✦ 13 Wishes

Expressing heartfelt goals and wishes is an essential part of Rauhnächte ritual. You can start reflecting on your wishes as early as December 21st or even earlier, or wait till December 24th. Take time to identify your true heart’s desires—set aside the expectations of others and the ego’s idealized visions.

Write each wish on a separate piece of paper and, once you’re done, select 13 that truly resonate with you.

When writing your wishes, phrase them as though they’ve already come true. For example, instead of “I want to be healthy,” write “I am healthy.” This transforms your wish into a powerful affirmation bursting with confidence and certainty about its fulfillment.

Each Rauhnacht (each night), burn one of the slips of paper without reading it. Each night corresponds to a month in the coming year (the 1st to January, the 2nd to February, and so on). The burned 12 wishes are going to the universe, for it to nurture and move with you in your desired direction.

One slip of paper will remain for the final Rauhnacht. Open it, and for this one wish, you will be responsible. During the new year take deliberate steps to make it come true.

If you’d like to celebrate the Rauhnächte with like-minded souls, consider posting bits of your process on instagram with us.