The Hero’s Journey: Healing Ancestral Trauma
Did you know that our nervous systems are inherited from our mothers in the womb? Furthermore, each one of us was formed as an egg in our grandmother’s womb and thus have directly experienced her nervous system as well. How beautifully wild is that?
Trauma and our responses to trauma are about much more than the events that occur in our lives. The impact of trauma varies between individuals for many reasons including social supports, access to coping skills, threat to basic needs, attachment, and our genetic makeup. That genetic makeup is impacted by the trauma of our ancestors.
Ancestral and intergenerational trauma, while not in the DSM-5 as official diagnoses have profound impacts on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These traumas are encoded in the DNA and nervous system, manifesting as heightened stress responses, emotional dysregulation, and physical pain.
From a spiritual perspective, our lineage and karmic ties to ancestors call for us to heal the deep trauma wounds we carry in our bodies in order to claim our golden shadow gifts—our light. That is a huge ask, and you have choice in how much you engage in healing trauma from your ancestors, but it’s important to at least recognize it’s impact on your personal journey.
What is Ancestral and Intergenerational Trauma ?
Ancestral trauma refers to the psychological and physiological effects of traumatic experiences that are passed down through generations, often rooted in historical events, oppression, or systemic injustice. In contrast, intergenerational trauma describes the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next within a family or community, often through learned behaviors, attachment disruptions, and the impact of unresolved trauma on parenting.
Both ancestral and intergenerational trauma can be reflected in the body and nervous system, as the effects of trauma are passed down through epigenetic mechanisms and relational patterns. The body may exhibit symptoms such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or somatic manifestations of unresolved trauma, while the nervous system may display heightened reactivity, difficulty with emotional regulation, and disruptions in the stress response system.
The Hero’s Healing Journey
The Hero's Journey is a timeless narrative archetype that follows the epic adventures of a protagonist as they navigate a series of challenges, transformations, and self-discoveries. Imagine a plucky underdog who stumbles upon a magical amulet, only to be thrust into a whirlwind of perilous quests, mystical encounters, and the occasional dragon-slaying. Along the way, they'll face temptations, confront their deepest fears, and ultimately emerge as a changed, wiser individual, ready to share their hard-earned wisdom with the world. It's a story as old as time, a universal template that has captivated audiences for centuries, reminding us that the greatest journeys often begin with a single step into the unknown.
Addressing deep-rooted ancestral traumas requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the complex interplay between the mind, body, and ancestral/intergenerational experiences. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of these traumas, we can work towards healing, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being in ourselves and those we impact.
While science knows the impacts of these traumas, the journey to healing them inherently involves stepping into the unknown, diving into the deep collective unconscious and the body’s wisdom. Spiritual work will likely arise, as the unknown is confronted along with deep seated fears that are rooted beyond our lifetimes. It is not an easy path, and will involve layers of discovery, and perhaps a few dragons of the psyche that need slaying.
To heal intergenerational trauma is a hero’s journey, but you don’t have to traverse it alone.
