As I write this, it is Saturday August 8, 2026. 8/8/26 is a celestial and astrological event known as Lion’s Gate. Lion’s Gate represents a turning point, a moment in time where there is both huge creative potential … and the opportunity to surrender to rapid change.
I find it interesting that in ancient Celtic practices, dating prior to the Dark Ages, August 1 was celebrated around these same themes in the northern hemisphere.
The Celtic festival of Lammas (or Lughnessadh) was both a festival of gratitude and communion … and honored the funeral date of the Ancient Mother, known as ‘The Old One of the Earth’. Their teaching for the day “Clever is not wise” guides us to seek our own deepest inner wisdom at this time of breakdown. Both death and rebirth are present in the same moment. There is so much potential — and so much surrender is required. The veil is thin at this time when magic is invited.
On a recent Zoom circle, one of our Young Leaders had drawn 3 cards to inform our conversation. The first was a tarot card – 5 of Cups. And the second was a card reading Death and Rebirth which was drawn reversed. And the final card Strength offers guidance about graceful leadership through fierce serenity.
I observed that this looked like a recipe for the future: Enduring 5 cups of death and rebirth (reversed) with strength.
I’ve had some time to reflect on this mysterious Death and Rebirth card. What does ‘reversed’ mean in this context, in this deck, at this time on this planet?
To me it felt like a bit of a promise — that the big transformative shift on Earth is happening in this order: Rebirth and Death.
And that Rebirth is already happening everywhere all the time. It isn’t some kind of big explosion but waves of gratitude, joy, love, grace, peace filling our individual hearts and then rippling out. When we gather in clusters, the ripples turn into bigger waves of the Good washing across our precious planet. It’s happening everywhere every moment and in so many different ways.
Many friends are reporting something I noticed in the past month: friends who were never interested in spiritual things are coming to me quietly – with questions, with curiosity, with a hunger for something.
Yes, the old dying Patriarchy dinosaur is still thrashing about, making a tragic mess and complaining loudly.
And we really must focus our gaze, attention and energy on the bright, light, and loving things in our world.
May your late summer be full of blessings.
May you receive clear messages from Spirit to guide your actions.
May you be surrounded by love and grace as you broadcast love and grace.
May you live your most authentic life.