The Power of the Rauhnächte with Ritual Cacao

When are the Rauhnächte?

The Rauhnächte are a magical time “between the years”. They are the last six nights of the old year and the first six nights of the new year (December 25 – January 5). Each night represents one month of the coming year — the first night from December 25 to 26 stands for January, and so on.

This special time is perfect for letting go of the old and setting intentions for the year ahead. It is often described as a mystical time when it’s especially important to pay attention to signs. The gates to the “otherworld” are open, and we can easily connect with our ancestors, spiritual guides, or our own inner world.

Where do the Rauhnächte come from?

The exact origin of the Rauhnächte is unknown. It likely goes back, like the seasonal festivals, to the ancient Germanic and Celtic peoples. Even then, the time between the years was considered a sacred phase, celebrated with various rituals. It was said that during these twelve nights, the laws of nature were suspended — a time of magic, visions of the future, and many other things beyond the mind’s comprehension.

The word Rauhnacht comes from rauh (rough or wild), Rauch (smoke), and the Middle High German word ruch (hairy or shaggy) — referring to the appearance of the spirits or demons said to roam at this time. People would withdraw into their homes and spend these days in quiet and simplicity. We’ve carried this custom into modern times — using the Rauhnächte for retreat, introspection, and coziness. It’s a powerful period for cleansing and preparing for the year to come.

Why are there twelve Rauhnächte?

The Rauhnächte are also known as a threshold period between the old lunar year (354 days) and the new solar year (365 days). The difference between the two creates eleven “gap” days — and thus, twelve sacred nights.

Personally, I find this time wonderful for slowing down, reflecting on the old year, consciously aligning with the new one, and clearly formulating — and most importantly, feeling — my wishes and goals. It’s no coincidence that many people take time off between the years; this tradition comes from the ancient understanding that this is a time for stillness and introspection. Sadly, much of that has been forgotten in our culture.

So I warmly invite you to experience the Rauhnächte consciously this year.

How can you do that?

You can start preparing for the Rauhnächte with one of the most beloved traditions: the 13 Wishes Ritual, which many begin a few days before the first Rauhnacht to consciously connect with their wishes for the coming year.

Rauhnacht Ritual – The 13 Wishes

For this magical ritual, write down 13 heartfelt wishes on small slips of paper. I recommend doing this while enjoying a beautiful cup of Ritual Cacao — as you know, it opens your heart. This way, your wishes can truly arise from your heart rather than your mind. After writing each wish, take a moment to feel the energy of that wish already fulfilled.

Each Rauhnacht, draw one slip of paper and burn it in a fireproof bowl, symbolically releasing it to the universe. After all twelve wishes have been burned, open the thirteenth one — this is the wish you will take care of yourself in the new year.

I’ve been doing the “13 Wishes Ritual” for several years now, and it’s always a highlight.

During this special time, I also recommend paying close attention to your dreams and perhaps even writing them down. Be mindful during the day as well — watch for signs and synchronicities.

As the name Rauhnacht suggests, it’s also a wonderful time for smudging and cleansing. Take time to purify yourself and your home physically and energetically. I love using Palo Santo or white sage for this.

Your Journey through the 12 Rauhnächte

As mentioned at the beginning, each Rauhnacht (and the day that follows) corresponds to one month of the coming year. Below you’ll find a brief overview of the qualities of each night and month. You can do your Rauhnacht ritual at any time of day that feels right to you — some days may call for a longer ritual, others for a shorter one.

Ritual Tips for Preparation

The Rauhnächte begin long before the first ritual — the moment you start attuning yourself to them. This preparation is like cleansing a temple: your home, your mind, and your heart can be cleared to consciously welcome the magic of this sacred time.

• Create space: Smudge your home with sage, Palo Santo, mugwort, or local herbs to release old energies and invite clarity.
• Let go: Write down what you want to leave behind from the old year — thoughts, patterns, fears, or anything that still feels heavy. Burn the note mindfully as a symbol of transformation.
• Create a ritual space: Set up a small altar or cozy corner with candles, crystals, plants, photos, or symbols that inspire and strengthen you.
• Heart medicine: If you wish to accompany the Rauhnächte with cacao, get high-quality Ritual Cacao and take time to feel your personal intention for this period. How do you want to experience this threshold time? Which qualities do you want to invite into the new year?
• Find stillness: Slow down consciously. Reduce media consumption, go to bed early, and spend time in nature. Release as much pressure as possible so you can truly find rest. Listen to the silence and sink into its energy.
  
  This way, the time of the Rauhnächte becomes a conscious journey back to yourself and your heart.