Mid-August
The Cat Nights begin and the Dog Days of Summer end
Starting mid-month in August (Aug 15-17) and lasting nine days (Aug 24-26)
Cat Nights begin on August 17. An old Irish legend that says: a witch could turn herself into a cat eight times, but on the ninth time, she couldn’t regain her human form. This bit of folklore also gives us the saying, “A cat has nine lives.”
In August, the Dog Star Sirius is no longer visible in the predawn sky, bringing to an end the Dog Days of Summer and then Cat Nights begin mid-month. Cat Nights are also tied to pre-Christian harvest rites. Like many ancient festivals, the church adopted the earlier harvest festival and, in many parts of Europe, it is still known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Harvest.
The origin of Cat Nights is thought to spring from a little know Irish legend. There are several folk tales about a cat creature known as the Cait Sidhe in Ireland and the Cait Sith in Scotland. Both are pronounced “caught shee” and literally translate as “cat of the mound.” The mound refers to neolithic burial mounds found throughout the British Isles. In folk lore they were considered to be fairy mounds and residences. In England the Cait Sidhe, are commonly called fairy cats.
The Cait Sidhe took the form of large black cats, with a spot of white on their chests. For the most part, the Cait Sidhe were seen as fearsome, but they were also capable of bringing blessings.
Irish legend also tells how witches could turn themselves into a cat eight times. They could choose to transform themselves a ninth time, but then they were unable to change back to human form. This legend is the origin of the phrase “a cat has nine lives.”
But besides the old Celtic folklore, August is traditionally considered a yowly time for cats. This may be what prompted the belief that witches were on the prowl in mid-August in the first place.
Cats are active at dusk and dawn. Many cats are nocturnal hunters. Cats can see eight times better in the dark than we can Longer nights are coming and the nights belong to them.
A Complete Guide to the 2025 Lion’s Gate Portal 8/8
A Complete Guide to the 2025 Lion’s Gate Portal 8/8
The Lion's Gate Portal is a cosmic event steeped in mysticism, spirituality, and transformative energy. Occurring annually between July 26 and August 12, with its peak on August 8 (8/8), this celestial alignment is believed to bring powerful opportunities for spiritual growth, manifestation, and connection with higher realms. As we look ahead to the Lion’s Gate Portal of 2025, let’s explore what this energetic gateway is, why it’s significant, and how you can harness its power in your spiritual practice.
What Is the Lion’s Gate Portal?
The Lion's Gate Portal is named for its timing during Leo season and its alignment with the star Sirius, Orion's Belt, and the Earth. This alignment creates an energetic gateway, thought to shower the Earth with high-frequency energy. In numerology, 8 represents balance, abundance, and infinity, making 8/8 a particularly auspicious date for setting intentions and manifesting desires.
Why Is the 2025 Lion’s Gate Portal Special?
The Lion’s Gate Portal is inherently powerful, but each year carries unique astrological influences. In 2025, planetary alignments during this portal suggest a heightened focus on:
1. Personal Empowerment – Leo's fiery energy encourages confidence, creativity, and bold self-expression.
2. Spiritual Awakening – With Sirius, the "Spiritual Sun," shining brightly, this is a time for deep inner work and connection with your higher self.
3. Global Transformation – Astrologically, 2025 carries themes of collective evolution, making this year’s portal a catalyst for both personal and societal shifts.
How to Harness the Lion’s Gate Portal Energy
Whether you're new to this phenomenon or a seasoned spiritual practitioner, there are countless ways to make the most of this cosmic gateway. Here are some powerful practices to try during the Lion’s Gate Portal 2025:
1. Set Intentions for Manifestation
Use the amplified energy to clarify your goals and visualize your desired outcomes.
Write your intentions on paper or create a vision board for focus and inspiration.
2. Meditate and Connect with Higher Realms
Meditate outdoors under the stars to channel the energy of Sirius.
Focus on your third eye to open pathways for spiritual insight.
3. Work with Crystals
Leverage crystals like citrine, carnelian, or clear quartz to amplify manifestation energy.
Place them on your altar or carry them with you during this time
4. Engage in Shadow Work
Use this powerful energy to confront and release limiting beliefs.
Journaling and tarot can help uncover hidden patterns and provide guidance.
5. Perform a Ritual
Light a candle to symbolize your inner fire and call on the energies of Leo.
Incorporate symbols of infinity (like figure-eight shapes) to enhance the energy flow.
6. Celebrate Your Inner Power
Take bold actions aligned with your passions and purpose.
Engage in creative activities like painting, dancing, or crafting.
Journal Prompts for the Lion’s Gate Portal 2025
1. What do I want to manifest in my life right now?
2. What fears or doubts do I need to release to fully embrace my potential?
3. How can I better connect with my higher self during this time?
4. What steps can I take to align my daily actions with my soul’s purpose?
A Reminder of Cosmic Abundance
The Lion’s Gate Portal is a reminder that the universe is abundant and brimming with opportunities. By aligning with its energies, you can tap into a higher frequency and set the stage for profound transformation in 2025.
Whether you choose to meditate under the stars, dive into shadow work, or simply bask in the empowering energy of Leo, the key is intention. Be open to the magic, and let the Lion's Gate Portal guide you to your highest potential ✨️
New Tarot and Oracle at Strega
Things unique, unusual, and slightly witchy!
Strega Shop is a retail metaphysical store and a community gathering place with scheduled workshops and classes for continuing education, fine tuning your crafts, and discovering new skills. Find candles, crystals, antique and new jewelry, altar items, incense, sage, herbs, books, tarot and oracle
Strega is Cochise County's source for metaphysical needs.
Merry meet friends
Sadly, Tariff costs have hit Strega, resulting in retail price increases.
I didn’t expect to see prices increase as a result of the tariffs this soon; but, tariffs are here now. A 25% - 45% tariff tax will be added on items marked with the Tariff Stamp at checkout beginning on Saturday March 29
Strega had products purchased before the tariffs went into effect. This meant the pricing on many items would not be affected until we sold what was on hand. Now, most of our pre-tariff stock is sold out.
As tariffs eventually will affect all the items on Strega shelves over the coming weeks, we will be adding a distinctive "Tariff Stamp" to the signage and price tags, which indicates the price of the product has increased due to tariffs and a 25%-45% tariff tax will be added at checkout
Most US-based wholesale suppliers have raised their prices by 30% to match the tariffs charged to foreign importers (China, Mexico, EU, and Canada); a tariff increase of 25% has been added to all new purchases and deliveries by both my foreign and domestic wholesale suppliers..
If / When the tariffs are lifted, and wholesalers reduce their prices, we will return to regular pricing.
Look for the TARIFF sign/stamp at the shelf to identify tariff affected items
This symbol indicates the product is coming into the US from the European Union, Canada, Mexico, or China, et al, and has had a tariff imposed that affects its price.
Government imposed taxes affect all products, including US made products that include parts/ingredients coming in from import countries
If the tariff is removed, the price will be reduced accordingly