and the three smaller ones for wives and sisters).

​There is a really interesting article that goes more in depth about the Lion's Gate, to read it, please click here.

From the perspective of numerology, we are in a collective 8 year (2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 8), which can symbolize abundance, but also balance and harmony.  The 8 is a symbol for infinity but it also shows up in other aspects of life.  One being the caduceus, which can be seen in Greek mythology as Hermes's staff as well as the medical symbol which is still commonly used today.  The other being the depiction of double helix DNA.  The 8 suggests balance between the spiritual and material world, and the endless cycles of life and death.

Being in an 8 year combined with this time period peaking on August 8th (8/8) this energy was amplified even more so.  Below I will share my own personal experience leading up to and during this most recent Lion's Gate:

This Lion’s Gate was not at all what I expected it to be.  I guess I shouldn’t really have expectations after all these years, but the truth is, I often still do.  When thinking of the Lion’s Gate and from experiences in the past, I think of powerful portals that blast you into another state of being, another realm of existence.  I’ve come to the realization that this is incredibly unsettling for my nervous system when I think of it as outward expansion alone.  This year, the Lion’s Gate has been all about entering a powerful portal within my own body. 

At the beginning of August, I could already begin to feel the start of fall.  My body began to crave warm foods, my energy began to wane, and I could feel the shift in the air, especially in the early mornings and evenings.  It’s funny, just a week before that I remember thinking to myself about how good I felt; how well my body does in these warm months.  With that realization, I could feel myself beginning to hold on to this state of being.  I acknowledged my attachment to these feelings, and then acknowledged the ever so slight dread I felt for it to go away.

As I began to reflect on these early stages of transitioning to the fall, I realized how accustomed I had become to “on the go” living.  I was consuming more cold, processed foods for convenience (a lot of granola bars and smoothies), and a fair share of raw foods including fruits and salads on a regular basis.  As someone who is a student of Chinese Medicine, I always think in the back of my mind that these foods are not best suited for my constitution long term, but that I can handle them more easily in the summer weather.

On the other side of the world, I grew up as a young woman during the 90s and 2000s in the U.S., and developed disordered eating habits and a strong dislike for my body as so many of my peers did.  I learned to equate salad, smoothies, and raw fruits and vegetables as healthy.  I began to exercise and eat with the intention of changing or manipulating my body into something my mind thought it wanted to be.  I began to wage war against my body rather than acting from a place of love and care.

These deep rooted feelings along with living in a fast paced society led to a disconnected relationship between myself and my vessel that I am continuously reminded to nurture.  Entering this portal has invited me to dive deep within once again to sit with any areas of discomfort.  To explore these patterns, habits, and mindsets.  I have asked myself some difficult questions, and have done my best to sit with the uncomfortable feelings that come up when I listen.  I have gotten curious instead of critical when evaluating why I might feel resistant towards implementing certain changes.

In honor of my body and this shift, I have started to slow down in an effort to conserve as well as nurture my energy.  My mornings are quieter, my food is warmer, my days are slower, and I am avoiding the desire to rush through things to get them done and instead being more present with my tasks.  I am working towards including more whole, local foods and considering how I can foster a more sustainable approach in both how I live in my body, but also on this earth.   Aren’t they really just the same anyway? 

Our bodies are of this earth and they are a representation of it.  The way we live and treat our bodies is a reflection of how we treat our planet, and vice versa.  As the symbol of 8 teaches, it is about bringing elements and balance into our lives.  For me, this season is about slowing down a bit and nurturing myself more.  But it could mean something entirely different to someone else.  The key is to reflect on what aspects of your life you are looking to "quantum leap" in.  What portals are you looking to enter?