Sirius Gateway 2023

The Dog Days of Summer (Northern Hemisphere)

CYCLES OF SIRIUS
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Sirius, the twinkling bright disco ball star is prominent in the winter evening northern hemisphere sky,  It dips lower and lower every night of spring, until it begins to join the sun, rendering it "invisible" to us, as it comes close to the sun in the daytime sky.  We are in that part of the cycle now, Sirius is a "daytime star" - and thereby not visible to us humans here on earth.

The last time we can see Sirius, low in the western sky just after sunset is early/mid May.  This last time you can see a star (or planet) in the twighlight sky is called the Heliacal Setting.  Heliacal means "near the sun".  The date varies by your latitude - and for the whole globe it is Mid May this year.  At my 42 degrees, this year it was around May 3-5.

the last time we can see Sirius (Helical Setting) is around May 1-7 this year - depending on your latitude and sightlines

Other poignant Celestial Stargate of note are the Cosmic Setting and Cosmic Rising.  This is when two celestial bodies set or rise at the same time.  On August 4, 2023 - The Sun & Sirius rise together !! ​(the day I am writing this blog).  The Sun & Sirius set together May 28, 2023.

Cosmic Setting Sun & Sirius Set together May 28, 2023

Heliacal Rising is the moment we can see a celestial body (star/planet) rise just before sunrise on the eastern horizon.  Just like the setting - this is subjective to your location and vistas - and most of the globe sees them within a week of each other.  In 2023 - the Heliacal rising of Sirius takes place during the window of August 14-17 ish.  For my location, i have my target date of August 16 to being to look.  While some of this can be "predicted" it is a real time moment, you being awake and looking at a clear line of eastern horizon - and weather and could cover and such.  It is a sacred special moment of connection right to the Star itself.

This year - we have another celestial light player - the bright planet Venus - adding in the cosmic dance party.  

Venus is with the sun in the sky now too - and conjuncts close on August 13.  The Sun, New Moon & Venus rise together (Cosmic Rising) on August 16.  

The early mornings before dawn through the end of August - we will be able to see BOTH Sirius & Venus low on the eastern horizon (and higher every day) - a very special celestial treat!