Yule and the 13 Intentions Ritual

The longest night of the year, as darkness reaches its peak outside, the winter solstice also marks the moment when light slowly returns. There's no better time to reflect on your wishes for the new year, and this ritual is perfect for that.

Around this time of year, there's the 13 Intentions Ritual. A beautiful tradition you can start tonight. You don't need any fancy materials, and no spiritual experience is required. It's a really fun, perhaps new, tradition for you. All you need is a pen, paper, and a candle. Sounds good, right? Read on.

💡 Tip: Starting on December 21st is fun, but you can also do it later. Just count the number of notes backward. For example, if you start on Christmas Eve, you'll need 10 notes.

What is Yule anyway?

Yule is an ancient winter festival that originated with the Germanic and Norse peoples. It celebrates the return of light after the darkest days of the year. Where we celebrate Christmas today, our ancestors reflected on the rebirth of the sun.

The tradition begins with Mother's Night (or Mōdraniht in Old English), the evening before or on the winter solstice. This night was used to honor female ancestors and goddesses who watched over families. It was a time for reflection, gratitude, and new intentions.

Incidentally, Yule has left us with many traditions that we now associate with Christmas: the Christmas tree, lighting candles, sharing meals, and giving gifts. The essence remains the same: we gather together in the darkest part of the year and celebrate the return of light.

The 13 Intentions Ritual: Where Does It Come From?

This ritual combines Yule traditions with the German Rauhnächte, or "smoke nights." This is the period between Christmas and Epiphany, when, according to ancient folklore, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. A time for reflection and setting intentions.

The number 13 represents the twelve months of the coming year, plus one extra wish that you can cherish and fulfill. The idea is simple: write down 13 wishes, burn 12 (one each night), and then keep one. This last one is the intention for your brand new year.

How to do it 13 Intentions Ritual

What do you need?

• 13 loose pieces of paper
• A pen
• A candle
• A fireproof dish or bowl
• A jar, bag or container to store your notes in

Step 1: Create a quiet moment

Tonight, on the longest night of the year, take some time for yourself. It doesn't have to last for hours. Dim the lights, light a candle, put on some relaxing music if you like. Put your phone away.

Step 2: Write down your 13 intentions

Think about what you want in the new year. What do you want to achieve, feel, experience, or let go of? Write each wish or intention down on a separate piece of paper. These could be big dreams or small ones. A career change or reading more books—it's all possible.

💡 Tip: Formulate your intentions positively and personally. So not "I don't want to be so stressed anymore," but "I allow myself some peace and quiet."

Step 3: Fold the notes closed

Fold each piece of paper so that you can't see what's on it. Place them all in your jar or container and shake them together.

Step 4: Burn one wish every night

From tonight (December 21st) until January 1st, blindly pick up one piece of paper each evening. Don't look at it. Light your candle, hold the piece of paper in the flame, and let it burn in your fireproof dish. Tearing it up is also allowed, as long as you don't look at the writing.

This is the moment of letting go. You surrender that wish to the universe, to fate, or simply to the unknown. Trust that what is meant to be, will be.

Step 5: Discover your thirteenth intention

On January 1st, there's only one note left. You can open this one. This is the intention you're responsible for. No cosmic magic, just your own dedication. Keep this note somewhere you'll see it occasionally, as a reminder of what you want to achieve this year.

Why this ritual works so well

Unlike those long lists of New Year's resolutions (which are usually forgotten by the end of January), this ritual is about letting go and focusing. You're handing over most of your desires and keeping just one to truly work on.

It also forces you to pause for a moment every evening. A little moment for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Twelve nights long, for about five minutes. That's doable, right?

Start tonight

The beauty is: you don't need a perfect setting. No altar, no special crystals, no experience with rituals. A quiet moment after dinner, a candle, and some papers are enough.

The winter solstice marks the transition from darkness to light. What could be more fitting than reflecting on what you want to let go of and where you want to grow?

Grab that pen. Write down your 13 wishes. And let the magic work its magic for the next twelve nights.