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The Romans
believed Janus was Guardian of the gates of heaven and was
often depicted with two faces, to see the future and the past; interior and exterior.
Rome
honoured him on the first day of every month and dedicated
the first month of the year to him - January - that he
would bring forward the best of the past and consolidate
for the forthcoming year.
As God of
Gateways the Romans believed he influenced departures
and returns and thus Janus came to be linked
with communication, the God of harbours and some say
he bestowed the gift of navigation upon humankind.
Contrary to
this popular Roman description Janus has only one face;
and like every other divinity can see equally well into
the future and the past without the need for an extra head
or pair of eyes. Likewise he can see interior and
exterior. Such perception is common to most if not all
deities. And doubtless Janus would have been much
displeased when the Roman Emperors took to declaring
themselves Gods. This is one reason perhaps why the mighty
Roman Empire crashed. Ultra disrespect.
Janus does
not show himself too often, mostly he appears as a
shadowy figure in a brilliant light. The following comes
from our first encounter with him.
"I Janus, a mighty God am happy to
accept your offerings of wine and incense. It is a long
time since I have been remembered by having homage paid to
me. I may at some time give tests yet I am not going to
give one today.
I have
taken over more temples and thousands of souls are paying
homage to me, yet do not realise this. I have spoken, a
few have heard. I am getting the attention of some
mortals. A man in a European country told many about me,
as I spoke to him at some length. Unfortunately few
believed him, yet there are those that do and these souls
get my blessing. Those who refuse to listen I shall see
that life does not go smoothly for them. I can be merciful
yet I can be hard. They destroyed our temples of old, so I
am being a little destructive now. In the future we the
Olympian Gods will be worshipped.
My presence
is felt. My light is seen and my voice is heard, which can
be loud and commanding yet I speak to you in gentler
tones. I am the God Janus."
Festival
of Janus - 15th December |