The Magic of the Rauhnächte (Part 2) – Your Between-the-Years Journal

Nicole
2 hours ago
4 min read

The Rauhnächte are not only a magical transition between the old and the new, they are also an invitation to consciously reflect, let go, and cultivate new energy. While the first article around that topic illuminated the origins, customs, and symbolic meaning, this section is all about practice: how to create your own Between-the-Years journal and use the twelve nights with intention.

Why journaling during the 'Rauhnächte' is so powerful

During this time, we stand in a true in-between space – the light has been reborn, yet its strength is only slowly returning. This is exactly where journaling works like a magic wand: it brings clarity, organizes thoughts, opens the heart, and helps us release the old before the new takes root.

It’s not about writing perfectly or planning everything out. It’s an intuitive ritual: a safe space to listen inward, reflect, and consciously shape what’s to come.

Your own Between-the-Years Journal – how to begin

Of course, you are completely free to handle your journaling however you like. Here, I’ll simply share how I personally do it – and if you want to join in, you’re warmly invited. My year-end journaling typically unfolds in three steps:

1. Year-End Reflection

Before the Rauhnächte begin – depending on the tradition you follow, shortly before December 21st or December 24th – I consciously set aside an evening or a stretch of quiet weekend time just for myself. This is the moment to reflect on the past year, release burdens, and create space for the new.

💡 Tips to prepare for your Rauhnächte journaling:

Create a magical, undisturbed atmosphere: candle, incense, soft music, tea or your favorite drink, notebook.
Write intuitively, without judging. Let thoughts, feelings, and inspirations flow freely.
Especially note down your dreams each night – they may hold clues for the coming year.
You can use visualizations, small rituals, or symbols: e.g., candlelight as an anchor, incense for cleansing, or a symbol of what you want to release or attract.

Journaling questions for your year-end reflection

My overall feeling about 2025 was…
One year ago, I was… (Where were you then?)
2025 was actually… (general reflection)
In 2025 I began… (What new things did you start?)
2025 taught me…
In 2025 I struggled with…
In 2025, this felt easy for me…
My people in 2025 were…
Looking at each month: What was the main theme in January this year…? And so on.
In 2025 I leave behind…
What did I manifest this year?
What do I want to take into the new year?
Is there anything else I want to reflect on?

2. Rauhnächte Dreams

According to old tradition, dreams during the Rauhnächte are prophetic – they show us which energies, opportunities, and themes may arise in the coming year.

Once the Rauhnächte begin, write down your dreams each morning. These nightly messages help you tune into intuition, inner images, and hidden impulses.

Traditionally, each night corresponds to a specific month of the upcoming year – you can use your dreams as guidance:

1st Rauhnacht: insights about January
2nd Rauhnacht: insights about February
3rd Rauhnacht: you get the point…

💡 Tip: Write down not only what you saw or dreamed, but also feelings, colors, symbols, and first thoughts that arise. This creates an intuitive map for your new year.

3. Setting intentions for the new year

We’re not talking about classic “New Year’s resolutions” that fade after a few weeks. At the end of the Rauhnächte – by January 6th at the latest – I consciously take time again to pause: I formulate what I want to call in, manifest, and cultivate in the new year. This is the moment of intentional new beginnings: clarity, heart, and intention merge to shape the transition from the old to the new year in a magical way.

Journaling questions for the start of the year

A feeling I want to embody in the new year
What do I want to call into my life this year?
What I’m saying no to this year (setting healthy boundaries)
A perfect day this year would look like…
My dream life this year would be…

The Rauhnächte are more than just a period “between the years.” They are a portal, a space where we pause, listen to ourselves, and consciously let go of the old before inviting in the new. Whether you choose a deep journaling evening or a daily dream-and-reflection practice throughout the twelve nights – the most important part is to truly honor this in-between space.

At the end of the journey – when the new year lies before you – you’ll have gathered not only reflection and clarity but also an inner map that supports you. With heart, intention, and a touch of magic, you can enter the new year ready to release the old, welcome the new, and consciously direct your power.

✨ Claim the Rauhnächte for yourself and create your personal rite of passage. Every candle, every dream, every reflection becomes a step into your new year – intentional, mindful, and full of possibility.