The concept of the "witch wound" refers to a collective trauma experienced by women throughout history due to the persecution and marginalization of those associated with witchcraft. This wound has left lasting scars on the psyche of many individuals and has contributed to the continued suppression of feminine power and wisdom. Historically, women who practiced herbal medicine, divination, or simply exhibited unconventional behavior were often targeted as witches and subjected to horrific persecution, including torture and execution. This systematic violence was rooted in a fear of women's power, autonomy, and knowledge, and it served to enforce patriarchal control over society. The witch wound is not limited to those who were directly affected by the witch trials; it permeates through generations, as the trauma and fear associated with witchcraft were passed down. Women internalized this fear, resulting in the suppression and denial of their own feminine power and intuition.
Those accused who escaped execution were exiled from their communities, stripped of their status, and pushed out of their vocations.
Danielle Dulsky, author of The Holy Wild In Heal the Witch Wound, Celeste Larsen addresses a topic that every witch needs to examine at some point reconciling the word and concept of witch with its deeply complicated history. Larsen is careful to state that the book s recommended activities are not intended to replace professional therapy; she does not claim any easy fixes.
Women internalized this fear, resulting in the suppression and denial of their own feminine power and intuition. Healing the witch wound requires acknowledging and addressing this historical trauma, both individually and collectively. It involves recognizing the ways in which women's power and wisdom have been suppressed and reclaiming that power.
Heal the Witch Wound: Reclaim Your Magic and Step Into Your Power (Paperback)
“A rare achievement that discusses the witch wound with historical depth and also offers practical invitations to heal the wound on a personal and collective level.”—Danielle Dulsky, author of The Holy Wild
You were born to live a magical life. Deep within your soul, you know this; it is why you picked up this book. But there is another reason why you now hold this book in your hands: because some part of you feels it is unsafe to fully embrace the magic that exists within and around you. This part of you carries an age-old wound—one that keeps you from claiming your magic, owning your power, and shining fearlessly in your truth . This is the “witch wound.”
Healing the witch wound is not about going back in time or dwelling on the atrocities of the past—quite the opposite. This work is about taking steps now to reclaim your power, live a more magical life, and embody your most authentic self.
This book will lead you through a diverse range of practices, including spell work, rituals, meditations, and journal prompts to help you uncover and work through feelings of reticence, uncertainty, and fear. Some practices may not resonate for you, while others may be deeply impactful. Take what works, adapt and customize where you can, and leave the rest. This is your journey.
About the Author
Celeste Larsen is a Pagan witch, writer, and ritualist. She authors the blog Mage by Moonlight, where she writes about a range of esoteric topics including folk magic, paganism, polytheism, animism, ancestor veneration, ritual practice, magical self-healing, and more. Originally from Texas, she currently resides in beautiful County Cork, Ireland. Visit her at www.magebymoonlight.com or @magebymoonlight.
Praise For…
“Even now, the witch wound still bleeds, and many of those who choose to claim the name witch are accepting an invitation to heal this soul-injury. Healing the witch wound can only happen when the history is examined; in the absence of such accounting, the healing becomes a fruitless pursuit. With the understanding of how the witch wound is inextricably linked to the horrors of capitalism and colonization, healing this centuries-old wound becomes the most potent shadow work a witch can do. Celeste Larsen’s Healing the Witch Wound is a rare achievement that discusses the witch wound with historical depth and also offers practical invitations to heal the wound on a personal and collective level. It is an essential addition to any witch’s library.” — Danielle Dulsky, author of The Holy Wild
“In Heal the Witch Wound, Celeste Larsen addresses a topic that every witch needs to examine at some point: reconciling the word and concept of witch with its deeply complicated history. Celeste explores how to process the tension of self-identifying as ‘other’ in a society that depends on labels and imposed boundaries. And she provides rituals, exercises, journal prompts, and meditations to uncover and work through feelings of reticence, uncertainty, fear to help you affirm your own authenticity and expression as a witch.” —Arin Murphy-Hiscock, author of The Green Witch
“Do you ever find yourself hiding your tarot practice from family members, downplaying your love of astrology, or feeling like a freak for being a witch? In Heal the Witch Wound , Celeste Larsen normalizes such feelings. Larsen starts with a history of the witch hunts and ends by offering accessible but effective rituals to help work through the ancestral trauma they have caused and step into your magick.” —Sophie Saint Thomas, author of The Glamour Witch
“ Heal the Witch Wound offers an insightful perspective on the historical causes of the trauma that many self-identified witches experience to this day. But more than that, it is a call to action!—not only to heal ourselves of past intergenerational trauma but also to lovingly and openly accept ourselves as witches. With a better understanding of our shared witch wound, we can work toward healing it, collectively.” —@witchofcolorado
“Celeste Larsen provides an informative overview of the history and struggles of past witches, while also offering guidance and inspiration for those seeking to embark on a magical journey of healing and self-discovery. By deepening our connection to the natural world and reconnecting with the self, readers can gain a deeper understanding of their own personal power and discover a nourishing spiritual path.” — Leah Middleton, creator of The Redheaded Witch
“Celeste Larsen has written a powerful book addressing a core wound that so many seekers of magic have to deal with throughout their journey. In Heal the Witch Wound, we are reminded of the persecutions and harassment that those who practiced magic were forced to endure, with the addition of modern perspectives that will resonate with a new generation of witches. Most of all, in uncovering and articulating these wounds, Larsen illuminates a path to deep healing. This one should be on any magic lover’s shelf!” —Briana Saussy, author of Making Magic: Weaving Together the Everyday and the Extraordinary
“Full of opportunities for profound healing and growth—an illuminating, gentle, and thought-provoking self-help text for those experiencing many levels of hurt.” — Foreword Magazine
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Prayer & Spiritual
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Inspiration & Personal Growth
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Spiritualism
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
Larsen follows this history with a discussion of the ways in which it continues to affect people. This can be seen when practitioners hide their magic or limit themselves and their ambitions in order to appear ordinary. It may manifest through feelings of shame or distrust in regards to women’s energy. It may even show up as past-life memories. The book makes it clear that anyone might feel this pain and benefit from working to heal it. Replete with activities to help witches begin their healing process, the book’s later portions include journal prompts for self-reflection, advice for setting up magical and mundane boundaries, and simple, evocative rituals to connect with the wounded self, the divine feminine, and the natural world to reclaim one’s personal power.
This reclamation includes embracing feminine intuition, honoring the cyclical nature of life, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Additionally, healing the witch wound involves recognizing and dismantling oppressive patriarchal systems that continue to marginalize women and perpetuate the cycle of trauma. By challenging and transforming these power structures, women can reclaim their autonomy and create space for their voices to be heard and valued. In healing the witch wound, it is essential to create supportive communities and spaces where women can safely explore and express their authentic selves. This can be done through rituals, workshops, and gatherings that celebrate feminine power and wisdom. By coming together and supporting one another, women can begin to heal their individual and collective wounds. Furthermore, education and awareness are crucial in the healing process. By understanding the history and impact of the witch trials and the ongoing oppression of women, society can work towards creating a more just and equal world. Healing the witch wound is a transformative and empowering journey. It involves recognizing and addressing the collective trauma experienced by women throughout history and actively working towards reclaiming feminine power and wisdom. By doing so, we can create a world that honors and values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender..
Reviews for "The Witch Wound: Exploring Historical Persecution and Healing Societal Trauma"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Healing the witch wound" as I've always been interested in witchcraft and healing practices. However, I found this book to be quite disappointing. The author's writing style was very dry and technical, making it hard to engage with the material. Additionally, I felt that the content was quite repetitive and lacked originality. Overall, I did not find this book to be informative or enjoyable.
2. Mark - 1 star - I strongly disliked "Healing the witch wound". I found it to be poorly researched and filled with misinformation. The author seems to have a narrow, biased view of witchcraft, and I found their interpretations to be shallow and oversimplified. The writing was also clunky and difficult to follow, making it a struggle to get through the book. I would not recommend this to anyone who is genuinely interested in learning about witchcraft and healing.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Healing the witch wound", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The book seemed more focused on promoting the author's personal beliefs and experiences rather than providing useful information or insights. I also found the language and tone to be quite condescending, which made it hard for me to connect with the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Healing the witch wound" was a complete waste of my time. The author's writing style was pretentious and pompous, making it hard to take anything they said seriously. The content itself was shallow and lacked depth, often delving into new age nonsense rather than providing any valuable insights. I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire book, and I cannot recommend it to anyone who is genuinely interested in witchcraft or healing practices.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I wanted to like "Healing the witch wound", but ultimately, I found it to be quite underwhelming. The information presented in the book was not groundbreaking or original, and I felt that it lacked depth and substance. The author's writing style was also quite dry and boring, making it hard to stay engaged with the material. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations and I was left wanting more.