The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March. You know that saying, “Beware of the ides of March” coined by the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, in his play, Julius Caesar. I am sure you will hear it at least once today recited by someone.

March 15 marks the date in history that Caesar was assassinated as predicted by the seer earlier with that phrase to beware of the ides of March.

I was curious about the Ides of March. Here are a few interesting tidbits I discovered:

• In Roman times the ides of March was mostly notable as a deadline for settling debts. The Ides of March also marks the first day of the Roman new year and the first day of spring in the Roman calendar.
• We have more than one “ides” each year. Actually ides occur on the 15th in March, May, July, and October or on the 13th in the other months. The word’s Latin roots mean “divide,” and the date sought to split the month, originally at the rise of the full moon.
• The term –”ides” in some Chinese vernaculars means to look at, to see.

Lessons from the Ides of March

I am intrigued that the ides fall towards the end of every quarter of our current calendar. What a good time to pause, listen, and assess where we are in our goals, hopes, and dreams. I like to practice harvesting my journal – rereading and highlighting what I have recently written. What a good use of the ides!

I love that the meaning of the word implies to look, to see. These moments in time serve as a great reminder to take a deep look into ourselves and where we are at the present moment.

Beware or aware?  Both words offer insight to our spiritual journey.  Where do I need to be more careful?  Am I nearing a dangerous edge and need to withdraw back into the arms of God?  Increasing our awareness of and putting a name to our location, our needs, our hopes, our invitations gives us clarity, direction and meaning to life.  

And I can’t help but laugh as I write this blog post – absolutely every time I type “ides” I accidently add another letter.  The word “ideas” keeps appearing. I am not making this up – every time!  I think God is gently telling me, reminding me to thank him for new ideas every quarter. To ask him for fresh ideas on each ides.  To be open and willing to accept his gift of inspiration each time. To beware of false, misleading notions.

What do you think? Do dates or quotes cause you to pause and assess spiritually? How are you growing spiritually so far this year?