Janus and the Seadoor

Can it really be an entire year since we looked upon the faces of Janus and reflected on all the previous months and wondered at the ones ahead. Here we are, again. Like many people, I have been through several circumstances in the past year; landing in geographical and emotional climates I had never bargained for, struggling to stay afloat. 

Janus looks upon it all as the protector of doors, gateways, roadways, bridges and harbors, for those who travel to exchange goods, do business, or to return from war. He was honored in times of transition, particularly during outbreaks of war and ensuing peace, when communities had to find ways to integrate and restore balance. Janus was appealed to as one who opens and closes the ancient ceremonial passage of Mars, god of war, along with Quirinus, the “wielder of the spear.”

The temple of Janus. Two sets of arched doorways were to remain open during times of war and closed during times of peace.

Quirinus, the lesser known deity is a salient symbol as well. The fear of some potential doom can indeed feel as if a spear has been wielded upon the sternum, and is still protruding for all to see. Of course no one can see, as we continue to go about the business of opening and closing doors into the new year. 

One interesting observation about Janus is that he is the protector of all of these structures— the doors, the bridges, the harbors— but he is not a protector of the people who pass through them. He presides over but apart from hopes, resolutions, loss and gain. His silence is neutral and he never tugs at his beard over a dilemma or tips his garland in a favored direction. He is a reminder that life must move forward, and will do. Our acceptance of this law can buoy us up, while resistance to this law can leave us capsized and floundering. The Romans remind us of this with an ancient bronze coin depicting Janus on its head, showing the prow of a ship on its tail.

Coins are an appropriate object for the depiction of Janus, as they are currency and often needed for passage through doors and across waters. A now-popular quote from Isak Dinesen states, “The cure for anything is saltwater: tears, sweat or the sea.” And perhaps if we have tried two of those for long enough to no avail, Janus might provide a reminder to round out our efforts by trying the third.

Rooms by the Sea by Edward Hopper, 1957