Janus as Archetype: Symbolism of the Roman God of New Beginnings and the Guardian of Thresholds
From Endings to New Beginnings: Janus as the Archetype of Transformation
Janus, the revered deity of ancient Rome, embodied the essence of transitions, metamorphoses, and the inevitable passage of time. As the Gatekeeper, he presided over the thresholds between one epoch and another, the harbinger of new beginnings and poignant endings.
(Wonderful artwork by Maquenda on DeviantArt)
His visage was unique, for it boasted two faces, one gazing steadfastly ahead into the future and the other casting a wistful glance over the past. Janus, the patron of fresh starts and closures, lent his name to the month of January, the dawn of the new year. This inaugural month, we contemplate what the future holds and reflect upon the annals of the past year.
Janus was also venerated as the patron deity of gates, thresholds, passageways, and corridors, embodying the essence of progression from one state to another, be it the metamorphosis into maturity or the transition into the realm of existence itself. Indeed, Janus stands as an ever-present witness to all rites of passage, guiding and guarding those who dare to traverse the liminal space between what was and what will be.
(Image from Wikimedia Commons)
In the eyes of the ancient Romans, a promising beginning of any venture was paramount to its eventual success or failure. Conversely, the failure to launch with the proper intent and vigor would inevitably lead to a poor outcome. Thus, Janus, as the revered custodian of all new beginnings, was always invoked first and foremost, before any other deity, to confer his divine benediction upon the undertaking, for it was believed that only with Janus' sacred protection could one surmount the obstacles ahead and arrive at a propitious conclusion.
As a quintessential archetypal force, Janus embodies the transformative journey towards a new state of awareness, signifying the inextricable bond between the ephemeral realm of the past and the yet-to-be-realized future. True to his nature, it is through a reflective contemplation of our past experiences that we can most effectively chart a course for our future selves.
With his dualistic nature, Janus beckons us to look inward and outward, to acknowledge the rich complexity of our inner lives while recognizing the ever-evolving external environment that shapes us. As beings with a rich inner world, we are ever-responsive to the ebb and flow of our surroundings, striving to adapt and evolve in harmony with the ever-changing tides of time.
What are Janus' Symbols?
(Image from Unsplash)
As a deity, Janus is often depicted wielding a staff or branch in his right hand, an emblem of his authority over the liminal space between one era and the next. In his left hand, he bears the keys that unlock the gates to new beginnings, both physically and metaphorically. Dual keys, one crafted from silver and the other from gold, represent the twin gateways of the Winter and Summer Solstices, further highlighting Janus' connection to the cyclical nature of time.
As a benevolent guide to the wandering soul, he offers sustenance with figs and other sweet delicacies. In return, his followers offer offerings of bread, salt, milk, honey, and flour, honoring the deity who presides over the journey of all who seek to move from one state of being to the next.
Inviting Janus Within
As we ponder the enigmatic figure of Janus, we begin to unlock the secrets of transition, change, and the rites of passage that mark the journey of our lives. He represents the archetypal force we can draw upon when navigating life's many passageways and ever-evolving doors.
Moreover, Janus' two-faced gaze, one fixed ahead and one turned towards the past, embodies the duality of movement we navigate when undertaking change. May we draw on this inner wellspring of energy to facilitate the formation of new habits or break free from old patterns that no longer serve us.
Have you experienced the stirrings of this transformative energy in your own life?
Do you stand now at a gateway, poised to step boldly into the unknown and embrace the path that lies before you?
As we journey through life, we carry with us the memories of our past and the hopes and dreams of our future. By synthesizing and harmonizing these two forces, we can open ourselves up to a greater awareness of the present moment. Through this integration process, we are empowered to embrace the fullness of our being and step confidently into the unknown, guided by the timeless wisdom of Janus, the Gatekeeper of beginnings and endings.
As each new year dawns, let us call upon Janus, the keeper of transitions and change, to guide us toward a better world. Let him close the doors that no longer serve our planet and humanity, shutting out the old paradigms and ways of being that hold us back. And may he grant us the wisdom and courage to open up new gateways, ushering in a much-needed era of systemic change.
Warmly,
Anny
Kindly note: The information included in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for mental health services. Please consult with a qualified professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own life experiences or if you have any questions.
References
Cavendish, R. (1983). Man, myth and magic: the illustrated encyclopedia of mythology, religion and the unknown. Marshall Cavendish.
