Janus

Janus is a Roman deity, the god of gates and doors (ianua), beginnings and endings, and hence represented with a double-faced head, each looking in opposite directions. The origin of the worship of Janus being a Pagan god is attributed to Janus the first king of Latium. As king, Janus' rule brought about the Golden Age to his people which meant a time of great peace and welfare in Latium. A blessing to Janus was requested at the beginning of every day, month, and year. Janus was also made a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church and later became known Saint Januarius.

He was worshipped at the beginning of the harvest time, planting, marriage, birth, and other types of beginnings, especially the beginnings of important events in a person's life. Janus also represents the transition between primitive life and civilization, between the countryside and the city, peace and war, and the growing-up of young people.

The two-headed god Janus, originally venerated in the valley of the Lower Tiber, belongs to the oldest members of the Roman pantheon. He was considered to be the "god of the gods" and guarded doors and gates. He is the god of January, and often invoked in ritual for new beginnings.