This is the second month of winter, the 'Gate of the New Year', the first of the Gregorian calendar, and the third month of the Celtic seasonal calendar known as Samhain (see Mystical WWW Months : November introduction), which translated means 'The coming of the dark'.
The name, given to the month of 'January', is derived from the ancient Roman name 'Janus' who presided over the gate to the new year. He was revered as the 'God of Gateways', 'of Doorways' and 'of the Journey', later known as 'St. Januarius'. Janus protected the 'Gate of Heaven', known as the 'Lord of Beginnings', is associated with the 'Goddess Juno-Janus', and often symbolised by an image of a face that looks forwards and backwards at the same time. This symbolism can easily be associated with the month known as for many the start of a new year bodes opportunity, casting out the old and in with the new. It is the time when many reflect on events of the previous year and often resolve to redress or improve some aspect of daily life or personal philosophy. January has traditionally been also associated with the qualities of 'Goddess Venus', 'Freya', 'Hera' and 'Irene', and the Egyptian 'Nile God Hapi' amongst many others.

'Lauwmaand' (The frosty month)
Old Dutch
'Wulf-monath' (Wolf month, a threat in a time of little food)
Old Saxon
'Se oeftera geola' (After yule)
'Forma monath' (First month)
Saxon (after influence of Christianity)

'The Horned One steps forward
bringing darkness, and the end of the year.'

As part of the seasonal calendar January is the time of the 'Wolf Moon' according to Pagan beliefs, and the period described as the 'Moon of Frost in the Tepee' by Black Elk, Mystic and Medicine Man of the Oglala Sioux (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). It is a time when favourable colours to improve personal healing are black (jet stone), white and blue-violet (the colour of crocus flowers). These are the colours often associated with winter whilst the delicate crocus and snowdrops, along with the scented carnation lend beauty and a glimpse of the fine weather to come in spring to a time of austerity. The herbs and produce of the woodland too are closely connected, with nuts and cones, musk, marjoram and mimosa lending sweetness. As the second month of the winter calendar the holy thistle too reminds us of the link with winters rule and faith tested in times of extreme hardships. (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Trees for more folklore information).
The fox (See Mystical WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Animals, for more folklore information) and its brother on a distant shore the coyote find the ability to retrieve food in the harshest of environments. As we approach spring birds too are seen to be remembered with January, with the pheasant appearing from the hedgerow and the jay (and the blue-jay) taking to the wing as a sign of the skies and earth giving hope of insect life and nesting materials. (See Mystical WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Birds, for more folklore information). A traditional belief amongst farmers in the British Isles said that a mild January was an omen of wet weather to come (from February through to May) and would give a bad crop in the field.
'Bid the past farewell,
and receive the year that has just been born.'
As part of the astrological calendar, January has many associations. This is the month of the house of Capricorn (December 20 - January 20) and the house of Aquarius (21 January - February 18). Capricorn is the tenth sign of zodiac and depicted by the symbol of the 'Goat'. The resolve to achieve is evidenced by Capricorn's who work hard and long, like the goat, slowly but surely to reach the top of their mountain until they wish to move on to new and better pastures. The sign is said to embody authority and maturity being associated with the stage of latter life of the adult. Here is the chance for a Capricorn to work and rework ideas to get it right, as second best is not bad but things can always be better. In ancient Babylonian mythology Capricorn was depicted as the 'God Ea', fish-tailed, also known as the 'Antelope of the Sea'. Capricorn is also known by the name the 'Gate of Death' (opposite sign Cancer, 'Gate of Birth'). This is the time when the Sun enters its tenth phase of the journey and a time of new wisdom; Ea is seen to rise from the deep waters and instruct Man on the divine wisdom.
'Saturn' is the ruling planet of Capricorn bringing with it the qualities of wisdom, security, self-control, discipline, determination, responsibility and limitation. Saturn is also known as 'Lord of Saturday', 'Kronos' or 'Time' (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Capricorn is a cardinal and negative earth sign associated with the statement 'I master' and 'I will refine'. It rules the skin, knees and bones. It is associated with the Aspen, Elder, Elm, Pine, Poplar, Weeping Willow and Yew (See Mystical WWW Trees), and with Burdock, Hemlock, Holly and the Black & Red Poppy (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers). Colours associated with Capricorn are black, earth tones, indigo and orange. The main stone associated with Capricorn is the Garnet, and the main stone associated with December is the Turquoise (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky number is eight, lucky day Saturday. Metal associated is lead.

'The dream-child moving through a land -
Of wonders wild and new,
In friendly chat with bird or beast -
And half believe it true.'