Can You be an Atheist Witch ?

[@chelsgo8675]

I love the way you describe this. When I first started practicing witchcraft as an atheist, I described it as "hacking the placebo effect." And as someone with both ADHD and on the autism spectrum, the practice of ritual really helps me kind of function day to day. I'd say that if like I cleanse and purify a room, do I believe I'm driving out evil spirits of something of that nature? No. But going through the ritual of it puts me in a better mental state. Meditating in the morning helps me stay on task throughout the day. And there's something about the trappings and symbolism that I just really love.

[@Illfigureoutanamelater]

Omg this is exactly why I'm here wanting to explore witchcraft as self care! I'm also autistic and ADHD and didn't receive diagnoses until my late 20's (quiet well behaved little girls tend to not get the help and attention they need), and I'm hoping to create rituals to enhance my self care routines and goals and just uplift my mood overall without having to relinquish critical thinking and skepticism. I hope your journey has been fulfilling so far, and if you happen to have any ideas for bedtime routines and taking meds on time I would love to hear your input!

[@chelsgo8675]

@@Illfigureoutanamelater I don't know how helpful I'll be in those two specific areas because of my unique situation. I'm transgender, so I take my meds along with my hormones, and the idea of masculinizing from forgetting my hormones is enough to help ensure I keep up with that. And I don't have a bedtime routine because I work nights, and I'm up with my daughter during the day on my off days. So my sleep schedule is so weird it's just not something I've been able to work out myself. Best wishes on your journey into the craft, blessed be.

[@soniasamivillin743]

I also have ADHD. I think I'll try some wiccan spells, despite having been an atheist for more than 10 years, to help my actual medicine.

[@druidofthefaeryforest]

Same here. I have ADHD and completely resonate with this.

[@SullyandBitNews]

This is so incredibly encouraging. I've wanted to practice witchcraft and been turned away at many fronts, but this makes me feel confident that there is a reason to do this even if I don't believe. Thank you.

[@SednaWoo]

welcome! I'm so happy you are hear, now let's get witchy!

[@samalander88]

Yes thank you! I am SUCH a skeptic and a die hard atheist! Mysticism and all that jazz is a huge turn off. Same with crystals, chakras, tarot cards, and astrology. But I love witchcraft. It’s kind of like practicing really taboo yoga. Super good for your mental health, but widely rejected by those who do not understand it

[@SednaWoo]

Taboo yoga! can I steal that? It's too perfect.

[@edunlap6594]

I never thought of it that way. Now I need to investigate more as I know nothing about witchcraft and have been an atheist for a looonnnng time.

[@jessherselfable]

I’m an atheist but I love tarot cards! I made a video about it, but basically if you understand they’re all just archetypes and any meaning you get from them comes from you, they can be a fun and beautiful tool for addressing problems you’re stuck on. :)

[@giovcaria6440]

@@jessherselfable I totally get that, will go watch your video next! I used to be go to catholic church as a child, and even tho I did not believe in any of it, I would listen to the stories and grab the meanings I wanted to work through whatever happened that week. Even more than the stories being picked apart, but also the meditative zone I was put in by them

[@krystlehope]

Serious question, not making fun here, but how can you love witchcraft while also shunning all the tools of witchcraft?

[@ren.pfa.99]

As an atheist, I've recently come to miss all the rituals that theists have. I think witchcraft as a ritual makes a lot of sense

[@synical13]

Wow, this one video addressed every inner conflict I was having and answered all my questions. Liked and subscribed, and thank you!

[@yoshimura8305]

Thank you, I want to study witchcraft but I wholeheartedly do not believe in deities and gods. i do believe in spirituality and energy in nature, and manifesting energies which is the form of witchcraft that i study and practice. I’ve been told this isn’t right so i appreciate this video showing people that witchcraft is not the same as wiccan and is based in personal beliefs 💕

[@charli-xl2kh]

Yess! this is the same thing i believe im glad someone else study's witchcraft and believes the same way i do :)

[@vix6853]

SAME! I am so glad there are others with the same beliefs who also study/practice witchcraft!

[@addrightwriter]

I’ve been an atheist my entire life, but recently gained some insight on the practice of witchcraft through a friend and found that so much of it reminds me of the benefits of meditation and grounding techniques I’ve learned in therapy for my mood disorder. The structure and symbolism in witchcraft rituals seems so beneficial! This video was really affirming and thank you for sharing!

[@pastelclouds7939]

I just searched for atheist witch videos expecting nothing. I’m pleasantly surprised!!! Thank you so much for your perspective:)

[@maddyhoeltke-brown2515]

Wow, I really need to hear this! I left Christianity a few years ago, and I've been drawn to witchcraft because of the good intentions, that awareness, the rituals. I have always felt connected to nature and the world around us but never in a supernatural way since I left the church. I've had that conflict of going back to practice with little scientific evidence behind it, and hearing your perspective changed my life! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts because they are so wise and impactful! Much love!

[@SednaWoo]

I can totally relate to feeling a conflict when your heart says go and your skepticism says no. I'm honestly a little terrified that you want to take what I said so much to heart :D I will take this as a challenge to keep my content as bs free as possible.

[@TruthBeTold7]

The dog has returned to its vomit.

[@widdershinnz]

It makes me feel so much less alone to find your channel, this is how I’ve been practicing witchcraft for a few years but felt like i was the only atheist in the witchy world 😂

[@Deemonita]

This must be a niche within a niche, but we are here!

[@SednaWoo]

welcome to the nichiest niche!

[@RubyRouge-zj8uw]

Wow, this video feels very timely for me to find! 🌟I was introduced to witchcraft as a practice over quarantine and I cannot help but see a lot of overlap with my own little rituals and the coping skills I've learned from therapy. But at the same time, I've been hesitant about delving further into this topic because I would still consider myself as an agnostic-atheist that was taught to value curiosity and critical thinking in the face of possible dogma and pseudoscience. I will have to check out the rest of your channel as I continue to reflect on my relationships to atheism and spirituality. 🙂

[@ashlazdanovich8396]

This is how I feel especially in terms of getting into the witchcraft recently. I understand it’s not real magic but more so a placebo. I’ve personally started calling it “Placebo Magic.” But I am also an Atheist and have been looking for a way to partake in witchcraft for its benefits without getting into the worship of other gods/goddesses. If this is a real thing then I wish to see more. So I subscribed to see if there is more you could share. 😊

[@brabbelbeest]

I think it comes down to definitions. A “witch” is a very broad term, it can go from the stereotypical spellcasting hag on a broom, to women that dabble in natural remedies and place themselfs closer to nature. Another thing that was also pointed out in one of the other comments, is that being an atheist doesn’t prevent you in believing in the supernatural, as long as it doesn’t involve divine beings. Now I know that many, if not most atheists are atheists because of their skepticism in the supernatural and from that point of view being an atheist and believe in the supernatural is an odd thing to combine. But technically speaking they can be combined. As to your example of the open placebo effect, it doesn’t surprise me something like that can actually have effect. Our mind are powerfull instruments capable of remarkable feats which some might call supernatural. For example the power of suggestion is one of those feats. For instance being confident you are able to do something actually increases your chances to succeed. We are also capable of creating physical reactions with our thoughts. A “fun” experiment is placing yourself in a uneasy situation, like being alone at home in the dark. Then start telling yourself you’re being watched and something is observing you from the dark. Eventhough your rational mind wil know that there is nothing wrong, and eventhough you are fully aware you are just creeping yourself out, you most likely feel your unease grow. This can also be applied in a positive manner and there are lots of tricks for this, like rituals, meditation, power of positive thinking, etc. So if those are the fields you practice “witchcraft” , I think even many skeptics would agree with you.

[@SednaWoo]

This is such a wonderful and well thought out comment. I really appreciate this insight! Thank you for taking the time! I am very curious about fooling a rational mind into paranoia and "the creeps". I really think I do this! I love to be spooked. I don't believe ghosts can exist but I am very scared of them!

[@brabbelbeest]

Hi Sedna, thank you for your reply. I think that our brain or mind is a wonderous and peculiar thing, but it can also be misled, tricked, guided, steared, etc. One of the simplest examples of this are optic illusions, these are basicly based on things our brain can't process. But there are many ways our brains can be influenced and many of them we can do to ourselfs. As a fellow atheist, this is the main reason I am less convinced by testimonies of personal experience and personal feelings. In some ways our brain/mind is highly unreliable (this doesn't mean we cannot rely on our brain for anything). To give a few examples. One of the key features of our brain is comfirmation bias. It is a natural, logical and needed function, but next to being a very logical function, I personally believe it is also one of the most hindering and debilitating traits of our brain. Basicly what it means is that we are more likely to accept (new) information that fits our worldview, and deny information that clashes with our worldview. We need this trait to help us determen what is likely to be true, and in that regard it is indispensable. But it also has a prejudice side. If for example you think your boss is a jerk, you are likely to ignore or downplay any positive thing you see or hear about him/her, and any negative news will accepted immediately and probably magnified because it confirms what you already believe about her/him. In my many conversations with theists I found this a very obvious, reccuring and abundantly present trait. Often leading people to cherrypick information, prefering information sources that validate their beliefs or even outright rejecting things that clashes with their beliefs without even checking. The thing is that it is impossible to be 100% unbiased, because our brain works this way, but being (and staying) aware of this trait of our brain has helped me to become a lot less biased and helps me approach things a lot more neutral (though I still catch myself on being biased on a regular basis) Staying in the realm of theism/atheism, another example is something I like to call religious hypochondria. A hypochondriac is somebody who convinces him/herself that they have a serious illness, even if physicians have reassured them they don't have the disease they fear. The way I have translated this into religiosity, is that I believe many theists have religious experiences/feelings because they themself expect they should happen and take form in how they expect they should happen. A good example of this are churches that deal with demon possesions. Oddly enough demons will mostly possess people that go to churches that actually deals with possession. And the way such possession manifests itself also seems to vary per church. While in one church a person might get aggressive and spurs curses and profanity, another church might have person roll over the floor like an epileptic with foaming mouths, and possesion in another church might manifest as the person rocking back and forth as in a trance and speaking in gibberish. Most likely the people are copying behaviour from eachother because they believe that is how a possesion should occur. And I believe this goes for the possitive experiences too, like talking to God, feeling his presence, seeing Jesus, near death experiences, etc. If you consider that our mind is powerful enough to actually create memories of things that never happend, or alter ones we do have, it isn't hard to imagen we can trick our mind in having experiences they don't actually have... I'll leave it at this because if I make this comment any longer, I need a publisher to post it :) (so my apologies for the long comment) But I am curious at your thoughts about these matters... Have a nice day!

[@jrheiselt]

I'm so glad to have found people who have similar thoughts on this stuff. While I don't believe in supernatural or mystical forces, I do find the psychological benefits of certain rituals and practices to be undeniable.

[@ellu...]

I'm a pantheist (more scientific pantheist) and this helped me a lot. I just believe that the universe is so amazing that it's godlike. And yeah I kinda do believe in spirits and that we have souls maybe but I'm still very skeptical. I want to get into witchcraft but all the energy stuff didn't sound quite right to me so I'm trying to find scinetific answers, so thanks 💚

[@kiiyll]

Hello fellow scientific pantheist!! It's rare to find someone else who shares our belief system! I was also looking into witchcraft as a way to basically use the placebo effect on myself when I found this video. Your skepticism is valid :)

[@cheekygingerdoesstuff7223]

This. This exactly is what I've been thinking about as I have been considering witchcraft. I've been an atheist for several years, and just by nature I am skeptical, though willing to try new things. I just ... I want to take back my own power in my life. Center myself. Focus my thinking. Lift my moods. That's it. I'm not here to change the universe; I can barely keep my kitchen clean and my plants alive. Anyway, thank you for this!

[@dark_heretic]

This helped so much! I was so worried that I couldn’t do these things because of me being an atheist. But it makes total sense to me now. Thank you :)

[@emilyweaver625]

I've been atheist for almost 20 years. When I started looking at witchcraft recently, most of what I saw reminded me of mindfulness techniques. Awareness and mindfulness of other living creatures, my mental health was in need of something like this, along with the deep connection to nature.

[@socialmoth4974]

This video perfectly sums up how I feel as an atheist and a skeptic. I'm interested in wicca as a form of meditation to help me with my internal wellbeing. Thank you for your insights.

[@elizabethbarnes2851]

You just became my favorite person. I am solidly an atheist. I doubt I have done as much research as you. Leaving religion for me was also for the fact that I was not welcome because of (shame shame) a premarital pregnancy. Which is emotional, not actually factual. I just believe that if the pieces don’t all fit, it’s not my puzzle and never will be. Away from that though, I still feel like I need a ritual in my life. I’ve dabbled on and off. Calling myself a fake atheist because I lit a candle and said a prayer. Because I burned salt for a creepy vibe in my apartment... real atheists don’t do that. But it made me feel better. I loved it. I love working with plants and I’m the kitchen and the entire thing of concoctions and remedies. Maybe a daffodil and olive oil aren’t a real cure for anything. But it’s fun to do, it’s fun to feel like I’m taking control over my life when my health is so bad. I have some pagan friends. They’ve encouraged me to pursue this. But my atheism haunts me. When I started reading about Astrophysics, I was firmly planted in science. And I felt like a phony trying to ask them things and gain knowledge. Like I wanted to know just so they’d like me more or something. I didn’t want that to be my reason even though I didn’t feel like it was. Our brain gets us with that subconscious trickery. For my birthday my father in law and husband sectioned off a corner of the yard for me to garden. And I’ve been itching to dive into the witchy world again. I needed this video. Please keep making them. 🙏🏻

[@SednaWoo]

Friend, I totally see you. I feel like from a young age it's drilled into us to comply with norms and don't make waves. I totally know what you mean when you say you feel like a fake atheist when you want to stretch those witchy muscles. A garden is a wonderful place to get more in touch with your witchy side. Make circles with stones, grow foxglove, dry herbs, make offerings to fairy folk. Burn a sigil and bury the ashes in the bottom of a pot! Do all the witchy things! Enjoy the ritual and don't let anyone tell you you're any less of an atheist. :D PS. thanks for the encouragement and welcome!!

[@applesong01]

You are a witch. You don't need to believe in deity. Be who you want be. Live how you want. Do what need to be doed.

[@yunalizzy715]

thanks god there is another Elizabeth here that feels the same. Grew up Catholic. Left it at 10 years old. Been an Athiest since. But I believe in ghosts (strongly haunted), I believe in energies. I toss salt if I drop it. I knock on wood. I have this odd fascination for dried plants, rocks, sticks, bones. So happy I'm not the only one in this haha

[@thespiritualskeptic]

This is amazing. I thought I was alone in seeing magic from a skeptical point of view as a beneficial placebo but I'm happy there's a whole community that agrees with this point of view and that there are actual resources for secular witches/pagans/magicians. Thank you for this.

[@lunayoung2132]

exactly!!! ive been a witch and wiccan at times for years. my husband and i had many conversations about atheism and it was the only thing that actually makes any kind of sense. but i missed my practice. ive had to work through so much to get rid of all the old thoughts ive believed that are just false. ive finally gotten to the place you are three years ago. thank you for articulating it for me. my husband and i are both atheist witches and this is exactly where im at and im sure he will feel the same. thank you!

[@sabrinanaves7148]

I specifically searched for "atheist witch" and this video came up, and it's exactly what I was hoping for. Can't wait to check out more of your content! 💕

[@NoreaLamia]

I'm glad you brought up the "god of the gaps" argument. I'm not an atheist anymore but I grew up atheist and irreligious, and I shunned a lot of the theology and magic stuff until I learned about models that actually made some sense in application of these concepts (pantheism, Self as Divinity, the placebo effect, psychology, psychodrama, ect...). The placebo effect and psychodrama works very well for me. The "god of the gaps" argument was something I found to be flimsy just looking at science; the more you understand how "god works" so to speak, the more it seems disconnected to any idea of "god". It is simpler to say that there is either no god, that god is everything or that it simply doesn't matter. I studied a bunch of religions and even attempted to be a LaVeyan Satanist (which only ended up making me interested in Mysticism and chaos magic, funnily enough) but I never felt that organized religion was for me. I knew a lot about Hinduism and many of those idea made sense, but it wasn't until I studied the God Shiva until it "clicked" why. My mom is an atheist Hindu and most of the people she knew where focused on Vaishnavism or Brahmanism. I always liked Hanuman, and it wasn't until I learned that he was Shiva's avatars when I started to look at Shiva and then Tantra. In one of my Tantra books, the author said "yes, God exists, but at the same time, there is no such thing as God." I think that summarizes my thoughts on the Divine well; I experience the Divine, but at the same time there's no way to prove that is "the Divine". It could just be my brain interpreting things I don't understand, it could be my way or coping with emotional trauma, or it could be my romanticizing reality. In any case, I'm much happier doing magic than I was shunning all of spirituality because of religion. Shiva is one of those gods who is said to accept everyone, and on the surface his stories seem to conflict, but together they reveal the secret of Yoga and I consider Shiva to be one of my muses because he represents to me how I want to practice internal Yoga, which to me is what magic does. That's kind of how I see all of my Gods honestly; the either represent something I honor for myself or something that is part of reality either socially or physically, but because they're part of my psyche they also have strong personalities. The point I'm trying to make, the people who equate practice with belief very often ignore the fact that humans are internally and socially complex. I strongly believe that right practice is much more important that right belief; I can accept good people who believe a few questionable things, it's a lot harder to justify love when you do evil in its name. People should stop being so hung up on whether or not it is hypocritical to use Goddess symbolism in a healing spell or pray to Jesus daily for guidance or dance in the middle of the forest to call upon the God of Nature when the practitioner "just uses the symbolism" and is, gasp, atheist (or a non-believer)! Belief is a tool, and so is magic. As long as it's responsible and ethical, just let people do what works for them.

[@katiev5281]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. I’ve recently left Christianity after years of doubt but have been drawn to witchcraft because of the appreciation of nature and beautiful rituals that come with it. I work hard to view the world through a scientific lens, but I do love the symbolism that comes with witchcraft.

[@becks871]

Thank you for this! I've been looking into witchcraft but there was so much that was conflicting with my beliefs. And yet there was also something about it that was intriguing. I've been an atheist for a few years now and it has always felt like something was missing from my life since I walked away. I'm willing to try this now. Thanks again!

[@AliciaZapata]

Oh I'd love to listen to this as a podcast on Spotify

[@loriallen67]

“Open label placebo” is my new favorite term.

[@Emileech666]

THANK YOU!!! This was the answer I've been looking for!! I appreciate that you were willing to put an unpopular opinion online ❤❤❤ it's helped me a lot!

[@KB-ye9ng]

Wow. I feel very blessed to have run across you and this video. Or I should say I got "lucky" lol. I bought a modern book of witchcraft but I'm an athiest, and I couldn't explain to my husband why I felt witchcraft is a new calling for me. In a nutshell, we are both athiest. You're incredibly intelligent and eloquent, and you basically had me snap my fingers and say,"that's what I've been trying to say.. I knew I wasnt crazy !." So, anyway, thank you for that! -ken

[@SednaWoo]

that's awesome! welcome to the craft

[@not_just_a_pretty_face]

Thank you for this... I have a lot of conflicts when it comes to my Atheism and feeling like energy is a thing, being pulled to all things Norse and Pagan... and also wanting to practice witchcraft... My journey has just begun, and I am super confused and still have so much to figure out. This game me a little more to chew on and digest. Thank you.

[@nyxdiosavibes]

Thank you, I can relate completely. I appreciate your courage in speaking your mind ❤

[@sad_doggo2504]

Very well said. We've traced a lot of the same paths. Learning about dissociation/trance states was another thing that clinched it for me. It's a cliché but our brains really are capable of so much if we can just unlock that hidden potential.

[@Mercutiossword]

Loved this. Thank you. I am digging into Atheopaganism and secular witchcraft. The placebo point was really interesting and I've had many driveway moments with npr.

[@BarefootButtercup]

Thank you!!!! This expresses what Ive been gnawing on for almost two years!

[@drogarica]

You just managed to put words into something I have been feeling since I started witchcraft. I know there is so magic but but everytime I do rituals or spells I does make me feel better or I notice positive changes in my life.

[@SednaWoo]

noticing positive changes is a wonderful reason to practice witchcraft

[@cactuscat7158]

Thankyou so much. Being raised by Hippies, from a young age I turned my noise up at everything spiritual. But recently I have been really wanting to practice witchcraft as an atheist. But struggling to find anything that fits with this as far as readings or information goes. This really helped.

[@cynthiahollis7814]

I love this! I’ve considering a business model of “entertainment tarot” with this precept. You had me laughing at the end when you mentioned something about those that didn’t watch your video. I tried to wrap my mind around why you said that.

[@x_nsanity_x]

I don't see why not. Atheism only talks about a lack of god belief. Don't believe there's any actual gods involved in Witchcraft. You can even believe in the supernatural and still be an atheist. Basically, to be an Atheist you just don't believe in gods. Anything else is fair game, and doesn't fall under the term Atheist. Either way though, I'd say do what you want, whatever makes you happy (within reason of course, heh). As long as you're not harming yourself or anyone else, what's the problem right?

[@SednaWoo]

Perhaps for some this is true but I would argue that many atheists, myself included, reject all supernatural belief. This is a topic for debate in many atheist circles to be sure.

[@x_nsanity_x]

Sedna Woo Most atheists that I’ve seen, including myself, reject all supernatural things. I’m just saying that belief in supernatural things doesn’t necessarily go against atheism, since that only says one thing about a person, that they don’t believe in gods. Personally if someone believed in the supernatural, yet still did not believe in gods, I’d still see that person as an atheist. For me Atheism is just more of a technicality. I don’t believe in gods, so I’m an Atheist. But the term is a little weird to me, so I don’t really use it in my day to day life. Seems kinda weird to me to label yourself as something you don’t believe in, if you know what I mean. Got no problem with folks that want to call themselves atheists though. I can see why they might want to.

[@SednaWoo]

@@x_nsanity_x I totally get that it's strange to label yourself as something that you are not. I don't share with people that I am not a stamp collector for example. The reason that the atheist label is important to me is because there is still a hard stigma around the lack of belief and I feel compelled to be open about it to counter the stigma. Visibility is important to reduce stigma. I do know that there are atheists who believe in the supernatural. I'm guessing you did the same thing I did. I applied the same logic to the lack of evidence for gods as I did for the lack of evidence in the supernatural. I guess you could say that atheists who believe in the supernatural might use the traditional placebo effect ;)

[@x_nsanity_x]

Sedna Woo Yeah, exactly. That’s why I can completely understand that Atheists would want to wear the label proudly. And why I have no issue with that at all. Good on them. It’s good to fight for what you believe in, or in this case what you don’t, heh. Yeah, I also think it’s the same for most. You use logic to get to one position and using the same logic, you can rule out a lot of other stuff as well. I really like how people can come together on so many things, even a common disbelief. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my comments. You sound like a great person. Was nice talkin to you. =)

[@alixalot86]

I might be a little late to comment but I just started looking into witchcraft. I do appreciate your comment though because I came here to say the same. Atheism is the belief that there is no god. It is not the disbelief in all things that cannot be proven by the scientific method. When I first began my “atheist journey” I was a staunch nonbeliever in all thing that could not be observed and replicated. Over time, I came to understand that this unwavering non-belief was the same approach that religious people used to view the world. I’m not saying I believe witchcraft should represent all things that can’t be explained by science, but I do believe that the scientific method has it’s limitations. If you chose to only accept that which can be proven through science as ultimate truth, then I believe there is so much to miss out on. It is also condescending to suggest that witchcraft is solely the result of a placebo effect.

[@mrmaidlemonade]

This is such an insightful video. Thank you so much. For my whole life I've felt connected to witchery but could never make myself believe in magic (at least not as an adult. Life was more magical as a kid lol). I'm happy to hear that I don't need to in order to be valid in my practice. Magic to me is simply self-control and intentionality, and both work wonders.

[@jordanhaveman6045]

I'm so glad I found this video! You put into words everything I have been feeling! My mother identified as wiccan and she practiced witchcraft so I always thought that witchcraft and religion had to go hand in hand. Many witches talk about gods and goddesses and I didn't know how to practice if I don't believe in any of those things. I cant wait to watch more of your videos!!

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Why not? It also brings another sense of purpose in your life...🎑

[@micheller3251]

This feels good to hear, makes me feel less alone in my lack of belief in the supernatural.

[@laceyk929]

Thank you so much for sharing this perspective. I’ve been trying to figure out how to explain my practice 🙌

[@kofrixguia7820]

Interesting take! Its like mixing Imagination and Logic, you're aware its all imagination but you just dont care and just went with it... And it works!

[@chicagoat]

Thank you so much for this! I'm an atheist who has only recently been getting into tarot cards (I love the art! I love setting my intentions for the day with a morning card!), and I've had such a hard time reconciling it when I'm also a hardcore Lady Of Science. I found your video through a reddit community for Atheist/Skeptic witchcraft, which has been incredibly helpful for me. Ritual can be soothing to anyone, no matter what your views are. I'm not a big youtube watcher, but I'm subscribing to and following your channel!

[@SednaWoo]

welcome! We need a candle that says "Our Hardcore Lady of Science" for our alters. Keep the rituals and the tingles; no apologetics needed.

[@SednaWoo]

I'm so curious about the community you saw this video in. I would like to follow it but I'm really new to reddit and I can't seem to find it.

[@mahagonina1675]

Sedna Woo I've found you through the same community, it's called r/SASSWitches! Love your video! Also, while you're at it you should check out r/WitchesVsPatriarchy, it's my favorite community - lovely people and loads of witchy memes :D

[@chicagoat]

Both of these! I also like r/SecularTarot.

[@TruthBeTold7]

Read "On Guard" by Craig. It should cure your atheism.

[@alyssaw9394]

I love the comparison of atheist witchcraft to celebrating Christmas and having fun with Santa magic. Calling it the “placebo effect” doesn’t really do it for me (and that’s okay!), but this little metaphor really resonated with me. I still play Santa even though my kiddo is too old to believe it. I love it and it makes both of us happy and filled with warm fuzzy feelings.

[@janisdodd7021]

I loved this ...thank you. I am an atheist witch and it feels good to not be alone

[@illidasa2902]

For me it's quite literally meditation, aromatherapy and a way to bond with my best friend and sister who have both been wicca for quite some time. Even when I'm reading my Tarot it's just gives me some area of myself to focus and work on for the day( or at least a suggestions to do so)! A little nudge in the right direction to be introspective and be kind to the others around me! The ritualism of it all just keeps me grounded as I have tasks and purpose to focus on while I'm doing it.

[@atheistechoes9594]

Im not rolling. Im just intrigued. I love the aesthetic mostly love the history and the myths of the different gods.

[@Cozy.ASMR.]

My goodness! This was so refreshing to hear in a modern world of witchcraft. It seems most people practicing witchcraft are so gullible and think everything is somehow supernatural and what not. I just don't buy it LOL. But, I truly love the fact of witchcraft being a placebo affect, as that makes sooo much more sense! Thank you!

[@Jmaldo.designs]

I’m at this point in my life and practice so I appreciate this video.

[@madisondavis954]

This is kind of exactly the insight I've been looking for. I'm an atheist, but I've been looking for ritual, self reflection, self affirmation, and the opportunity to lose myself in the moment. I'm super analytical but have been looking toward ritual as a way to temporarily let that go.

[@darbyandmichaelhanson7652]

Yes! Thank you so much, I have been back and forth with this very "problem" This explains it perfectly. More of this

[@SilentSong123]

That's why I see so much magick in music more than anything it's a powerful.motivator and mood lifter. And books are pretty much portals that can take you anywhere.

[@LawrenceLivingstone]

Wow that's a really cool Idea. I have to think and learn more about it, thank you for your prospective ☘

[@kqriousgeorge1]

Needed to hear this. Thanks Sedna Woo.

[@KiKinthesky]

I listened to a podcast about a woman with debilitating IBS who knowingly took a placebo as a last ditch attempt to get relief after western medicine failed. It worked. IBS flare ups gone. She stopped taking the placebo and the symptoms came back. She started to take the placebo again, and again the symptoms disappeared. Interesting stuff. The podcast is "Science Vs. " on pandora.

[@SednaWoo]

That is wild! I'm going to check it out. Thank you!

[@alyxandrapickett4677]

Thank you for this! This really resonated l with me. I have essentially been atheist for some time now, perhaps more agnostic than anything if I had to label it. But I have also always been drawn to the concept of witchcraft at the same time. My deep-rooted skepticism has always prevented me from fully engaging in it though, only expressing a vague interest or feeling a bit silly if I tried to go deeper. I have always had interest in tarot, my mother is quite into it and I was raised around it, but my doubts left me feeling conflicted until I kind of came to the conclusion that it’s more about self-awareness and evaluation - not magic at work. Since I had that revelation I read an article from another atheist witch recently and she also touched on this placebo affect concept! Which I actually love. The concept of “high jacking” your brain is an appealing notion to me and something I can get behind. The root of the psychology behind it helps it make sense. I love the idea of ritual, intentions, and affirmations etc. and I think this whole concept opens me up to that more since it feels like “hippy dippy” haha. Anyways, long ramble. I know this video is old but I had to comment because I love the content and want to offer my support.

[@biancamarie3957]

I identify very much with this video, i recently dabbled into the world of witchcraft and instantly fell in love with it. I felt bad for liking witchcraft but also being an atheist, but after watching this video, i feel as if i finally feel comfortable with my craft, thanks!!

[@senseiSinclair]

The way you think and feel can in fact effect your physical state too.

[@Chestna1]

Came here out of curiosity, stayed because “sounds like a character from a Chick Tract” is too hilarious and accurate for me to leave now. And yes, they are clearly designed to induce nightmares; my 7-year-old self was not okay for a long time.😆

[@btru9986]

I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@MxWeirdoifcation]

Thank you so much for this. I finally found someone like me

[@mariosgeorgiou4990]

Finally someone said what I’ve tried to figure out for year! Thank you!

[@mishapurser4439]

I hope this will be a case of what I call the Luxembourg effect, where you go against the orthodoxy of both sides of a conversation and create something that incorporates both in a coherent way. You expect both sides to dislike what you say, but they may surprise you by appreciating and valuing the contribution.

[@axolotolking]

it's been so nice discovering your channel. i used to practice magic many years ago, i was very into my craft and i had strong spiritual beliefs and feelings. i was also severely mentally ill and delusional. as i aged i fell out of my practice, and then my feelings of spirituality slowly left. during my recovery i associated those spiritual beliefs with my delusions, because so many of them were extremely closely tied...now, my love of science has re-framed and re-fueled my spirituality, and you've helped me through it! it's scary as someone with secular and skeptical beliefs to go into circles involving magic, the divine, etc... but you word my feelings perfectly!!!

[@aljoschacyphers4838]

I love your channel. Every time I listen to you, you help me gain confidence in what witchery means to me. Also, at the same time, my mind set wants to argue that you are an agnostic not an atheist. But, the reasoning that you bring to your content clearly shows that you are an atheist, and simply breaks down how to be a which and non believer at the same time, which is awesome!❤

[@SednaWoo]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoy the content ❤️

[@apellonyx]

Interesting take. I like it! I also identify as an atheist witch (or a non-theistic witch, more accurately), and my experiences align pretty well with what you're describing, even though I've never consciously ascribed it to the placebo effect. What I've always thought was happening is that my spells were using symbolism and metaphor to adjust my perspective in such a way as to kind of "program" myself to look out for certain signals in my environment. For example, a prosperity spell might make me more likely to notice a "Now Hiring" sign, "On Sale" tags in the grocery store, or coupons in the newspaper that I would normally throw out. Theistic witches might think that they're changing the universe to make those things happen, but I'm fully aware that they would have been there regardless of whether I cast a spell or not. My spell just tuned me in to notice things that otherwise might have just been background noise.

[@sannamirza918]

Oh my god girl YESSSS!!! I AGREEE, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I NOTICED TOO!

[@odd4231]

aaaaaand you now have one more subscriber. I love your interpretation and, as an atheist myself, find witchcraft to be a meditative practice with the focus of grounding yourself to nature in a positive way.

[@LonelyHarley]

You summed up articulately and perfectly my perspective on witchcraft and why I feel so drawn to it despite being an atheist. You've given me a lot of peace of mind and quelled a lot of inner conflict.

[@sarahsaint8874]

I've been wanting to try witchcraft for so long and didn't think it was possible being a atheist but this has helped so much, what an exciting time to be alive 🌻

[@CelticShae]

Wow. Good stuff. I appreciate the openness and honesty with which you addressed this. I heard that same NPR story, but I never made a connection to the ideas of practicing rituals.

[@kali4027]

By the way I actually found your channel through Sedna. i've been reserching Goddesses with a Daily Pull of my Goddess Oracle Cards and Its not even 9am and my mind is blown hahaha Thank you

[@WhimsicalGriffin]

Im also an atheist and learning more about Wicca and witchcraft. It's nice to know I'm not the only one out there. Wish I was a group on Facebook where we all can get together.

[@SednaWoo]

Do a search for atheist witches on facebook and you may find just what you are looking for!

[@SummerSaysSo]

This is enormously helpful. Thank you. ❤️

[@josephbelisle5792]

You just described how ritual, song, chanting, etc.. affect the human mind and body. They make you feel good. For strict atheists this is not good. This is following a path of chemistry in the body to convince you what is not real is real. Having said that, great video. I was raised RC. Was at least Christian most of my life though not believing in most of it. Ive studied all faiths including witchcraft. I just could not find the magic in it like i could not find any gods anywhere. I too love ritual. Even as an anti-theist I am still open to their being a god or gods. Even such a thing as what we call magic. Ive had a lot of strange things happen throughout my life that i still cant explain except as real or mental illness. I really appreciate your video. I like how you think. Even athiest have regimens, schedules, patterns that give us comfort. Dont deny yourself life and the things you enjoy as long as it doesnt harm others. This is the golden rule of atheism. Treat others as they wish to be treated. Cause no harm, directly or indirectly. Which I am happy to know is what witchcraft, wiccans and most pagan beliefs support. Thank you for your video. All my life ive found it acceptable to share my life with witches. So much less so with christians, muslims, etc... . Keep searching.

[@sabrinanaves7148]

I would disagree, as a strict atheist I don't see a problem here.

[@vergilf.9003]

I've been thinking of getting into witchcraft lately, even though I'm atheist. I've had a lot of worry recently that if I practiced it, I would be considered a "fake" witch of sorts. But... I like to personally believe that while fantasy-esque magic isn't really there, magic already exists in our everyday lives via science, music, programming, etc. I'm godless but I like the idea of doing witchcraft for myself if that makes sense? Daily rituals help my mental health a lot and I also believe that it can help me promote good things for myself in my life (self-love, particularly)... so the intention is there and real in my eyes, even if Im not devoted to a deity. Thank you for this video too. It's very reassuring to me and others :)

[@GrimmAsEver]

I just discovered this video while searching for pagan atheists because I'm on my own witchy journey, and you helped validate my feelings so much! I've been struggling with the same mentality of "Well, I don't believe in gods and goddesses like Odin and Freyja, as many pagans do. However, I align with the spirituality and nature-based side of things" and you just helped me put it into words! For me, my practice isn't to worship "the old gods" of Norse paganism, my practice is to connect with (or worship if you wanna use that term) nature and center myself with it; and I do that through meditating outdoors, as far from humans as possible, away from the industrialized society. I am very drawn to tarot cards, although I've never learned to read them, but I'm especially drawn to runes! And neither of those things are actually divine in the sense that they "tell the future" or anything, they're simply tools to help *me* think more clearly. Similar to the open-label placebo pill that the man helped create. They're purely symbolic, and that's totally fine 😌 Witchcraft isn't magickal in the sense that my ritual has any direct effect on anyone else - it's magickal because of the power it evokes within me. Sorry that was super rambly, I just had a bit of an epiphany after watching your video lol

[@NinaZ0mbie]

I know this is old but just had to say, I think you just saved my sanity and my life, haha. THANK YOU.

[@SednaWoo]

it's so old but I still see you! 💖💖💖💖💖

[@Kipicus]

THANK YOU. This is the exact conclusion I came to a few years ago!!! Uh! Glad I am not alone in this.

[@alicerichmond2607]

This is the best explanation I have ever heard!!!!

[@terrymitchell6935]

Wonderful. At present I would say I am a Satanist. (so an atheist, no supernaturalism) Yet, ritual and magic are very important parts of my life. I view them as psychodrama, psychological practices meant to connect to my Inner/Deeper self. Magic is a way to focus intentions & Desires and bring about changes within ME but they do not work other than that. I was raised in Paganism but left, went to atheism, discovered Unitarian Universalism, discovered how spiritual I still was, called myself a spiritual atheist for a number of years because of rituals that I would engage in, meditation and other psychological practices (affirmations, visualization, spirit dancing, etc) but got made fun of and called names so I thought, well, so I am not that--and discovered Satanism and it has kind of stuck but I do feel drawn back to the way I was raised often, I have researched Naturalistic Paganism... argh, I am a thinker so I could go on and on with this. I love your channel, am watching from the earliest to the latest as I love to see the journey from start to finish. Thanks so much for posting this and I can't wait to see what is next!!

[@1980rlquinn]

I know I'm late to this party, but I'm absolutely subscribing and liking (and following on Insta now). I recently discovered "secular witchcraft" from a writer/vlogger who "came out of the broom closet" per se on her channel, and I've sense been searching for more like her... more like me! I'm so happy to be able to incorporate magick in my life-whether one believes that is magic or "magic," it's working for-and looking at practice and ritual from a psychological perspective. Nice to meet you, and I'm looking forward to catching up on your content!

[@fabiandee8178]

Was a very interesting video, great points about the nature of ritual!

[@el9250]

i'm very much someone who is into harmless tradition and being close to nature so this is awesome to be honest :]

[@tweegerm]

This articulates what I was fumbling around for perfectly. Really interesting example with the open label placebo.

[@valienpire]

This is probably the silliest example but I think of it as like playing video games, or doing any kind of hobby, to lift your mood. It doesn't necessarily change your life but you're doing it just because you want to and it makes you feel good. Also as an agnostic atheist who is drawn to witchcraft this gives me more courage to try

[@dobhrancote3537]

Thank you for posting this, and I am so glad I found your channel! I did compartimentalize too, until I realized the amount of cognitive bias and denial I had to apply to keep my spirituality going. Grounded, sound scientific thought finally became my core. But I still love the aesthetics, the concept of rituals (have you read Sasha Sagan's book?) several gorgeous traditions, and I was looking for ways to settle this while respecting my agnosticism, atheism and scientific thought. I will keep watching your material. Bravo!

[@leoh1652]

Thank you for making this video! This really speaks to me and I was nodding along the entire time because it really reflected how I view witchcraft (although from the outside so far). I'm just in the process of figuring out if there might be aspects of witchcraft that could work for me. I see the world through a science-based lense and am not spiritual in the slightest. On the other hand I feel very connected to nature and parts of witchcraft really appeal to me in some way. And aren't all belief-systems or practices really just a choice to put a certain filter over how you (want to) perceive the world? If I want to put a witchy filter over healthy rituals I want to practice anyway (like meditation, visualization, mindfulness, reflection etc) or strengthening my connection to nature then why shouldn't I? Just because my approach might be more pragmatic than a spiritual person's approach and I might not get as much out of it doesn't have to make it wrong I guess. I know the filter is just a filter but so what? It's neat!

[@kentscho]

I left Christianity about 7 years ago, but didn't immediately become a very good skeptic. I turned quickly to witchcraft and loved the experience very much! The problem came when I did finally begin to understand and utilize skepticism and critical thinking, which caused me to feel embarrassed that I had simply traded one credulous belief for another. I have known for a few years now that one can have a pagan practice without needing to believe in anything supernatural, and have even had some success doing so, but still I have struggled to find that same deeply meaningful and moving experience that I had enjoyed previously. I would tell myself "how am going to be able to really get into this when I know it was all just in my head?" And then it clicked: if it's all in my head, then that means I can do it again. Those things I felt were not magic, only my brain producing those states for me, and I still have access to my brain, and therefore I have access to those mental states I am looking for. I'm still working on getting myself into the practice again, but at least now I understand how to conceptualize it in light of my metaphysical views and my epistemology.

[@SednaWoo]

This is so insightful and relatable. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jess53nz]

Came across this when searching for atheopagan related stuff. You have it so right!

[@SednaWoo]

welcome! I'm so happy to have an Atheopagan kiwi here. I'm pretty new to the world of Atheopaganism but I'm loving it so far!

[@jess53nz]

@@SednaWoo yeah me too but seems to resonate with me. I want to explore doing some rituals

[@empadalovers]

Wow what a delightful and clarifying video. Thank you!

[@ChurchofthePeopleforEarth]

Liked and subscribed I am an atheist raised by fundamentalist and have always been very attracted to the idea of witchcraft even though I, like you, don't really believe in "hollywood theatrical magic" hope to learn more on how to study this craft with my atheistic beliefs.

[@elinamuresan8283]

I'm so happy that I haven't seen any mean religious people like you see in other comment section. Everybody here is polite and respecting no matter their beliefs. Why can't everyone else be like this? Have a good day all of you!!!

[@SednaWoo]

I thought the same thing but then I found out that KZbin algorithm thinks those kind of comments are spam so they are actually in the spam folder 📂 😅.

[@michelleannaalfano9392]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.

[@Vlogsoup]

I am so glad to find you because I am an atheist but I’ve always been drawn to witchcraft and even after I stopped being a Christian and declared myself atheist I’m still drawn to witchcraft but I don’t believe in gods and goddesses I don’t believe in “magic” but I do believe in ritual as far as personal meditation and reflection. I have a altar that is a nature altar. I do love crystals but not because I think that they have power, I love them because they are beautiful and they are of the earth so my altar has stones, dirt ,if I find a perfect pinecone I pick it up and put it on my altar. I have Juniper on my altar, if I see a feather on the ground the feathers are added to my altar. For me it’s just for if I have too much anxiety that gives me a place to go ground myself so I light my candles sit in front of my altar and that’s my quiet time with myself and I need it. So you’re actually making me feel better about myself because it is perfectly normal to be drawn to these things but have no belief in the supernatural. Thank you🖤

[@asjsk8286]

thank you