Leo 2026: Sirius. Nations. More Crop Circles. Chiron. Odysseus, Solar Hero. 8 8 Gate. Slaying the Nemean Lion.

Leo Keynote
“I am that and that am I”
(Full Moon: July 29, 2026. GMT 14.36.)

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“It is this will-to-rule which leads a person born in this sign eventually to achieve self-mastery and the control of the personality (for either a good motive or a selfish one), and it is also the same tendency which leads him finally to the control by the personality, ruled by Leo, of groups and large or small bodies of people. This—at an advanced stage—is an expression of the fusion of Leo energy and Aquarian potency.”1

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Leo, Sirius and Initiation
Leo-Aquarius Full Moon and Nations
___The Esoteric Consideration of Nations
Chiron Enters Taurus: Chiron Return
Asteroids Webinar
Leo New Moon: Total Solar Eclipse
Cosmic Intersections Online Conference
8 8 Lion’s Gate
Odysseus, Leo and the Solar Hero
The Fifth Labour of Hercules: Slaying the Nemean Lion

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Introduction
The author has written on Leo and Sirius, in most years for the past two decades. (See section for Sirius here.) While readers may have read these missives several times – with repetition, as the old adage goes, “water wears away the stone”.

That is, the penetration into layers of meaning which comes from reflecting upon the subject regularly – and at different cycles in one’s life.

New insights emerging is equally true for this author, and is very much the nature of esotericism or occultism – that which lays hidden behind the veil; which cannot be perceived by the finite senses alone – where the intuition or sixth sense must be invoked and brought into play, transcending concrete understanding.

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Leo, Sirius and Initiation

“August, which is ruled by Leo, is the month of the Dog-star, or of Sirius, which thus brings Sirius into close relation to Leo. Leo, in the cosmic sense (and apart from our solar system altogether) is ruled by Sirius. Sirius is the home of that greater Lodge [a Masonic term] to which our fifth initiation admits a man and to which it brings him, as a humble disciple.

[Where a 5^th degree initiate or Master of Wisdom, begins another evolution as a neophyte.]

Later, when the new world religion is founded and is working, we shall find that the major, monthly festival in August, held at the time of the full moon, will be dedicated to the task of making contact, via the Hierarchy, with Sirian force.

Each of the months of the year will later be dedicated (through accurate astrological and astronomical knowledge) to whichever constellation in the heavens governs a particular month, as Sirius governs Leo.”2

Astronomically, the star Regulus is part of the constellation Leo,

“The influences of Sirius, three in number, are focussed in Regulus, which is, as you know, a star of the first magnitude and which is frequently called “the heart of the Lion.”

There is more real occultism hidden in the names given to the various stars by astronomers down the ages than has yet been realised, and here you have a case in point.”3

The forces of Sirius are intimately linked with both the future and our past. The future relates to the time when human liberation (a Sirian word) is effected. Most of Earth humanity will choose the Sirian Path for their ongoing evolutionary journey:

“… the Sun, Sirius, is closely related to our planetary Life … [there is a] particular relationship of this fourth Path to humanity, the fourth kingdom … a relationship of very ancient date between our Lord of the World, Sanat Kumara, and the Lord of Sirius … our planet … on the inner planes and subjectively considered, is a sacred planet …

… the effects of this transition [on Earth] from non-sacred to sacred have not fully demonstrated themselves objectively … The majority of liberated humanity, and therefore a large number of the initiates who have to make decision, choose this way [The Sirian Path] to the cosmic centre [Sirius].”4

L: Path to Sirius. R: Sirius, Leo and Jupiter form a special triangle, regarding contact with the Hierarchy.
It is appropriate that Jupiter is in Leo at the 2026 full moon, during the Sirius festival!
(Artwork: Duane Carpenter.) 

The point that Earth is a “sacred planet” subjectively is one not widely realised in esotericism, as it is normally classed as a “non sacred” planet in the process of taking its place with the other seven sacred planets in this solar system. Sirius and Earth’s past relate to the time of human Individualisation when the forces of Sirius were present in both Leo and Gemini:

“At that time the Sun was in Leo … and the Sun was in Gemini when the final crisis of individualisation took place … Gemini forms a point of entrance for cosmic energy from Sirius”5

Sirius is also known as the “great star of initiation” … and is “… esoterically called the “brilliant star of sensitivity”,6 corresponding to the sensitivity of Leo:

“… the outstanding theme of Leo is the activity of the self-conscious unit in relation to its environment or the development of sensitive response to surrounding impacts by the one who stands – as the Sun stands – at the centre of its little universe. The whole story and function of Leo and its influences can be summed up in the word “sensitivity,” and this sensitivity can be studied in four stages:

1. Sensitivity to conditioning impacts from the environment, i.e., to the impacts of the world of human evolution, the three worlds or planes, through the medium of the three aspects of the response apparatus of the soul;

2. Sensitivity to the will, wishes and desires of the personality, the integrated self-conscious man, the lower self;

3. Sensitivity to the soul as the conditioning factor instead of sensitivity to the environing world as the conditioning factor;

4. The spiritual sensitivity of the God-Man (the soul and personality fused) to the environment. At this stage of unfoldment, the liberated man is not conditioned by his environment but begins the arduous task of conditioning it in relation to the divine plan and purpose and at the same time to cultivating sensitivity to the higher impacts of those worlds which lead to the final goal.”7

Hence the alignment between Sirius and Leo in terms of “sensitivity”. Much of the Leonine sensitivity derives from its esoteric ruler, Neptune. It is also said that “Leo indicates the height of achievement of the human soul … and this is today stimulated by the Shamballa force.”8

That achievement is measured through the soul having dominating the personality and manifesting its true purpose. This high water mark in evolution is referred to as the Third Initiation, also esoterically called the First Initiation, because it opens the individual more broadly to the vast scope of the solar system – as opposed to “merely” Earth consciousness.

Fire is the element of Leo and the symbol of the third body, the mental – in its lower aspect the most controlling part of the personality – and the “king of the beasts”. Yet in its higher mental aspect, the Leonine sovereign is enthroned upon the “seat of the soul”, ruling over the personality.

“The influence of Sirius is not consciously felt until after the third initiation when the true nature of the spirit aspect begins to dawn upon the liberated, intuitive perception of the initiate. For the advanced initiate in this sign [Leo], and after the third initiation, Sirius becomes a major life factor.”9

A lot of people have  commented lately on the deep fatigue they have been feeling in the past few years, which can have several causes, such as the psychological tension of the world situation currently: War, violence, gross injustices, environmental degradation, moral failure of nations, attempted control by material forces etc.

But this “battle fatigue” is also from the absorption of highly refined forces felt by those who are consciously upon The Way. Integrating that into one’s energy system, there is often a natural resistance – even though the spirit is willing, the flesh might be weak! Hence, the necessity of regular rest and sleep, aided by centering meditation that drinks from the wellspring of the inner life.

Fire sign Leo has the first ray of will or power flowing through it, which is the energy of Shamballa, where the Leonine “Lord of the World” resides – Sanat Kumara. This great Being is the One who presides over the Third Initiation. The emphasis upon this initiation theme and Sirius is a reminder that it is the goal for all of those who “tread the Way of Fire”:

“I seek the Way; I yearn to know. Visions I see, and fleeting deep impressions. Behind the Portal, on the other side, lies that which I call home, for the circle hath been well-nigh trod, and the end approacheth the beginning. I seek the Way. All ways my feet have trod.

The Way of Fire calls me with fierce appeal. Naught in me seeks the way of peace; naught in me yearns for earth. Let the fire rage, the flames devour; let all the dross be burnt; and let me enter through that Gate, and tread the Way of Fire.”10

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Leo-Aquarius Full Moon and Nations
The full moon is in a T-square to Chiron in Taurus, but as polarities are important, the entire fixed cross is activated at this time – for individuals, groups and nations. (Look at what is being activated in your own horoscope in fixed signs.)

Note the presence of two important asteroids clustered around the Sun-Moon opposition: Hygeia conjunct Jupiter and the Sun in Leo. Juno conjunct Pluto, Moon and Earth in Aquarius.

Hygeia – associated with health and healing, conjunct the two rulers of the second ray of Love-Wisdom, empowers in this context, the healing of nations. Juno, the goddess of relationships and sacred marriage, encourages engagement and détente between nations.

Mars in Gemini encourages dynamic communication and is square to relationship planet – Venus in Virgo in the same degree of their respective signs. In fact, this pattern exactly overlays  Mars square Neptune in USA’s 1776 horoscope, as it happens to be its two-yearly Mars return.

This occurs in the precise 22nd degree of Gemini, whose Sabian symbol encourages the theme of people coming together, “Dancing couples crowd the barn in a harvest festival”. However, as discussed in many missives about the USA, Mars in Gemini is the most problematic part of its maturation process.

This is further compounded by the fact that President Trump’s Sun is almost at the same degree as USA’s Mars, aligning with Mars’ gung ho forever-wars. Right now there are many rumours of a large military build-up to “unleash hell” upon Iran – on top of massive destruction in Iran, Tel Aviv and US bases over the past week.

Also to note, that the Barbault’s Basket or cradle formation that was exact July 19-21, is still in close orb-of-influence at this full moon. The following table organises the esoteric rulerships given to the soul and personality expression of nations and cities – that have the fixed cross in their make-up, hence some will receive considerable stimulation. Given current crises, the most likely will be Britain, Russia and the USA – who share an esoteric triangle with one another. China, Canada, Germany and Poland may also come into strong focus.

Note that Israel is not included as it is esoterically regarded as an artificial construct – now possibly in the process of dissolution. However, it does have an exoteric horoscope and is able to invoke the zodiacal forces and rays of the Jewish People in general: Ray 1 – Virgo soul, ray 3 – Capricorn personality. In the exoteric horoscopes of USA, Russia, Iran and Israel – there is some notable Leo synastry shown in this chart’s coloured lines.

1. In the first T-square depicted in red, USA’s north node in Leo is closely aspected by the Sun-Moon. Israel’s (infamous) Lion of Judah moon and Russia’s Chiron are within a few degrees orb. In the opposite sign, is USA’s south node and Russia’s Saturn. All points on this Leo-Aquarius axis make a T-square to Russia’s midheaven and Iran’s Chiron in Taurus.

The USA-Israel relationship is currently in crisis, through the war in Iran. Tel Aviv is reportedly in ruins, looking alot like Gaza. The mainstream media has acquiesced to Israel’s media ban but there are reports getting through, indicating shocking devastation from a constant barrage of Iranian missiles.

Further to the parasitical relationship of Israel with the USA, there is now legislation going through Congress that proposes merging the US military with Israel’s, much to the chagrin of many Americans who are calling it an act of treason.

To use a current metaphor from The Odyssey – Israel has been a trojan horse that has penetrated the stronghold of the USA. Since the assassination of JFK, it has embedded itself extensively into many facets of US politics, think tanks, the military and Pentagon, CIA, NSA etc.

This has led to the current crisis where many Americans are saying, enough already! In fact, there has been the creation of many such trojan horses in other countries such as the UAE – as boasted by an ex Mossad chief.

Due to what Belgium psychologist Mattias Desmet calls “mass formation” – or mass psychosis, a majority of Israeli’s have fallen victim to propaganda (from quite an early age) – to the point now where a majority of the population have lost touch with their basic human empathy, rationalising that the genocide in Gaza, the West Bank and Southern Lebanon is justified.

Currently, settlers on the West Bank are on a killing spree of Palestinians, goaded on by their political mentors in Tel Aviv.

The following 2′ video is one among many that illustrate how the evils of indoctrination over the past century have brought Israel to its lamentable situation today. Early education indoctrination is also covered here – How Israelis Are Colonizing the World, where chutzpah-generated Zionism has become a compensating mechanism for the “weak, persecuted Jew” of past centuries. (Again, the author’s disclaimer that there is no “anti-Semitic” sentiment here, simply to shine a light on totalitarianism – in one of  its many forms.)

2. In the second T-square depicted in blue, Israel’s (also infamous) Mars in Leo (conjunct Trumpanyahu’s Mars) – is conjunct Russia’s Leo ascendant and opposite USA’s Moon in Aquarius, T-square to Israel’s Sun in Taurus.

Both configurations emphasise the tendency of Leonine autocratic rule over the Aquarian will of the people, versus the avaricious aspect of Taurus and the theft of property and resources. At least for Israel-driven USA – and most certainly for the “Greater Israel” ideal. Iran and Russia have no such motives, despite the lies of EU leaders, obsessed with the largest nation in the world wanting to steal its territory!

Taurus souls China and Moscow, are also indicated here. According to some sources, the USA is fighting an undeclared oil war against Russia and China by attempting to block off oil supplies to both nations, thereby becoming the major supplier of oil and gas.

Given the power and perseverence of these two BRICS giants, this Chiron T-square on the 1977 Chiron return in 2026-7, is probably when “the push will come to shove”. (See this excellent assessment, The Petrogas-Dollar: The Secret US Strategy Behind the Iran War.)

Consulting the nations table again, Russia and the USA are always prominent – amplified by the fixed cross rulerships of Moscow, London and Berlin. Germany is one of the most powerful nations in Europe but is in rapid decline – as is Britain.

The one-square-mile City of London is a power base for various global “shadow government” initiatives and is a major world economic centre. (The secret power behind the City of London)11 London is speculated to be the planetary throat chakra and, ruled by Leo – is a natural ruler. As one of the five major planetary centres, it has considerable influence over the Western world.

Britain is a Taurus personality and has a tendency to be stuck in materialism and stubborn attitudes. Its main problem is that, like other nations such as the USA and Australia, it has come under considerable Zionist influence – which took root at the Balfour Declaration of 1917 – “a statement of British support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.”

This also involved Lionel Rothschild of that notorious family, leader of the Anglo-Jewish community. Britain had promised Palestine to the Arabs and the Zionists, consolidating at the same time their control of Middle East oil through the Anglo-Persian oil company – which eventually became British Petroleum, or BP.

With lower Leo London “lording-it-over”, the stubborness of Taurean Britain – combined with its first ray personality, the demise of free speech has occurred to an alarming degree in recent years.

Simply standing in the street with a placard saying “Free Palestine” results in arrest, fines and/or imprisonment. Likewise, if same is written on social media, expect the police to turn up at the door!

On balance, Russia – although not perfect on free speech, has exercised considerable restraint in recent years with continuous attacks upon it from the West – working through its Ukraine proxy, including recent revelations that Mossad and the IDF have been involved, working with the CIA and MI6.

Therefore, Russia’s exoteric Leo rising, its esoteric Leo personality – plus Moscow’s Leo soul, brings an opportunity at this full moon to re-assert its rulership, authority and sovereignty.

This might be considerably supported by Russia’s exoteric Saturn in Aquarius, over which transiting Pluto planet-of-power is currently passing – until the end of 2027, bringing up its 35^th year since the 1991 end of the Soviet Union.

The age of 35 is a time for any individual or national entity, when the soul starts to make a stronger impact. In Russia’s case this is esoterically Aquarius, the same soul force as the USA – which has been envisaged for both nations to lead the world into the Aquarian Age, once a greater personality maturity has been effected – particularly for the USA. As mentioned regularly, this is to be effected working in a triangle with Britain.

Hence, we can see how long this might take – but some observers say that Russia is currently the leading point of the Britain-USA triangle, with the capacity to create in-roads for eventual cooperation. Given the current belligerent stance of USA, Britain and the rest of Europe, there appears no other option – except military, that would be a heavy price for all parties.

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Chiron Enters Taurus: Chiron Return
“Many are the lesser planets and numerous are the planetoids which have an energy or attractive quality all their own and which, from the systemic standpoint, must be allowed for in the measuring of the attraction producing the forms of or upon any particular planet.

… Figures also must be computed when the effect upon the planets of what are called “asteroids” is known. This is much greater than exoteric science has so far admitted, but the significance of this must eventually be interpreted in terms of energy and on etheric levels.”12

Planetoids are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, smaller than planets but larger than asteroids. Chiron has been called an asteroid, though is technically a planetoid, also exhibiting behaviour typical of a comet. Chiron has just entered Taurus and approaches its first return since its discovery in 1977. The 50-year cycle of Chiron – “The Wounded Healer”, will make its exact return from June 2027 to April 2028.

For now, Chiron nudges into Taurus for a few months before going retrograde back into Aries until 2027. The exoteric interpretations of Chiron in Taurus focus on themes of self-worth, material security and the physical body; confronting deep-seated wounds related to feelings of inadequacy or scarcity – that if dealt with correctly, eventually lead to healing and expanded awareness.

Feelings of not being enough, tied to external achievements or material gain. Persistent beliefs of proving worth through material success or the approval of others. Over-compensation to balance inadequacy or guilt. So what would Chiron in Taurus mean esoterically?

“[Taurus] … is also the second sign which—after the reorientation preceding discipleship—produces changes and opportunity for the disciple … “the sign of the major life incentive,” because Taurus is the symbol of desire in all its phases.

Whether the subjective man is impelled by desire, or the disciple is driven forth upon the path of return by the urge of aspiration or whether the initiate is controlled by the will to cooperate with the Plan, he is, nevertheless, being responsive to the most potent manifestation of a little known and understood aspect of divinity, to which we give the inadequate name of the Will of God.”13

Bear in mind that Chiron is the half-man, half-horse, hence is still ruled by his animal nature,

“The horse symbolism dominated Atlantean myths and symbols … this sign of the Centaur stood for the evolution and the development of the human soul, with its human objectives, its selfishness, its identification with form, its desire and its aspirations.

The Archer on the white horse, which is the more strictly Aryan [5th rootrace] symbol for this sign, signifies the orientation of the man towards a definite goal.”14

Through the exoteric rulership of Venus, the Taurean upon the upward way seeks not the earthly satisfactions of the material and money – but can easily manifest it for the Plan.

It is the acquisition of higher knowledge – transformed into wisdom (Teilhard de Chardin – stellium in Taurus), or the expression of art and beauty (Dali – sun in Taurus, Picasso – stellium in Taurus) – which pre-occupies the advanced soul who has Taurus rising or sun in Taurus. Of course these are just a few examples, Taurus is found in all fields of human expression, from the blacksmith to a dictator like Hitler (Leo the Authoritarian).

The reorientation in the quotation above, is related to the “reversal of the wheel” – which occurs sometime after the first initiation when an individual has mounted the fixed cross – whose entry point is Taurus:

“This suffering, deprivation, anxiety and distress can lead to a reversal of human orientation upon the wheel of life, just as it does in the case of the individual aspirant. It can lead to the focussing of all the life tendencies upon a world of truer values and reality and thus inaugurate the new and better civilisation for which we all hope.15

Venus-ruled Taurus is a sign intimately related to both material and spiritual values:

“…. humanity, the world disciple, is beginning to come under the influence of Taurus. It is this influence which will bring about at this time the reversal of the wheel of life for those in the human family who are ready (and their numbers are now very great).

This is happening and the results are inevitable and cannot be evaded. The great question is: Will this Taurian influence, increased as it is by the incoming Shamballa forces, produce the floodlight of illumination of which Taurus is the custodian, or will it simply foment desire, increase selfishness and bring humanity to the “fiery heights of self-interest” instead of to the mountain of vision and initiation?”16

Hence, Chiron’s first foray into Taurus – since its discovery, may offer opportunities for broader human awakening – which has been accelerating since around 2020.  The veil is being lifted, more and more people are waking up to the maya and illusion in which they have been hitherto immersed.

What are the higher correspondences of self-worth, material security, feelings of inadequacy and the physical body? There are clues from the esoteric interpretation of the second house, which takes its meaning from the second sign, Taurus. Hence this extended list:

The Chiron Return 2027-8
The return of Chiron to its natal position in the Chiron discovery horoscope will trigger some of patterns that will be considered in greater detail during Taurus 2027.

Chiron in Taurus is opposite Sun and Uranus in Scorpio. The discovery of Chiron in 1977 occurred close to the 1975 “Shamballa impact” – at the beginning of the computer-internet revolution. With the rise of AI today, the Chiron return will provide an opportunity to review how technology has developed, with moral and ethical questions regarding its right use: To serve or enslave? (Whitney Webb: Tech Billionaires Have Completely Taken Over Government!)

The Chiron/Sun-Uranus opposition T-squares Mars in Leo. Might this pattern signify the “wounded masculine” during the most recent phase of feminism in the late 20th century? The Sabian symbol for the Mars degree is, “A woman having her hair bobbed.” Or is it the wounded Leonine leader, carrying entitlement and arrogance? The wound of creativity, or of being in the limelight – the “drama queen”.

Mars in Leo’s “will to illumine” most certainly drove the tech revolution – ruled over by Uranus, exalted in Mars-ruled Scorpio and regarded as the “planet of science”. Here is the creative tension of Mars in Leo square Uranus in Scorpio. Chiron is regarded as the bridge between Saturn’s ring-pass-not and the freedom of Uranus in the outer solar system.

“Uranus, the occult planet, stands for exoteric science which penetrates into the hidden side of form life, and thus we have the period wherein man is not alert enough or conscious enough to seize upon opportunity and turn it to esoteric or soul ends, but can identify himself with the more advanced aspects of form.

The [Uranian] energy which produces opportunity, illumination, and brotherly love – as expressed and attained upon the Fixed Cross [generic stage of advanced evolution], demonstrates upon the Mutable or Common Cross [unawakened stage] – as difficulty, the versatile and volatile mind (unstable and dark) and as sex.”17

Hence, the mid-seventies saw the peak of the sexual revolution and the “third industrial” revolution. The latter characterised by the shift to  info tech, personal computers, Internet, digitalisation of communication and industrial processes.

With philosophical Sagittarius rising in this horoscope, and Chiron as co-ruler – tech evolution issues are bound to come under urgent review, in fact are already. The ascendant is not only conjunct the Galactic Centre, but the Sabian Symbol for its degree is, “A sculptor’s vision is taking form.”

Currently in the Chiron Discovery horoscope, the progressed Sun is in Sagittarius, having passed over the ascendant two years ago. Coincidentally (!), the 27 year cycle of the progressed Moon in July 2026, sits precisely on natal Chiron, whose Sabian Symbol is, “The rainbow’s pot of gold.”

These positive portents fall in line with the energy of Sagittarius, a sign of reorientation – and remind us of the earlier opening passage,

“… the planetoids which have an energy or attractive quality all their own … which must be allowed for in the measuring of the attraction producing the forms of or upon any particular planet.”18

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Asteroids Webinar
August 15-16

Astrology students from Portugal and Brazil requested this webinar,
though it will be presented in English and is open to all.

The format for the webinar is unusual in that it will be split into
two 2-hour sessions over two days, 11 am to 1 pm – Portugal time (BST) each day.

This will help those in Brazil to attend at a reasonable time, but also allow
private offline discussion for Portuguese speakers – between the two presentations.

The webinar will be recorded and available later to view
for those who have registered but cannot attend on those days.
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Two sessions: Aug 15 (Saturday) and Aug.16 (Sunday)
Brazil time 7 am to 9 am. Lisbon time 11 am to 1 pm.

Payment and registration US$50 or €42.
Via Paypal or Stripe

_________________________

Pagamento e inscrição US$50 ou 42€ Via Paypal ou Stripe

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Leo New Moon Aug.12: Total Solar Eclipse
This stunning crop circle appeared on July 18, beside another one from July 11 – with the same precise diameter measurement, suggesting an evolution or sequence.

As analysed in the Cancer new moon newsletter, the previous circle suggested the Sirian full moon in Leo-Aquarius on July 29. As discussed in that analysis, this festival will be not only the high point of summer but an extraordinary cosmic influence upon Earth.

This latest July 18 configuration – depicted a Sun-Moon conjunction, suggesting a new moon, most likely the August 12 total solar eclipse – whose central path runs through Spain, Iceland and Greenland – but viewable in parts of Western Europe. (The author plans to be in north-west Spain to view a first ever solar eclipse.)

The geometry, precision and intricate weaving of this circle suggests several things – it occurred during the moon’s transit through detailed-oriented Virgo which the Moon rules esoterically, connecting to the traditional lunar rulership of Cancer, through which the Sun was travelling at that time.

Virgo and Cancer are both intimately associated with the Mother of the World, the great daevic entity depicted in Nicholas Roerich’s paintings – the feminine aspect in manifestation, the virgin mother/Mary. Nature itself, the “mother of all forms … the generative, creative life which gives birth to forms  … symbol of the form nature.”19

The symbol for Virgo is a Virgin holding a sheaf of grain, pointing to physical nourishment but also – at Virgo’s mentally discriminating level, seed ideas.

In the crop formation above, the two tiers of triangular and diamond shaped petals number 13 each, alluding to the ancient 13-month lunar cycle of 28 days, supplanted by the 12-month Gregorian calendar we use today. This suggests a tuning-in or retuning/returning to explore this “more natural” cycle.

This and many other circles – a veritable “bumper crop” in  2026 – all suggest an inspirational celebration of not only mother nature’s bounty, but an imminent greater awakening that will turn the tide of world affairs.

All this was occurring just before the Barbault’s Basket configuration, – July 19-21, also symbolic of a new era unfolding, a signpost along the way to the Age of Aquarius. The exoteric and esoteric rulers of Aquarius – Uranus and Jupiter, are both prominent in this basket pattern, dynamically linking to Pluto in Aquarius and Neptune in Aries.

But the major players will be Jupiter in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius embraced by the Sun-Moon at the Leo full moon festival on July 29. This will provide an ideal conduit for Sirian energies to be relayed to Earth via Leo and Love-Wisdom planet Jupiter.

The following new moon solar eclipse chart on August 12 – has a Leo stellium opposite Pluto in Aquarius, more precisely Mercury in Leo opposite Pluto, inidicating tough talk and negotiations in world affairs, speaking plainly and directly. The danger is autocratic political or tech leaders who try to “lord it over” the will of the people; the tech billionaires who must be reigned in, those who act with impunity and flout international law.

 

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8 8 Lion’s Gate

Every August there are discussions about the 888 “lions gate” – a term of unknown origin that carries a bit of urban myth, but which also holds some truth.

The midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox occurs on August 7-8, marking the traditional midpoint of summer (the “dog days”), significant as it falls halfway between those two solar events.

Some say August 8 marks the heliacal rising of Sirius when it first appears in the northern hemisphere night sky, but in 2026 that date was July 17, around the time of Barbault’s Basket formation.

Other interpretations say that the Lion’s Gate Portal refers to the days on either side of 8/8, roughly July 28 to August 12, when the power of Sirius is believed to be activated by the Sun.

That is interesting for 2026, as the full moon is on July 29 and the following new moon solar eclipse is on Aug.12. Either way, the planet will most likely be drenched by the Sirian waters over the next few weeks!

Some of the following is from a commentary of a crop circle that appeared on the 8-8-2024 – or 888 (2+0+2+4 = 8). 888 is a number pertaining to new beginnings, resurrection and the return of Christ.

Three 8’s = 24 – the number of Shamballa, the “centre where the will of god is known” on this planet. 888 is said to “hold the hidden mystery of two planets” in this solar system – Venus and Mercury come to mind:

“Leo, being the fifth sign of the zodiac … and also the eighth sign, counting from Aries via Pisces, is closely connected through numerical affinity with Mercury, who is esoterically called “the Messenger at the eighth gate”. Mercury was active at the time of individualisation [in Lemuria] when the “eighth gate” was opened and a major initiation of our planetary Logos took place, producing, in the human kingdom, the process of individualisation.”20

“Eight is, under some numerical systems, regarded as the number of the Christ … the Hierarchy of Sirius … the cosmic Christ works upon the Christ principle in the solar system, in the planet, in man and in the lower forms of life expression … [Sirius] … is esoterically called the “brilliant star of sensitivity.”21

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Hidden History of Humanity I (HHH)
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This book is a synthesis of H.P. Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine, the first six chapters of Genesis and The Book of Enoch – greatly augmented by the writings of Alice A. Bailey. The following subjects are covered in this new and extensively revised book:

– Explains pre-history and the place of Earth– within and beyond the solar system.
– Dating and precise chronology of all the rootraces and subraces since ancient Lemuria.
– Untangles diverse civilisations into their time periods, subraces and branchraces.
– Explains the Hindu Yugas and their application in dating rootraces and civilisations.
– Explores many civilisations and their links to one another.
– Through the 4320 cipher, reveals and confirms the true chronology of Earth’s history.
– Examines the geological key, timing of those eras and the emergence of humanity.
– Compares Hindu and Old Testament dating, revealing them as almost identical.
– Hindu Manu’s are Jewish Patriarchs – their ages are code for subrace durations.
– Reveals the mystery of the origin of the apes through humans mating with animals.
– Explores human individualisation, gaining “spark of mind”, mysteries of sex and birth.
– Turns the key of Greek Mythology, revealing and confirming rootraces and subraces.
– Gives an esoteric historical interpretation of the Book of Enoch.
– Gives an occult history of the Jewish people – from the first solar system to Israel.

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COSMIC INTERSECTIONS ONLINE CONFERENCE 
7-9 August 2026
(6-8 August Northern Hemisphere)

*** REGISTER NOW ***

Register by email.     Download programme here.
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Presentations include (but not limited to) – in general time sequence:

Context is Everything (Overview) – Katherine O’Brien
A Journey to Peace – Julia Ewer
Dwarf planets – Eris, Sedna, Ixion, Quaoar
Planetary Transition Overview – Phillip Lindsay
Soul’s Purpose in the Horoscope Kathy Newburn
Uranus trine Pluto – Adam Gainsburg
The Power of Symbols – Duane Carpenter

Peace – presentation and discussion – Rob Green  Dr Kate Dewes
AI – presentation and discussion –

The Missing Element in Western Spirituality – Fery Qiu
The Cosmic Temple – Antonella Nobilio

Astrology of the Aquarian Age – Walter Pullen
The Great Awakening – Rosie Finn
Rayological Transition and Uplifting Service – William Meader
Towards a Science of the Soul – Tim Ewer
Pluto Out of Bounds – Rosie Finn
Finding Spiritual Fulfilment with Eris – Alan Clay
TBA – Tuija Robbins
Uranus Trine Pluto – Adam Gainsburg

Energy will be more potent live, though recordings will also be available via registration.
The programme is available and subject to change. Aspects with question marks are not confirmed.

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Odysseus, Leo and the Solar Hero
(See also, The Odyssey: Journey of Ulysses covering, The Lotus Eaters, Cyclopes. Circe the Sorceress, The Sirens, Calypso, Penelope and  Her Suitors, the Return of Ulysses.)

Leo is ruled by the Sun, the source of all life in our solar system, symbol of the solar hero: The human soul who journeys through the zodiac signs during incarnation – and over many incarnations, before returning to the source –  the causal body, to assimilate experience. Joseph Campbell called it the hero’s journey – the biblical prodigal son, Odysseus leaving Ithaca and like the prodigal son, eventually returning home many years later.

Both stories explore themes of departure, hardship and return – with the idea of home as a place of ultimate rest and recognition. That “home” can be literally the biological family and spouse – or the causal body housing the blazing fire of the soul. Here we might reflect on the theme of Cancer – the home, or the “doorway into incarnation”.

The prodigal son squandered his father’s inheritance, wandering into the “far country, eating of the husks”, but was welcomed home with love and affection. Here is the story of the personality aligning with the soul (the “son”), or even the soul aligning with the spirit or monad – the “father”. Humanity is the prodigal son, becoming self-conscious on the way to soul consciousness.

Similarly, Odysseus set off on a long journey of war, exploration, adventure, wandering, enduring severe trials and tests of initiation – before returning to Penelope twenty years later. In this regard, Penelope represents soul wisdom and Odysseus the questing disciple gaining experience and knowledge – before returning to bond or merge with his higher self, to reclaim his kingdom that had fallen into neglect.

It is a many layered story that also tells the history of Humanity from the ancient days of Lemuria through to the last days of Atlantis and the early Fifth Rootrace. The many creatures and giants depicted are both symbolic and actual, such as the three one-eyed Cyclopes, or the Sirens of the daeva kingdom interacting with humanity.

These creatures populate everyone’s underworld, representing various psychological patterns – fears, anxieties, self-doubt and failure – but also inspiration, aspiration and victory, through developing Leonine courage and will.

Odysseus is also known as Ulysses, the Latin variant of the Greek – they are one and the same. Reminding us of the 60’s song, played by Cream.

Odysseus bears many similarities to Hercules – who journeys around the zodiac, working through his twelve labours. Although complementary to one another, the journey of Odysseus might have been more in the Atlantean or 4^th Rootrace era, while Hercules at the overlap and beginning of the Aryan or Fifth Rootrace.

According to Manly P. Hall and his Neo-Platonic interpretation of The Odyssey, Neptune is patron over the psychic life and does not wish Ulysses to escape. Neptune is the fluidity of the astral life, played out upon the oceans of Ulysses’ travels, causing him the gravest doubts.

Neptune is the co-ruler of the sixth ray of Devotion or Idealism, and Sagittarius the Journeyman is the most potent expression of the sixth ray in this cycle, driven by Mars’ hierarchical rulership of this sign. Both planets rule the solar plexus centre, seat of the astral body.

Ulysses’ journey represents the struggle to free himself from the still very potent influence of the Atlantean civilisation, whilst developing the mental control characteristic of the new race emerging at that time, our current Fifth rootrace.

Yet, the story is contemporary — it is the recapitulation of that ancient struggle today, for everyone on their personal Odyssey, hearkening to the call of the soul — and the greater group or ashram with which they are affiliated. These myths are universal, timeless and always a richly rewarding key that unlocks The Mysteries.

Neptune’s ocean is regarded as the journey between earth and spirit. It is the mediating principle from the lower or higher perspectives — as the astral plane between the physical and mental, or the soul bridge between spirit and matter. ­­As ruler of the astral plane, Neptune in its not-entirely-redeemed aspect, represents the “snare of imagination” — that makes it difficult to think clearly, to restore a mental balance.

Symbolically, Odysseus might be Hercules reincarnate, at a more advanced stage of evolutionary unfoldment where he makes his final 12 incarnations through the zodiac:

“Hercules … presented to the world, through the form of a pictorial and world drama (symbolic in nature) the concept of a great objective, only to be reached as the result of struggle and difficulty.

He pointed to a goal toward which men must make their way, no matter what the obstacles; these obstacles He portrayed in the Twelve Labours of Hercules which were dramas and not factual occurrences.

He thus pictured for those who had eyes to see and hearts to understand the nature of the problem to be solved upon the Path of Return to God; He depicted the Prodigal Son’s journey back to the Father’s house, and the tests and trials which all disciples, aspirants and initiates have to face and which all Those Who today compose the spiritual Hierarchy have already faced.

When this statement is considered, it must include also the Christ Who, we are told, “was in all points tempted like as we are” (Heb. IV.15), but also passed triumphantly the tests and trials.”22

Odysseus represents human intelligence, resourcefulness and the practical wisdom that enable survival in the face of adversity. As the “many-sided” hero, he embodies the ceaseless thirst for knowledge, resilience, and the eternal human struggle to return to one’s roots.23

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The Fifth Labour of Hercules: Slaying the Nemean Lion
The 5^th labour of Hercules corresponds to the 5^th zodiac sign Leo – in this case the wild Nemean lion that Hercules’ Master tasks him to confront. (“Master” here might be interpreted also as the soul.):

“From north to south, from east to west the lion prowls and prowling seizes all who cross his path. His shocking roar is heard throughout the night and all are trembling behind locked doors. What will you do, O Hercules? What will you do?”24

Eventually Hercules tracked down the lion that was moving between the two entrances of a cave. Hercules blocked one entrance with sticks and branches, entered the cave through the other entrance and confronted the lion head on:

“With his two hands he grasped the lion, holding it close and choking it. Near was its breath and blasting in his face. Yet still he held its throat and choked the lion. Feebler and feebler grew the roars of hate and fear; weaker and weaker grew the enemy of man; lower and lower sank the lion, yet Hercules held on. And thus he killed the lion with his two hands, without his arms and through his own great strength.

He killed the lion and stripped its skin, shewing it to the people, without the entrance of the cave. “The lion is dead,” they cried, “the lion is dead. We now can live and till our lands and sow the needed seeds and walk in peace together. The lion is dead and great is our deliverer, the son of man, who is a son of God, named Hercules.”25

The Nemean lion is of course, symbolic of the dominant personality that all aspirants upon the Way possess – built-up over lifetimes. Hence, the rampaging lion of personality must be slain and “the roars of hate and fear” must be silenced.

The 5^th sign Leo and the number 5 represent mind or manas – the 5^th Rootrace that has reached a stage of high mental development, gradually shifting out of the more Atlantean emotional nature, into the head:

“There is in the head a little cave, a small bony structure which shields and guards one of the most important glands in the body, the pituitary. When this gland is in full and proper functioning activity, we shall have a personality rounded-out and active, self-controlled, with pronounced mental activity and endurance.

This pituitary body is dual in its configuration: in one of its lobes, the frontal or ante-pituitary, is to be found the scat of the reasoning mind, intellectuality, and in the other, the post-pituitary, is the scat of the emotional, imaginative nature.

… the pituitary body, with its two lobes, symbolizes the cave with two openings, one of which Hercules had to close before he could control the personality by the higher mind.

For it was only when he had blocked the opening of the personal emotions (post-pituitary), thrown away even his trusty club, refused symbolically to lead any longer a personal, selfish life – that he could, entering by the opening represented by the ante-pituitary – subdue the lion of the personality in the cave.”26

First impression for many on these two pituitary lobes is that they look like testicles – and Hercules is a symbol of the potent masculine! Ironic, as the pituitary is regarded as “feminine”.

“The pituitary gland produces several important hormones, including: Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Essential for sperm production.”

There is much that can be discussed about the endocrine glands associated with the seven chakras, suffice to say that the pituitary corresponds to the ajna or brow centre and the pineal gland to the head centre, both significant in spiritual awakening and consciousness development.

There is one evolutionary configuration related to the mental “merging of the fires of matter” that bears a triangular relationship of the throat centre, pineal and pituitary glands:

“During the period … the human unit consciously aspires and throws his will on the side of evolution, thus making his life constructive.”27

And finally, a few words about three great Initiates, teachers of Humanity – from the East and West:

“Hercules comprehended the true meaning of the Mutable Cross and, with full knowledge, mounted the Fixed Cross, with all its attendant difficulties and labours. The Buddha comprehended, through complete illumination, the meaning of both the Mutable and the Fixed Crosses, for the secret of revelation in Taurus was His, just as the secret of directed energy in Scorpio was the source of the strength of Hercules.

But the Christ, knowing both the above secrets, also understood with a living comprehension, the mystery of the Cardinal Cross, because the light of the Transfiguration (undergone in Capricorn) revealed to Him the glory and transcendent mystery.”28

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Phillip Lindsay © 2026.
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“Humans are divided into different clans and tribes, and belong to countries and towns.
But I find myself a stranger to all communities and belong to no settlement.
The universe is my country and the human family is my tribe.” (Khalil Gibran)

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1. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.289. [↩]
2. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.299. [↩]
3. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.300. [↩]
4. The Rays and the Initiations, Alice A. Bailey p. 414. [↩]
5. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. pp.63-4, 349. [↩]
6. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.198. [↩]
7. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. pp.294-5. [↩]
8. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.147. p.447. [↩]
9. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.300. [↩]
10. The Light of the Soul, Alice A. Bailey. p.208. [↩]
11. Alex krainer -The Hidden Reason for the Iran War,Behind the Rubio–Lavrov Talks. [↩]
12. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. pp.1189, 794. [↩]
13. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.370. [↩]
14. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.175. [↩]
15. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.373. [↩]
16. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.373. [↩]
17. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.149. [↩]
18. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.1189. [↩]
19. Esoteric Healing, Alice A. Bailey. p.362. [↩]
20. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.298. [↩]
21. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.197 [↩]
22. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.103. [↩]
23. Nins Nikoletou [↩]
24. The Labours of Hercules, Alice A. Bailey. p.96. [↩]
25. The Labours of Hercules, Alice A. Bailey. p.99. [↩]
26. The Labours of Hercules, Alice A. Bailey. p.99. [↩]
27. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.136. [↩]
28. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.315. [↩]