The Magician & Strength tarot both display the number 8 over their heads
What is the Lion’s Gate Portal?
Every year, on August 8th, the Lion’s Gate Portal reaches its peak, marked by the alignment of the Earth, the star Sirius, the Sun, and the Galactic Center. This auspicious celestial event, named after the astrological sign of Leo, because it occurs during Leo season, is powerful time of positive magick, transformation and manifestation. The open gateway created from this transit, is a direct line of energy and communication that connects the collective to the infinite flow of the universe.
This year is marked by an 888 signature, which amplifies the significance of this event even more. This Leo themed activation, invites you to tap into your inner strength, pursue your passions, align your actions with your goals, and shine bright as you tap into the light of your soul’s true potential. This is not just a day on the calendar, it is a temporary open door to a powerful energetic portal that connects our dreams to the realm of possibilities.
Seven of Cups from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Hi Libra sun & rising! Your tarot card theme for August is the Seven of Cups. This card symbolizes dreams, options, and sometimes a bit of confusion. You could be daydreaming about different paths you could take, or you may be faced with several opportunities that seem equally appealing.
It’s an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Dreams and reality merge imperceptibly in this card, making it difficult to know what is real and what is not. Which cup is the right one? Well Libra, it would seem the time has come to explore your options, but it is essential for you to stay grounded and realistic, and not to get lost in your dreamscape.
It’s interesting, as Mercury the planet of communication, thinking and the mind, is retrograde this month in your twelfth house of spirituality and the subconscious, for the first two weeks of the month. I just love how the tarot taps in the universal energies, don’t you? This planetary transit is certainly not much help when it comes to clear-cut decision making. But you can work with this energy by doing some soul-searching that will help you figure out what truly matters to you before making any big decisions. Although Mercury will still be retrograde mid-month, its effects will be lessened which should allow for a little more clarity. Mercury will be stationed direct at the end of the month.
In your professional, school or career life, you might find yourself faced with multiple possible paths. The Seven of Cups suggests that although these options might look appealing on the surface, not all of them will lead to the success you desire. It’s important to weigh your choices carefully and think about your long-term goals. The Seven of Cups reminds you not to rush into decisions without considering the reality behind each choice. Make sure you are not just chasing a fantasy or at the very least, making a choice without having all of the information or relying on someone’s word. There’s an old saying that says “follow your heart but take your head with you”. That euphemism applies here.
When it comes to your love relationships, this month might bring some emotional ups and downs. You could be fantasizing about the perfect relationship or feeling unsure about your current connection.
For my committed couples: The grass is not necessarily greener on the other side. Know that all relationships have their ups and downs. Communication is key to get your relationship back on track. If there are more serious issues, explore professional help options. If you’re single and looking, keep your eyes open but also be aware that perfection in the realm of romance is an illusion. There is no perfect person out there. Real relationships that have true potential, are built on honesty, mutual respect and understanding. And a healthy dose of humor doesn’t hurt either!
Libra, if it is possible to postpone a final decision towards the end of the month, that is optimal. This will allow you extra time to center yourself and gain some clarity, and Mercury retrograde’s influence will be lessened. Stay grounded and realistic, do your research, and the right choice will reveal itself.
Some grounding crystals that you can wear or hold are hematite, smoky quartz, black tourmaline, black obsidian, and agate.
The Three of Pentacles from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Hi Scorpio sun & rising! The Three of Pentacles is your tarot card theme this month, which speaks of collaboration and teamwork. I can see your face Scorpio, just hear me out LOL. This card emphasizes the importance of working well with others to achieve your goals.
Whatever your aspirations are this month, the Three of Pentacles advises that you’ll find that joining forces with like-minded individuals with a diverse set of skills and talents, will give you the best chance at a successful outcome. The other aspect of this card is that you too, have a proficient level of expertise that is valuable to a group or team, and you may find that your talents or skills are recognized and appreciated in some way. This is your time to shine Scorpio! Good for you!
Astrologically, your tenth house of your professional life and career and your 11th house of social networks and friendships are quite activated, both of which generally involve collaborating with others, which I found to be an interesting connection that aligns closely with your tarot card theme.
Scorpio, in the past, you may have struggled to achieve your goals as an individual. But the Three of Pentacles upright is a good sign that confirms that a group or team is the way to go to get things done. I do want to remind you that Mercury is retrograde for most of this month, which can affect communications. To avoid misunderstandings and delays, practice good follow-up and document in writing all pertinent agreements and information. Do this and you’ll be fine.
In your professional life, career or business, this is a great time to share ideas, seek constructive feedback, and utilize the diverse strengths of your colleagues. You could be working on a project with people that possess very different skillsets, opinions, and experience. The key here will be to keep everyone focused on the end goal. Try to stay flexible Scorpio, alternative ideas and perspectives will expand your horizons, making this a valuable learning opportunity for you. You be sure to speak up as well. Be prepared to expand on your ideas as it is likely that others will have questions that require further explanation. Don’t take it personally, it’s all a part of the process.
In your personal life, you are encouraged to seek support from your partner, friends, and family when needed. People appreciate when they are valued for their opinions and/or skills. Not only will you get the assistance and/or advice you need, this will strengthen your connection as you work together towards a common goal.
Scorpio, your reading this month, leaned more on the practical side. After all, the Three of Pentacles is not exactly one of the “flashier” cards in the deck. But, I think that’s a nice change, as your readings tend to be quite intense, usually.
Overall, the energies for you this month are encouraging you to expand on your personal growth by achieving your goals through your connections with others.
Seven of Wands tarot card from the Rider Waite Smith deck
Hi Sagittarius sun and rising! Your tarot card theme for this month is the Seven of Wands. Fortune favors the brave my friend, and for the next few weeks, it’s all about standing your ground and defending your position.
This card is associated with the planet Mars and the zodiac sign of Leo, another fire sign. I find this interesting since we are in Leo season now. This month, Sagittarius, you might be facing some challenges or competition, but don’t worry – this card is upright for you, indicating that you’ve got the strength and determination to handle it, and most of you appear to have the upper hand.
Whatever is going on with you this month, you are encouraged to hold firm in your beliefs and not back down when things get tough. As the month progresses, you’ll find that your persistence pays off as long as you are assertive and clear regarding your boundaries.
The Seven of Wands theme can easily be applied to all the areas of your life. Whether this energy is presenting itself at your work or in your career, school, in your personal life, or this could be a goal or pursuit that is important to you. You may have some outright “haters” or others around you may be a little more subtle in their attempts to dampen your fire. This card reminds me of the “crabs in the barrel” euphemism. Which is when someone has the courage to take a chance and go for something, it’s invariable that there will be those less brave around us that are uncomfortable with our growth and will try to convince us to stay where we are. Similar to, when we see a crab trying to crawl out of a barrel and the others pull it back in.
But that is not enough to deter my adventure loving Sagittarius is it? Stand tall and don’t let others sway you from your path. This might mean having some tough conversations or making difficult decisions, but if you know in your heart that this is what you want, then trust that you’re doing what’s best for you. How boring the world would be if we were all the same.
This card can also reflect some tough competition around you. The previous message applies here too. Do your best and keep your goals front and center. Don’t let the others get to you. The next card after this one is the Eight of Wands, which signifies an opening of energies via swift action and communication. The Eight of Wands corresponds to your sign, Sagittarius and the dates associated with this card are August 23rd through September 1st. These dates may be of relevance for some of you. This opening up of energies encourages you to stay proactive and determined as soon you will overcome or push through this resistance that you are experiencing.
In your social life and relationships, the Seven of Wands suggests that you might need to set firmer boundaries with others. The character in this card is on the edge of a cliff, dealing with 6 other wands, indicating that it is important for you to protect your energy and not let anyone take advantage of your generosity. Say “no” once in a while. I’m not saying to shut others out, but honestly assess what is reasonable for you to handle, so that you’re not spreading yourself too thin.
If you are in a committed relationship, this card can indicate some challenges, or that a more equitable division of responsibilities may need to be addressed. Both of you must be willing to put down your wands and have a conversation. If you are single, you literally may be “fighting them off”. You can’t help that your fabulous! But if your love is getting a little out of hand, you may want to scale back.
Lastly Sagittarius, make sure to carve out some time for self-care and relaxation. You appear to be in battle-ready rode or at the minimum, burning the candle at both ends! This is quite the pace, consider taking a break to recharge when you can. Mercury is retrograde this month which tends to slow things down, so if the opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it and enjoy some well-earned leisure time.
Six of Wands from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Hi Capricorn sun & rising! August is looking good for you, with the Six of Wands as your tarot card theme. This card is all about victory, recognition, and an overall feeling of achievement. As I recall, you had the four of wands last month, so it appears you have some positive momentum happening here! Obviously, you’ve been working hard, Capricorn, and you are seeing the rewards of your efforts. This is an auspicious card for any aspect of your life where you have been putting in time and effort. Whether it’s a project at work, a professional goal, or something you’ve been striving for in your personal life, my Capricorns are riding high on the wave of success!
As we see in this card’s image, the character is the center of attention in a parade. If you have not been recognized already, you may find that others are noticing your skills and/or accomplishments. Others of you may be preparing for an important presentation to land a big account or a court case for example. If this card symbolizes a victory for you, most likely you had to fight a few metaphorical battles to get here, for sure it was not easy. Pat yourself on the back Capricorn, you’ve earned it! Whatever is going on for you this month, go ahead and step into the spotlight and let your confidence shine. I know my Capricorns like to let the results speak for itself, we all know you are not the boastful type. But you have to admit, it’s nice to have others acknowledge your hard work. You have every right to feel proud.
In your personal life and relationships, the uplifting energy of the Six of Wands may have my Capricorns out there wanting to shake things up a little bit by doing something spontaneous and different. Often when this card comes up in a client reading, the motto is “I’ve been there, done that, I’m ready for what’s next”.
You may be excited to set a new personal goal. Travel and new experiences are also indicated with this card. Keep in mind we have Mercury retrograde this month, so there could be minor delays or misunderstandings which may require extra time and/or patience on your part. However, overall, the Six of Wands as your tarot theme and the energy I am intuitively picking up, indicates that your relationships and personal endeavors will be quite harmonious for most of you. If you are in a relationship, have fun with your partner. If you are single, put yourself out there. See how the character in this card has his horse reined back, controlling the pace? No major shake-ups here. Everything is progressing slow and steady. You’ve got this Capricorn.
By the end of August, when Mercury goes direct again, this will be an opportune time to take serious action on your goals or to proceed with the next steps on a plan or project. You will find that the overall energies will be conducive to working with you. Keep the momentum going Capricorn.
Eight of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Hi Aquarius sun & rising! This month, the Eight of Swords is your tarot theme. This card often represents feeling stuck or limited, but don’t worry, the eights in the tarot signify change and transformation. It’s not all doom and gloom. Often this card indicates a time where we may not have all the information to make an informed decision or there are other factors that may be affecting our emotions and/or confidence. We have all felt this way at one time or another. The upside to this card Aquarius, is that it symbolizes the power of the mind. Indicating that that it is within your power to shift your perspective and overcome whatever this is that is holding you back.
In your work or career, Aquarius, you might feel like you’re in a bit of a rut at the moment. We have Mercury in retrograde this month, which can exasperate these energies even more, so keep this in mind. But, perhaps this is something that has been ongoing for a while. For example, some of you may have hit a glass ceiling at your job or in your career, you could be dealing with a problematic supervisor or co-workers, there could a lack of communication or transparency, etc. This card denotes challenges Aquarius, however you are known for your brilliant mind and creative thinking, and The Eight of Swords here suggests there may be alternative options or solutions that you have not considered yet. Sometimes, asking for help or getting a fresh perspective can make all the difference. It won’t take long for you to realize that you have more control over your situation than you think.
When it comes to your personal life and relationships, this card reminds you to communicate openly and honestly. If you’ve been feeling misunderstood or restricted in your relationships, or maybe there has been some emotional distance, now’s the time to speak up. Having a calm, clear, honest conversation can help you break through any barriers. If you are single, this is my classic on and off “ghosting” card (respect the dead – block their number and leave them be). If you are seeing someone, you are being advised to get to know this person better or verify the information that they have provided to you before making any agreements and/or commitments.
Psychologically, this is a powerful card. The Eight of Swords encourages you to look inward and identify any self-limiting thought patterns, habits or philosophies that might be holding you back. This card compliments the Mercury retrograde energetic themes (review, retrospection, reassess) and as the full moon on the 19th is in your zodiac sign, The Eight of Swords encourages you to practice self-compassion and discernment. This full moon is square Uranus, which makes its energy a bit unpredictable and prone to surprising reveals. Step back, take a deep breath and gather your thoughts and emotions.
Notice the woman in this card has her eyes covered? This is standing out to me. You may want to avoid making life altering decisions as your judgement may be clouded by a distorted perspective or you may not have all the information you need yet to make an intelligent, informed choice. Try to postpone whatever this is for you, towards the end of the month as this will give you the extra time you need and you will have the added benefit of having the full super moon in Aquarius behind you, and Mercury going back direct at this time.
Four of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Pisces sun & rising, your tarot card theme this month is the Four of Swords. This month you are urged to take a break, slow down, and recharge your batteries. This card speaks of taking a pause, not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. You’ve been through some battles Pisces, and you’re tired. Put down your sword for a bit and allow yourself some well-earned rest.
In your personal life and relationships, The Four of Swords encourages you to practice self-care and to be selective of who you spend time with. It’s okay if you need a break from your social circles, the people that know and care about you will understand. Try your best to make time for some soul-searching and introspection to realign the balance of your material and spiritual worlds. If you are cross watching and are in a relationship with a Pisces or other water sign, give them the time they need and you will see your relationship flourish.
Of course, I understand not everyone can just pack up and take a vacation. But slow down whenever you can. And this can be quiet evenings at home, taking lunch breaks in the park or a quiet area, going to the beach for a day or weekend, taking a long bath, Netflix and chill on the couch, etc.
Also, I am intuitively getting the message that some of you may want to practice active listening which will not only help ease the pressure on you in conversations, it gives you the opportunity to focus on what the other person is saying, instead of your mind racing thinking about what you are going to say next. Practice calm breathing techniques to stay present. You will be amazed at how favorable connections can be formed with this simple technique that requires little effort on your part. Now, keep in mind, it can be difficult to disconnect with some people once they get going, so healthy boundaries are a must. Keep your interactions short, as this card indicates your tolerance for other’s people’s energies is quite low right now.
Career-wise, this is a great time to focus on planning rather than action. Pisces, this card indicates some down time, and keep in mind Mercury goes retrograde this month as well, so if things aren’t progressing as you’d like, use this time constructively by reviewing your goals and strategies so that you are ready take action when it is time to move forward.
Lastly, your physical health and well-being should be a #1 priority this month. Some of you may be dealing with health challenges now or as I mentioned before, your vitality is quite low. Pisces, if you have not done so already, this is your message to adopt practices that enhance your mental, spiritual, and physical health. Meditation, gentle exercise or yoga, dietary adjustments, and getting adequate rest will help you rejuvenate. I’d like to remind you that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
The Four of Swords is your message that in August, it is of utmost importance that you make space for rest and reflection as it is vital for your overall well-being. You’ll see your vitality and productivity improve immensely once you give yourself the time you need to rest, heal and recover.
The nine of wands & the four of wands from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Chiron retrograde in Aries from July 26-December 29, 2024, is a powerful time for healing and self-discovery. This period encourages the collective to reflect on old wounds and unresolved issues, particularly those related to our sense of self-identity, our voice and personal power. This is a highly charged time as the astrological dark feminine archetype, Black Moon Lilith accompanies the South node, in the opposite sign of Libra – which represents justice, laws, contracts, marriage and partnerships.
How interesting as during this transit, we appear to be witnessing key core unresolved societal attitudes and power dynamics from the past, currently being brought back up front and center for reevaluation and reassessment.
Chiron “the wounded healer” retrograde in powerful Aries can be a bit triggering as it is a “in your face” type energy. The motto for Aries is “I am” after all. So do your best to be patient with yourself and others as we are all feeling a bit on edge. But on the positive side, the collective is being strongly invited, to witness the events transpiring, that before were hidden behind closed doors and smiling faces, and carefully observe, reflect, and assess your own feelings and thoughts about what you are being shown.
On an individual level, look up your personal natal chart online and find the house where 23 degrees Aries is located. This is the area of your life that will be most personally impacted by Chiron’s retrograde, highlighting where you may need to confront and heal past wounds or challenges to foster your own empowerment, personal growth, and your soul’s evolution. Black Moon Lilith is currently at 3 degrees Libra, so you may find it helpful to include this aspect as well, for additional insights.
If you all would like me to do a post in the future on the astrological aspects of Black Moon Lilith, and how she impacts our natal chart, let me know in the comments! If you would like to schedule a private reading to delve into these energies further, please contact me through my website: www.firemoonalchemy.com
The tarot card corresponding to the new moon in Leo is the Six of Wands
The upcoming new moon in Leo on August 4th, is a beautiful time to set intentions in the areas of your life related to creativity, self-expression, romance, and confidence. Leo energy is big and bold, and encourages you to tap into your passions and let your unique talents and individuality shine. As new moons symbolize new beginnings, whatever your goals are, a Leo new moon is an auspicious energy to collaborate with, to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
As this new moon is well aspected to Mars and Jupiter, which are both in the sign of communicative Gemini, innovative ideas or a surge of creativity may inspire you to take a bold step in a new, positive direction. However this resonates for you, this new moon supports your decisions and efforts to do what you need to do, to have a life that you are excited to get out of bed for!
In love, Leo energy encourages grand gestures and heartfelt connections. If you are in a relationship, tap into Leo’s romantic side by engaging in activities with your partner that will rekindle the spark as you both have fun together. Don’t be afraid to let loose and be a little silly! If you have been wanting to try something new in the intimate department, Leo energy is more than happy to support your passionate endeavors! For those who are single, fix yourself up and put yourself out there! Go out with friends, laugh, and have fun! Your positive vibes will naturally sync with the Leo new moon energy to attract someone to you who will be captivated by your unique style and carefree attitude. If you are a Leo sun, moon or rising, your charms may be amplified during this new moon cycle. So be discerning, but kind, and try not to break too many hearts
As a final note, I do want to mention that this new moon coincides closely with Mercury retrograde, which occurs on August 5th. This astrological combination is conducive to introspection and second chances. Don’t be surprised if a missed opportunity from the past comes back around, or if you have the chance to amend, reconcile, edit, redo, or complete something in the next 30 days. You will feel satisfied and/or relieved that this is done, as it allows you to move on or move up, however the case may be.
OK, so how do we tap into the energy of this dynamic new moon?
Leo’s planetary ruler is the sun. Its element is fire. Keywords are confidence, beauty, love, passion, romance, fun, creativity, self-expression, charisma, luck, vitality, strength, success, & leadership.
Self-love (or couples) activities such as getting a massage, manicure/pedicure, getting your hair done, etc. Pamper yourself a little bit! Consider starting a new creative endeavor and/or try something that requires courage and expands your comfort zone. Journal and/or make a vision board, spend time outside with people, children, and pets that you love, challenge yourself by setting a new personal, professional or fitness goal for the next 30 days, wear items that make you feel outgoing, confident, and attractive.
For my magically inclined people, candle magic and “glamours” are just the ticket for a Leo new moon!
Colors: gold, yellow, orange, purple, red, white.
Leo crystals:
1. Carnelian: This vibrant orange stone boosts courage, motivation, and creativity.
2. Sunstone: As its name suggests, Sunstone is all about harnessing the power of the Sun. It promotes self-confidence, joy, and a positive outlook on life.
3. Tiger’s Eye: Known for its protective and grounding properties, Tiger’s Eye boosts confidence and courage inspiring us to take bold steps and tap into our inner power.
4. Citrine: Attracts success, joy, and prosperity. Enhances creativity.
5. Amber: Promotes a sense of wellbeing. Its “warm” tone helps to maintain a joyful, optimistic outlook.
6. Peridot: Helps to balance emotions, reduces stress, and supports gentle, personal growth.
7. Pyrite: A powerful stone for manifestation and abundance. It also offers psychic protection, grounds & balances the mind, body & spirit, helps clear negative patterns and enhances willpower.
Christine Mann (Fire Moon Alchemy) is a gifted intuitive that specializes in tarot, astrology & numerology. She is available for private readings and public & private events. She can be contacted through her website:www.firemoonalchemy.com.
Four of Pentacles & Four of Cups from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
This is a special full moon, as it is the second consecutive full moon in the sign of Capricorn in the last 30 days! The previous one was on June 21st. Having two full moons back to back occur in the same sign is quite rare. Consider this a second chance for us to address the Capricorn themed areas of our life. As this moon occurs on the 29th degree of this sign, this is your message to make those final revisions and/or get moving to implement plans or goals that were put into place last month. For some of you, this full moon may coincide with, or urge you to, make an important decision or have the final word, such as in a conversation or this could be your signature on a document or contract.
Let’s discuss the tarot cards associated with this transit to see what insights they have for us!
First, we have the Four of Pentacles which represents the Moon in Capricorn. There’s a strong focus on your responsibilities and ambitions with this card. Often it comes up in my readings when the message is to be frugal with your finances and to be mindful of where your resources are going.
Fours in the tarot represent stability, and the element of earth speaks of physical, tangible things that are pertinent to our survival, such as our health, money, career, home, etc. More than ever nowadays, it is important for everyone to review their goals and spending to be sure you are building a solid foundation for the future. But be careful of becoming overly rigid with your finances (i.e., pennywise and dollar foolish). The energy of Capricorn encourages us to be disciplined and responsible, but to also maintain a healthy balance between frugal and “cheap”.
The Four of Cups corresponds to the Sun in Cancer. This card has a cynical vibe to it. You could be feeling a bit stuck or dissatisfied, even though most likely, you have good things around you. With the Sun in the sign of Cancer opposite this full moon, collectively, we might be feeling more sensitive than usual. If you have been feeling bored or unfulfilled lately, this is a reminder to look within and see why you are feeling that way. Your intuition may be nudging you to make some changes.
So, how you balance these energies to make the most of this Capricorn full moon? It’s a great time for reflection and planning. Take a moment to appreciate what you have now and what you’ve achieved in the last 30 days (it’s probably more than you realize), and to think about what your next steps should be on a goal, plan or project. Budget funds to take care of routine maintenance and small repairs to cross them off your “to do” list and to prevent larger problems in the future.
The Four of Cups can indicate burnout. Remember to balance your hard work with self-care. Try to break up your routine once a while to freshen up your mental outlook. Be on the lookout for opportunities and blessings that appear in unexpected ways, and try to practice an “attitude of gratitude” whenever possible.
As full moons can signifiy a time of completion, it may be time to let go of things that no longer serve you or that have become an energy or financial drain. This will give you some peace of mind and make space for the aforementioned opportunities and blessings to come in!
For my crystal loving friends, below are some excellent crystals that resonate with the Capricorn energy:
1. Garnet: Known for both its grounding and energizing properties, garnet helps us to stay focused on our goals and enhances our vitality.
2. Black Onyx: This stone protects us from negative energy and fosters emotional stability.
3. Smoky Quartz: A grounding stone, smoky quartz helps us connect to the earth, and helps us stay focused on our ambitions. It also is effective at dispelling negative energy and promotes a practical, yet positive mental outlook.
4. Fluorite: Known for its ability to enhance mental clarity and focus, fluorite can help us stay organized and efficient. It also supports decision-making and problem-solving.
5. Black Tourmaline: This protective stone can help shield us from negative energy, helping us stay grounded. Wearing or holding black tourmaline promotes a feeling of security and security. This stone can be too “heavy” for very sensitive people, so you may need to experiment with this stone.
6. Hematite: A grounding and balancing stone, hematite is very effective at keeping us focused on the task at hand. It also enhances strength and endurance. This is another “heavy” stone, so if you are sensitive, just like with black tourmaline above, pay attention to how you feel when working with it.
7. Tiger’s Eye: Known for its ability to enhance willpower and courage, tiger’s eye can help us stay determined and confident when pursuing our goals.
8. Malachite: This stone of transformation can help us release negative patterns and encourages us to flow with positive change. It is also an effective stone for protection, it’s green color corresponds with money and abundance, and it fosters emotional balance and personal growth. Malachite is one of my favorites!
