Rauhnacht 8: August and your dreams

The eighth Rauhnacht is the night from January 1 to January 2. Because it's the first full night of the new year, it often has a special feeling of beginning and possibility.

In the tradition of the twelve nights, this evening and the following day offer a symbolic preview of what August might hold. This connection is part of a folk custom where each of the twelve nights between Christmas and Epiphany represents one month of the coming year.

Observing your mood, dreams, or the card you draw for this night can give you a theme to reflect on for August. Think of it as setting a personal headline for the month, not as a rigid prediction.

Our theme for this evening is collecting dreams. This goes beyond what you might see while asleep.

It is about taking stock of your daydreams, your aspirations, and the experiences you have always wanted to have. This is a good moment to look beyond practical goals and connect with what truly inspires you.

It could be something small like finally seeing the ocean at sunrise or something bigger like visiting a city you have only read about. The question for your evening is: what is one experience you want to have, just for yourself?

For a simple ritual tonight, take a piece of paper and a pen.

1. find a quiet spot: Find a quiet spot where you can think without interruption for a few minutes. The idea is to create a list of ten experiences you want to have in your life. These do not have to be grand or expensive.
2. examples of experiences: Maybe you want to bake a perfect sourdough bread, hike a specific trail, or sit in a beautiful old library for an afternoon.
3. focus on the feeling: Focus on the feeling the experience would give you.
4. keep this list: Keep this list in your Rauhnacht journal or another safe place to look at later in the year.

An old custom for the Rauhnächte is to pay close attention to your dreams.

1. set intention to remember: Before you go to sleep, you can set the intention to remember what you dream about.
2. keep a notebook: Keep a notebook by your bed to write down any images, feelings, or story fragments you recall in the morning. Also, take note of your very first mood when you wake up.
3. mood examples: Are you feeling calm, energetic, thoughtful, or something else?

According to tradition, both your dreams during the eighth Rauhnacht and your mood on the morning of January 2 can offer a symbolic glimpse into the atmosphere of the coming August. Check for yourself which part of this feels true for you when the time comes.