The term “witch wound” refers to the intergenerational trauma rooted in the historical persecution of people labelled as “witches.” While this trauma has primarily impacted women, it is important to acknowledge that men were also persecuted and can still experience its effects today. The witch wound often manifests as a deep fear of being visible, powerful, or fully authentic—frequently leading to nervous system responses such as appeasement, self-silencing, or chronic vigilance.

Witch persecution by the numbers

Between the 15th and 18th centuries—a period often referred to as the Burning Times, which peaked between the mid-1500s and mid-1600s—an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 people were tried as witches across Europe. Roughly 50,000 were executed, with women comprising around 80% of those killed. Many of these women were midwives, herbalists, healers, or simply individuals who lived outside of social norms.

Notably, Germany alone accounted for 40% of all executions, with major trials taking place in Trier, Würzburg, and Bamberg. Methods of execution varied: in German-speaking regions, burning at the stake was common, while in England, Scotland, and Scandinavia, people were more often hanged, drowned, or beheaded. In North America, the Salem Witch Trials (1692–1693) led to 25 deaths, including by hanging, pressing, and the harsh conditions of imprisonment, after 144 to 185 people were accused in colonial Massachusetts.

How does the witch wound feel?

The witch wound is a deep, inherited trauma passed down through generations; what we now understand as intergenerational trauma. Even though we did not personally experience the witch hunts, their legacy can still affect us. When our ancestors lived through fear, violence, or oppression, the imprint of that trauma did not end with them. It lives on in our nervous systems, like an internal alarm that is always slightly switched on, and in the beliefs, coping behaviors, and family stories passed down to us. For many, the witch wound also carries a spiritual dimension, especially if there is a sense of connection to the women who were persecuted, whether through ancestral memory, soul lineage, or past lives. And this is not just a relic of history. The witch wound is still alive today, reinforced by cultural conditioning that teaches us to stay quiet, stay small, and stay safe.

The ways it shows up can vary. Sometimes it is clear—like the fear of launching a business in energy healing or spiritual work because of potential judgment or rejection. Other times, it is more subtle. You might notice discomfort when you try to share your truth with friends, or hesitation to speak up in a group setting. At its core, the witch wound often feels like a fear of being fully seen. Speaking your truth, taking up space, and allowing yourself to be visible can stir up deep anxiety. It may feel safer to blend in, and avoid attention. These protective patterns stem not only from personal experience, but also from survival strategies inherited through generations. You may also notice how this wound shows up in family dynamics. Perhaps you were encouraged by older women to stay polite, not speak too loudly, or choose a career that feels “safe” or socially acceptable.

In the body, the witch wound is often felt in the throat—the energetic center of voice and truth. You might notice tightness, hesitation, or even a lump when trying to speak openly. It can also surface as shame when you begin to step into visibility—whether by leading a workshop, hosting an event, or simply offering valuable guidance. The witch wound creates the belief that only certain expressions of intuition, emotion, or sensitivity are “acceptable,” and that anything beyond that is too much, too risky, or even dangerous.

The cost of appeasement on your body

On a nervous system level, our bodies are constantly assessing our environment to determine if we are safe. This response is a natural and happens below the level of awareness (if you want to learn more about this, check this article). Research indicates that community and interacting with others are essential biological needs. As humans, we are not meant to live in isolation. Our brains react to social rejection in a way that is similar to how they respond to physical pain.

This is why the witch wound can still hijack our nervous systems today. We have an inherent need for belonging and community, yet we also carry intergenerational trauma that teaches our lineages and bodies it is unsafe to be our true selves—especially as sensitive and intuitive women. Our nervous systems may interpret our natural connection to nature, our intuitive abilities, our healing potential, and our sensuality as threats to our survival. As a result, many of us instinctively learned to shrink and distance ourselves from our power and inner wisdom because it felt safer.

Appeasement is a state of our nervous system. In today's world, many people operate from a place of appeasement rather than safety. For example, in the workplace, most employees tend to operate from the appeasement state, fearing they may lose their jobs or face financial instability. When people operate from appeasement, it might appear on the surface that they are interacting comfortably with others. However, internally, their nervous systems do not feel safe enough. They constantly scan their surroundings and other people's reactions before speaking up. Here are some ways appeasement manifests in our bodies: we smile frequently, make ourselves physically smaller, lower the volume of our voices or use less empowered tones, and shrug our shoulders. Emotionally, we may appear calm, laughing, joking, and socially engaged, yet on the inside, we lean towards avoiding conflicts and overly adapting to our environment.

Appeasement is a clever response from our nervous system to avoid being ostracized. However, there is a metabolic cost associated with maintaining this state over an extended period. In other words, the need to shrink ourselves to feel safe in the world comes with a metabolic toll that can impact our bodies in the long term. The witch wound has a real metabolic cost on our bodies. 

Reclaiming safety, voice, and visibility

The witch wound reminds us that our desire to feel safe is not a weakness—it is a wisdom rooted in survival. But what once kept us protected may now be keeping us small. As we begin to recognize how intergenerational trauma shows up in our lives, we create the possibility to respond differently—to gently invite our nervous systems into a new relationship with visibility, voice, and power. Healing the witch wound is not about pushing ourselves into visibility at all costs. It is about learning to feel safe enough, connected enough, and resourced enough to show up as we truly are—intuitive, sensitive, expressive, whole. It is about honoring the strategies that kept us safe while choosing new ones that help us thrive.

You are not too much. Your voice is not too loud. Your gifts are not too strange. You are remembering a truth your body has always known: it is safe to be you.

Other articles that might interest you:

Free Ebook Safe to flow

What is the neurobiology of feeling safe, and why is it important for feminine embodiment?

What is the polyvagal theory in a nutshell?

What is divine feminine rage?