The magical 12-wishes ritual of the Rauhnächte

The 12-wishes ritual is one of the most powerful and popular rituals of the Rauhnächte. It wonderfully combines manifestation, letting go, and trust in the universe. In this guide, you will learn step by step how to perform this transformative ritual.

What is the 12-wishes ritual?

In this ritual, you write 12 wishes for the coming year on 12 separate slips of paper. On each of the 12 Rauhnächte, you blindly draw one slip and burn it without reading it. The burned wishes are fulfilled by the universe - you no longer have to worry about them. The remaining wishes are those you get to actively work on yourself.

The meaning behind the ritual

This ritual teaches us important spiritual lessons:

• Letting go: We learn to give up control and trust the universe
• Trust: The burned wishes are in good hands
• Personal responsibility: The remaining wishes remind us to take action ourselves
• Surprise: We don't know which wishes will be fulfilled - life surprises us

What you need

• 12 small slips of paper (same size and color)
• A pen
• A fireproof bowl or a cauldron
• Matches or a lighter
• Optional: A nice box or container for the slips
• Optional: Candles for the atmosphere
• Optional: Incense (frankincense, sage)

Step-by-step instructions

Preparation (before December 21)

Step 1: Prepare your slips of paper

Cut 12 equally sized slips of paper. Important: They must all look identical so you can't distinguish them. Number them on the back from 1 to 12 in case you want to track which wish was drawn when.

Step 2: Create a sacred space

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Light a candle, incense the room, and create a meditative atmosphere. This is a sacred moment of manifestation.

Step 3: Phrase your 12 wishes

Now comes the most important part: Write down your 12 wishes. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Be specific: Instead of "I want to be happy" write "I find a fulfilling relationship"
• Phrase positively: Write what you want, not what you don't want
• Use the present tense: "I am", "I have", "I experience" (as if it were already true)
• Feel while writing: Connect emotionally with every wish
• Be authentic: Write what YOU really want, not what others expect
• Cover different areas of life: health, love, career, finances, spirituality, family, friendship, creativity, etc.

Examples of well-formulated wishes:

• "I am healthy, vital, and full of energy"
• "I earn [Betrag] Euro per month with my work"
• "I live in a loving, harmonious partnership"
• "I have a fulfilling job that uses my talents"
• "I am financially free and secure"
• "I travel to [Ort] and experience wonderful adventures"

Step 4: Fold the notes

Fold each note several times so the text cannot be seen. All notes should be folded the same way. Place them in a beautiful box or bowl.

Practice during the Rauhnächte (Dec 21 - Jan 1)

Every evening at the same time:

Step 5: Create ritual space

Light a candle, burn incense if you wish, and come to calm. This is a sacred moment.

Step 6: Draw a note

Close your eyes, mix the notes, and draw one blindly. Important: DO NOT read it! This is the hardest part - resist the temptation!

Step 7: Burn the note

Place the folded note in your fireproof bowl and light it. While it burns, say:

"I hand this wish over to the universe. What is meant for me will come to me. I trust and let go."

Or a similar phrasing that feels right to you.

Step 8: Observe the ash

Some people interpret the way the slip burns:

• Fast, bright burning = quick fulfillment
• Slow burning = needs time
• Strong smoke = transformation needed

This is optional - trust your intuition.

Step 9: Dispose of the ash

You can the ash:

• Put it into the earth (in the garden or in a flowerpot)
• Put it into flowing water (river, stream)
• Let it be blown away by the wind

This symbolically passes the wish on to the elements.

Step 10: Repeat this for 12 nights

Perform this ritual on each of the 12 Rauhnächte until only one slip of paper remains.

After the Rauhnächte (from January 2nd)

Step 11: Read the last wish

On January 2nd, after the last Rauhnacht, you may open and read the remaining slip of paper. This wish is the one you are allowed and supposed to actively work on yourself.

Step 12: Implement the last wish

Create a concrete action plan for this wish:

• What are the first steps?
• What resources do you need?
• Who can support you?
• By when do you want to have achieved what?

This wish is your task - the universe has shown you where your personal responsibility lies.

Important notes

Safety when burning

• Always use a fireproof bowl (ceramic, metal)
• Place the bowl on a heat-resistant surface
• Keep water or sand ready
• Burn only in a well-ventilated room or outside
• Let the ashes cool completely
• Always supervise the fire

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I accidentally read a slip?

No problem! Burn it anyway and trust that everything will come as it should.

Can I make more or fewer than 12 wishes?

Traditionally, there are 12 wishes for 12 nights. But you can also take 6 wishes and burn one every other day.

What if I forget one night?

Get it the next day or burn two slips. The ritual allows flexibility.

Are the wishes really fulfilled?

Many people report amazing fulfillments. Important: Stay open to the way in which they are fulfilled - often different than expected!

Variations of the ritual

For families

Each family member writes their own 12 wishes. You can burn your notes together every evening.

With crystals

Place a rock crystal next to your notes to amplify the manifestation energy.

With incense

Incense with frankincense, sandalwood, or cinnamon before each drawing for manifestation.

What you will find in our shop

For your 12-wishes ritual we recommend:

• Fireproof incense bowls
• Incense for manifestation (frankincense, sandalwood, cinnamon)
• Rock crystal for amplification
• Candles for the ritual atmosphere
• Beautiful boxes for storing your wish lists

Final thoughts

The 12-wishes ritual is a wonderful way to consciously start the new year. It teaches us trust, letting go, and personal responsibility. No matter which wishes are burned and which remain - everything happens for your highest good.

May your wishes come true - in one way or another!

Blessed Rauhnächte! 🕯️✨