- Destinology
- Aug 8, 2024
- 4 min read
MODERN PRACTICES
The "Lions Gate" portal is a modern spiritual and New Age concept that combines the ancient significance of the heliacal rising of Sirius with astrological and numerological symbolism. This term does not have roots in ancient Egyptian tradition but has been adopted by contemporary spiritual practitioners. Here's how this connection developed:
Astrological and Numerological Symbolism
The Date of August 8 (8/8): The Lions Gate is said to "open" on August 8, a date that in numerology is considered highly powerful because the number 8 represents infinity, balance, and cosmic order. The repeated "8" on 8/8 is believed to amplify these energies.
Leo Season: The event takes place during the astrological period of Leo (July 23 - August 22). Leo, symbolized by the lion, is associated with the Sun, strength, and leadership. The "Lions Gate" refers to the sun being in Leo and its alignment with Sirius.
Connection to Sirius and Ancient Egypt
Sirius as a Spiritual Beacon: In ancient Egypt, Sirius was associated with the goddess Isis and the flooding of the Nile, which brought fertility to the land. Modern spiritual practices view Sirius as a gateway to higher consciousness and spiritual awakening, seeing it as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Lions Gate Portal Concept: The "Lions Gate" is believed to be a time when the star Sirius, the Earth, and the Sun align in a way that opens an "energetic portal" for heightened spiritual activity. This alignment is thought to facilitate powerful spiritual transformations, personal growth, and the manifestation of desires.
Adoption into New Age Practices
New Age Interpretation: While the original Egyptian connection with Sirius was focused on agriculture and the natural cycle, New Age practitioners have reinterpreted this alignment as a moment of spiritual significance. The term "Lions Gate" has become popular in the New Age community as a time for meditation, intention-setting, and connecting with higher consciousness.
Symbolism of the Lion: The lion, associated with the zodiac sign Leo, adds to the symbolism of power, courage, and leadership. These traits are believed to be especially potent during the Lions Gate, making it a time to harness these energies for personal and spiritual empowerment.
The "Lions Gate" as a New Age symbol combines ancient Egyptian reverence for Sirius with modern astrological and numerological interpretations. While it draws inspiration from the Egyptian connection between Sirius and the Nile's life-giving flood, the idea of a "portal" and its association with the lion is a contemporary concept. This reinterpretation reflects the blending of ancient knowledge with modern spiritual practices, aiming to create a moment of significance for personal and collective transformation.
THE EGYPTIAN ROOTS
The ancient Egyptian story surrounding the alignment of the star Sirius, known to them as *Sopdet* (or *Sothis* in Greek), with the harvest in August is deeply intertwined with their agricultural practices and religious beliefs.
Sirius and the Nile Flood
Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, held great significance in ancient Egyptian culture. Its heliacal rising (when it first becomes visible on the eastern horizon just before sunrise after being hidden by the sun's glare) typically occurred in mid-July in ancient times, which roughly coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile River. This event was crucial as the inundation of the Nile deposited fertile silt on the land, making it possible for the Egyptians to grow crops.
The heliacal rising of Sirius was seen as the harbinger of this flood, and thus, it marked the beginning of the Egyptian New Year, known as *Wepet Renpet* ("Opening of the Year"). This flooding was essential for the survival of Egyptian civilization, as it provided the water and nutrients necessary for a successful harvest.
Sopdet and the Goddess Isis
Sirius was personified as the goddess *Sopdet*, who was later associated with Isis, one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. Isis was the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, embodying fertility, motherhood, and magic. The alignment of Sirius was thus seen as a divine signal, with Isis (Sopdet) weeping for her dead husband Osiris. Her tears were believed to cause the Nile to flood, bringing life to the land and ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Cultural and Religious Significance
This celestial event was not only a practical indicator for agricultural activities but also a time of religious celebration. The Egyptians would hold festivals to honor the gods, especially Isis, and to give thanks for the expected prosperity brought by the flood. The alignment of Sirius and the Nile flood became a symbol of renewal, life, and the cyclical nature of existence.
August Harvest
Although the heliacal rising of Sirius traditionally occurred in July, the effects of the flood would be felt in the following months, with the harvest season typically occurring around August or later, depending on the timing of the inundation. The connection between Sirius and the harvest highlights the importance of this star in the Egyptians' understanding of time, agriculture, and the divine.
In summary, the alignment of Sirius with the harvest season in August was a critical event in ancient Egypt, symbolizing the divine blessing of the Nile's floodwaters, which were essential for agricultural success and the overall prosperity of the civilization.
