When are the Rauhnächte, the Twelve Nights of Transition?
The Rauhnächte are a magical time between the years. It is the last six nights of the old year and the first six of the new year (December 25th - January 5th).
Each night represents a month of the New Year. So, the first night of December 25th to December 26th represents January... and so on...
This special time is suitable for letting go of the old and focusing on the upcoming year. It is also often described as a very mystical time when it is particularly important to pay attention to signs. The gates to the "other world" are open and we can easily connect with our ancestors, spiritual helpers or even our own inner world.
Where do the Rauhnächte come from?
It is not known exactly where the Rauhnächte originated. It is likely that this tradition, like the festivals of the year, also originates from the Germanic and Celtic peoples. Even then, the time between the years was a very special phase that was celebrated with various rituals. It was also said that during these 12 nights the laws of nature are suspended. During this time there was or is a lot of room for magic, visions of the future and much more that the mind cannot explain.
The word "Rauhnacht" comes from rauh (wild), from smoke, and from the Middle High German word ruch (hairy, furry) - this meant the appearance of the demons that could emerge at that time. Back then, people would retreat into their homes and spend the quiet time between years with little work. This custom has been carried forward to the present day, and we use the Rauhnächte (the Twelve Nights) for retreat, introspection, and coziness. It is a very special time for cleansing and simultaneously preparing for the new year.
Why is it 12 Rauhnächte?
The Rauhnächte are also referred to as the threshold time between the old lunar calendar (354 days) and the new solar year (365 days). This difference results in 11 days and the 12 rough nights.
I personally find it a wonderful time to calm down and reflect on the old year. To consciously align myself for the new year and to formulate my wishes and goals clearly, but above all to feel them.
Not for nothing has it developed in such a way that many people take the days off between the years. It is precisely from this origin that it is the appropriate time for rest and introspection. Unfortunately, we have almost forgotten that in our culture.
So I would like to cordially invite you to be aware of the rough nights this year.
How can you do that?
You can prepare for this magical time even before the Rauhnächte begin by engaging in a very popular tradition. The "13 Wishes Ritual" is often practiced a few days before the first Rauhnacht to consciously connect with your wishes for the coming year.
Rauhnächte Ritual - 13 Wishes
For this magical ritual, write down 13 heartfelt wishes on small pieces of paper. I recommend doing this over a nice cup of Ritual Cacao. Because as you know, he opens your heart. That way your desires can really come from the center of your body instead of the mind. I also recommend that after each wish you write down, dive into the energy of how it feels when that wish has come true.
Each night during the Rauhnächte, you pick one piece of paper and burn it in a fireproof bowl, symbolically releasing your wish to the universe for fulfillment. You open the last note (number 13) after you have burned all other wishes. You can take care of this wish yourself in the new year.
I’ve been doing the "13 Wishes Ritual" for a few years now, and it’s always a highlight.
I also recommend paying close attention to your dreams during this special time, and perhaps even writing them down. Be mindful throughout the day and look for signs. As the origin of the word "Rauhnacht" suggests, this is also a wonderful time for smudging and cleansing. Take the time to cleanse yourself and your home physically and energetically. I personally like to use Palo Santo or white sage for this.
Your Journey through the 12 Rauhnächte
As mentioned in the introduction, each Rauhnacht and its associated day represent one month of the new year. Below, you’ll find a small overview of the qualities of each day and its corresponding month. You can perform your Rauhnacht ritual at a time that suits you each day. On some days, it may take longer, and on others, it may be shorter. Feel free to prepare yourself each day with a cup of ritual cacao, make yourself comfortable with your journal in your favorite spot, and connect with the quality and theme of the respective Rauhnacht.
Ritual cacao will be a wonderful and loving companion for this process. With its heart-opening and supportive effect, it will help you receive the messages of your heart.
24th of December
THEME
Reflection: To review the past year
1. Rauhnacht
WHEN
25./26. December
STANDS FOR
January
THEME
Base & Roots: For security and trust
2. Rauhnacht
WHEN
26./27. December
STANDS FOR
February
THEME
Higher Self / Creative Power: To Connect with your highest version of yourself
3. Rauhnacht
WHEN
27./28. December
STANDS FOR
March
THEME
Heart Opening: For an open heart full of love and compassion
4. Rauhnacht
WHEN
28/29 December
STANDS FOR
April
THEME
Transformation: For your new self
5. Rauhnacht
WHEN
29/30 December
STANDS FOR
May
THEME
Love & Friendship: For genuine heartfelt connections
6. Rauhnacht
WHEN
30./31. December
STANDS FOR
June
THEME
Letting Go: Release everything that no longer serves you
7. Rauhnacht
WHEN
December 31 / January 1
STANDS FOR
July
THEME
Intuition & Inner Wisdom: To strengthen your inner voice
8. Rauhnacht
WHEN
1st/2nd January
STANDS FOR
August
THEME
New Beginning & Fullness: For a fulfilling life
9. Rauhnacht
WHEN
2nd/3rd January
STANDS FOR
September
THEME
Clarity & Structure: For greater focus
10. Rauhnacht
WHEN
3rd/4th January
STANDS FOR
October
THEME
Vision & Soul Path: To achieve your heart's desire
11. Rauhnacht
WHEN
4th/5th January
STANDS FOR
November
THEME
Farewell & New Beginning: Let go of the old and welcome the new
12. Rauhnacht
WHEN
5th/6th January
STANDS FOR
December
THEME
Cleanup & Growth: For energetic and physical purification
We wish you a wonderful time between the years. Slow down, enjoy and take care of yourself - you are the most important person in the world.
PS If you are also interested in the topic of "Annual Circle Festivals", then please have a look at our blog posts on Imbolc, Ostara / Spring Equinox, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh/Lammas, Mabon, Samhain and Yule
