Beware the Ides of March!

We all remember this saying from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, but what does it mean and why March 15th?

The Ides of any month (yes each month has an Ides) is the description of the phase when the moon is full. Today, March 15th, is a full moon day so there are 12 Ides in a year, 4 fall on the 15th of the month and the other 8 months are on the 13th. So full moon is an Ides of that month.

The Roman Calendar has three such references:
•Kalends (1st day of the month)
•Nones (the 7th day in March, May, July, and October; the 5th in the other months)
•Ides (the 15th day in March, May, July, and October; the 13th in the other months)

So, the word Ides is just a date that signifies the middle of the month. So, why beware. Well this comes from the assassination of Julius Caesar that occurred on the Ides of March, March 15th. It was a day of division or betrayal for Mr. Caesar.

So, beware the Ides of March maybe should be date where we become mindful of the middle of every month. Take a look at what you have happening and make sure it aligns with your values. Great reminder, beware and aware of what is happening around you and the next time you see the 13th or 15th of each month, take a look at what is happening around you. Do you like what you see or should you "beware of the Ides"?