A Profoundly Potent and Beautifully Radiant beginning to Leo Season

Dates and Cosmic Happenings

July 26th -August 12th Lion’s Gate Portal Activation (Exact 8-8-2024)

August 4th New Moon in Leo

August 4th - August 27th  Mercury retrograde (now, the 4th planet retrograde in the cosmos)

August 5th Venus in Virgo

Lion’s Gate Portal (aka the Galactic New Year)

This takes place on August 8th every year.  It’s a powerful astrological window. 

Here is a wonderful explanation of the Lion’s Gate by Bex Milford.

The Lion’s Gate is triggered when Sirius is closest to the Earth and aligns with the Sun in Leo, the constellation represented by the courageous lion.

Sirius , also known as the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the sky at night. In astrology, Sirius is linked to our higher spiritual aspirations and the elevated karmic journey of our soul. The Sun is related to our identity, ego, sense of purpose and the potential for where we can ‘shine’ in this lifetime.

Therefore, when Sirius and the Sun are together the brightness of Sirius merges with the life-giving power of the Sun to illuminate our true path and where we can reach optimum spiritual growth. 

Their alignment creates a portal through which we receive potent messages.  These can be anything from divine downloads, sudden flashes of inspiration, a new awareness, a serendipitous meeting, ethereal messages and energetic activations.  

This energy is thought to provide accentuated opportunities for healing, manifestation, and enlightenment. It can trigger transcendental awareness and broaden our mental and spiritual horizons, which allows us to integrate a new level of consciousness.

On the 8th of August, we celebrate a cosmic alignment between Sirius, the Sun, the Earth and the ‘galactic centre’, which is the central point of the Milky Way. This date is known as the Galactic New Year.

So, stay attuned to bursts of creative inspiration, those unexpected thoughts that strike in the shower, and moments of synchronicity. These could be the universe's breadcrumbs, guiding you toward alignment with your soul's purpose. 

And keep in mind, as the Rolling Stones wisely sang,

You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you'll find, you get what you need.

As an enthusiastic amateur numerologist, I feel a special energy in this year's Lion's Gate, particularly because it's also an 8 year (2+0+2+4 = 8). This 8-8-8 energy is potent.  Eight is the symbol for infinity—as above, so below. It represents the universe and the boundless gifts available when we align ourselves with a higher purpose. Eight embodies harmony, balance, abundance, and power, reminding us of the infinite potential within and around us when we contribute to the greater good.  

The August 4th New Moon trine with the North Node further emphasizes our journey toward alignment with our soul's purpose.

August 4th - Leo New Moon - 12 degrees Leo - The Sturgeon Moon 

This new moon harmoniously supports our understanding of our unique Lion's Gate intentions.

Sextile - Mars 9 degrees Gemini

This aspect offers a beautiful synergy where competition meets cooperation. The warmth, receptivity, and emotional element of the moon soften the directness of Mars and the Sun. You may feel determined and assertive, yet more appealing and relatable. While Mars and the Sun drive forward with vigor, emotional intelligence, open-mindedness, and curiosity can help you garner support along the way.

Sextile - Jupiter 15 degrees Gemini

Another lovely aspect, this brings luck, kindness, generosity, and hopefulness, attracting and encouraging support from others. However, be mindful not to overextend yourself or become overly inflated, as it may turn off potential allies.

Trine - North Node 8 degrees Aries

The Moon trine the North Node enhances emotional and psychic energies, aiding our connection to the Lion's Gate energy. This trine encourages you to embrace your values and authentic self. The Moon bolsters this energy by endowing you with popularity and magnanimity, supporting your steps towards your soul’s purpose.

The North Node in Aries calls for balance in the "Me-We" axis, reminding us not to lose ourselves when merging with others (South Node in Libra). It invites you to boldly be your authentic self, respecting and considering others while maintaining healthy boundaries for yourself.

This New Moon, with its harmonious aspects, aligns perfectly with the Lion's Gate, offering a powerful opportunity to step into your true self and soul’s purpose.

Here’s Where Things Begin to Get a Lil’ Prickly…

August 4th - August 27th:  Mercury Retrograde 

(Now, the 4th planet retrograde in the cosmos)

Mercury goes retrograde on August 4th, starting its journey in Virgo and then moving back into Leo after August 14th. Whatever transpired while Mercury traversed 21-30 degrees Leo from July 17th to July 25th will likely be revisited between August 14th and August 29th.

Mercury retrograde isn’t as harrowing as it’s often portrayed. Yes, Mercury governs travel, commerce, communication, and information. While retrograde, these areas may not be as they appear. You also might find yourself thinking more deeply yet communicating less, taking a more introspective approach or find your thinking is a bit muddled.

Life doesn’t pause for retrogrades. If you need to take a trip, buy a car, or make a deal, go ahead. Just be prepared for potential reviews, adjustments, or clarifications down the line,  unexpected travel snags and/or data, device, auto or appliance issues.   Hope for the best experiences but prepare for challenges.

To understand which area of life will most likely be up for discussion or impacted, look at the house Leo rules in your natal chart. This will provide insight into the themes that may surface during this retrograde period.

If you’re unsure, see the chart below that lists the Leo house by your ascendant. 

August 5th - Venus Enters Virgo: Love Takes on a Practical Form

When Venus moves from Leo to Virgo, the shift is palpable. We transition from the bold, loud, and proud expressions of love in Leo—where we shout our affections from the rooftops—to the more pragmatic, thoughtful vibe of Virgo.

In Leo, Venus is playful, warm-hearted, and extravagant, thriving on attention and adoration. 

But as Venus settles into Virgo, the energy becomes much more understated and purposeful. Love during this time is expressed through acts of service. It's about running errands for our loved ones while managing our own, offering nurturing comfort when they’re feeling ill or blue. Ensuring they are taking their meds at precisely the right time- is quintessential Virgo affection.  Virgo love is about the little things that show we care deeply and practically.

However, Virgo is also the zodiac's perfectionist. We must remain mindful to avoid falling into hypercritical, nit-picky, or anxious patterns concerning our loved ones' actions and behaviors.

Love during Venus in Virgo is grounded, thoughtful, and deeply attentive, reflecting a soulful dedication to those we cherish.

Mercury Retrograde in Leo (8-14-24 to 8-29-24) - Leo house according to the degree of  your Rising Sign.  

If you don't know the degree, read both entries—one should resonate more clearly with your experiences.