As we all sit at the start of January, in the lull after the festive season, its easy to reflect upon the new year and the essence of this time of the year.
January is named after the Roman God, Janus, depicted with two faces one looking to the past one to the future. Janus existed as the
God of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages,
whether these being abstract or concrete, sacred or profane
Janus as a word derives from the Sanskrit Indo-European root, yana, meaning transitional movement.
In Tantra, Yoga and Indian mythology, the image of double or four faced dieties is quite common, as it is a symbolic depiction of the divine power of seeing through space and time.
We can feel something similar in our selves, during the deep lull of Christmas, as we rest and pause, we inevitably look back over and perhaps take stock of the measured previous year, reflecting on its events and passing, while inevitably lookingtowards the next year.
Perhaps with an anticipation of what we know it will contain, or maybe out of the depths of winter we find ourselves inspired towards new undertakings, something we wish to add to our lives or let go of, our new year resolutions and resolves!This rest time (and perhaps overindulgence!) often inspires change.
If we recognise the appropriateness of an introduction of new regimes at this time of the year, these have to be gradually added so as not to overload ourselves.
Or perhaps we look towards the new year with a complete wonder at the unknown within it, the surprise contained within it.
Theres a great beauty in the unknown, imagine if each book, film or story we encountered was known from the outset, how jaded we’d be.
The profound intelligence and energy that is life unfolds on its own anyway, each moment. We can allow this to occur, trusting in its unfolding being just right for ourselves.
Regardless of our plans or lack of,
just like Janus, we find ourselves emerging into a new year, with new possibilities for us, being able to look back to the past, consider the future and enjoy the present moment.
Wishing you all a very happy new year.
