The magic of the Raunächte
Old rituals for a conscious new beginning
As the old year draws to a close and a very special stillness hangs in the air, a time full of mysticism and spiritual power begins: the Raunächte ( Twelve Nights). These twelve nights between Christmas and Epiphany (December 24 to January 6) have been a time of transition, purification, and inner reflection for centuries. In many cultures, they are considered a time when the boundaries between the visible and invisible worlds are particularly thin—an opportunity to let go of the old, prepare for the new year, and connect with incense burning, rituals, and meditation.
Let's immerse ourselves together in the fascinating world of the Raunächte and discover how you can use this magical time for yourself!
What are the Raunächte and where do they come from?
The Raunächte (Twelve Nights) have their roots in Germanic, Celtic, and Alpine traditions . There are various theories about why exactly twelve nights are considered sacred. One of them is that the lunar year (with its 354 days) and the solar year (with 365 days) differ by twelve nights —an "intermediate period" in which neither the old nor the new year truly applies.
During this period, it was once customary to bless livestock, burn incense to the house and farm, and protect oneself from dark forces. At the same time, it was considered a time of oracles and prophecies —dreams, visions, and signs were interpreted as clues to the coming year.
Even today, many people use the Raunächte to pause, let go of the old and set conscious intentions for the new year.
Traditional rituals of the Raunächte
Smoking & energetic cleansing
Smoking with natural herbs and woods is one of the most important customs of the Raunächte (Twelve Nights). It is used to dispel negative energies , purify spaces, and create protection . Particularly popular are:
Frankincense : Clears the mind and creates a spiritual connection
Palo Santo : Dispels negative energies and promotes relaxation
Incense sticks : Ideal for meditation and gentle room harmony
Experience the magic of the Raunächte with our incense sticks – for purification, protection and contemplative rituals.
Letting go of the old & manifesting wishes
The Raunächte (Twelve Nights) are a time of letting go and new beginnings . Many people write old worries and fears on a piece of paper during these nights and symbolically burn it to free themselves from them. At the same time, you can write down your wishes and intentions for the coming year —you can later store these in a jar and reflect on them at the beginning of the year.
dream diary
It is said that dreams during the Raunächte give clues about the coming months .
Silence & Reflection
In our fast-paced world , winter is ideal for mindfulness . A conscious reflection on the past year—with all its ups and downs—can help you gain clarity for the new year. Candlelight, meditation music, or the gentle scent of incense support an atmosphere of calm and letting go.
Instructions: Raunacht Ritual
1️⃣ Preparation: Create a quiet space with dim lights, perhaps a candle and soft music.
2️⃣ Incense: Cleanse the room with incense, Palo Santo or incense sticks to release old energies.
3️⃣ Let go: Write down everything you don't want to take with you into the new year and symbolically burn the piece of paper.
4️⃣ Set an intention: Write down your wishes or resolutions for the new year and store them in a beautiful box.
5️⃣ Meditation & Gratitude: Take a few minutes for silence or a guided meditation.
Consciously experience the Raunächte – your personal new beginning
Whether you use the Raunächte as a spiritual ritual or simply as a conscious time of reflection, they offer a wonderful opportunity to let go of old patterns and welcome new energies .
Palo Santo for Raunächte
