We met at Pine Tree Circle to share cars on the ten-minute drive to Topanga State Park. Fifteen of us had signed up to take advantage of the 8/8 Lion’s Gate Full Moon and hike to a spot where we could watch the sunset on one side and the full moon rise on the other.
The hike was organized and led by spiritual psychologist and nature lover Kamakshi Hart, a beloved member of the Topanga community. Kamakshi has led many full moon hikes, but this one was extra-special.
Astrologically, the Lion’s Gate is one of the most powerful energetic windows of the year. It opens between July 26 and August 12, peaking on August 8—a time when the Earth, Sun, and the star Sirius align, creating a kind of cosmic portal.
Kamakshi explained, “This alignment is a moment to pay attention to and receive higher guidance, set intentions, and activate new levels of clarity and purpose.”
While 8/8 is traditionally linked to the energy of abundance and creation, this year brings something more, as 2025 is a “9” year in numerology, a time of completion, transformation and letting go.
“This makes the Lion’s Gate especially powerful for releasing old stories, clearing space and preparing for a fresh new cycle,” said Kamakshi in her invitation email.
I’ve been on Kamakshi-led hikes in nature before and have always thoroughly enjoyed them. The Lion’s Gate felt especially significant for my husband, Colin, and me because he is soon to retire, so preparing for a fresh new cycle couldn’t be more apt for us. Abundance couldn’t be more welcome. I love a ritual. Colin, not so much. He is a shy, slightly repressed British man who doesn’t do well with woo-woo.
“The use of ritual is a means of nurturing the well-being of individuals and communities,” said Kamakshi. “Rituals shape and add meaning to our lives, and can be especially grounding during times when the world feels chaotic, stressful and uncertain. Go out under the full moon tonight and ask what you are wanting to grow and flourish under this waxing moon, also what is timely to release and let go of.”
To protect and respect my fellow Lion’s Gaters’ privacy, I won’t share what others wanted to leave behind and step into, but I asked to step outside my comfort zone and enter a time of adventure and joy.
So far, so good. We sat on blankets and watched the full moon rise, gasping in awe and wonder. We answered questions in our journals like, “What am I ready to dissolve, so my vision has space to land?” and “Where do I feel a sense of community and where or when do I feel disconnected?” We left small offerings of gratitude to the earth and the trees: a flower, feather, rock, or herbs.
We nearly lost Colin at the invitation to howl or roar at the moon at the end of the evening, but I stepped way out of my comfort zone (it’s working!) and howled for the both of us. There was communal singing that even Colin whispered along to.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the gathering was the sense of community and interacting with new people. One lady brought individual bundt cakes for us all.
Scotty and Elisabeth Lund were the only other couple on the hike. It was no surprise to learn they are quarter-finalists in the America’s Favorite Couple competition. Scotty is a music producer and drummer, Elisabeth is a stuntwoman. They make music together as @cakewithoutcandles.
“We had an incredible time on the hike,” said Elisabeth. “It’s the first time we’ve done a facilitated experience like this as a couple, so it was extra special to connect in a beautiful natural place, surrounded by loving, mindful people, and share the experience of both a sunset and a bright full moon rising above us. Transformative, inspiring, and uplifting, we feel so honored to have shared in this experience.”
The walk back down the hill in the dark with full hearts, under the full moon, was pretty fabulous. Altogether a profoundly meaningful experience. We even saw a shooting star.
Kamakshi Hart leads similar hikes regularly and has other skills you can read about on her website. I wholeheartedly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and hiking in the dark with an experienced guide like Kamakshi. Howling at the moon is entirely optional.
