The Magic of the Rauhnächte 2024 & the 13 Wishes Ritual
What if 12 Nights between the Years could Make Your Dreams Come True in 2025?
An extraordinarily magical window of time opens every year between December 21 and January 2: twelve nights steeped in ancient tradition, mysticism and potential for transformation.
The so-called Rauhnächte are the most potent time of the year for self-reflection and manifestation. They invite you to pause and plant seeds for 2025. Whether you are new to this sacred practice or looking to deepen your experience, these nights offer a magical opportunity to align with your dreams and intentions.
Origin and History of the Rauhnächte
The Rauhnächte, or what I call “The Twelve Nights of Magick” have their roots in Germanic and Celtic traditions. Historically, these nights were seen as the time when the veil between our world and the spiritual world was the thinnest. People believed that their dreams during this time held special significance and that any rituals would be more powerful. Each night was said to correspond to a month in the coming year, making it a time for deep self-reflection and intention-setting.
The name "Rauhnächte" is thought to originate from the German word "Rauch," meaning "smoke”. It refers to the tradition of cleansing homes with sacred herbs and incense. It was a way to ward off negative energies and create space for new beginnings.
One of the most known practices during this time is the 13 Wishes Ritual.
The 13 Wishes Ritual: Manifest Your Dreams
The 13 Wishes Ritual is at the heart of many Rauhnächte celebrations. This simple but profound practice helps you to dream big for the year ahead and really focus in on what you want to achieve in 2025.
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Create a sacred space in your home. Light candles, burn incense or use essential oils to set the mood. If you have a favorite crystal, talisman or item, place it nearby.
Step 2: Write down Your Wishes
Take a moment to reflect on what happened in 2024 that you want more of and your general life vision. Write down 13 wishes for your magical 2025 on separate pieces of paper. These wishes can be anything from personal growth and career goals to love, health or adventure.
Write in the present tense as if your 13 wishes have already come true. For example: “I have a fulfilling career.” “I have written a book.”
Step 3: Fold and Release
Fold each piece of paper and store them in a special place, for example in a box in your sacred space.
Starting on the first night (the night of December 21, for others it is December 24), take one wish and burn it in a fireproof bowl or fireplace. While it burns, imagine that your wish has already come true and life will deliver your wish to you. Repeat this each night until only one wish remains on the final night.
Step 4: The Final Wish
The last wish, left unburned, is believed to be the one you have to manifest yourself. It lies in your responsibility. The life, universe or whatever you believe in will take care of the rest. Carry this wish with you into the new year as a reminder of your intentions and as a source of inspiration.
Other Rauhnächte Practices to Deepen Your Journey
In addition to the 13 Wishes Ritual, there are many other ways to honor the Twelve Nights of Magick. Here are a few ideas:
1. Journaling
Each night corresponds to a month in 2025. Journaling is a powerful tool. Reflect on one theme each night, explore themes such as letting go, different areas of your lifes, your dreams, shadow work and others.
2. Dream Work
Keep a dream journal by your bed and write down any dreams or symbols you remember. These may hold messages or guidance for the year ahead. It is said that the night that corresponds with the month of 2025 also predicts potential themes you will experience in this month.
3. Tarot and Astrology
Use tarot cards or astrology insights to gain deeper clarity during each night. Pull a card for the day or look at the astrological transits for additional guidance. These tools can help illuminate the opportunities awaiting you in 2025.
4. Cleansing Rituals
Burn sage, palo santo or other cleansing herbs to clear your space and energy. This is a powerful way to release negativity and create room for new blessings.
Why Celebrate the Rauhnächte?
The Rauhnächte are more than just a tradition. They offer a structured yet magical way to reflect on the past year, let go of what no longer serves you and dream without limitation - and to build an action plan for your best year yet.
Free Daily Guidance: Join Us for the Twelve Nights of Magick
This year, we are inviting you to join us for a guided journey through the Rauhnächte in our Telegram Group. Each day, we will share:
Journaling prompts
Astrology insights
Tarot card guidance
Practices such as breathwork & meditation
Let’s walk this magical path together and make 2025 your most transformative year yet. The Rauhnächte are calling - will you answer?
