Judicious January 2026 Almanac
Dear friends,
It’s said that the month of January is named after Janus,* the ancient Roman god of beginnings and endings, doorways and transitions, who symbolizes the closing of one year and the opening of the next. He is oft depicted with two opposing faces looking both at the past and future. He reminds us to pause and reflect before we rush ahead with our hopeful plans; to embrace the dark and dormancy of Winter as a time to slow down and take stock before fully turning towards what is yet to come.
As we look back at 2025 at Common Ground, we can see that the agrarian community we’ve been envisioning for well over a decade is taking shape across all areas of endeavor. This Almanac gives a glimpse of what has come to pass through the efforts of the many people, past and present, who have given their hearts, hands, time, wisdom, and resources so generously and persistently, year in and year out.
Yes, it’s good to look back and important to discern forward directions. But may you also let Winter have its way with you for yet a little while. Feel the stillness, breathe in the darkness, gaze at the stars, keep company with Nature’s way of rest, and nourish your life force. We have much do to create a more beautiful and life-giving world together in years to come.
See you at Common Ground
*Goddess Iana is the counterpart of Janus. She is associated with arches, portals, the moon, and more.
