Last Day of the Lion's Gate
A non-valentine to close the Lion's Gate Portal
As I write this message to you, it is August 12 just after 10pm, the last night of the Lion’s Gate Portal. When you read this, it will be morning on the 13th, and the gate will already be closed. Let’s consider though, that time can be elastic, and so this message from the past will serve as something of a few extra hours of magic, here for you to tap into if a little extra magic is something you’re in need of.
According to the Ancient Egyptians, the Lion’s Gate Portal is open for 2 weeks every year. It first opens July 28 and closes on August 12, with its most potent day being its peak on August 8, 8/8. This year being 2024, it was a triple 8, as 2024 reduced in numerology terms becomes 8, as well. Up in the sky during this time, the sun in Leo, the star Sirius (the brightest star in the night sky), Orion's Belt, and the Earth all line up together to form a potent energy portal. The Lion’s Gate. This is also the time that marked the beginning of the year in Ancient Egypt because of the Heliacal Rising of Sirius. It is a powerful time of spiritual depth and a time to prepare for massive shifts.
I seem to be strongly affected during this time, at least in recent years, this year being no exception. Since Thursday I felt a strong force of anxiety and stress, and definitely burrowed deep into the recesses of my psyche, in an existential state of reflection and much unneeded worry. It was an unexpected experience of falling into the difficult depths, questions of values and safety, and I also felt physically uneasy, battling against something, striving to find my power. Tonight though I’m feeling better, and by the time you read this, I’ll be feeling better still.
Last year during the Lion’s Gate Portal, I was sick in bed with Covid. My mom was on tour, and dear Cairo was my companion, staying at my side in my weakened bedridden state. I spent most of my time reading during those weeks, though I wrote a poem on August 12th, and I want to share it with you now. It matches the state I was in, the things I was navigating at that time, and the power I longed to tap into within myself.
As you read, reflect on how you’ve been feeling the last handful of days, and how you’ve experience these last 2 weeks of the Lion’s Gate Portal. After you read, maybe do some journaling around this concept of the Lion’s Gate, write in reaction to the poem, or write a new poem of your own. Anything that comes up, and as always I would love if you can share any thoughts or reflections in the comments.
Last Day of Lion's Gate
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It's the last day of the Lion's gate
and what am I going to do?
I'm going to paint this morning
savor the magic of colors changing
Blue + yellow = green
Yellow + red = orange
Red + blue = purple
And on and on.
It’s ancient truth
It’s Lion’s magic.
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I’m going to paint this afternoon
Instead of thinking about Valentines
night-long laments and poisoned minds
because Valentines do not come to life
and poison is a foible chosen by the sender
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BEWARE of Valentines claiming to despise the city
They ride their bikes to country towns
And lie about the way they acquire houses
They pen messages framing
Passport photographs
torture sweethearts with images
of love and lust for others
and relish in the dance of their
wild and expansive hearts.
Yuck!
A name is ash to their kevlar
Blown away by the soft curtain when
No one is around to watch it dissipate
It’s vacuumed up on Monday morning
At 9am precisely,
When the weekend has drifted away
And pay is collected off the books.
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I now understand the purple warnings
the ones I gobbled up like Christmas candies
Hiding wrapper evidence in my pockets
because the deed was just awful.
Sure it tasted fun and the wrapper was fun, too
But I felt so sick after I consumed it all
Absolutely foolish to have had some more.
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The thing about Valentines
They perform a scene as if in a mirror
Shattering the glass to find it a window
It’s disaster unfolding in nasty shards
I think I'm not equipped for the modern world
of those enforcing unholy procedure
‘Sign at the dotted line my dearest, and now goodbye forever.’
For sharing romantic scenes across an ocean
For reading love poems and letters meant for others
Men who love men when you’re not around
A woman, a fantasy
The man who died.
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It’s the last day of the Lion’s Gate.
And what am I going to do?
I might paint, I might not.
I should write myself a love note,
A Valentine, I suppose?
No, I don’t need any valentines today.
It’s the last day of the Lion’s Gate.
Close up shop and send the valentines away.
I no longer want anyone or anything.
All I need is a brush.
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Written 8:03am August 12, 2023
Thank you for reading my poem. <3 As I write to you here now, it’s 7:29am on August 13. Good morning! Here is a Lion’s Gate Portal E-book in case you are interested. I fell asleep last night with my computer in hand, traveling out of the Lion’s Gate portal to start this new chapter with you all. As promised, I do feel much better. How do you feel today?
Below there are some symbol descriptions of the lion that I found online. What else does the lion make you think of? Is the lion a symbol that has special meaning for you? Is it an energy you find helpful to tap into? For me, I find that I need that extra fire at times, that courageous power and resiliency, that self belief and bravado that when harnessed with positive intentions can do wonders for the self. That fire can help bring ideas into action, and can raise action to the next level. Lion energy also has a soft and tender side as well, as lions get scared too, just as anyone else. They can find themselves lost as well. Lions can remind us that we are protected and that we can be our own competent protectors, too. Lion energy can help us to believe in ourselves, to have autonomy and follow our own path, to listen to ourselves first. Lion energy can help us to find the strength to overcome obstacles, to navigate through difficult waters, to know that we are powerful enough to get through anything - a night of anxiety, a difficult decision or conversation, a particularly rough patch in life. Lions get tired too, though. Lions need rest, they need nourishment. They need support and loyalty, they need love and encouragement. A lion is very powerful, though a lion with a lion companion means there is someone there for them, to be the rock during those low moments. In Ancient Egypt, the Lion God’s name means, ‘he who is true beside her.’ All in all, I think that lion energy is about standing confidently in our authentic selves, to speak and act from the heart. To know ourselves and trust ourselves. To be reminded that everything we need is already there inside us. To find people who remind us of that fire within, who raise us up and give us energy. Who love us for who we are and are helping us be the best versions of ourselves in this life.
What do you think? Share any thoughts you might have.
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Lions Symbolism
PROTECTION. In many cultures, lions are symbols of protection. They are often depicted as guardians, standing watch over sacred spaces and offering safety. Protectors not just in their natural habitat, but also as spiritual guardians in various cultural and mythological contexts.
COURAGE. Lions often represent courage, bravery, and fearlessness. Male lions will risk injury or death to guard their territory and to keep their place in the pride. Female lions are also known to exhibit great courage when protecting their young.
STRENGTH. It would be difficult to not immediately associate these animals with strength and power. But beyond physical strength, lions are associated with moral strength and resolve.
NOBILITY. These animals seem naturally dignified and honorable. Strength, courage, and reliability all contribute to the impression of lions being associated with nobility.
LEADERSHIP. This association crosses many cultures. As it is true with nobility, traits like courage and strength are common in good leaders. There is also the impression that lions are kings among beasts.
POWER. A lion’s power goes beyond its physical strength. As apex predators, lions hold a significant role in their ecosystems, symbolizing raw, unbridled power. So what does a lion symbolize in terms of this quality? It is leadership, influence, and the natural order, where the lion stands as a potent symbol of strength and resilience.
“The greatest fear in the world is of the opinions of others.
And the moment you are unafraid of the crowd
you are no longer a sheep, you become a Lion.
A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom.”
– Osho
As a Leo I have a deep connection to lions. In Chinese astrology I was born in the year of the tiger too, so I have two big cats at my side - as well as a little green bird:)
This has indeed been a strange time of shifts and revelations. It has also been a powerful time of change too. Yesterday I scribbled a random 'anarchic prose' poem and posted as a note here entitled The False Prophet. I see a lot of that around at the moment and it can be easy to feel unrest and disillusionment. However, I still believe in the strength of the human spirit and the power of the as yet unseen future. The gate may be closed but the future still lies ahead like a glittering city...
This is a fascinating post that gives me so much to think about and to reflect on for the month of August thus far. My own brother’s passing day is Aug 2. On Aug 1 this month, a lifelong family friend passed away just 2 weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was a lionhearted person in his own right. The imagery of the Lion’s Gate as well as the psychic function itself is profound and helps me understand these recent passages. Courage. Courage.:) Thank you so much.