Smudging During the Rauhnächte: A Guide and Cleansing Herbs

The Rau(h)nächte and the smudging of homes and stables are an ancient custom that was widely known and practiced, but has increasingly fallen into oblivion today. While one might no longer necessarily try to ward off evil spirits, many still enjoy the relieving and cleansing effect of smudging their homes.

What and When Are the Rauhnächte?

The 12 nights, known as the Rauhnächte, typically begin on the holy night from December 24th to 25th and end on the night from January 4th to 5th.

However, the exact dates are not entirely uniform, as the Rauhnächte shift slightly from place to place. Most often, the night before Epiphany, i.e., the night from January 5th to 6th, concludes the Rauhnächte.

The 12 nights originally result from the difference between the lunar and solar year. While the moon has already orbited the Earth 12 times, the Earth still has 11 or 12 days left to complete one orbit around the sun.

In addition, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, takes place on December 21st or 22nd. The Rauhnächte therefore represent the darkest time of the year. Some of these days partly fall on Portal Days and thus carry particularly strong energies.

According to ancient traditions, it was believed that during this time, the connection between the otherworld and this world is particularly permeable. Evil spirits and accumulated negative energies are then to be driven out of the house so that a fresh start can be made into the brighter season and the new year. One way to do this is by smudging the apartment and house.

Instructions for Smudging During the Rauhnächte

These smudging instructions are also suitable for beginners and can be performed during the Rauhnächte as well as when moving into a new home. We will explain step-by-step how the ritual works and what you need for smudging besides the incense bowls:

• Fireproof bowl with smudging sand, charcoal, and charcoal tongs
• Alternatively: Incense burner with a sieve, tea lights for the burner, aluminum foil if you want to burn frankincense or other resins in the sieve

To smudge your home, first prepare the fireproof bowl or incense burner. With the smudging bowl, this works by lighting charcoal and letting it glow in the sand until it forms a white ember. You can then place the crushed herbs or frankincense on it.

This will then begin to smoke quite heavily. With this, you go through the house, preferably from bottom to top. All rooms are entered individually, and the smoke is distributed into every nook and cranny. The windows are closed during this process, and the smoke can also be further distributed with a feather or a leaf.

Afterward, briefly open all windows and doors to clear the smoke and, with it, the burdensome energies and germs in the air. Then, if desired, you can smudge with fragrant, pleasant herbs without ventilating afterward.

Customs During the Rauhnächte: When Should You Smudge?

This is performed as often as desired. Some smudge once on Christmas Eve, some on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany, and some every night. Each night can be dedicated to a different theme, and the herbs selected accordingly.

You can also burn messages on small slips of paper if you want to release something specific, strong, and burdensome. This smudging method is also suitable when moving into a new home to make a clean slate, so to speak, and eliminate old disputes and burdens.

Herbs & Co. for Smudging During the Rauhnächte: Sage, Mugwort, Frankincense

Depending on what the focus of the smudging should be, various incense materials can be used.

The most popular Ayurvedic herbs, particularly suitable for the Rauhnächte period, are the following:

• Sage – particularly cleansing, has a germicidal effect on the air, promotes calm, and purifies old energies from the air
• Frankincense – brings blessings and increases energy
• Styrax – brings warmth and security, thereby releasing emotional blockages, which in turn boosts self-confidence
• Mugwort – disinfects, similar to sage, dispels fears, wards off misfortune, and ensures a smooth new beginning

Preparation & Support for Smudging

The Rauhnächte are a time of transition from the old to the new year, from dark to brighter times. You can leave behind matters you do not wish to carry forward – both through smudging and through other rituals.

Practically speaking, you can start by completing various pending tasks, finishing work, returning borrowed items, and resolving matters of all kinds.

You can review the past year, reflect on who has accompanied and supported you recently, and express gratitude. Similarly, you can settle disputes, reconcile, or, if necessary, let people go. Meditation on certain themes accompanies the cleansing through smudging and purifies the mind, so to speak.

Meditation exercises help to organize and release thoughts so that you can then concentrate on things that are more important to you. Burdens are dissolved, and at the turn of the year during the Rauhnächte, this is particularly beneficial. A suitable meditation for this is the Heart Meditation, which you can be guided through.

Custom and Spiritual Meaning of the Ritual

The rituals performed during the Rauhnächte are intended to ensure the smoothest possible transition between the old and new year. Old energies are brought to consciousness, bundled, and expelled, for which there are various methods. Ayurveda also utilizes the sensitivity and delicacy of these days to cleanse oneself and one’s surroundings.

To cleanse your body, you can also undergo a professional Detox Cure or Panchakarma Cure. This helps eliminate toxins, as well as emotional and mental baggage, allowing you to start the new year fresh and light.

It is well known that it is easier to start a story on a blank sheet of paper than on one that is already full. For a carefree start, cleansing is needed, a shedding of all burdens, so that new (or existing) projects can be approached with renewed vigor. Smudging the house during the Rauhnächte supports this transition.