vocabulary, etc.

I'm sorry, but I'm not reading the book now, but hope to at a later time.

Dog Star: I had no idea what this meant.
Research on Dog Star:

•   says Dog Star is Sirius, the brightest star in the sky.
• http://www.souledout.org/cosmology/sirius/siriusgodstar.html says, "In mythology the dog Sirius is one of the watchmen of the Heavens, fixed in one place at the bridge of the Milky Way, keeping guard over the abyss into incarnation. Its namesake the Dog Star is a symbol of power, will and steadfastness of purpose, exemplifying the initiate who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. The ancient Egyptians refused to bury their dead during the 70 days Sirius was hidden from view because it was believed Sirius was the doorway to the afterlife, and the doorway was thought to be closed during this yearly period."