Feeling Off? It Might Be the Lion’s Gate Portal, According to an Astrologer

Did you get into that fender bender because Mercury’s in retrograde? Maybe you’re feeling that quarter-life crisis because it’s—checks watch—your Saturn return? Make a plan, and the stars laugh. Up next in major astronomical weather for 2025 are the Eti Aquariid meteors and then a little thing known as the Lion’s Gate Portal. Rawr. Sounds…scary. But is it? I asked Neda, a prominent astrologer, about the significance of this cosmic event and how we can harness its energy. Here’s what I learned.

Neda is an astrologer, founder of the Starcrossed app, the only place you can see your soulmate’s zodiac chart, and a resident astrology & love expert at the dating app Flirtini. She’s passionate about using astrology to guide people through the ups and downs of their lives.

Imagine a cosmic checkpoint that occurs every year, peaking around August 8th (8/8). This is the Lion's Gate Portal. It happens when the Sun is in Leo—bringing forth qualities like boldness, creativity and heartfelt energy—and aligned with Sirius, a bright star of higher wisdom and divine guidance. In astrology, this alignment essentially opens an energetic portal, flooding Earth with high-frequency light. Neda explains that this influx of energy provides a chance to:

• Connect with your soul purpose
• Clear out old emotional baggage
• Step into your personal power

Think of it, Neda guides, as a cosmic nudge encouraging you to pause, reflect and consciously shape who you are becoming.

While August 8th is the peak of the Lion's Gate Portal due to its numerological significance (8 symbolizes infinity, abundance and transformation), the energetic window is not limited to just this one day. Neda points out that the portal typically opens around July 26th and remains active until approximately August 12th. So, if you experience unusual feelings or insights during this roughly two-week period, it's likely the portal's influence.

Even if you don't follow astrology, says Neda, you might still feel the effects of this period. Astrologers note that around the Lion’s Gate Portal, there's often a natural inclination toward renewal, a desire to realign with what truly matters and a surge of inner motivation. It's like the universe is subtly prompting you to stop playing small and pursue your dreams with more intention. Whether you're aiming for a new job, healing a relationship or reigniting your creativity, the Lion's Gate energy can offer supportive momentum.

You might experience a range of sensations during this energetic window. According to Neda, common vibes and experiences include:

• Increased emotions, particularly around matters of the heart, identity and self-worth
• Sudden moments of clarity and random bursts of inspiration
• A strange sense of restlessness, as if something significant is on the horizon.
• Feelings of being drained or sleepy, which some interpret as the body processing energetic "downloads"

Collectively, there can be a subtle but noticeable shift in the atmosphere, a feeling that the universe is more awake, attuned, and receptive to change.

Neda emphasizes that you don't need to overcomplicate things. The most effective way to work with this energy is to slow down and tune in. Try:

• Journaling: Explore your goals and reflect on what you want to release. Gain clarity about your next steps
• Manifestation Rituals: Try simple practices like lighting a candle and writing down your dreams in the present tense
• Meditation: Connect with your inner self and the influx of energy.
• Vision Boards: Visually represent your aspirations
• Movement: Engage in activities like dancing, walking, or yoga with the intention of releasing stagnant energy

While everyone can be affected by the Lion's Gate Portal, those with planets between 13–18 degrees of a fixed sign will likely feel it more intensely. These signs are:

• Leo: May feel particularly energized and seen
• Aquarius: Could experience inner tension or a significant awakening
• Scorpio: Might encounter emotional release or profound transformation
• Taurus: May be called to re-evaluate their values and priorities

“This Lion’s Gate Portal is your cue to slow down and reconnect with your ‘why,’” shares Neda. “You’re so used to going full speed ahead, always chasing the next win or goal, but now the universe is asking you to pause and reflect.” Neda says Aries should ask themselves, “what kind of life are you actually building?” And, “does it truly align with the person you’re becoming?” The astrologist continues: This is a time to get intentional and visualize your future, check in with your values, and make sure you’re not just chasing achievements, but meaning too.

Taurus, listen up: “This portal may stir up some shifts around security and stability,” explains Neda. “If something or someone you’ve relied on starts to feel off, it’s not a bad thing—it’s growth.” The astrologer shares that Taurus may be outgrowing the old definition of comfort, but that that’s OK. “Let go of what no longer fits and create space (literally and emotionally). Clean out your space, release the past and redefine what abundance means to you now—not what it used to.”

Says Neda, the Lion’s Gate Portal is lighting up your voice and asking you to use it. “You have a lot to say, but maybe you’ve been holding back—out of fear, overthinking or simply being too busy.” So what should you do? The astrologer recommends that whether it's journaling, setting boundaries or finally having that conversation you've been avoiding, now’s the time. “Don’t bottle it up. The more honest you are—with yourself and others—the more aligned and free you’ll feel.”

You’re a giver by nature, points out Neda. But this time, the portal is nudging you to receive. “Whether it’s love, praise, money or support, don’t shrink or shy away from abundance. You deserve good things just as much as you give them.” In fact, the astrologer affirms that this is a beautiful moment to check in with your self-worth and remind yourself that it’s OK to want more, “not because you’re lacking, but because you’re expanding.”

“This is your portal, Leo—your spotlight, your reset, your chance to fully step into your power,” says Neda. The universe, the astrologer expands, is literally amplifying your energy right now, encouraging you to express yourself without apology. “Whether it’s launching a creative project, stepping into leadership, or healing your inner child, this is your moment to shine. Don’t hold back. Let yourself be seen in the fullness of who you are.”

Everybody knows, you like a plan. But during this portal, Neda says that the universe wants you to loosen your grip on perfection and trust the process. “You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. In fact, trying to over-control may block the magic. Lean into intuition, allow yourself to be messy or spontaneous, and try something creative just for fun. The unknown can be terrifying—but it’s also where transformation begins.”

“This portal is a major vibe check on your relationships,” states Neda. Think: Who brings you peace, and who drains you? “It’s time to get honest about the energetic exchanges in your life. You don’t need to people-please your way into burnout. Say yes to aligned connections—people who see you, support you and help you grow——and gracefully say no to those who don’t. You deserve friendships and love that feel like a two-way street.”

The Lion’s Gate might stir up emotions you thought were long buried, but, warns Neda, instead of pushing them away, let them rise! “You’re going through a quiet but powerful transformation and that often starts with emotional release. Cry, journal, scream into a pillow if you have to. This is a rebirth moment for you. When you allow yourself to feel, you make room for something entirely new to grow in its place.”

If you’ve been feeling stuck in autopilot, this portal is here to reignite your inner flame says Neda. Remember what lights you up—not out of duty or pressure, but for the pure joy of it. Travel, teach, learn, laugh, explore. You don’t need to make it make sense right now. “Just follow the breadcrumbs of your curiosity, and you’ll reconnect with your purpose through play and passion.”

You’re usually the strong one, the one others rely on. But right now, Neda cautions, “the portal is asking you to soften. Let your guard down, even just a little. You don’t have to carry everything alone. It’s safe to be vulnerable. Let yourself feel, let yourself rest and let yourself be supported. There’s power in opening up—it doesn’t make you weak; it makes you whole.”

“Your relationships are evolving, and this portal is giving you the green light to redefine what connection means to you,” Neda shares. Whether it’s friendships, collaborations or romance, ask yourself: Is this real, or just familiar? “You’re growing into someone new, and your relationships need to grow with you. Be bold enough to reimagine what support and soul-aligned partnership actually look like now.”

You have no shortage of dreams, but this portal wants you to start building them. “It's time to ground your ideas into something real. Start small: make a plan, take one action step, say your vision out loud. Even if you feel overwhelmed, trust that the universe will meet you halfway. You’re not being asked to have it all figured out— just to take that first inspired step toward the life you’ve been imagining,” Neda advises.