Rauhnächte: the twelve holy nights

The twelve holy nights traditionally begin on the night of December 25 and end before Epiphany on January 6. The idea comes from a simple calendar gap.

Twelve lunar months make up about 354 days, while the solar year has about 365. This leaves a difference of eleven days and twelve nights, a period once considered 'between the years' and outside of ordinary time. During this time, old European stories say the veil between worlds is thin.

Figures like Mother Hulda, known from fairy tales, are said to roam the land with the ghostly Wild Hunt. The name Rauhnacht itself points to these customs. It may come from the German word for smoke ('Rauch') from burning incense, or from an old word for hairy ('rûch'), describing the fur-clad spirits of folklore.

Many customs for the Rauhnächte focus on cleansing the old and welcoming the new.

• Smudging homes: People would smudge their homes and stables with incense to clear out old energies and protect against harm.
• Dreams: Close attention was paid to dreams, as each night's dream was thought to hint at the theme for its corresponding month in the new year.
• Weather: Even the weather of each day was noted for the same reason. Other traditions involve actively looking ahead.
• Writing wishes: People would write down thirteen wishes, one for each of the twelve months and an extra one.
• Lead pouring: Another popular custom was lead pouring to get a symbolic shape for the year, though today melted wax is used instead for safety. It was also a time of stillness.
• Stillness rules: Some rules advised against activities like doing laundry or playing card games to avoid disturbing the peace and attracting misfortune.

You can shape your own Rauhnacht ritual in a way that feels right for you; it does not need to be complicated.

1. Draw one card: A simple practice is to draw one oracle card each evening. This card can serve as a theme for reflection for that night and its related month.
2. Light a candle: You might light a candle and spend just a few quiet minutes with the card's image and meaning.
3. Keep a journal: Consider keeping a small journal for these twelve nights.
4. Write down card: Each evening, you could write down the card you drew and a few thoughts or feelings that come to mind.
5. Add dreams: In the morning, you might add any dreams you remember, no matter how strange they seem. This creates a personal map of themes for your year ahead.

You can then revisit your notes during the year, for example, by reading what you wrote on the third night when March begins.

The three-card spread at the top of the page offers a moment of personal reflection for this transition. It is designed to help you take stock as you stand on the threshold between the old year and the new one.

The cards are not predictions. Think of them as mirrors, showing you patterns and possibilities to consider. The first card, 'What you leave behind', can point to a theme or pattern from the past year that is now complete. The second, 'What carries you through the night', often suggests a source of strength or a quality you can rely on during this quiet time.

Perhaps it is your patience or your sense of humor. The third card, 'What you take along', may highlight a focus or an attitude that could be helpful for the year ahead. Check for yourself which parts of the interpretation feel true for you.