Third eyes open wide as the bold Sun in Leo aligns with Sirius—the “spiritual Sun”—to generate a high frequency energy that activates the Lion’s Gate portal.
In Numerology, 8 is the number of infinity and manifestation. Our resident numerologist, Felicia Bender, contributed to this exploration of the mind-expanding, soul-awakening power of the 8-8 portal.
What is the Lion’s Gate?
Every summer, a cosmic opportunity peaks: the Lion’s Gate. This portal opens as the Sun blazes through Leo (“Leo season“) and the star Sirius moves closer to Earth and aligns with Orion’s belt.
When is the Lion’s Gate portal open?
The Lion’s Gate portal opens every year between July 28 and August 12, with its official “activation day” on August 8 (8-8).
Sirius—known as our “spiritual Sun”—rises in the summer sky. Its energy opens opportunities for new beginnings. Collectively, the portal opening is a time when new levels of consciousness are infused into the planet and also into each of us individually.
In 2025, Mercury retrograde in Leo joins the party
The summer 2025 Mercury retrograde in Leo (July 18 to August 11) spans the entire Lion’s Gate portal opening. This rare layering invites deep reflection and heart-centered realignment before charging forward.
What the Lion’s Gate means for you
As the Lion’s Gate swings open, we are swept over the threshold—imagine an old film scene where a bride is carried through a doorway, symbolizing of the start of a new life.
This portal invites us into a higher level of dedication to our evolution—personally and collectively. It’s a call to ascend, even if that means shedding skins and outdated versions of ourselves along the way.
Down the rabbithole of growth
This moment is ripe for an uncomfortable-but-necessary acceleration of our spiritual growth. Think of Alice In Wonderland: she consumes the “Drink Me” potion and shrinks, then eats a cake and grows exponentially. Collectively, we’ve been in a “Drink Me” phase—contracting, recalibrating. The Lion’s Gate offers us the cake: an opportunity to expand into our next chapter.
The Lion’s Gate and Numerology
The 8 in Numerology is the number of infinity:
• It radiates the energy of empowerment.
• It amplifies intentions in the material world.
• It’s a laser beam of manifestation—whatever you focus on now is magnified.
So when an 8 shows up in our lives, it is offering assistance to rapidly manifest whatever it’s directed toward. The 8 amplifies anything it is focused on.
Roar! Leo energy in the Lion’s Gate
The presence of the Lion’s Gate energy aligns with the heart center and embodies the Leo traits of courage, strength and expression. The 8-8 portal aligns with these qualities, urging humanity into its next phase—one centered on unconditional love.
Of course, any birthing process is as exhilarating as it is intense. This is a graduation from “now” into “a new now.” Let go of what no longer serves your highest self—be it toxic dynamics, outdated beliefs or habits that dim your light.
How to work with the Lion’s Gate energy
Transformative times are thrilling—but they can also feel turbulent. To navigate with grace:
• Allow yourself downtime, time for reflection.
• Meditate to anchor yourself in stillness.
• Hydrate to support your body through energetic shifts.
• Rest and unplug from overstimulating devices.
• Avoid activities that feel superficial or energetically draining.
Photo by Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash
You hold a “golden” ticket to go inward
The Lion’s Gate portal is potent. During the portal opening, you may feel anxious, moody, blissful—or simply exhausted. The 8-8 energy can shift you like a sudden drop in barometric pressure. Your body, mind and spirit will need time to adjust.
So if you feel exhausted, emotional, have sleep disruption, and are simply sensing that for some weird reason, life feels anything but status quo, remember to take time to nurture yourself.
Try this Lion’s Gate ritual
With the Lion’s Gate flung open, take a moment to jot down:
• What you’re ready to heal.
• What you wish to release.
• What you want to nurture and grow.
• At least five things you love about yourself.
Then ask: How can I use my unique essence to bring more love into the world? Channel your inner Leo and let your passion and heart lead the way. The portal is open—step in and ROAR!
Try this Lion’s Gate 8-8 Tarot Spread from The AstroTwins!
Feature photo by Ivan Diaz via Unsplash
