The Real History Behind 'Daughters of the Witches You Couldn't Burn'
Understanding what actually happened during the witch trials—and why it matters for your spiritual practice
“We are the daughters of the witches you couldn’t burn.”
I see this phrase everywhere in spiritual spaces, and I understand why it resonates. It's a powerful rallying cry for women reclaiming spiritual authority. But as someone who teaches about magical practice and spiritual identity, I think it's important to understand what actually happened during the witch trials.
The truth is both more complex and more revealing than the popular narrative suggests.
Most people executed during the witch trials weren't practicing witches at all. Just like wars are rarely about religion even when religion carries that burden, the witch trials weren't really about witchcraft or fear of magical practice.
It was about politics and power—a tale as old as time.
From Salem to Scotland to Germany, the pattern was remarkably consistent. The majority of those accused were single women, widows, or those who'd inherited property and wealth. After execution, their assets were seized and redistributed.
Historian Carol Karlsen's analysis of Salem court records shows that women who owned property, had inheritance disputes, or challenged gender expectations were disproportionately targeted. Robin Briggs's research across European trials reveals they peaked during economic instability—crop failures, war, social upheaval—when redistributing wealth became politically useful.
It was systematic wealth redistribution disguised as religious purification.
So what about real witches?
Meanwhile, the actual cunning folk, wise women, and village healers? They were largely protected.
In Essex, for example, out of around 400 people tried for witchcraft, only four were identifiable cunning folk. The thousands of wise women, wise men, and village healers documented by historians like Owen Davies continued operating as integral parts of their communities.
They were the people others turned to for healing, guidance, and practical solutions to everyday problems. Their communities valued and protected them because they provided essential services.
Understanding this history helps us distinguish between claiming persecution we didn't actually experience and honoring the real mechanisms of oppression that targeted women's economic independence.
Yes, there was the Satanic Panic of the 1990s. Yes, spiritual practitioners still face discrimination. But the historical witch trials weren't targeting us.
When we understand the real history, we can develop spiritual practice that honors the nuanced legacy of those who came before us.
This doesn't diminish the power of reclaiming 'witch' as feminist empowerment. That's valid and meaningful work, too. But if you're drawn to actual magical practice, your spiritual identity deserves to be grounded in understanding rather than romanticized victimhood.
Understanding both the history and the continuing lineages helps us develop spiritual practice that honors the nuanced legacy of those who preserved these traditions. We can build practice rooted in truth while still drawing power from reclaimed identities.
Return to Magic
This kind of historical exploration is part of what we dive into in Return to Magic, available through Kindred Club Membership starting at $13/month. We explore questions like: What does it mean to call yourself a 'witch' today? How do you honor traditions while finding your own path?
If this resonates, consider sharing it or joining our circle. I'd love to hear how historical understanding shapes your own practice.
Meet the High Witch
Erin Harker
I'm Erin Harker, a practitioner of ancestral magic and student of Druidry whose path weaves together Irish, Scottish, and German heritage with modern spiritual practice. My journey began in childhood with candlelit spells and family traditions, growing into a devotion to sacred hospitality and community care. Today, I serve as a bridge between worlds—helping others reconnect with their own magic through Magick Makers community, workshops, and spiritual guidance. Whether you're just beginning your journey or returning to a practice long forgotten, you'll find a welcoming space here where ancient wisdom meets modern needs.
Let's brew some tea and explore the magic that's uniquely yours.
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