Welcome to the magical time between the years. The Rauhnächte are a time when natural forces are said to be suspended and the gates to the spiritual world are wide open. But even if you are not spiritually or esoterically inclined, the Rauhnächte might be something for you. Just join me in my preparations and decide for yourself if and how you use the time “between the years”.

What are the so called Rauhnächte?

Nowadays we live according to the solar calendar. This means, above all, that our year has 365 days. In the past, however, people lived by the lunar calendar, i.e. they followed the moon’s orbits. A lunar cycle has 29.5 days. At the end of the moon year you get only 354 days. The eleven days or twelve nights between the end of the lunar year and the end of the solar year are also called Rauhnächte.

By the way: The Rauh in Rauhnacht probably comes from the germand word Rauch, which means smoke, but could also derive from the old german term for fur.

Time of magic and mindfulness

Around the Rauhnächte entwine numerous stories full of magic and mythical figures. Full of spirits that walk through the open gates of the worlds. It is a time of peace and reflection. A way to consciously end the year.

The first Rauhnacht goes from midnight of December 24 to midnight of December 25. In some places the Rauhnächte start already at the winter solstice on December 21. The time of the Rauhnächte ends with the midnight to 6 January.

In the time of the Rauhnächte everything can happen. And everything has a meaning. Even your dreams, for example. Therefore, it is often recommended to write a diary during this time. I will try that, too. Let’s see if it works. In general, the Rauhnächte serve to discard old things, to bring them to a close and thus to start the new year fresh and liberated.

My preparations for the Rauhnächte

I will put together a small package for myself in the time leading up to the Rauhnächte. Since we will be on the road a lot in the Rauhnacht time, I have my “kit” always with me and can set up a quiet place no matter where I am.

This includes a notebook, a pen, a scented candle, and my mindfulness cards. Memories from this year will also go in the box, as well as a special tea that I will pick up for this purpose. Also included: a fireproof bowl, matches, 13 small notes, a matching playlist, and cozy socks.

What I try not to do is put pressure on myself. If it doesn’t work out because there’s no time or whatever, that’s okay. More important than the Rauhnächte is the time with my loved ones. In case of doubt I can always make up for a ritual.

My rituals and your inspiration for the Rauhnächte

The day of the winter solstice (or maybe the day after):

• The apartment is cleaned up, things are thrown away or finally put on ebay
• Everything old and burdensome is written down or if possible clarified
• Bills are paid, paperwork is filed away

Ritual of the 13 wishes (probably the best known Rauhnächte ritual):

For the coming year I will write down 13 wishes on small pieces of paper. In a small jar, the folded slips go into my Rauhnacht box. Every Rauhnacht, one note is burned without me reading it first. Legends tell that the first burned wish comes true in January, the second in February, and so on. On the last night, two slips of paper remain. One is burned. The other is opened and read aloud. I may fulfill this wish with in the year itself. The other takes over the universe (so the legend).

I will decide spontaneously which rituals and moments will be added. Depending on what I feel and how I feel. If you need more inspiration, I can recommend the blog articles of Julia (globusliebe) and Susi (black dots white spots). Here you can also find more info about the Rauhnächte and book recommendations.