Janus

Who you looking at?

Janus was/is a god of the Roman pantheon. He had/has two heads. One looked to the past, the other to the future. This god, which is as good as any other, I suppose, stood on the apex of the old year and the trough of the new. This ancient god gives us the  name to our first month of January.

Janus is the god of transitions and beginnings. He not only presided and guided over new beginnings or ends in the abstract sense, but also had a  real practical presence. The door to his temple was an indication of war or peace to the Roman people. In a time of war the doors were closed. In times of peace the doors were left open. It is of interest to the scholars of history, who reflect thusly, that the doors were open only on two occasions between 715BC and 45BC. This reflects the turbulent history of the Roman Republic and instructs that conflict is always our bedfellow. Tis the wise man who keeps his doors closed  As is my wont, I am liable to digress.

Happy New Year to all. May this year of 2015 be one of joy and true wealth. And remember wealth is not measured by bank balances but in the ability to buy expensive things. May your loins wax and your prostate (if you are suitably endowed) not increase in size thus restricting the flow of urine. Make time for the simple pleasures in life. Love the folk you love, regardless, because in this world of mirrors, nothing else really matters, does it?

And finally: Do not quaff heavily from the mead flask, unless tis your want.