13 Wishes is rooted in the energy of the longest night, the rebirth of the sun, and the turning of the wheel. There are 13 moons in a lunar year. Many traditions view the moon as the keeper of cycles, renewal, intuition, and feminine power. In folklore, 13 was not unlucky. In fact, it was the number that breaks stagnation, protects your path, and opens door. 13 was once known as a sacred number. Some European winter traditions had traditional rituals involving 12 blessings for each month + 1 for self, making a total of 13.
13 Wishes Ritual for the Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is the return of the light — a cosmic reset, a doorway, and the moment when the sun is reborn. This makes it one of the most powerful times to plant intentions for the coming year.
Solstice energy is:
release
renewal
rest
re-enchantment
seed planting in the dark
Your 13 wishes become the seeds under the snow — resting, warming, and preparing to rise with the growing light.
What You’ll Need
13 small pieces of paper
A pen
A fireproof bowl A candle (red, gold, or deep evergreen)
A cup of warm solstice tea
Step 1 — Prepare Your Solstice Space
Sit in a dim room or outside in the early evening.
Light your candle and say:
“On the longest night, I welcome the return of the light.”
Add pine, cedar, or an evergreen sprig nearby for protection and blessing.
If you have a solstice tea, take a slow sip to ground yourself.
Step 2 — Reflect in the Dark
Close your eyes for 20–30 seconds.
Feel the stillness.
The world is quiet today. The veil of distraction thins.
Say softly:
“I stand between what has been and what will be.”
Step 3 — Write Your 13 Solstice Wishes
Write one wish per paper.
Focus on wishes that honor:
your healing
your purpose
your business
your boundaries
your spiritual growth
your joy
your body
your home
your wealth
your peace
Examples:
“I call in wealth that feels steady and sacred.”
“I welcome aligned clients who value my gifts.”
“My body strengthens and heals as the light returns.”
“My home becomes a sanctuary.”
“I trust my magic and the path ahead.”“I reclaim my confidence.”
Wish #13 is the Solstice Wish —
your deepest, most soul-rooted desire for the year ahead. You’ll want to choose things that align with your spirit, purpose, or inner healing.
Fold each paper so that it cannot be read. Keep them in a bag or bowl.
Step 4 — Charge and Release
Hold the bag or bowl with all 13 pieces in your hands and say:
“These are my intentions. I release them with trust. I walk toward them with an open heart and open hands.”
Then you’ll release them using the classic solstice method: BURNING
Keep your 13 wishes folded up. Starting on the Winter Solstice (December 21, 2025), you will burn one wish. You WILL NOT look at the paper. You will just burn it while it is folded. Do this for the following 11 nights (for a total of 12 nights).
As each paper burns, whisper:
“As the sun returns, so does this blessing.”
Burning transforms the intention into energy that rises with the returning light.
Step 5 — Call Back the Light
After the last wish burnable wish has burned (number 12) (save your 13th one), hold your hands over the flame (not touching it, just receiving the warmth).
Say:
“The light grows. And so do I.”
Step 6 — Close the Circle
Place a piece of evergreen dresser, or nightstand for 3 days.
It represents:
protection
renewal
persistence
the promise of spring
Final Solstice Blessing
“May the returning light restore me.
May the growing sun guide me.
May my wishes rise like dawn.”
On the 13th night, you will pull out the remaining wish and read it. This 13th and final wish is the one that you are responsible for in the year ahead. I love this act of faith and relinquishing control. You will not burn this wish. You will save it as a reminder.
I wish and embody that you have a peaceful Winter Solstice that is full of rest, re-enchantment, renewal, and release. If you are looking for a Winter Solstice Tea to nourish and enjoy, I have the perfect blend for you. Click the underlined link and check out Release and Surrender. You can also view the stunning Winter Solstice Winter Simmer Pot Kit that I have crafted by clicking the underlined link. - Mandy