WINTER SOLSTICE RITUAL

The Winter Solstice ritual involves writing 12 or 13 intentions/wishes for the year ahead on separate slips, folding them, and burning one each night from the Solstice (Dec 21st) until New Year’s, releasing 11 to the universe and keeping the final, unopened one as your personal focus for the new year, representing the return of light and new beginnings.

How to Perform the Ritual
Preparation (On Winter Solstice – ~Dec 21):Gather: 13 small slips of paper, a pen, a safe container (like a bowl or cauldron), and a way to burn them safely (fireproof dish, candle flame).
Write: On each slip, write one sincere wish, dream, or goal for the year ahead, focusing on what you want to bring in, not just release. Write in the present tense (e.g., “I am healthy,” not “I will be healthy”).
Fold & Mix: Fold each paper tightly so you can’t see the words. Place them in your container.
The Twelve Nights (Dec 21 – Jan 1):Nightly Release: Each evening, starting on the Solstice, draw one paper without looking and burn it safely. This symbolizes releasing control, trusting the universe, and letting go of the other wishes to manifest naturally.
Journal (Optional): You can journal about the feeling of release or what you’re letting go of, or even draw a tarot/oracle card for inspiration.
The Final Wish (January 1st):Open & Commit: The last unburned paper is your focus for the year—the one you’ll actively nurture and bring to life through your actions, say.
Open and read this final intention. This is the one you are personally responsible for nurturing and bringing to life through your own actions in 2026.

Why it Works (Symbolism)
Darkness to Light: Mirrors the return of light after the longest night, symbolizing hope and gradual growth.
Rauhnächte: Connects to ancient European traditions for reflection, release, and setting the year’s tone.
Letting Go: Burning releases the need to force outcomes, trusting in natural rhythms and your own energy.

The 12 Wishes represents the 12 months of the upcoming year, with each burned slip delegating a month’s outcome to the universe.

The 13th Wish in many modern variations, you write 13 wishes so that after burning 12 (one for each night), you are left with one “sacred responsibility” for yourself.

Good Wishes to you for a Happy New Year! May your intentions be realized.