Rauhnacht 9: the night of trust

The ninth Rauhnacht begins on the evening of January 2 and ends on the morning of January 3. Following the tradition of the twelve nights, where each night corresponds to a month, this one is linked to September.

This custom provides a structure for reflecting on the year to come, one month at a time. Thinking about the twelve nights for September during the deep quiet of winter can offer a different perspective.

It is an opportunity to consider the mood of early autumn from a distance. Like all traditions of the Rauhnächte, this is meant as a prompt for your thoughts, not a forecast of what will happen.

Our theme for this evening is trust. This goes beyond trusting other people; it centers on your own inner certainty.

It is about what you believe in, what you know to be true for yourself, and what you can count on when outside support feels distant. This could be your own competence, a core value, or a spiritual belief. This kind of trust is like a well-worn tool that feels right in your hand.

You know how to use it because you have relied on it before. For this evening, you might consider this question: What do you believe in, even when things get difficult? Take a moment to think about the foundations of your inner world.

A small ritual for this evening can help you connect with your own strength.

1. Find a quiet moment: Find a quiet moment and think back to a time when you managed something you did not believe you could. It does not have to be a monumental achievement. Maybe you successfully navigated a tricky conversation, repaired something you thought was broken, or simply found your way in an unfamiliar city.
2. Recall the feeling: Try to recall the feeling you had once it was done. That sense of quiet satisfaction and surprise at your own ability is a direct line to self-trust. Acknowledging these past successes builds a foundation of belief in yourself that you can draw upon in the future.
3. Write this memory down: You might write this memory down in your Rauhnacht journal as a reminder for September.

Old customs place special weight on dreams during the twelve nights. What you dream during Rauhnacht 9 was traditionally considered a symbolic image for the coming September.

1. Set an intention: Before you go to sleep, you might set an intention to remember your dreams.
2. Write down dream fragments: When you wake up on January 3, write down any dream fragments you recall, without trying to interpret them immediately. Also, notice your very first mood of the day.

Is it calm, busy, thoughtful, or something else? This first feeling can also serve as a helpful, symbolic note for your reflections on the ninth month of the year.