Also called Ianus, Janus Bifrons, Janus Geminus, Janus Pater.
Their story
Ovid tells that when the Sabines attacked Rome and a gate was treacherously opened, Janus sent a gush of hot spring water through it and drove them back. From then on the doors of his shrine in the Forum stood open in time of war and were closed in peace. They were closed only a handful of times in all of Roman history.
Best times to give to them
- the Kalends of January, his great festival
- the Agonium on 9 January
- the start of each month
- at the beginning of any undertaking or ritual
What they like being given
- honey, dates and dried figs, for a sweet year
- spelt and salt
- a small cake (ianual)
- incense
- a libation of wine or grape juice
How to honour them
- Name Janus first in your prayers, as Romans did, before any other god.
- On 1 January, share honey, dates or figs with friends and wish them a sweet year.
- Pause at your front door when leaving or returning and greet him.
- Before starting something new, take a moment to look back and look forward.
How they can help you
- new beginnings
- transitions and changes
- reflection on past and future
- safe comings and goings
- peace
Symbols
- two faces
- keys
- staff
- doorway or arch
Janus has no weekday of his own, but he owns the first moment of every day, month and year.
Festivals
- Kalends of January 1 January, the first day of the Roman year from 153 BCE
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Mercury Patron of merchants, messages and journeys
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Sol Invictus The unconquered sun, reborn at midwinter
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging
- Apollo (in Rome) Healer and prophet adopted by Rome