As we approach Winter Solstice, we embrace a time of quiet reflection and renewal. The darkest day of the year is a powerful moment for setting intentions and preparing for the cycle of rebirth. In many cultures, the turning of the year is marked with traditions that align us with the natural world, and one of the most cherished of these is the Germanic practice of making 13 wishes during the Rauhnächte or Wild Nights as we call them at Magic is Key— a mystical period that stretches from December 25th to January 6th.

The Magic of the Wild Nights (Rauhnächte): A Time for Reflection and Renewal

The Wild Nights (also known as the "Rauhnächte") are a time of transition, believed to bridge the old year with the new. This tradition, which spans twelve nights, is rich with rituals aimed at divination, and setting intentions for the future. In Germanic folklore, these nights were thought to be a liminal space where the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm is thin, allowing for greater clarity and guidance for the year ahead.

The practice of making 13 wishes during the Wild Nights is a deeply symbolic ritual. The number 13, often associated with both mystery and transformation, plays a key role. On Winter Solstice 13 wishes are written down and folded to be burned for each night of the Wild Nights. All except for one. The ritual is powerful because, as the wishes are burned, they are symbolically released into the universe, making space for new energies, desires, and dreams to manifest.

How the 13 Wishes Ritual Works

The process is simple but profound. Here’s how it works:

1. Write 13 Wishes: On a piece of paper, write down 13 heartfelt wishes for the upcoming year. Ideally this is done on Winter Solstice. These wishes should represent your dreams, hopes, and goals for all areas of your life — from personal growth and relationships to career and health. They can however also be wishes for others than yourself, for our planet, the universe, etc. 

2. Fold and Prepare: Each wish is folded tightly so that it is not visible, ensuring the ritual has an element of surprise. The act of folding the wishes creates a sense of mystery and adds to the sacredness of the practice.

3. Burn Each Wish: Every evening during the Wild Nights, pick one wish, and without looking at it, burn it in a safe fire or flame. As the paper burns, visualize your wish being released into the cosmos, allowing the universe to work its magic on your behalf.

4. The Final Wish: The 13th and final wish is left untouched until the very end of the Wild Nights. When it’s time to reveal this last wish, you will see what it is and know that this is the wish you must work on yourself — the one that requires your personal effort, commitment, and focus.

This ritual combines the power of intention-setting with the elemental forces of fire, making it a potent act of manifestation. The burning of the wishes symbolizes the release of old energy, making room for the new. The practice helps to align your goals with the natural cycles of the year, fostering a sense of purpose and connection.

My Personal Experience with the 13 Wishes Ritual

I have only practiced this ritual to its full extend once, but from that experience I can attest to the deep, transformative power it holds. Last year, I made my 13 wishes and carefully burned each one, one by one, on the corresponding evenings. Before burning then I recorded them in my Mysteries of the Wild Nights journal. When I revisited the wishes this year, I was amazed by how much had come true. Many of the goals I had set for myself manifested in ways I hadn’t even expected. Only a few wishes were left open, and even those had either become irrelevant or transformed into something new. It was as if the wishes had guided me along a path I couldn’t have predicted but had, in hindsight, led me exactly where I needed to be.

Sharing the Ritual with You

As a gift for this beautiful year, we are excited to share the Winter Solstice Ritual: 13 Wishes for 2025 with all of you. We have made the entire process available on YouTube, so you can experience the magic of the 13 Wishes for yourself, wherever you are. Watch the ritual, embrace its power, and use it as a tool to create your own transformation in the coming year.

You can watch the full ritual here: Winter Solstice Ritual: Making 13 Wishes for 2025

Why You Should Try the 13 Wishes Ritual

This ancient tradition offers much more than just a way to set New Year’s resolutions. It’s an invitation to connect with the cycles of nature, embrace the mystery of the unknown, and trust in the power of intention. By participating in the 13 Wishes ritual, you are not only making space for personal growth but also aligning yourself with the rhythms of the Earth and the Universe.

Some benefits of the ritual include:

• Spiritual Reflection: The Wild Nights is a time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next with clarity and intention.

• Personal Growth: The ritual helps you connect deeply with your desires and aspirations, clarifying what you want to manifest in your life.

• Cleansing and Renewal: Burning the wishes symbolizes releasing old energy, making space for new possibilities to emerge.
• Connection to Tradition: Engaging with this Germanic tradition allows you to connect with ancestral wisdom and practices that have stood the test of time.

Conclusion

As we step into the quiet magic of the Winter Solstice and the Wild Nights, remember that the turning of the year is not just a time for resolutions, but for a deeper alignment with the natural world and your own inner desires. The tradition of making 13 wishes offers a sacred space to reflect, release, and renew. Whether you’re new to this practice or have already tried it, I invite you to join me in this powerful ritual and experience its transformative energy for yourself.

Don’t forget to watch the ritual on YouTube and let this ancient practice guide you toward your highest potential in the year ahead.

May your wishes be bold, your intentions clear, and your heart open to the magic of the universe.

Happy Wild Nights and Winter Solstice! 🌟