By Kathy Van Peteghem
Summertime is one of my favorite seasons because it means more time spent enjoying nature, tending to my garden, and picking fresh veggies to add to my meals. It is also a good time to watch the summer sky for events such as northern lights, meteorite showers, green-tailed comets, and lunar and solar eclipses, to name a few.
The Dog Days of Summer
As we transition into the second half of summer, we also enter the period known as the “Dog Days of Summer” (July 3rd through August 11th). Many believe the phrase “Dog Days of Summer” refers to the hottest weeks of the summer- a period too hot for dogs to be fully active. That appeared to be true for our family dogs in the summer heat. They would often retreat to nap under a large shade tree until early eve when the temps would drop. Only recently did I discover this belief may be false. Doing my research, I found that the phrase “Dog Days of Summer” referred to Sirius – the dog star. July 3rd through August 11th is when the sun occupies an area near Sirius – the brightest star visible from Earth. This bright star is a constellation member named Canis Major or the “Greater Dog.”
Interestingly, July 23rd is the time that Sirus rises and sets with the sun. Because Sirus was so bright, the Romans believed it gave off additional warmth with the sun; thus, they called this period 20 days before and 20 days after the “Dog Days of Summer.” While the Romans had a logical explanation, science also offered its own “dog-free” theory, which states that the northern hemisphere tilts toward the sun during this time. Because of this direct angle, warmth occurs with more extended daylight.
The Sun Dog
Just as the Romans coined the “Dog Days of Summer,” the Greeks believed that the sun was Zeus. The ring (halo) found around the sun appears during the light of day in the form of white, red, blue, or rainbow bands. Unlike the rainbow seen after a thunderstorm, which is light reflecting off water droplets, the rainbow circle around the sun is created from ice crystals. Visibility, weather, and time of day will affect how the sun dog introduces itself to the viewer.
Often, two bright-colored points are seen about 22 degrees on each side. The Greeks referred to these points as Zeus’ loyal dogs walking beside him.
A recent photo from my camera illustrates a Rainbow Sundog taken around 1:30 pm.
.
In Addition…The Sundog also has nine spiritual meanings, according to Lyza Hayn, author of The Spiritual Meaning of a Sundog:
Positive Change and Transformation-sundogs seen in summer usually indicate rain. Most gardeners appreciate the positive transformation their plants and their surroundings exhibit after the rain.
Acting and Becoming Powerful-willful conscious energy is needed to initiate dreams and goals. Seeing a sundog endorses it is time to activate.
Good Fortune -Blessings from Heaven are coming.
Sign of Balance, Harmony, and Stability, the sacred geometric circle of the Sundog, reflects cycles of rebirth, balance, and harmony in one’s life.
Sign of Abundance and Prosperity-new growth and bounty.
Sign of Divine Intervention and Protect: The halo around the sun represents the spiritual presence and the fact that you have protection from the Divine while on your life’s journey.
Everything Is Going to Be Okay The bright halo around the Sundog indicates a bright future and any troubles
will soon lift.
Unity and Togetherness of All Things-Navajo and Hopi express that the rainbow sundog represents the different races of all people and that we are all connected.
Spiritual Awakening/Ascension: The Sundog is a sign from a higher spiritual realm that connects you with God/Source energy.
The Sundog and The Native American ‘Whirling Rainbow’ prophecy foretells a positive shift in all earth beings. There will come a day when people of all races, colors, and creeds will put aside their differences. They will unite in love, joining hands in unification to heal the Earth and all Her children. They will move over the Earth like a great Whirling Rainbow, bringing peace, understanding, and healing everywhere they go. Many creatures thought to be extinct or mythical will resurface at this time; the great trees that perished will return almost overnight. All living things will flourish, drawing sustenance from our Mother’s breast, the Earth. The great spiritual teachers who walked the Earth and taught the basics of the truths of the Whirling Rainbow Prophecy will return and walk amongst us once more, sharing their power and understanding with all. We will learn how to see and hear in a sacred manner. Men and women will be equal as the Creator intended them to be; all children will be safe anywhere they want. Elders will be respected and valued for their contributions to life. Their wisdom will be sought out. The human race will be called The People, and there will be no more war, sickness, or hunger forever. (Source)
Thus, as you journey on your unique path this summer and connect with Source, watch for one of “Man’s and Source’s best friends,” Sirus the Star Dog or the Rainbow Sundog.
Kathy Van Peteghem enjoys the creative side that embraces the body, mind, and spirit. She is a writer, photographer, musician, artist, gardener-herbalist, and nature lover who releases a stressful day with tap dancing and Gi-gong. She loves living life from the heart and hopes to inspire others to do the same. ktvan@comcast.net
