Table of contents
The magic of the Raunächte: Use this time for transformation and clarity!
The Raunächte: A time for reconnecting with one’s ancestors and the power of manifestation
The different names for the Raunächte
How many Raunächte are there actually?
The spiritual significance of the Raunächte: The Raunächte as gateways to inner wisdom
What should one avoid doing during the 12 nights?
24 December, Christmas Eve: Mother’s Night / Modranecht
The 1st Raunacht: 25 to 26 December, Christmas Day – Letting your inner light shine
The 2nd Raunacht: 26 to 27 December – Connecting with inner wisdom
The 3rd Raunacht: 27 to 28 December – The manifestation of the power of transformation
The 4th Raunacht: 28 to 29 December, Feast of the Holy Innocents – Awakening the creative power
The 5th Raunacht: 29 to 30 December – Gathering strength and charting one’s life path
The 6th Raunacht: 30 to 31 December – Saying a loving farewell and making peace with the past
The 7th Raunacht: 31 December to 1 January – Letting your inner light shine
The 8th Raunacht: 1 to 2 January – The new year begins
The 9th Raunacht: 2 to 3 January – Finding clarity
The 10th Raunacht: 3 to 4 January – Strengthening the will for a fresh start
The 11th Raunacht: 4 to 5 January – Wishes can come true
The magic of the Raunächte: Use this time for transformation and clarity!
The magic of the Raunächte: Use this time for transformation and clarity!
The Raunächte offer a powerful opportunity for inner transformation and a fresh start in the new year. Discover the magic of these special nights and incorporate these powerful exercises into your life. Use this time to let go of old patterns, find clarity and turn your wishes into reality!
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The Raunächte: A time for reconnecting with one’s ancestors and the power of manifestation
The period around the solstice and the turn of the year has fascinated people since time immemorial. Our nature-loving ancestors, who lived in harmony with the rhythm of the earth, sensed the creative forces at work during this time of change. Through ancient rituals, they celebrated the life-giving power of light and fertility. Their history gave rise to the myths of these mysterious winter days, which have almost been lost beneath the cloak of tradition. They shape us on a deeply hidden level as a link to our ancestors.
The Raunächte are the perfect time to bring the old year to a close, give thanks for past experiences and let go of the old. During this time, full of power and energy, we can bring about profound changes within our souls and thus begin the new chapter of life in the coming year with a light heart and a sense of hope.
With a wealth of information, legends and myths, we take you back to the roots of ritual customs, which lie far back in pre-Christian times, when priority was given to oral tradition.
The origins of the Raunächte
The word ‘Raunacht’ is derived from the Middle High German ‘Ruch’, which roughly means hairy, furry and wild. This origin is reminiscent of the wild, hairy demons that run riot at this time of year. On the other hand, the word ‘Raunacht’ also brings to mind smoke and the incense-burning rituals traditionally performed on these nights.
The word raunen (to murmur) can also be heard in the word ‘Raunacht’. For the people of that time, the murmuring of ancestors and spirits was a way of receiving clues and premonitions (from the ancestors) about the future.
The Raunächte probably have their origins in the Germanic lunar calendar, which comprised 354 days, unlike the solar year, which lasts 365 or 366 days. This difference of 11 to 12 days constitutes the period of the Raunächte, that window of time during which people’s powers of perception are heightened and one can bid farewell to past events in order to consciously celebrate the birth of light and a new phase of life.
The different names for the Raunächte
The period between Christmas and New Year is known by many different names, which are derived from the various customs associated with it.
Losnächte (Divination Nights)
Divination and oracles are important customs at this time of year: ‘Los-Nacht’ (Divination Night) is derived from the Old High German word liozan, which means ‘divination’ or ‘prophecy’. It is also related to the word losen, which means ‘to hear’. This stems from the desire to learn about future events from the spirits of the deceased. The words ‘losen’ and ‘zualosen’ are very old and have been handed down in the vernacular.
During these nights, various methods were used in an attempt to obtain signs of a happy future, such as card oracles, clairvoyance, runes, lead pouring and other rituals. Lead is associated with the planet Saturn.
Unmarried men and women tried to determine their future partner with the help of oracles.
Smoke Nights
The term ‘Smoke Nights’ derives from the incense-burning rituals that were held during this period to protect and bless people, animals and places.
Bell-Ringing Nights
This term is derived from the Middle High German word ‘klocken’, which means ‘to knock’. It stems from the ancient tradition of going from door to door.
The name is directly linked to the ‘Glöcklerlauf’ in the Salzkammergut, where the Glöckler, as a glowing spirit, drives out the demon of the ‘wild hunt’.
Silent nights, quiet nights
This name refers to the tranquillity that prevails in nature at this time of year.
Black Nights
The term ‘Black Nights’ derives from the position of the sun at this time of year, which leads to long periods of darkness.
The Twelve
This term for the number of sacred nights that compensate, redeem, punish and bring forth new life is particularly common in southern Germany.
How many Raunächte are there actually?
The number of Raunächte varies depending on the geographical region. Originally, the Raunächte began on the night of 21–22 December and ended on 6 January.
According to other traditions, the Raunächte last from Christmas Eve, the night of 24 December, until 5 January.
An in-depth exploration of mythological knowledge and the many rituals surrounding the annual cycle and the Raunächte has led me, over the last few years, to the conviction that other days of the year also form part of this special ‘time between times’:
- 4 December, St Barbara’s Day
- 13 December, St Lucy’s Day
- All Saints’ Day, the night of 1 to 2 November
The following Raunächte are of particular significance:
- The night of 21 to 22 December, the longest night of the year and also the winter solstice
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Night, from 24 to 25 December
- New Year’s Eve, the start of the new year, the night of 31 December to 1 January
- Epiphany, the night of 5 to 6 January
The spiritual significance of the Raunächte: The Raunächte as gateways to inner wisdom
The Twelve Raunächte, the period between Christmas and New Year, represent a gateway to the spiritual world. According to popular belief, spirits, ghosts, animal beings, lost souls and forces benevolent to humankind flock into the material world during this mystical time. On these special nights, the Wild Hunt, led by Odin and accompanied by low-hanging clouds, barking dogs and his heroes fallen in battle, swept across the land. The Wild Hunt not only evoked fear and terror, but was also a symbol of growth and fertility.
This special time holds a prophetic quality within it. The gateway to the future is opening. During the nights from 25 to 31 December, we can reconnect with the year that is drawing to a close and bring the old to a grateful conclusion; and during the nights leading up to 5 January, we can invite and receive fruitful visions accompanied by success.
The magical window of time known as the Twelve Raunächte, shrouded in darkness, holds within it the power of light and invites us to find peace, create inner order and prepare for the birth of our inner light.
Celtic Raunächte
Our Celtic ancestors loved the mystical time between times. According to their tradition, as well as the Germanic tradition, during this mystical time the gateway to stillness opens; everything in the material world comes to rest to make room for and lend an ear to the murmurs of the ancestors and the benevolent spirits. In days gone by, the wheel of the year stood still; no spinning wheel was allowed to turn and no housework was to be done.
The dark, enveloping presence of the Raunächte invited people to open the doors to their inner sanctums to the wisdom of their ancestors and the spiritual world. They called this unpredictable period the ‘in between’ and ‘in betwixt’ – a time when anything seemed possible and the planes of reality merged.
The transition between days, too – when the old day draws to a close and the new one dawns – was regarded as a magical interlude during which spirit beings were close to human perception. At the transition from one hour to the next, from one year to the next, extraordinary things could always happen, for the gates to the otherworld allowed certain beings to pass through.
The murmurs of the ancestors and well-meaning spirit beings could be heard during those days, offering protection and guidance for a blessed future.
What should one avoid doing during the 12 nights?
In the past, it was forbidden to carry out everyday tasks such as spinning, weaving or threshing during the ‘quiet period’. According to an old superstition, anyone who does their laundry between Christmas and New Year will have no luck in the new year. However, the origin and significance of the ban on washing are difficult to pinpoint. In any case, it should not be forgotten that this was the darkest time of the year. There was no electricity; everything was dark and a little eerie. People would sit together and tell each other stories. These ideas probably stem from that. Particularly in southern Germany, there was a widespread belief that spirits would enter clothes hung out to dry and make their wearers ill in the following year. Even the ‘Wilde Jagd’ (Wild Hunt) could become entangled in them.
According to another tradition, it was mainly women who were in danger. Hanging up white linen was said to attract the Wild Hunt, which would then ‘attack’ these women. Hanging up white sheets was also considered a bad omen: in the new year, the spirits might use them as shrouds for the dead.
A simpler explanation, passed down by many Christian grandmothers, was that no unfinished business should carry over into the new year, as this was seen as a bad omen. According to this belief, it would mean even more work in the new year.
The ban on washing may also be linked to the incense-burning rituals – the smell of smoke on the laundry was simply unpleasant.
Another custom is to wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve – but that’s another story.
Rituals during the Raunächte
These contemplative days offer a unique opportunity to draw on our inner wisdom and hidden knowledge to actively shape our life’s journey. With this in mind, the rituals for the Raunächte on the following pages provide inspiration for your personal growth and for creating positive vibrational fields in your home.
24 December, Christmas Eve: Mother’s Night / Modranecht
This night is associated with the feminine power of the Great Mother and the myth of the rebirth of the Divine Child. Before Christianisation, the period between 21 and 24 December was dedicated to the mother goddesses, who accompanied the newborn Sun Child on its journey through the new annual cycle.
In the Christian tradition, people look forward to the birth of the Son of God on 24 December. Homes are cleaned, cheerfully decorated and, just like the stables, fumigated and blessed. The act of blessing symbolises a transfer of love and protection and also has a profound healing effect.
This night of primal feminine power offers a sense of security and protection; it nourishes our souls and strengthens our hopes. During this time, we can consciously connect with the power of feminine, creative energy. Above all, this night helps us to feel the power of clarity and gratitude. During this extraordinary time, we can feel our own feminine power and the care and love of our ancestors – and especially our female ancestors. It is this power that accompanies and supports us, enabling the new to manifest itself.
On this evening, thanks are also given to the animals. According to myth, on this night people can understand the language of animals and receive clues about the future from them.
The talking horse in fairy tales and legends shows us that our Celtic ancestors had a magical connection with horses. Horses were kept in sacred groves and used in rituals as bearers of divine wisdom. At the turn of the year, sacred horses were consulted as oracular animals to predict the future course of events.
In Christian mythology, saints such as St George and St Stephen transformed ancient traditions with their sacred horses. The Raunacht cult horse is set to take its place in the ‘Stefaniritten’ on 26 December. The wise animals of yore are now integrated into and celebrated in Christian rituals.
Another animal revered by our ancestors is the bee. Our appreciation for this creature has remained unchanged throughout the Christian era. In the darkness of Christmas Eve, the farmer told the bees and fruit trees of the wondrous events before and after the birth of Christ. This reflects the awareness that we are connected to and communicate with all living beings.
Preparing for the Raunächte: an ancestral ritual for 24 December
The ancestral ritual is ideally performed in the evening, at least one hour before going to bed.
Start by writing a letter of gratitude to your ancestors.
Write down what you are grateful to them for.
Please also include the following sentence in the letter: “I am at peace with my roots in love and ask for the release of the burdens that stem from my ancestral lines.”
Once you have finished writing the letter, settle into a comfortable position and pick up a photograph of yourself as a child.
Now take a deep breath in and breathe out slowly.
Relax and gently breathe all the tension out of your body.
Now become calmer and calmer.
Everything around you falls completely silent.
Visualise yourself in a meadow, with a tree behind you.
Before you now appear your parents, behind them your grandparents, behind them your great-grandparents and, finally, all your other ancestors.
Now welcome your parents and your ancestors.
Take your time with this.
Breathe deeply and calmly.
You can now see your inner child appear between your parents or in front of them.
Now let light flow from your heart to your parents, your grandparents and all your other ancestors.
Be grateful for the gift of life that comes from them.
The 1st Raunacht: 25 to 26 December, Christmas Day – Letting your inner light shine
In the year 217, Pope Hippolytus proclaimed 25 December as the date of Christ’s birth. In the Christian world, the birth of Christ marks the appearance of the Saviour’s light in the world, which illuminates our hearts and bestows love, hope and peace upon the world.
The celebration of the birth of light is deeply rooted in many cultures. In Egyptian religion, for example, the mother goddess Isis gave birth to Horus, the personification of light; Persian Mithraism honoured the principle of the sun/light at this time; and the Roman Empire celebrated the birth of Sol Invictus, the ‘invincible sun’.
What Pope Hippolytus proclaimed to the early Christian community was vigorously enforced by Charlemagne (742–814) within our cultural sphere. He established Christianity throughout the empire through forced baptism and banned all rituals associated with the winter solstice and the subsequent festival, which had taken root amongst the people.
This Rauhnacht symbolises the month of January. It invites us to cultivate clarity and strength for the coming year. It is a good time to find inner peace and discover the light within ourselves that illuminates the path as we begin the new year.
On this day, we celebrate the light in our lives, which manifests itself as a beneficent force, as love, as eternally renewed life. This Raunacht day is usually spent with family members. Focus on what connects you, rather than on what stands between you and a family member. Bless your loved ones and your animals. Ease tense relationships and situations with a touch of humour.
On this first Raunacht, light is celebrated. It is dedicated to light, clarity and stillness. On this extraordinary night, we can gather our thoughts, let go of the old, connect with our inner light and let it shine outwards. It opens the window of time between the years and enables powerful rituals aimed at manifesting light in one’s own life – light that reveals itself as a blessing, as love and as eternally renewing life.
Exercise for the 1st Raunacht: Accepting your inner voice and feeling gratitude
If you are in touch with your body and aware of the feelings you are experiencing at this very moment, you will also be able to tap into your intuition.
Sit down and relax.
Light a candle.
Stretch your body and take a deep breath.
Feel your body deeply and relax.
Feel your head, your hands and your feet.
Give thanks for your body, that wonderful travelling companion which accompanies your soul from your first breath to your last.
Find two things in your life that you are grateful for, and repeat the following sentence three times: “I listen to my inner voice and trust my intuition.”
Then watch the dancing flame and feel the fire in your heart.
Feel your inner light and then write down on a sheet of paper your wishes, dreams and visions that you would like to realise in the new year with your inner light and your strength.
Go through the notes again and again throughout the year and try to put what’s written down into practice.
The 2nd Raunacht: 26 to 27 December – Connecting with inner wisdom
One of the most urgent tasks during the Raunächte is to connect with our intuitive powers, the voice of the heart and our inner guidance. By consciously embracing these, we can make contact with the subtle realms, perceive hidden wisdom and seek solutions to our problems and our own truth across various levels of reality. In this way, we can face the profound changes that are necessary in our lives with greater serenity.
This Raunacht represents the month of February, with the themes of personal power, the Higher Self and inner guidance. During this time, find your connection to your inner source. It is the ideal time to connect with your inner home, your inner strength and the Creator within yourself.
Today is all about your heart energy: Which people have been there for me? Who have been my companions through thick and thin? Who has been a pillar of support in my life this year? Who has inspired me, and who has brought me happiness and joy? Who or what has drained my energy and strength?
Don’t close your heart – it is the most precious thing you possess! Make peace with yourself and your life, reconcile with your past, become open and receptive to new experiences and friendships, and step into trust and love. With every breath, let the light flow into your heart; open yourself up and become free to love yourself and your fellow human beings unconditionally.
This day is the perfect time to set out your wishes and goals for the coming year. You’ll find clues to your life’s purpose in your wishes and hidden longings. Everything that kindles the fire in your heart has its origins in divine love and joy.
Think about what makes your heart glow and shine. What brings you a very special joy? Light a candle for every wish you’ve put into words. Add them to your wish-and-goal collage and send it out into the universe with love.
Exercise for the 2nd Raunacht: Discovering our dreams
In this exercise, you’ll explore your past as well as your dreams and aspirations. Set aside about half an hour for this.
To begin with, lie down for five minutes, close your eyes and breathe in and out deeply and calmly.
Imagine that your inner child is standing in front of you.
Ask it what it needs to feel well, and what dreams it harbours.
Now listen carefully to your inner child and welcome all its dreams into your consciousness.
Then open your eyes and write down everything you have experienced.
Make a list of all the things, feelings, situations and places you have dreamt about.
Also make a note of how you would like to feel in your relationships with those around you.
This list will guide you through the new year and help you stay connected with your inner child.
The 3rd Raunacht: 27 to 28 December – The manifestation of the power of transformation
The essence of this Raunacht connects us with the manifestation of the power of transformation. Human life and nature are shaped by rhythms and cycles. On this special night, we can perform rituals that help us to bring closure to the old, free ourselves from it, and embrace the new with serenity and freedom.
Spiritual maturity means adapting to the cyclical processes of life, letting go of the old and the familiar, and moving purposefully and intensely in a new direction. It is the realisation that everything is constantly changing and that the breakdown of old structures leads to greater power and self-determination.
This Rauhnacht symbolises the month of September. It is a time for reflection, balance and the harvest – both literally and figuratively. It is a night when one recognises the fruits of one’s labour whilst, at the same time, paying attention to harmony in life.
It takes willpower, perseverance and creativity to face the phases of change – which are always a series of ups and downs – with equanimity. Then we can discover the sweetness of a new beginning as the light that illuminates the path beyond all suffering and effort.
Launecht’s themes are reorientation and conscious shaping. Flexibility is a prerequisite for the deliberative process, which requires both a clear head and deep emotions in the decision-making process. In this way, we can find our own perspective with inner conviction and face life’s changes with confidence.
This day symbolises the past, which seeks to suppress the future and all that is new. Use this day to clarify and resolve matters that did not go so well during the last Raunächte. What would you like to change about yourself? Which old habits keep resurfacing? Which ones would you like to let go of and change? Recall your bad and negative experiences once more. Imagine a violet flame that begins to glow and envelops these events in light. Picture in your mind’s eye how these negative experiences dissolve and transform into warm, radiant and luminous images.
Exercise for the 3rd Raunacht: Integrating spontaneity and freedom
In the evening, before going to bed, write the following sentence on a piece of paper: “I am free; I have all the time in the world. I shape my life in harmony with my needs.”
Place this piece of paper on the floor, stand on it and repeat the sentence four times.
Now lie down in bed and take five deep breaths before falling asleep.
The next morning, you burn the piece of paper, take the ashes with you and scatter them on a lovely meadow.
Give thanks for the good things that have happened today.
The 4th Raunacht: 28 to 29 December, Feast of the Holy Innocents – Awakening the creative power
The energy of 28 December connects us with our creative power. This night represents the month of April and its theme is dissolution.
On 28 December, the old custom of ‘Frisch und g’sund’ is also celebrated. Using a hazel or birch twig, the children give the adults light taps whilst politely reciting their little rhyme: “Fresh and healthy, fresh and healthy, all year round, fresh and healthy. Give generously, live long. The Christ Child at the high altar wishes you a happy New Year.”
The Green Man carried such a wondrous hazel rod with him and bestowed vitality and fertility upon people and animals. With every strike, he could bring a child into the world, overcome the harsh winter and welcome a spring full of hope.
His Christian successor, St Nicholas, also carried a hazel switch in his sack of presents.
On a spiritual level, this fertility represents our creative potential to develop our talents and abilities. We are part of God’s creative power and are called upon to live out our potential. This creativity is an invitation from the universe to shape the world, to realise that we can do anything and that we are the creators.
Exercise for the 4th Raunacht: Asking the right question
The aim of this exercise is to ensure that you constantly remind yourself to pay attention to important cues that flow towards you from the outside world from morning till night.
Take a moment to yourself sometime this morning.
Sit down, close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
Place your hands on your heart and ask yourself what is important to you right now, at this very moment.
Now ask yourself a clear question and then say: “I trust that what I need and what is right for me will come my way today.”
Then take three deep breaths and relax.
Throughout the Raunächte, your thoughts will keep returning to this question.
Perhaps hints, phrases or thoughts will come from outside that contain part of the answer or the whole answer.
Make a note of everything that comes to mind on this subject throughout the day, and read through your notes in the evening.
If you feel that you have not reached any significant insights, it is advisable to repeat this exercise the following day.
The 5th Raunacht: 29 to 30 December – Gathering strength and charting one’s life path
This Raunacht is linked to the energy of the month of May, which is known as the month of fertility and joie de vivre. It supports the unfolding and shaping of our perception, enabling us to gain greater insight into our life’s journey and the patterns that have shaped our past right up to the present day. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with our lives and to realise that, to some extent, we can determine our own path in life through our actions, thoughts and feelings.
In many cultures, knowledge of the power of fate was codified and personified in the form of three goddesses. In Greece, the weavers of fate were called the Moirai; in Rome, the Parcae; and in Germanic cultures, the Norns.
During the Raunächte, we have the opportunity to alter and reorder the interwoven patterns of our destiny through the process of becoming aware and practising mindfulness, before our spiritual essence is transformed into matter.
When our consciousness opens up on a subtle level, we are able to accept and recognise the guidance provided by our Higher Self, our guardian angels and other benevolent forces. We decide not only what we bring to life with our power of thought, but also which path we take.
Exercise for the 5th Raunacht: Breathing in peace
Take a few steps and consciously feel the contact between the soles of your feet and the floor.
Take a deep breath in and breathe out very, very slowly.
At the end of each breath, say the following words to yourself: “Peace and clarity.”
Repeat this conscious breathing exercise for peace seven times.
Then draw up a list of the goals and changes you’d like to see in your life over the course of the new year.
The 6th Raunacht: 30 to 31 December – Saying a loving farewell and making peace with the past
We can view this Raunacht as a bridge between the old year and the new era that awaits us. Today, you can let the crises and challenges of the past year pass before your mind’s eye, give grateful recognition to the experiences you have had, and bid a conciliatory farewell to whatever is no longer in harmony with you. On this day, you have the opportunity to encounter the spirit of the old year, to entrust yourself to its wise guidance, and to recognise unresolved issues that form a building block of your spiritual development.
You can accept and let go of old wounds that continue to fester as smouldering processes, or setbacks that have left you feeling frustrated and disappointed, as part of your learning experiences in the context of personal growth.
Write a letter to the personified past year and bid farewell with gratitude to old burdens and painful experiences. Then write down the insights you have gained over the course of the year. Finally, burn the letter and scatter the ashes into running water.
This Raunacht is linked to the month of June, the time of the summer solstice, when light manifests itself in its full power. Here we encounter abundance and growth, reminding us that we may and can realise our full potential in life.
As you look back on the past year, the old shadows and burdens that you wish to examine, let go of and heal will be freed from the echoes of those months and days, so that you can continue on your path freely and joyfully.
Exercise for the 6th Raunacht: Embracing the inner child
Take three deep breaths whilst lying in bed.
Place your hands on your heart as you do so.
Now let an image from your childhood come to mind.
Feel your inner child, connect with it, embrace it and tell it how much it is loved and protected, and how glad you are that it is a part of you.
Breathe deeply and consciously, and relax.
Then place a photo of yourself as a child – that is, of your inner child – on your bedside table.
The 7th Raunacht: 31 December to 1 January – Letting your inner light shine
On this very special Raunacht, we bid a final farewell to the year that is drawing to a close. It invites us to look to the future with strength, awareness and confidence. On this night, old customs blend with new rituals. We wish each other happiness and blessings and are ready to make a fresh start, so that we may consciously weave the threads of our own destiny, as far as humanly possible.
The last day of the year is named after Pope Sylvester, who died on 31 December 335. In 1691, Pope Innocent XII decreed that 1 January should be considered the start of the year. As a result, the Celtic year and the tradition of the ancient Roman New Year on 1 March fell into oblivion.
This day is a transitional day in the year when pre-Christian and modern customs intermingle.
According to ancient custom, in many regions people burn incense in stables and homes on this night to protect people and animals from evil spirits and misfortune.
It is also the night of the oracles, which stirs people’s innate longing to learn more about their future and to invite abundance and happiness into their lives.
The chime of the clock at midnight brings the old year to a close. Once the 12th chime has faded away, the new year takes its first, hopeful step into the magic of a new beginning. These magical moments are just as much a time between times as the Raunächte are. The breath of time seems to stand still whilst the chimes ring out, until jubilation breaks out everywhere to welcome the new year. The wandering demons of the Raunächte are driven away by the crack of firecrackers, whilst the hopes of the new year are welcomed with the magic of fire. This is all about fun and joie de vivre; it’s about doing whatever takes your fancy – it’s the day on which blessings and good wishes are sent to all your loved ones.
Exercise for the 7th Raunacht: Perceiving the goodness and radiance within yourself
Take a moment to place your hands on your stomach.
Take three deep breaths.
Visualise yourself in a beautiful place: on the beach, in a meadow, in the mountains or somewhere you are familiar with.
Feel how you radiate there, and how strong and relaxed you are.
Visualise a radiant sun shining from your heart and slowly expanding.
This sun is powerful, strong and serene, and slowly envelops your body.
You are free.
Feel the light radiating outwards from your body, allowing you to be free and at ease.
Then become aware of yourself in your bed.
Consciously connect with your body and say to yourself: “Now, today and in the new year, I let my inner light shine.”
The 8th Raunacht: 1 to 2 January – The new year begins
The 8th Raunacht, which falls on the night of 1 to 2 January, ushers in the new year and is a powerful moment of new beginnings. It represents the month of August and symbolises the birth of the new year. On this night, we are invited to pause, reflect and consciously focus on the fresh, unspoilt year that lies ahead. It is a moment of hope and new beginnings, in which we can plant our wishes and goals for the coming year. The 8th Raunacht invites us to recognise the cycle of life and to look to the future with joy and confidence. We can welcome the new and open ourselves up to whatever may come – carried by the energy of new beginnings. This night represents the month of August; its theme is the birth of the new year.
Exercise for the 8th Raunacht: Feeling the power of fire within yourself
Fire energy empowers us to set boundaries, say ‘no’ and make decisions. If you want to bring your plans to fruition in the new year, you’ll need this energy so that you can stand by your convictions and take matters firmly into your own hands.
Sit comfortably on the floor in a dark, quiet room, light a candle and place it about 20 cm away from you. Focus your gaze on the candle whilst listening to your body. Your back should not be against the wall; try to support yourself.
Try not to lose eye contact with the candle.
Breathe; feel the breath flowing in and out of your lungs.
Do not attempt to alter the rhythm.
Feel the light of the candle warming you; let its warmth fill you completely.
When thoughts arise, you accept them without judging them or trying to chase them away at all costs.
Imagine putting them in a hot-air balloon and letting it rise slowly.
Keep your eyes fixed on the candle; don’t let the image appear double.
Do this for 5 minutes, then close your eyes and remain with your eyes closed for a further 5 minutes.
Just listen, without judging your breathing or your body.
Then draw up a list of the goals and aspirations you’d like to achieve in the new year.
The 9th Raunacht: 2 to 3 January – Finding clarity
The Three Kings from the East travel from their distant homeland bearing precious gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. According to the Bible, they were magi and astrologers who took to heart the message that a Messiah would be born in this poor land. Nothing seemed more important to them than setting out in search of the Son of God. Church writers such as Tertullian did not use the term ‘king’ until the 3rd century, whilst the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar came into use from the 8th century onwards.
A king named Caspar presented the newborn child with a gift of gold. With this symbol of the soul’s perfection, he bowed before the divine purity of the child in the manger. In many cultures, gold is equated with the light of knowledge and enlightenment, which enables people to follow the soul’s path.
This Rauhnacht symbolises the month of September.
It is a time of reflection, balance and harvest – both literally and figuratively. It is a night when one recognises the fruits of one’s labour whilst, at the same time, paying attention to harmony in life.
This night is about finding clarity – where do I focus my thoughts, my ideas, my expressiveness (in word and deed); where do my energies flow; what do I do with the time available to me here on Earth? Which areas should I improve or which ones require a change?
All that matters is the here and now; the past is over and the future has not yet happened. Every day, you have the chance to reshape your life. Start by visualising your life as you dream it to be. Change begins within you!
Exercise for the 9th Raunacht: Finding clarity
Find a quiet place where you feel at ease. Sit comfortably, take a deep breath in and out, and let go of all your thoughts. Feel the ground beneath your feet – the chair or the floor you’re sitting on. Allow yourself to connect with the earth whilst focusing on your breath. Let your breath flow calmly and evenly, and bring your mind into the present moment.
Now close your eyes and visualise yourself standing in front of a large, clear mirror. In this mirror, you see yourself as you truly are – without distraction, without confusion, simply in the clarity of your being. Take a moment to look at yourself, without judgement. What do you see? What do you feel?
Now imagine that the mirror is slowly beginning to clean itself. First, the initial smudges disappear; then the image becomes clearer and sharper, until you see yourself in complete clarity. Any confusion that has been holding you back begins to fade away. Your thoughts become clearer, your goals more distinct.
Now ask yourself: What do I want to focus on? Which areas of my life are crying out for clarity and change? Which actions, thoughts or relationships are preventing me from living out my true vision?
Let these questions sink deep into your being. Write down every thought that comes to mind, without censoring yourself. Let your hand guide the pen whilst you focus entirely on the moment. Make a note of what you’d like to change, what you’d like to let go of and what you’d like to invite into your life.
Once you’ve finished your notes, read them aloud to yourself. Feel the words you’ve spoken and recognise the power they hold. Which changes are you truly taking to heart? What is the first step you can take right now to bring clarity to your life?
Finish this exercise with a deep breath. Feel how you are refreshed and clarified from within. You have taken the first step towards finding clarity – in your mind, in your goals and in your life. You are ready to follow your soul’s plan.
The 10th Raunacht: 3 to 4 January – Strengthening the will for a fresh start
This tenth Raunacht is associated with the month of October, when nature and the sun’s energy gradually recede and the last warm rays of sunshine bid farewell. Its theme is visions, inspirations and the connection with the divine.
This Raunacht offers us the opportunity to recognise our strength and strengthen our will. The atmosphere of this special night invites us to pause and remember that we are capable of shaping our own path in life through our strength, enthusiasm and zest for life.
It is ideal for rituals that help us to tune into our inner voice. You can also now carry out vision rituals and meditative exercises to clarify your needs and plans for the future.
Exercise for the 10th Raunacht: The power of time
Spend this evening in peace and quiet. Take as much time as you need and relax. Listen to what the day has to tell you. Close your eyes, let the memories of the day surface, and give thanks for this unique and unrepeatable time you have experienced.
Make peace with the time that has already passed. Relax and feel fulfilled by what you have experienced, learnt and willingly allowed to happen. Let the memories of the day wash over you and repeat the word ‘silence’ seven times and the word ‘time’ seven times in your mind.
Then write down the first thought that springs to mind on a piece of paper – perhaps a thought about time – and place the piece of paper under your pillow. Consciously being aware of time and viewing it as a precious treasure helps your intuition to work to its full potential for you.
The 11th Raunacht: 4 to 5 January – Wishes can come true
The eleventh Raunacht bestows upon us mental clarity and foresight. The energy of this night invites us to gather our inner strength, connect with our innermost self and put our vision into practice. Careful planning is required to turn wishes into concrete plans and fulfilling life circumstances.
This Raunacht symbolises the month of November. At this time of year, a cloak of mist envelops the landscape and the life force of the plants retreats into the earth. The darkness invites us to find peace during this time and to recharge our strength for the challenges ahead. It is entirely dedicated to the theme of letting go and saying farewell.
Take some time to reflect on why you are here and what you want to contribute to this world. What is your purpose and goal in life? You can make a real difference when you live from your centre. Which shackles would you like to cast off? What are your goals? What matters most to you in life?
Exercise for the 11th Raunacht: Turning wishes into plans
Take five minutes in the evening and find a quiet place where you can lie down.
Breathe deeply and calmly.
Feel your breath moving through your body, let your thoughts pass by mindfully, and say the following sentence: “I am always in the right place at the right time. Everything that happens is right.”
Feel how this sentence affects you and how liberating it is.
Then formulate a clear goal that you wish to achieve and write it down.
Visualise yourself and your new circumstances once you have achieved this goal. Draw up a multi-step action plan to achieve this goal, e.g. a fitness programme, so that you can do your body some good. Don’t say: “I’m going to do more exercise”, but rather: “I’m going to go for a half-hour walk every Wednesday for three weeks. In the following three weeks, I’ll increase this to an hour, and so on.”
If you want to nurture your friendships, it’s best to make a list noting down who you’d like to call and arrange to meet.
If you wish to carry out a business project, draw up a financial plan. The more precisely you formulate and plan the steps for implementing a project, the more realistic the fulfilment of your goal will be.
The 12th Raunacht: Epiphany Night from 5 to 6 January, the Holy Three Kings, Perchten Night – Strengthening primal trust
This Raunacht corresponds to the month of December; its themes are grace, incense burning and purification. Like 28 December, 5 January is also a day on which things are tidied up in the Launichten and the mistakes of the past are corrected.
On this night, the magical time ‘between the times’ comes to an end. The Three Kings arrive at the Christ Child’s side and bless him. On this day, the star singers go from door to door, blessing all houses and people. Open your doors and windows at midnight to let blessings into your home. The Epiphany wind is also a holy wind that blesses the home.
Much ancient knowledge and many old customs are associated with this night. Frau Perchta/Holle travels through the skies with her retinue to receive the blessing of the mighty winter goddess and to obtain ‘Perchtmilch’, which is to be consumed by both humans and animals.
According to Christian custom, ‘Perchtmilch’ becomes the ‘Milk of the Three Kings’ and the goddess’s blessing becomes the blessing of the kings Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
The three initials K + M + B have a deeper meaning than the commonly assumed abbreviation for the names of the Three Kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Traditionally, K + M + B stands for the Latin blessing ‘Christus mansionem benedicat’, which translates as: ‘May Christ bless this house’.
This blessing is written on the doors of houses and stables by the star singers between New Year’s Eve and 6 January, to place the year under the protection and blessing of Christ. The initials therefore symbolise not only the kings, but also a plea for divine protection and prosperity for the coming year.
In pagan times, similar symbols and signs were engraved on doors to protect the house from evil spirits or harmful influences. This tradition was continued in Christianity, with the blessing now referring directly to Christ, who is said to bless the house with his goodness and protection.
In some regions, it is also customary for star singers to add the year alongside the initials K + M + B, e.g. 20 + K + M + B + 24, to indicate the current year.
Exercise for the 12th Raunacht: The golden key
Take a moment during the day, settle into a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Now visualise the following image twice:
You are standing in a beautiful meadow.
There is a bright, wonderful lake near you.
Its water is refreshing, clear and pure.
You lean down towards the lake and drink its fresh water.
Feel how pleasant and uplifting it is to drink this water. Take three deep breaths and consciously focus on the image that appears in your mind’s eye.
Now go to a tree, sit down relaxed beneath it and lean against it.
Feel the joy of a wise old man visiting you on this beautiful meadow.
He comes over to you and sits down beside you.
The wise man asks you to pose questions to him that have so far remained unanswered in your life.
He listens attentively to your questions and says to you joyfully: “You will soon receive an answer to all these questions. Pay attention to your thoughts! The voice of your intuition is with you.”
He leaves and returns shortly afterwards with a precious gift for you – a golden key. Take the key and put it in your pocket.
Whenever you have a question or want to connect with your intuition, remember that you have a golden key in your pocket.
You can also record the text of this exercise and listen to it briefly throughout the day, whenever you have a spare moment. However, be sure to carry out this exercise twice on this day.
The magic of the Raunächte: Use this time for transformation and clarity!
The Raunächte offer a powerful opportunity for inner transformation and a fresh start in the new year. Discover the magic of these special nights and incorporate these powerful exercises into your life. Use this time to let go of old patterns, find clarity and turn your wishes into reality!
Share this article with your friends and let’s immerse ourselves in the magic of the Raunächte together!
Are you ready for change? Join in and start your new year mindfully and full of energy!
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