13 Wishes Winter Solstice Ritual

Seasonal Note:
This ritual is traditionally done during the Winter Solstice. If you’re reading this out of season, save or pin it so you have it ready when the light returns. Members receive a fresh, updated 13 Wishes ritual bundle each Solstice season.

What Is the 13 Wishes Ritual?

The 13 wishes ritual is a simple and intentional way to honor the turning of the year at the Winter Solstice. This modern folk/spiritual practice has blended elements of Yule and Rauhnächte into a practical and magical way to set intentions for the new year. 

The Winter Solstice is a time when the light begins to shift again. More light in the Northern Hemisphere, and less light in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the perfect time to get quiet, reflect and make wishes or set intentions for the coming season.

I discovered this practice a year ago and put it to the test. It quickly became a grounding anchor for me because the 13th wish I made actually came true!

While only 3 wishes came true, and 2 of them partly true, I love this practice because it is the perfect blend of co-creation with the cosmos and the physical for manifestation in a practical way. 

The Origins and Meaning of the 13 Wishes Ritual

There’s not a lot of historical evidence to support the origins of this ritual, but it seems to combine the traditions of Yule and Rauhnächte (a Germanic ritual that happens in between the years or the time between Christmas and the Epiphany,) into one fun, intentional package.

The burning things in ritual is a way to release our physical attachment to them. It’s letting go and trusting the Universe.

I read somewhere years ago that Yule traditions involved writing your troubles on a piece of paper, bay leaf or whatever was around and throwing it onto your yule log throughout the log burning season. 

This modern ritual is more intentional and allows you to take responsibility for your part in the creation of your life. 

The elements of dark returning to light, renewal and planting new seeds for a new year are the basis for this ritual. 

The number 13 symbolizes a number of things, but my favorite is that it is the woman’s ovulation day. It’s a magical time during a woman’s cycle. She is magic and this is the most opportune time to create. 

Twelve wishes—one for each month of the year. The 13th is the wish that you are responsible for making happen.

What You Need for the Winter Solstice Ritual

• 13 small slips of paper
• Container to hold wishes (mason jar, pretty vase or other easily accessible receptacle)
• Fire-safe container (for burning)
• Optional oracle deck
• Optional journal

How to Do the 13 Wishes Ritual Step-by-Step

Begin this ritual on the Winter Solstice. The last burning day will be January 1st. 

The wish that’s left on that day is yours to tend throughout the year.

Follow these steps below. Repeat for 12 nights.

• Light a candle
• Ground
• Pull one wish
• Burn the wish in a fire-safe container

Understanding the 13th Wish

Day 13: Keep One Wish

This wish becomes the “wish that is yours to tend.” As a gardener tends to their garden, you must tend to your 13th wish.

I give the full how to tend your 13th wish through the year in my 13 Wishes Winter Solstice Ritual Bundle for my premium members.

I share the story of three wishes that came true and why the other ones didn’t inside my member email that will be released in 2 days. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the 13 Wishes Ritual

Can I start late?

Of course you can! The energy of this season takes awhile to get moving, it is Capricorn season after all. Just burn as many days as you’ve missed on the day you begin. If you are reading this outside of Capricorn season, you can do a mini version of this at each New Moon, starting from where you are. 

What if I miss a night?

Start where you are! This is not another ritual or practice to overwhelm you. If you forget one night, pull two wishes the next day. If you miss more, just pull and burn that many the next time you remember. If you completely forget altogether, well then maybe this is not the practice for you. Kidding, only kidding. 

I believe things happen for a reason. So burn them when you remember, and if it’s well after the Yule season when you do, not likely, but if it is—burn at the next last quarter moon.

How to Adapt the Ritual if You Find This Post Late

You can certainly do this manifestation ritual at any time of the year. 

However, the energy is best suited for the time when the light begins to shift from dark to light.

One way to do it throughout the year is to write a wish at each New Moon, and then burn it at the last quarter moon phase. Or you can combine both actions at the New Moon. It’s up to you!

Bookmark this page or join my premium Moon Play newsletter to get the ritual kit and reminders at the next Winter Solstice.