The "Rauhnächte" – also known as the “Twelve Holy Nights” – are a mysterious time between Christmas and Epiphany on January 6th. For centuries, myths, customs and spiritual practices have surrounded these special nights. They are considered a threshold time in which the veils between the visible and invisible world become thinner and both retrospection and visions of the future are possible.
In this blog post, we delve deep into the history, symbolism and rituals of the Rauhnacht and provide detailed instructions on what can be done on each night to consciously experience this magical time.
The Origin and History of the Twelve nights
The twelve nights have their roots in pagan, Celtic and Germanic traditions. They were later adopted and adapted by the Christian church. Historically, they marked the transition from the old year to the new year and were a time to respect the rhythm of nature.
In Germanic mythology, the Rauhnächte are associated with the “Wild Hunt”, a procession of ghosts led by Odin or Frau Holle that moves through the winter night. This procession symbolized both danger and the opportunity for inner reflection.
The number "12" is no coincidence: it results from the difference between the lunar year (354 days) and the solar year (365 days). The twelve nights were considered a kind of "transitional period" in which the laws of nature were suspended.
mythologies and beliefs
In many ancient cultures, the Rauhnächten were attributed a magical quality:
- Germanic traditions : Odin, the god of wisdom and magic, was particularly present during this time. It was believed that one could receive messages from the otherworld during these nights.
- Celtic influence : The Celts saw the Rauhnächte as a time of transition in which they practiced oracles and prepared for the new year.
- Christian adaptation : In the Middle Ages, The twelve nights were associated with Christmas and the Epiphany. However, the rituals often remained similar: purification, protection and reflection.
The central ritual: The wish ritual
A highlight of the Rauhnächte is the wish ritual. It serves to formulate heart's desires and hand them over to the universe.
Instructions for the Wishing Ritual
Preparation :
On December 24th or before the beginning of the Rauhnacht, take some time to reflect. Think about what you want for the coming year. Write 13 wishes on small pieces of paper.
Fold the paper :
Fold the pieces of paper so that the text is not visible. Place them in a bowl or box.
Make a wish every night :
From December 25th to January 5th, you draw a piece of paper every evening. Without reading the wish, you burn it in a fireproof bowl or fireplace. You can ask the universe or higher powers to fulfill this wish.
The last wish :
On January 6th, one piece of paper remains. This wish shows that you have to take action yourself to make it come true.
The Twelve nights and What You Can Do on Each Day
Each Rauhnacht symbolizes a month of the coming year. The topics you work on on these days shape the energy for the respective year. Here are detailed instructions:
1st Rauhnacht (25th December) : Inner Contemplation (January)
- Topic: Gratitude and reflection.
- Ritual: Write down three things you are grateful for in the past year. Burn sage or incense to let go of old things.
2nd Rauhnacht (26 December) : Letting go (February)
- Topic: Shedding ballast.
- Ritual: Write down what you want to let go of and burn the piece of paper. Meditate on the issues that are causing you unrest.
3rd Rauhnacht (27th December) : Clarity in relationships (March)
- Topic: Clarifying and strengthening relationships.
- Ritual: Reflect on important relationships in your life. Write down who you want to forgive and perform a ritual of forgiveness.
4th Rauhnacht (28th December) : Purification (April)
- Topic: Cleansing the body and mind.
- Ritual: Perform an incense ritual to banish negative energies in your home. A salt bath can help to relax and cleanse you.
5th Rauhnacht (29th December) : Healing (May)
- Topic: Healing on an emotional and physical level.
- Ritual: Dedicate yourself to self-care. Write down what makes you feel good and consciously plan breaks for the new year.
6th Rauhnacht (30th December) : Visions (June)
- Topic: Visualizing future goals.
- Ritual: Draw or write a vision for the coming year. Meditate on your biggest dreams.
7th Rauhnacht (31 December) : Conclusion (July)
- Topic: Closing off old things.
- Ritual: Write a farewell letter to the old year. Burn it symbolically to make room for the new.
8th Rauhnacht (1st January) : New Beginning (August)
- Topic: Fresh start and manifestation.
- Ritual: Write down your goals for the new year. Use affirmations to activate positive energy.
9th Rauhnacht (2nd January) : Creating order (September)
- Topic: Structure and Organization.
- Ritual: Clean up and make space. Write down which projects you want to tackle in the new year.
10th Rauhnacht (3 January) : Strengthening intuition (October)
- Topic: Connection to the inner voice.
- Ritual: Draw a tarot card or write about an intuitive inspiration.
11th Rauhnacht (4th January) : Gratitude (November)
- Topic: Cultivating positive energy.
- Ritual: Write a list of things that make you happy. Meditate on abundance.
12th Rauhnacht (5th January) : New Light (December)
- Topic: Looking forward to the coming year.
- Ritual: Burn incense with light-filled herbs such as rosemary. Celebrate the end of the Rauhnacht with a small party.
Conclusion
The twelve nights are a precious time that reminds us how powerful rituals and reflection can be. Whether through the wish ritual, the burning of incense or the reflection on past and coming months - these nights offer space for inner growth and reorientation.
By consciously engaging with the magic of the Rauhnacht, we create a strong foundation to begin the new year with clarity, gratitude and confidence.