Autism and Witchcraft

Join me on a festive discussion of the intersection of autism and witchcraft, featuring an interview with autistic witch Meg Rosenbriar, and much silliness from Sam.
Meg's Instagram: / witchoftheshoreline
Witch With Me: witchwithme.com/
WWM Insta: / witch.with.me
WWM FB: / witchwithme
The Healing power of Witchcraft (UK affiliate link): amzn.to/2HP7S7m
The Healing Power of Witchcraft (US affiliate link): amzn.to/34JoqGD
More about witchcraft beliefs in Nigeria: www.bbc.com/news/world-africa...
Witchcraft and autism in Africa (upsetting read): www.afrik-news.com/article179...
Within the UK: www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/m...
Swedish study on autistic people's supernatural experiences: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/...
Beginner spells from Meg:
Spell 1 - Mother Earth: yosamdysam.com/wp-content/upl...
Spell 2 - Guilt Be Gone: yosamdysam.com/wp-content/upl...
Spell 3 - Happiness by the Jarful: yosamdysam.com/wp-content/upl...

[@jennys9043]

I've started to realize that "witchcraft" is stuff that I do for my mental health anyways. Meditation, mindfulness, and connecting with nature, plants, and animals.

[@evergreeneyes9118]

Same! I clear my energy with bathing and drinking water :)

[@allie54774]

My current therapist was explaining to me something about how humans actually really positively respond to nature & earth 🌎 like soil, planting that sort of stuff on a...I think she said molecular level? Or something along those lines 😅 she was trying to encourage my fiance & I to get out more as we are both so anxious since the pandemic started we struggle to get out of the flat.

[@jessatlife]

Pretty much! Yup. Mindfulness is huge in witchcraft, though not everything.

[@smaragd19.1]

Same!

[@casperlavoid2984]

Autistic here that grew up Christian. But made a lot of general mental health improvement after converting to Wicca for those very reasons

[@OsbiaNnight]

Witchcraft for me was always about finding a connection to something, whether it be magic or nature, because when you have trouble connecting to other people you need to find it elsewhere.

[@StaringCompetition]

Absolutely. A friendless teen like myself could no longer retain girl friendships when puberty was arriving, trying to keep a connection to the shared fantasies of my childhood, magic, etc. There’s a big component of soothing the ocd/ritualistic and tic/stim tendency too. Executing sequences of perhaps seeming unnecessary (to others) actions in the name of protection and cleansing or as you say, connection, operating in an “unseen” reality, to alter actual reality and make it Feel Right tm. Charms and jewellery to stim. Lexical magic, codes, runes, appealing to hyperlexia.

[@janesoren4079]

yes, it can't be said better!

[@skwervin1]

This is it exactly!

[@blondequijote]

I never found it. Good Wizard (G-d for short) found me when I had nothing going on and gave me the Holy Text. G-d believes in all of us and sends his magic word that Harry Potter is thrvtrue magcial savior and all who believe can go to hogwarts on a scholarship he won for them.

[@atomict1974]

You can go to Nature without worshipping it

[@thepaintedlady4637]

Something to be careful about when exploring spirituality - it is well known that autistic persons are particularly vulnerable to getting involved in cults. They can be socially naive, and maybe eager to find acceptance and friends. Many religious or self-help cults offer this right away. Could be a good topic for a future video. I know cult expert Steven Hassan covers this issue in some of his talks.

[@rachelm9350]

that I could see...

[@jackjohnson2309]

Makes sense. That desire to join and potential to overlook some less overt signs of “cult” behavior.

[@Dewey_Boondye420]

makes so much sense!! i tried to join about every cult that there is! lol. i never knew about my autism at the time but knowing now, this seems to line up.

[@laurenshakespeare-smith383]

I want to say not true so badly but I've been in the situation. JW and Mormons are very kind and welcoming and easy to befriend.

[@TheSofres]

As a former JW I can see this.

[@myperfectweirdjourney2041]

I wanted to speak to witchcraft as a Black American autist who is also a spiritualist and can relate to this topic. Voodoo and Hoodoo are spiritual practices that some Christians would consider witchcraft. These practices derived from various African cultures. During slavery the practices were often masked as Christian rituals. In the Black community many don't identify as witches but as conjurers, healers, lightworkers or spiritualists. Culturally, I am Gullah American and I grew up hearing stories related to Hoodoo, hags, and haints. Most of Gullah culture around Hoodoo is steeped in mystery as the culture passes tradition orally. As a child, I would have "knowings" that could not be explained. My hypersensitivity would make it possible for me to discern a person's mood when they entered the home before me seeing them. I have always been very sensitive to energy. I believe I fit the description of an indigo child. Many of the things I experience can't be explained but I hv read it can be something many other autistic ppl also experience. I believe psychic abilities is listed ( Samantha Craft or Tania Marshall's) for "traits in autistic girls". Thanks for sharing this video.💜

[@myperfectweirdjourney2041]

@Cosmic Kat Spirit I think starseeds, empaths, and indigo children hv a lot in common w the traits of autism. I've also read that in other cultures across time autists ( what we now know of as autists) were considered shamans. I cant recall the sources but a descent Google search should bring up info.

[@Zoie3x8]

@@myperfectweirdjourney2041 indeed, alot of starseeds tend to be effected enough to be considered 'on the spectrum'.

[@t3hsis324]

Oh gosh, it'd a shame we can't go out for a cup of coffee. I have a friend who studied voodoo, and has been kind enough to educate us on the basics. It's fascinating how they Incorporated christian symbols into their practice. It makes sense, as it was easily available and was likely encouraged. Anyways, thanks for speaking up and sharing your story. I find things of this nature fascinating.

[@kathyprior4281]

I love learning about witchcraft and I'm an autistic female/indigo child as well. However, I have zero psychic abilities whatsoever...I had trouble with empathy and imagining myself in other people's shoes when I was really little. Although I love people, animals and plants dearly, I have no intuition or faith or spiritual ability, just an overactive skeptical mind which happens to be intensely curious about all things supernatural and cultural. Social skills, empathy, motivation, imagination...I had to learn all those from scratch. It feels like I don't fit any stereotypes about many autistic females or many neurotypical females for that matter. Something is missing...

[@meadowrae1491]

This is super interesting. I'm Appalachian and my great grandma (and my grandmother, for part of her life) grew up in rural WV. They used the word "haint," as well. I've never heard anyone else say it. My great granny could go into the woods and find a cure for most ailments, so she claimed. She called them "cures" or "old wives tales." These days they would call her a granny witch, but she considered herself a Christian.

[@istarigreenman8235]

As an Autistic Pagan who follows a solitary personal path, I think this video is wonderful. Thank you.

[@joannajamerson35]

Im an eclectic

[@stuartchapman5171]

Indeed. The author Alan Moore worships an antique sock puppet, which he says is absolutely fine, however being part of a cult that worshipped the sock puppet would be ridiculous.

[@donnanewby3386]

Do you think you were put on this planet to be alone - it wasn't good for Adam to be alone, that's why God gave him Eve.

[@stuartchapman5171]

@donnanewby3386 there's too much pressure to couple. Many people are emotionally mature enough to be happy in there own company. I know a lot of people in long-term relationships whilst living in their own spaces. It's not pre ordained that we should have a partner.

[@madnessintomagic]

@@donnanewby3386What gibberish is this? Please stop taking fiction literally.

[@darkstrifequeen1458]

welp, i'm definitely an autistic witch. whenever i'm having an emotional meltdown, i call on whatever spirit i'm drawn to, and their company is calming. i strangely find talking to the dead easier than the living, because the dead listen better.

[@Jessie_Helms]

After starting to learn more about autism I totally buy the idea that a lot of medicine men, “healers”, and the like were neurodivergent. 1) seeing real patterns no one else does 2) thinking differently 3) _seemingly_ irrational (to people way back in time) attachment to objects/people And the list goes on.

[@GoblinLord]

as an autistic, I've had these thoughts too, my friends constantly tell me that I have a lot of wisdom involving mythology (which honestly makes sense even in the context of wise folk and bards who have to remember vast sums of information, which uh, special interest lol) but yea, good point there lol

[@donnanewby3386]

Faith healers. Black and white magic healers Witch doctors. These are ALL from the devil. Please stay away! Witchcraft is demonic, it works with evil spirits, that all to ensure you end up in Hell. God doesn't want people to perish- Jesus Christ died so it could be possible for us to be forgiven and have peace with God, and escape eternal judgement for the sin we have committed against our Creator, God Himself. Only Jesus Christ is the true and living Saviour for the redemption of your soul... else you have the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment - it will come, as surely as all the other prophecies have been fulfilled. Trust what Jesus Christ did on the cross is enough to save you, you cannot save yourself, you are sinners in need of the only Saviour given to mankind by which we must be saved, and turn from your sin. Read the Bible, such as the past that is called the book of Romans 8, Ephesians, book of John. This is VERY important- your eternal destiny depends on it!!!! (And I am NOT joking)

[@NightmareRex6]

and i read if you helped the rich elite scum you were a "hero doctor healer" but if you dared to heal the pheasants you were a "witch"

[@simikatra3434]

Looking forward to this, I'm an Atheist Witch. And I'm fairly positive there are many of us on the spectrum. I also believe that we as Autists where persecuted because of our deep knowledge and differences, in the past. We still are. I've been fascinated by Divinity and Esoteric Arts my entire life, my families greetings often consisted of being asked what religion I was that day.

[@stedgar369]

ME TOO! Going to be assessed in May.

[@helenahandkart1857]

A similar circumstance here. I describe my practise as secular druidry, & have been told by several people I have autistic type traits.

[@donnanewby3386]

Faith healers. Black and white magic healers Witch doctors. And all those other things mentioned are ALL demonic. We can feel things and know things, but it doesn't mean we should focus on or chase after those things. These are ALL from the devil. Please stay away! Witchcraft is demonic, it works with evil spirits, that all to ensure you end up in Hell. God doesn't want people to perish- Jesus Christ died so it could be possible for us to be forgiven and have peace with God, and escape eternal judgement for the sin we have committed against our Creator, God Himself. Only Jesus Christ is the true and living Saviour for the redemption of your soul... else you have the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment - it will come, as surely as all the other prophecies have been fulfilled. Trust what Jesus Christ did on the cross is enough to save you, you cannot save yourself, you are sinners in need of the only Saviour given to mankind by which we must be saved, and turn from your sin. Read the Bible, such as the past that is called the book of Romans 8, Ephesians, book of John. This is VERY important- your eternal destiny depends on it!!!! (And I am NOT joking)

[@nanimuss7089]

She mentioned how meditation doesn't work and I got so excited! In PE we'd be required to meditate for an hour, then we'd write about how it felt. I think at the last session I wrote something along the lines of, "It physically hurts, I feel horrible and won't consider doing it again outside of class." One session she let us draw, instead, I wrote a large math problem and solved it

[@sampreston1791]

Wow! Even at zen temple they only do 45mins as a general rule. An hour is really hard unless you have a prolonged practice, no wonder it was painful 😱 I like it when I can do it properly and if I have a break I need to build up again.

[@rebeccat9389]

1 hour for a general PE class is bananas!

[@anastasiakallinic]

@@rebeccat9389 lazy PE teachers who want to catch a nap will come up with anything 😂 and why not just jump on the mediation and self awareness bandwagon which trends with affluent white Goop moms who will be excited their children get advanced meditation classes instead of peasant exercises 🤣

[@NeurodivergentRebel]

I loved Wicca in my teens... then studied Paganism more broadly actually cast a circle at the beginning of fall this year for old times sake.... felt good.

[@socraticproblem86]

I love that you posted this, as I was into Wicca when I was a teen. I went to a witchcraft group in Second Life. We do these gratitude circles.

[@pisscvre69]

Them: Sam wont make a witchcraft video Sam: Hold my moon water Also yay i feel bad and this is something to look forward to 💖

[@Demonmixer]

Moon water. Lol. That could be moonshine?

[@pisscvre69]

@@Demonmixer not what moonwater is but sounds like a name for it x,D it's water thats caught moonlight used for spells and stuff

[@Demonmixer]

@@pisscvre69 Oh thanks. I've never heard of it, but I get what it is now. Reminds me of a funny story with my last girlfriend. She had different stones and bits and she had a moonstone she would charge with moonlight on the window sill. She never really used it for anything, but liked the idea of it. One day, we were having a few drinks and smokes with a friend of hers, she looked at the moonstone and said "It's amazing to think that actually came all the way from the moon" Her mate turned around to her and said "Do you actually think that Nasa spent billions of dollars going to the moon and bringing back samples for you to go and buy for fifteen Euros down at fucking Beanstalk?" I explained that moonstone was called that because you use it for lunar related energies and suchlike. It's not because it's a piece of lunar rock and if it was, it would be ridiculously expensive and not something you can buy down the nearest headshop. Loved that girl to bits, she used to come out with some absolute gems sometimes. I miss that.

[@pebblebrookbooks4852]

Hold my moon water! 💦 🤣🤣🤣

[@JenRobinsonArtist]

Witchcraft is a special interest of mine as well 🥰 Actually following my intuition led me to discovering my self diagnosed Autism and ADHD.

[@criticalmaz1609]

I had a weird "fairy/vampire" trait as a kid where I could not enter my sister's bedroom without permission.

[@aprils5881]

I'm halfway through, but had to comment already... Some of my special interests have always included witchcraft, natural and supernatural phenomena, minerals\fossils\crystals etc... And today I can remove my mask to claim that I am am autistic witch, whom has (and continues) to learn how to step into my own power and abilities! Claiming my witchy and autistic tendencies has been a very empowering experience, albeit confusing and uncomfortable at times. I'm extremely pleased with how tastefully you approached this topic...bravo, beautiful souls! Thank you for taking this topic seriously, without subscribing to the typical stereotypes. Love you to pieces! 🙏💫🥰 Namaste Ps. I can attest to how much spiritual practice has helped me.. Spiritually, emotionally and physically !

[@madeleinehenricsson226]

My psychologist make fun of the abilities both me and my youngest have. "You dont seem psychotic though....." No, can it be because I'm not.

[@austinwallace4624]

I'll have you know I'm a powerful man witch myself! Sorry had to do it 😅 I've been waiting forever to use that Buffy reference on your channel and the subject was nothing short of serendipitous! In elementary school asked the school library for a book on black magick. I was sent home with a note saying "We don't condone this kind of behavior." Later in life I was initiated as a witch. I became an atheist later but this is how I met my wife (who is still a witch) andI was also diagnosed as being on the spectrum a few months ago.

[@jst4juls77]

I'm also a witch with ADHD. My eldest daughter was recently been diagnosed at 35 with ADHD and Autism. I'm convinced that she is also a legacy witch. Thank you for this wonderful video,, and Blessed Be! 🌛🌕🌜

[@askingaliicja]

Can I just say... I still watch Vampire Dairies and The Originals, and play the Sims with the supernatural expansion always playing a witch or vampire, even though I get weird reactions on it from neurotypical 20+? 🤣 Also, why autism may be attracted to the occult, because we have a different view on the world and therefore being more open to other worldly ideas,... ?

[@SouldOutMotorcycles]

I walk a lone path in Druidry, having always had a strong connection with nature ( i don't function well in groups ) Lili

[@moonsigns6499]

Jesus died for our sins so we can have eternal life. Have intimacy with him, talk to him everyday and your life will change like never. If you do not accept Jesus as your lord and savior you are in danger of going to hell. Jesus loves u❗️

[@thehorrorfiend23]

I remember reading about traits of a changeling child when researching the fae (cuz I’m a witch and you gotta do your research for your craft) and was like “this really seems like the traits of autism” 😐 oh boi

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

You should read some stories about the Cherokee horned serpent Uktena especially the ones to where people turn themselves into them due to being neglected and mistreated by society and their own family

[@thehorrorfiend23]

@@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena oooo that’s really interesting!

[@solsystem1342]

Ooh, that makes changling stories a lot less fun in retrospect... I mean, from a distance as fiction.

[@Ariesbuddha]

My adult autistic daughter is also very much into white witchery lol I love how her mind works and I love how she has an amazing understanding of all things, her knowledge is very admirable, but my most favourite part of her personality is the brilliantly intelligent expressive words she uses, she makes me laugh everyday I mean proper belly laugh, I wouldn't have her any other way. Loved this video thankyou xxxxxxxxxx

[@AutiStoner]

i love this video so much!!! i'm an autistic witch who identified as an empath and HSP for so long because i didn't know i'm autistic, and getting involved with witchcraft not only helped me utilize what i felt was different about me as a source for healing. witchcraft has been a special interest of mine for several years and connecting it to being autistic is such an important conversation, thank you for this video!!! both this video and the demisexuality & autism video really connected to me as someone who's also demisexual + demiromantic and connects it heavily to being autistic.

[@donnanewby3386]

Witchcraft is demonic, it works with evil spirits, that all to ensure you end up in Hell. God doesn't want people to perish- Jesus Christ died so it could be possible for us to be forgiven and have peace with God, and escape eternal judgement for the sin we have committed against our Creator, God Himself. Only Jesus Christ is the true and living Saviour for the redemption of your soul... else you have the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment - it will come, as surely as all the other prophecies have been fulfilled. Trust what Jesus Christ did on the cross is enough to save you, you cannot save yourself, you are sinners in need of the only Saviour given to mankind by which we must be saved, and turn from your sin. Read the Bible, such as the past that is called the book of Romans 8, Ephesians, book of John. This is VERY important- your eternal destiny depends on it!!!! (And I am NOT joking)

[@moonsigns6499]

Jesus died for our sins so we can have eternal life. Have intimacy with him, talk to him everyday and your life will change like never. If you do not accept Jesus as your lord and savior you are in danger of going to hell. Jesus loves u❗️

[@Squishy2531]

As a recently diagnosed autistic and Witch in training (just set up my first alter!) I'm so excited for this video! Thanks so much sam!

[@laberynthe]

Finally!!! I thought I was the only one noticing this connection. The witches on screen and in books usually display neurodivergent behavior. I've connected with those characters more than all other characters ever. I was Wendy the good witch for three years every Halloween when I was a wee child and was super into Casper the friendly ghost.

[@TheGabriellepp]

As a neurodivergent baby witch I really appreciate this convo. My mental health has improved significantly since I started practising. A lot of psychological techniques are based on spirituality like mediating, yoga and journaling and over the years I've been doing them on and off again but adding the spiritual and connecting with the energies around me and my own energy has made these techniques come into actual effect. Definitely will be reading.

[@thecannabiscrone4571]

As a Crone on the spectrum, I never really made some of these connections! Thank you for this, and all of your other videos!

[@khalyasongofnerdsandwriter5473]

Being a ‘91’s baby, this resonates so much. I’m still a practitioner of Witchcraft and still have an obsession with Witchcraft and Paganism. And so when my kids were diagnosed, I had some people tell me it’s because I “turned my back on God and started that Satanism crap”. 🙄 Yeah, no, pretty sure it’s because I’m undiagnosed Autistic and they’re, you know, from my uterus. 🤣 And that Satanism line still makes me roll my eyes. Yet another thing most people don’t understand and automatically label it as “evil” and “connected to Satan”.

[@XxYuyiTahxX]

I was not expecting this and I am EXCITED

[@littlefrog9553]

I relate to this! Was into witchcraft and the occult as a child, and recently came back to it in my 30s (after finding out I am on the spectrum). It feels comfortable, and luckily my partner is understanding.

[@ladonnasmith437]

I have always been drawn to all things witchcraft. I grew up always feeling like i was outside looking in never fitting in. This absolutely makes sense to me. Im so excited to see there are others out there who are like me.

[@madeleinehenricsson226]

Ladonna you're absolutely not alone with your interest. Ive been told keep your ideas with likeminded but the ADHD make it not so easy.

[@someonerandom256]

I was obsessed with flower fairies as a child, and I love stories with fairies and magical, whimsical things. I also love all things Celtic! I have sometimes been told that I am ethereal or otherworldly. My husband insists that I am a witch, and so do my children, and my grandfather always insisted that my grandmother was a witch. My mother said that he was afraid of the power he thought my grandmother had. My 9th great grandmother on my father's side was convicted of witchcraft in Salem, but she had a stay of execution. Two more relatives of mine were convicted and hanged in Salem. I'm pretty sure I would have been too, because I was a precocious child, and I have a Witch's teat 😉 I am a Christian who is anti-organized religion and indoctrination. I am very drawn to the macabre aesthetic, but I will not personally mess with anything occult related. That being said, I am a big fan of grounding myself in the strength and beauty that the Earth provides. I enjoy touching and interacting with many of the elements. I'm big on homemade herbal remedies and teas. I will play around at reading tea leaves and interpreting dreams, but that's about as far as I'm willing to go. I am afraid of the occult and its power. If my husband ever dies, I'm moving to a stone cottage deep in the woods with a thatched roof, where I will have an epic herbal/medicinal garden, and make all kinds of remedies and concoctions! I still believe in flower fairies just a bit, and I love instrumental music that makes me feel like I'm in another world💕

[@rachelm9350]

lol right there with you on being christian who is anti organized religion or indoctrination..

[@qp4904]

Just stumbled across this video, very interesting! To add another perspective, I personally find witchcraft appealing because of balance. I believe autistic women often are driven by what is fair and by justice. The world provides little comfort when it comes to what is fair and quite often things are out of balance and justice is absent. Magick provides a way to balance the scales. I was always quite adverse to Wicca for that reason and also because it's new and created for bizarre reasons. I also found it interesting that so many people advertise oils and herbs and crystals and make witchcraft out to be expensive (it's incredibly expensive if you buy into all that misinformation), when we need none of it. The greatest power is passion and belief. Tools are often only needed for something to focus on, but provide no inherent power. All that being said, witchcraft is somewhat a power beyond ourselves and not something to mess with.

[@moonsigns6499]

Jesus died for our sins so we can have eternal life. Have intimacy with him, talk to him everyday and your life will change like never. If you do not accept Jesus as your lord and savior you are in danger of going to hell. Jesus loves u❗️

[@raylaughlan5324]

Can you please do a video on autism and indigo children? I have Aspergers, but before my diagnosis, my teacher told my parents she thought I was an indigo child. They knew I wasn’t psychic (lol) but I’ve always wondered what exactly she meant by that!

[@alexba1ley]

A teacher told me the same. I also wondered if there was a link.

[@janesoren4079]

yes, i'd like to watch a video on this topic as well! my mum would often tell me that i was an indigo child and just different though now she learnt about autism but still recalls this "indigo" stuff when we talk

[@savanaerie]

That would be interesting. I have nothing against the basic concept of Indigo children itself, I am very skeptical of the movement/community that's formed as a result of it. To me, it seems like a way to further alienate neuro-divergent ppl through spiritual means in order to garner the almost cathartically religious hope that this otherness may invoke [...🔮🧿🕸️ he he] in those around them (the children tend to be treated like mini-messiahs in the making). 💜💙

[@augustseptember8406]

@@savanaerie I suggest the books by Dolores Cannon where she regressed hundreds of clients who recalled their purposes.

[@renatamiron8095]

Many of us are Star Seed (This includes the Indigo children). It is said that many of us dont belong to this planet but somewhere else. We came here to complete a mission for the human souls. Old souls and young souls get together here to learn,teach and carry on the spiritual mission. The bullying that we suffer is to make us stronger to resist every single evil force. Yes, Star seeds can be hunted by evil people.

[@lisawanderess]

Love this! I got heavily involved in the pagan/witch community over 20 years ago at age 30, post-divorce after having had a very strong lifelong affinity with nature and its cycles and had experienced visions since I was a little girl. Discovering witchcraft felt like “coming home” and, having always felt like a weirdo or outsider, the witchy community really helped me get through a very hard time in my life. I had no idea it was so common in the autistic community until stumbling on this video on Halloween night a year after it was posted! I only found out that I’m autistic a year ago, but that’s been another kind of homecoming too!

[@DeLaSoul246]

Wicca was a ROCK for me growing up (as an autistic woman). But now I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of people who believe this now because I miss it but none of it rings true anymore at all to me. It saddens me a bit but you can't force yourself to believe something you don't believe :(

[@myrtila]

I understand this. I’m so jealous of people who believe in a higher power because it feels like they’re guided by their beliefs but I can’t do that. I was raised Christian, got into some mystic stuff around adolescence but now I don’t believe any of these, no matter how hard I try. I want to but I can’t.

[@DeLaSoul246]

@@myrtila I feel that 100%. It's funny you post this now. Since I made that comment, I have thought of it often. I have decided to make an altar again anyway (when I move into my new house). I decided to make it completely my own with no wiccan instruction, as spirituality can be secular too- it's just a way to connect to something bigger than yourself, right? So it will be an utterly personal space for me to connect to things that are actually important to me. I will have small items with personal meaning, local plants that define the ecosystem in my mind, natural items from places I am connected to for whatever reason, perhaps art I have made or others made for me. Pictures and pieces of things that bring me joy and remind me of different times which I'm still connected to- in short, a place to meditate on who I am, where I came from, what I blend into, and where I'm going- a place where I can find meaning and connection without requiring the mediation of the supernatural. I'll likely never believe in the supernatural ever again, but I decided that that's okay- because isn't the natural so divine just as it is, without all the extra frills of supernatural ideas? That is what I'm operating on now. I hope that you find your own way too.

[@helenahandkart1857]

DeLaSoul, It sounds like you're constructing a practise that will serve you well. I'm not a religious person, am an essentially agnostic person, trending athiest. Yet, have always been interested in the natural (actual!) world, mindfulness, religion, philosophy, values... My practise is essentially values based secular druidry. Works for me, & seems a natural way of being.

[@DeLaSoul246]

@@helenahandkart1857 Thanks! That is really cool- secular druidry. I will have to look into that because "secular" is probably the camp I'm most loyal to, ironically.

[@Zeraphei]

I currently view magick and witchcraft more scientifically, and psychologically. I glanced at the spells posted in the video description, and the happiness one seems most prominently psychological in that it is basically a visual reminder to pay attention to your happiness, including taking actions to help create it. The re-lighting of the candle helps refresh the presence of the jar and its goal in your mind so that you don't just glance past it, and it just melts into the background. So, it doesn't have to be "magickal" or "real" for it to still be helpful. So, don't let its reality or lack thereof keep you from tools that come in a format that is pleasing to you. 😀

[@Sweetsurey]

We are more sensitive with light enery, sound energy, so I find just natural that we are more sensitive to other energies, yet to be discovered by science.

[@espejoautoexistente]

I totally can relate to this video. I found myself in getting in tune with the moon and cycles of nature. My intuition is a tool not a defect. My sensitivity is a plus i dont have to hide it. And the beautiful family i found is amazing. Theres magic in talking with other weirdos and find that we are not really weird, we only function in different rythems and connect in a more organic way

[@LadyGem5]

Ohhhhh, I really love this! You two might just help me find my way out of this terrible morass of despair that I've been feeling lately. I have only just come out of the broom closet; I also have some of the characteristics of autusm. I love your intelligence, expressiveness, and openness.

[@arlenemartin8894]

Yesssss. I haven't heard anyone talking about the parallels between witchcraft and some theraputic techniques 😊💜🖤🖤

[@nimrodgrrrl]

So excited for this!! I’ve identified as a witch and a Wiccan my entire life and last year I also realised that I’m autistic. Looking forward to any and all insight you have to share when I sit down to eat dinner with this tonight! 🥰✨

[@changeling-child]

I’ve suspected that I am on the spectrum for a while now (I am currently working on getting a diagnosis) and I finally committed to identifying as a witch (something I’ve been interested in since my teens) for a year now, so this video to me is amazing. I literally remember thinking that there may be a link between autism and witchcraft and googling for posts or videos on the subject and not finding much. I definitely do think there are certain aspects of autism that lend themselves particularly well to a witchy practice, such as hypersensitivity and a rich inner world. Sometimes I do feel I am constantly tripping on some alternate frequency, so a practice that encourages things like astral travel and opening your third eye, etc. makes me feel really validated and understood. Witchcraft also really helps me navigate the constant stress and feelings of being overwhelmed that often go along with autism, so it has become quite a useful coping skill for me. In any case, thanks for this video. I’m not one to usually comment on things, as my social awkwardness and anxiety isn’t exclusive to in person interaction lol, but I kind of just had to for this gem.

[@michaelpaterson8355]

It's been a year Tamara, how did the diagnosis go, or are you still on the waiting list?

[@carmellerowe8415]

This is the content we needed! Practicing witch who stumbled across your videos a while back and have actually asked my GP to refer me for assessment because of you. My son is on the spectrum and I'm also waiting for an assessment for ADHD (my son is adhd too) well pleased with this! Xx

[@cl3977]

when i was a little being a witch was one of my obsessions

[@angeldude101]

For a group oven portrayed as rather logical, the overlap between autism and the occult is so interesting. I remember having some interest in fairies when I was younger, and one of my oldest enduring fantasies is of being doll-sized to get a new perspective on things, with some form of powered flight like wings as a superpower of choice. So ya, I may have literally dreamt of being a pixie when I was younger. More recently, I've been reading about faeries in general in the context of autism due to the connection through changelings. What I've found is that many traditionally fae characteristics already overlap with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Pixies are practically stereotyped with a caricature of ADHD for starters from what I can remember. In the end, I've basically come to see it as being possible to consider fae as almost synonymous with neurodivergent. Regarding witchcraft specifically, while there may not be inherent significance to the exact practices, it does seem like it's pretty much designed to provide structure in a way that accommodates autism almost perfectly. Providing a routine that works not just over a single day, but over an entire month? That sounds amazing! And as was mentioned, it provides entry points into other potential Special Interests. Meditation, however you manage to perform it, is pretty much universally praised as helping with mental health, so of course it's going to show up here, but with added structure around it providing more concrete motivations in the context of that particular day. P.S. I just have to quote Red from Overly Sarcastic Productions here: "Given the choice between boyfriends and the moon, girls pick the moon every time." Something that always makes me feel warm and fuzzy is when there's a full moon and it's at _just_ the _perfect_ place in the sky that it shines through the crack in my blinds directly onto my pillow. Who needs sleep when you have the comforting gaze of the moon warming your face? I haven't seen it in a while, but I made sure to take a picture one time and made it my phone's lock screen. I wonder how many other autistics have stories about the full moon like this that have nothing to do with the occult (on the surface; you could argue it was a subconscious thing tied to the occult/mystical). Favourite fictional witch? Um... even naming the show in this context might be considered a spoiler, so I'm just going to name a toss-up between Kriemhild Gretchen and her girlfriend. I can never decide between those two. (Does this answer even count?)

[@justforsomething]

I love this video, I was crazy into witchcraft as a pre-teen and teen, I had 2 spell books that I loved, and the thought of witchcraft still has a spot in my heart, this video makes my want to have another look into it.

[@bairowe8723]

Not even a week ago I was searching for videos on autism and witchcraft and couldn't find anything remotely close to what I was looking for. Such a nice surprise to see this in my recommends by my favourite autism youtuber! As an autistic witch I always feel like I'm missing something because I can't easily do things seen as a staple like meditation, so I was searching for people who may have a similar experience to make me feel better or for recommendations. hearing her say she dances instead makes me so happy because I do that as well! Witchcraft and the fae were definitely two of my first special interests, and two that have stuck around the longest. I hope more people in the practice see this and make their own videos! And if anyone sees this and has any other videos of the sort they could recommend that would be greatly appreciated as even when I went to search for this video (by exact title) it didn't come up in the results (I'm sure autism and witchcraft together is a perfect mix to get shadow banned). Thank you so much for continuing to help me understand and feel comfortable with my autism as a women and for discussing topics that are so often ignored. Your contribution to the community will not go unnoticed 💖

[@Sarah.lux.]

Thank you so much for this! I loved watching it and the reflection about this. I was diagnosed medically in adulthood, and I am absolutely a very "mystical" person. I don't believe in indigo children, but many different people have called me one as well. This topic is really fascinating and I would love to have a space to talk openly about my extrasensory perceptions.

[@astrogallus]

This is amazing! I just found your channel through Paul's Autism From The Inside channel. As a witch and an autistic person, I can really relate. I think autistic people and the notion of supernatural powers have always gone together. We see more. I think we probably invented most of the arts, including the magical and religious arts. I the the old hereditary "witch families" and families of 'people of power' were likely dealing with autism. I am really glad to have found your channel. First time I have found anything on this subject, though I have been observing it for the last couple of decades. Thanks! You have a new viewer! :-)

[@ryanjamesloyd6733]

Yep. large overlap between occult experience and neurodivergence, in my experience. Id say there's a higher proportion of autism spectrum in occulture than the general population. Currently trying to sort out my neurodivergence from my *Other reality experience, and what fits where. Haven't figured out what fits where, quite. I know a number of occult techniques help for coping with dealing with the world. Basic shielding techniques for instance- whether you take it literally real or not (I do, but it doesn't matter) it helps put Space and a barrier between You and the World, so you can "Turn down the volume" on some of the "noise" in the world (social, sensory, etc). Also combined with grounding and centering can stop a meltdown, or at least hold it off so you can deal with what's in front of you and function till you get somewhere it's safe to lose it. Worth trying.

[@ryanjamesloyd6733]

Also, as far as fictional witches, I strongly recommend the Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett. (The first one is "The Wee Free Men") they're fiction, but they Point at real things a lot.

[@NatureLover-pj2qe]

I agree! I am autistic and I’m Satanist. Although I don’t consider myself a witch, I am very interested in witches and Wicca.

[@alwynwatson6119]

​@@ryanjamesloyd6733 I would also recommend Terry pratchett Weird sisters because Granny Weatherwax dose come into the Tiffany Aching books.

[@Adora3473]

We are so many, wow! My first and longest special interest was witchcraft (basically for all my childhood till adolescence). For a period of time, between 6 and 10, I truly believed I was genetically half a witch black cat.... In middle school I was very passionate about the topic and learned everything I could about "witches" in history (and unfortunately I liked to share all the details with my classmates, and got bullied a lot)

[@katya762]

Witchcraft does really help me deal with daily life. It helps me give myself time alone to process, to meditate, spend time with my thoughts, enjoy my special interest and just generally relax. It also creates a community that I belong to and no one judges me or makes fun of me.

[@MamaEvaUSA]

🌟 Saw this pop up as I was working on my Book of Shadows! Have a Blessed Samhain 💖

[@beingilluminous2401]

This is such a delight to see! I love the intersection and also am using the rhythms of life (earth/celestial/seasons) to help me guide my executive function. With my ADHD can easily get overwhelmed by the possibility of it all, the witchcraft element allows me to focus my life into a "crafting" focus. This video really helps me, esp as my teens are starting to come into their own powers. Mine also blossoming as of the last year as I've been releasing codependency and focus on cultivating myself. My garden is also reflective of these intentions. Building habits and focus on desires while feeling present and authentic. This is an amazing video. Thank you!

[@clairechurchill8383]

I have self diagnosed as Autistic woman in late 40’s and I’m also identify as a witch for last 3 years. The spells, mindfulness, meditation and crystals have unknowingly helped me to come to terms with my diagnosis and get me through. Being out in nature and just taking time for me have been amazing I’ve only just found your channel last night and already you are giving me more validation than I’ve had in last 6 months. Thank you so much. You are awesome xx

[@ainoruoste9338]

Very interesting conversation! And your introduction about changelings, African context and witch hunts gave me inspiration to delve deeper. A possible thesis topic.....?

[@YoSamdySam]

For sure! There's a book in there somewhere

[@jesters.workshop]

Ah yessss i love this 😭💕 I remember when I first figured out I was autistic I was really getting into witchcraft and kept seeing little connections

[@andrewjenkins9965]

It's wild how I don't really consider myself a practitioner, but I've read a LOT of old grimoires and books on magic and its history, and I have plenty of friends who are witches and magicians. I just love this stuff. 100% my special interest.

[@savanaerie]

Wow, I had no idea that there was a generally accepted connection btwn these 2 parts of my life. I've often thought that the ritual, symbolism and sensory aspects of a witchy practice would be a draw for autistic people. Thank you, good vid 💜💙

[@youarenaturewellness]

I absolutely love this...I am a self-diagnosed autistic Asian woman who has felt so constrained by our neurotypical and ego-obsessed world. I am an urban farmer, herbalist, and am learning body and mind-based healing through massage, somatic coaching, and mental health therapy. I draw from Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism and appreciate learning about witchcraft through many perspectives.

[@pluto7477]

Wow. She is absolutely amazing. She definitely persuaded me on some of the doubts I've had for my entire life regarding spirituality, spiritual practices, and religion in general. Thank you for doing this interview, Sam!

[@bettyand42]

adult-diagnosed autistic magic practitioner and open-source pagan here. i HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of the Old Farmer's Almanac (or similar thing for your location). they're typically inexpensive and easily accessible, and include a ton of information. astronomy, astrology, moon phases, sun rise/set times, weather, holidays, folklore, animal and plant milestones through the year, recipes, and other random stuff! this info has helped with managing all sorts of things, from autistic sensitivities to chronic pain to how energetic my cat is likely to be! regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, i think awareness of the natural world can be really helpful and comforting.

[@josievidal8464]

Autistic witch, here!! And witchcraft played (and still plays) a HUGE part of healing myself and empowering my autism. I definitely identified with the witch as an archetype when I was young: I have memories throughout my whole life of being bullied all the way into freshman year of college (way before I actually identified as a witch and was actually a devout christian) for “being a witch”. The otherness, the unexplained experiences (synesthesia, hallucinations, musical ear syndrome, visions, hyperlexical) and how I seemed to unsettle people with my presence and sharp insight.... when I started looking into witchcraft I felt RELIEF. It’s been a wonderful, deep, healing practice for me. Love that you tackled this topic, Sam!!!💕💕💕

[@masonnix9566]

You are not autistic.

[@gemdouglas2638]

I have been interested in witchcraft since I was a teenager, I am now 35 and in the last few years I have started incorporating it into my life and consider myself a witch. I have just been diagnosed with ADHD and also suspect autism which I am waiting for an assessment for.

[@CamelFox5291]

This is very interesting. I'm not a witch but I do intuitive readings. It's all real. Most people don't understand because we are brainwashed to only believe in what is in front of us. That point of view has severe limits when it comes to creating things that have never existed before. Intuition and spiritual practices has definitely helped me understand myself and connect with others, especially neurotypicals.

[@healingwithines]

I'm an autistic witch, and I've thought for a while whether there might be a connection between Autism and Witchcraft. This video has been so comforting. Please please, Meg, write that book! When you do, I'll buy it for sure. Thank you. 💚💚💚

[@mills5627]

I've been following you since I got diagnosed with autism 2 years ago! I just started witchcraft and when this video came out my innervoice told me that I wasn't ready to watch it yet and I actually listened. Today was the best day for me to listen to this, as a new practicing autistic with! I love that you put this out bc using witchcraft in my healing was a big part of my encouragement to start practicing! I'm so glad I have this new resource! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@cookiecola63]

I practice Witchcraft and I've always been drawn to it since childhood even though it is not a thing in my culture and I wasn't grown up watching fictional witches on TV.

[@PotatoQueen1989]

this year i was put on the waiting list for an autism diagnosis, it's really the first diagnosis that truly makes sense, i remember my first panic attack when i was 15 and it freaked me out, it didn't feel real, the sensations were totally new and in my head had to be paranormal, i've always felt broken or like an alien not really understanding people but now i feel i know why and the world makes more sense, especially getting sensory overload i understand why and the causes. One thing i am curious about is leading up to a full moon i really struggle more with my insomnia and the whole not being tired i usually feel more anxious too.

[@lollylokks6500]

On a practical note. The noon gives off blue light, so full moon is like the light from a screen device. Really bad for sleep. Also apparently stirs up intestinal parasites too.

[@socraticproblem86]

Yes! So much yes! I love how we have the same insight about having no shame to rest.

[@stephengregory7838]

As an autistic who has a "special interest" in the occult, I clicked on this as soon as I saw it. I was surprised, however, at just how validating this felt. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@daddylonglegs444]

Oooo I love this so much! Would love to see you guys collaborate more! Perhaps a monthly witchy vid 👀

[@idkmybffjill10]

This was the video I never knew I needed! Wow! Thank you for this

[@pretelquetzal]

I've been waiting for somebody to talk about this! I feel like witchcraft is such a great special interest. Its mine and there's always more to uncover. I love learning the secrets of the universe 💕

[@TheCimbrianBull]

The opening of this video most definitely gave me Contrapoints (Natalie Wynn) vibes! 😀

[@rocamallorca4201]

Recently discovered your channel and I have so say how much I love your content and beautiful authenticity! 🥰🧡✨

[@alwynwatson6119]

Have you read/listen to any of terry pratchett's discworld books. The ones that include witches tend to make fun of the cackling around the cauldron macbeth tropes by playing with the listeners expectations. Terry Pratchett's witches tend to be more like healthcare workers who also protect people from supernatural monsters

[@kellyb3198]

Then there's Black Aliss. A cautionary tale, perhaps. I think of her every time I reach for a gingerbread recipe.

[@alwynwatson6119]

@@kellyb3198 Just as long as you see it as food not a building material. I'm not sure how she made it waterproof. Maybe it was dwarf gingerbread.

[@helle5285]

Love the Discworld series especially the Witches 😊

[@garyfrancis5015]

Alwyn Watson "There light at the end of tunnel the tunnel on fire". Terry Pratchatt

[@katherineseager3363]

This was such an interesting video! I'd never really thought about the links between autism and witchcraft throughout history, so this was fascinating ☺️

[@harleyholst1647]

Love that you put this out there!

[@bonnieworley1159]

Wow. This was very interesting. Thanks for another informative video!

[@jennybrown5302]

I've been a Pagan for 18 years and just got diagnosed with autism. Pagan and witchcraft practices have definitely helped and empowered me to be and do better, and in fact it was a huge factor in me finally seeking help and getting diagnosed. It is not for everyone (nothing is), but it has been very healing for me and helped me to be happier and more accepting of myself and others well before I knew I had autism.

[@homebodycassidyofficial]

The moon cycle thing is brilliant!

[@chimmeytime6973]

Just the answer I was looking for! :)Thank you for making this video.

[@darthfiende1]

So excited for this!

[@jeremylark7945]

Woah! Thank you so much for making this video! I identified as a changeling up through my early 20's (I'm 30 now). It was around that time that I went through some things that damaged my ability to "allow" myself to believe. My skeptical side became so strong that I couldn't feel it anymore. Even now, I feel this longing to go back to it, but I still can't really settle in and "feel" it. And as I'm typing this, the thought just hit me that this inability to "feel" something I can't observe is probably rooted in other trauma-related, unresolved trust issues... Holy shit. You two may have just helped me solve my problem - or at least got me pointed in the right direction. Thank you!

[@alkahinat4558]

This makes me think a lot, as someone who works with autistic young people...and as a kitchen healing witch...I’ve had two experiences which made me think One was when I was outside of work and a young man approached asking for some help with directions, he told me he was autistic and felt like I’d be able to help...and I was with a client who is non verbal, another person walked past and the client stopped and interacted with him, which never happens, the man then told us he has an autistic child, it’s those types of things which make me think so this video title alone had me like 🧐 A few colleagues have said they feel our clients have a much higher level of intuition than average, I agree with that. Great video! ✨ Oh and I hope you don’t find this inappropriate, but seeing your other thumbnail I thought you looked like a character from Harry Potter, like Tonks or someone? Maybe it’s the hair? Lol!

[@shawnana89]

OMG, I LOVE your editing in this video!!🔥🔥🤣🤣💖💖

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I’m so excited to read your books. I’m just realizing I’m autistic and my awakening to my path as a witch began during the quarantine. Blessed be!

[@LaLa-ed9qo]

Thank you so much for this video. Witchcraft /Wicca /Paganism was also one of my first special interests that I remember. I recognised how this interest helped me so much as a teen. Im looking forward to some more reading 😁

[@LBelacquax]

I enjoyed this video a lot! Thank you both! xx

[@giusigurl7971]

yes!! lol I'm an energy healer and channeler.. so, I love that you made this video. Although I have a background in psychology, I am very much involved and interested in spirituality and metaphysical things. but it is also my understanding (and knowing) that those of us who are on the spectrum, are on a different frequency because of how our brains work.. which leaves us more open to these types of things and able to tune into things that others cannot. I know this seems to be a taboo topic in many groups, but it's very much a thing and I feel grateful to see other people bring up the topic and seeing these other comments on this video really confirms a lot of that.

[@kalenadams1918]

I put off watching this because I've had to stop watching several of my favorite KZbinrs after they made a witchcraft video but I was pleasantly surprised. I think Sam did justice to this issue and she got a really good person to interview. So thank you Sam for being informative, respectful and interesting. 😊

[@heathercatcatherine]

I can’t wait for this one!!!

[@lindsay.newman]

this was really good Sam...thanks to Meg also

[@alwkw3783]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video! I relate so much. I'm recently coming into really seeing myself as a witch (although, I always known it was there) and only within the last few weeks realizing I am autistic thanks in part to your videos. It's been amazing and so relieving in so many ways. So, this connection feels perfect. If I may, I'd like to recommend a podcast called The Witch Wave with Pam Grossman. She also has a book called Waking the Witch and they've been wonderful resources in opening up that part of myself:)

[@samanthaw5652]

I have just purchased Megs book, can't wait to read it. Thanks for having Meg on your channel Sam ☺️

[@ievacinelyte2739]

great topic and great insights, thank you!

[@celinahuezo5518]

I must add I just realized i bought your book like a week ago and I love it love it, thanks.

[@SpicyConstellation]

Great video. I began studying paganism, Druidry, Witchcraft and wicca eighteen years ago. It brought me gently into self identification as autistic. I find solitary practice suits me. As the speaker says it IS SLOW as a journey. There are so so many 'Witch in a weekend' type of people who buy a book and goth make up and hope to be wise by Wednesday. They will move on. As mentioned us Autistics who have been outsiders for many years questioning hand me down orthodoxies and societal norms do find we have respect for avenues that allow us to explore and find ourselves in natural rhythms so far ignored by most aspects of late capitalist society.

[@sysye]

I loved, loveddd this video. Thank you Sam! *

[@Buzzelke]

… once again. I have found my community! I’ve been fascinated by nature based spirituality for 30 years! This was an excellent video!

[@ridealongwithnicolle1581]

This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@lidu6363]

Thank you so much for this video. It just explained so much about my life.