Start A Path | Atheist Skeptical Secular Witchcraft

[@AbbyAndrew]

As a skeptical atheist that loves the idea of witchcraft, thank you for this video! I'm really interested in studying witchcraft in a secular way, almost as a form of meditation and setting my intentions. At first I felt like I would be a hypocrite to start studying it and still call myself a skeptic/atheist but now I realize that's totally fine as well.

[@SednaWoo]

welcome!

[@bari_bari_bari]

I think one of the best things about being an atheist witch is that there are no supernatural consequences for making mistakes/doing things different from the norm. I can do whatever experiments I want and find what works for me, without worrying about being cursed or whatever. Like I never cast a circle of protection before doing spellwork, because I don't actually believe in any of the things I'd need protecting from. And if I want to call upon a deity/the elements/the fae/etc, I'm not scared of accidentally making them angry at me. Idk I just see how much a lot of other (especially newer) witches stress about accidentally summoning evil entities or being cursed because of their inexperience, and it's really freeing to not have to worry about that at all. I never would have found some of the things that work best for my craft if I was scared of supernatural consequences. It's like you said -- there are no rules and stakes are basically non-existent, so go hogwild! (but please do your research before eating things)

[@SednaWoo]

I agree and I also see some folks getting into witchcraft and they seem more focused on a fear of supernatural consequences than focusing on the positive aspects which, I feel, kind of defeats the purpose. I also sometimes see it used as a kind of power trip from more experienced witches toward younger witches. Like, "you'd better be respectful of me and my ways or something bad will happen to you, just a word of warning." which I think is a pretty rubbish thing to put into someone's mind. The placebo effect can go both ways and scaring people this way can do a lot of harm.

[@bari_bari_bari]

@@SednaWoo Plus it can get expensive! I'd spend a fortune on salt, obscure herbs, crystals, and tools if I took every piece of protection advice I've heard online. I agree that after a certain point, the anxiety becomes more detrimental to your practice than any demons could ever be.

[@charleskulvet4911]

@@bari_bari_bari A bit confused. You don't believe in the supernatural, which implies your spellwork is purely energetic---meaning no relation to spirits or deities. I can understand not believing in deities, but do Spirits exist in general? Or do you reject all things supernatural? But what happens if your spells manifest via events thats hard to pin down logically?

[@tcconnection]

Thank you for saying all this. I heard of witches saying be careful, watch out for black magic. We all can create what we need in the world. Really hard to find a community/friends that practice the same.

[@Deemonita]

It's funny, i was just thinking about this. Sometimes I go to wiccan forums and I see people arguing on which books to believe in, what authors are credible or how to do rituals the proper way, but there isn't a central power telling them what is canon so I guess they just accept what the other person is telling them. As a skeptic I think that's just silly, it's all made up! Maybe one year ago, maybe 2000 years ago... but at some point someone just invented it. So why not do what feels right? I've always liked the aesthetic and general idea of witchcraft and you've convinced me to start meddling with it, mostly for my mental health.Thank you! (Sorry for my english)

[@SednaWoo]

Your english is perfect! I totally agree that it doesn't matter if it was invented in the 1950's like Wicca or if it's ancient, it hasn't provided enough evidence to be believed. I hope that placebo magic can help you! Check out this podcast on the power of a made up ritual: www.happinesslab.fm/season-2-episodes/episode-3-the-power-of-a-made-up-ritual

[@empadalovers]

Scott Cunningham is one of the most influential authors in Wicca and his books are constantly saying that spells and rituals aren't about following steps but rather about tweaking them in your own way. So I don't know why some people are so pressed.

[@sweepandsooty]

Yes! I completely agree 😅

[@Silvertongue123]

Music is the realest form of magick I have ever experienced gods or no gods

[@HuminBeenz]

Yes ma’am! I am actually so so angry that I was on the verge of witchcraft over 20 years ago but felt like I couldn’t pursue it because I didn’t believe in gods and goddesses or subscribe to Wicca, etc. So much time wasted! But I am almost 40 and finally embracing the freedom of atheist witchcraft and embracing my own ideas. It’s all about intention. I’ve never felt better in my own skin!

[@quasi8180]

I was worried about getting sucked into a bunch of weirdness. I was pagan for a while but it didnt feel right cause i just didnt see any evidence for the gods and it was too much like christianity. But im feeling inspired by witchcraft again.

[@emilyrose945]

here for the skeptical witchery!

[@sad_doggo2504]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I've actually been tinkering with this stuff for ages but haven't found anything that really works. Now I'm starting to feel the pull towards kitchen witchery. Mostly because my diet has really tanked lately and prior to that happening I actually got really good with using specific foods to heal myself. I definitely want to get into other stuff but with my health the way it's been this just seems like ground zero.

[@pastelcataclysm]

i just watched a ton of your videos and i found them really helpful! i am an atheist, but i've always had an appreciation for witchcraft. being a chemistry major, i guess i am already a witch in a way lol. i'm not exactly sure where i am going to start with this, but i think witchcraft can be a good way to tie in a lot of things that are proven to be beneficial to mental wellbeing, like mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude. looking forward to your next video!

[@gabyrivera1731]

I’m only halfway in and it was the easiest “subscribe” decision I’ve made in a minute

[@SednaWoo]

thank you!!

[@pru3230]

Thank you for your videos about secular witchcraft. I've always been a staunch athiest with absolutely no spirituality in me and I've been tentatively searching for and questioning the value and meaning of ritual over the last year. Ritual behaviours have been such a huge part of human culture and wellbeing for so long, but I've always connected them with organised religion and/or oppression which made me very wary of the idea. Your videos have made me realise I can do ritualistic things without needing any 'belief' and that I can make them up and make them look nice and feel nice and just be whatever the heck I want them to be that makes them of value to me. I've never really been into the witchy/spooky aesthetic and I think that's stopped me from seeing the potential in this area to take ideas and mould them into something that makes sense to me. I've made myself my own oracle cards and a set of beach-stones with meaningful (made up) symbols painted on them, and set up a little alter area and it's proving to be SO valuable in helping me unpick my thoughts and focus on solutions and how I can frame my thoughts in different ways to allow me to feel better about them or just understand them. I've looked at a bunch of other 'secular' witch stuff and none of it comes even remotely close to making sense the way yours does. So, thank you.

[@malenyusay3892]

I am so glad that the secular witch community is growing. 💜

[@SednaWoo]

Ooh me tooooo! ♥🕯

[@l-b284]

thanks for this candid video. I have been practicing herbal healing and have been tapping into positive energies from nature around me, but have never bought into all the deities and prayer-like rituals. This has been very helpful.

[@Xenphobe777]

Glad to see you back! I’m beginning my own path in atheist/skeptical witchery, and your channel played a big part in making me confident in wanting this :)

[@TeaLaRee]

Thank you. There are a lot of contradictions in religions. I stir clear of it and prefer being a secular style of craft. I think your intentions in your craft is everything. I can't tell you how many times I've picked up/bought something for a specific purpose and I look up its correspondence and I laugh. I use it how it intuitively fits for me. You should be at the center of your magick.

[@BetzelemElokim]

If we're looking at ritual as open-label placebo effect, knowing those suggestions can be helpful. After all, the open-label placebo effect still usually studies a *doctor* prescribing it - we can take things from authorities differently than when we know we made it up, even if we made it up with the authority. No sense no taking advantage of that if it also works for you. And from a psychology perspective, if we see that many different cultures asked the same questions about, for instance, color and height of flame but didn't try to categorize how hot it was or another feature, I think that says something too about how our subconscious minds may work. Which cultures used colors in similar ways and which didn't and how your brain might react similarly or differently. Knowing the "official" ways are also helpful as an introduction to what's possible. So I wouldn't write off older interpretations personally, and I'd always give them weight for having possible uses.

[@katietramontana7889]

At 3:43, When you started talking about not taking everything so seriously, about giving yourself space to be new to something, to be cringy, and to not be so hard on yourself, I instantly connected that to my life and it really moved me. This is unrelated to the rest of the video, I haven't even finished watching yet, but as a teenager who used to be very weird, self-coined as unique, and definitely cringy when I was younger, that phrasing really spoke to me. I suffer from (undiagnosed, so please take it with a grain of salt) adhd/executive dysfunction and depression, and I often feel like I've lost my sense of self, and that I'm trying to be someone I'm not. Obviously, these concepts you spoke about are not a cure, but they made me feel seen. I just wanted to thank you for that little moment of connection, and for making this grouchy 17 year old take a tiny moment to take life a little bit less seriously :) Sorry this is unrelated to the video topic. I'll definitely leave another comment if I decide to give witchcraft a shot. Just hoping this comment brightened your day a little, as your video did mine. Sending love!

[@SednaWoo]

This comment absolutely brightened my day! Thank you! I was the cringiest of teens and a very late bloomer. A weird guru once said to keep a picture of yourself as a cute kid around so you can look at it and remember to not be too mean to yourself because you are still that cute kid just doing your best.

[@Jmaldo.designs]

How I’m really glad I found this channel. It’s really in alignment with where I’m at with my practice

[@samf8405]

Just got here from r/SASSWitches. I'm only halfway in, but I love you!! I really struggle to find witches with my mindset, so it's a breath of fresh air to listen to you. I can't wait to watch more 😊🌻

[@bhemitchell]

Fantastic video as always. Yes I have noticed an uptick. When I joined the reddit community for skeptical witches it had 2000 members. I don't think it's been even a year and it's up to 20,000 members! We definitely need more people in the community like you who can help us through some of the cringe we feel!

[@sarahbest2698]

Love this so much! I just discovered your channel through r/SASSwitches on Reddit, and I’m so happy I did! I think you do a really wonderful job of clarifying things that many people within the witchy community struggle with when it comes to the issue of belief and the supernatural/otherworldly. Though I’m a (scientific) pantheist rather than an atheist, I am a “skeptical witch,” and really appreciate your thoughts on all of this, and certainly relate to a lot of it. I’m looking forward to going through and watching your videos!! 😊

[@rachelunabridged]

i'm so excited to have found this video! i've always enjoyed dabbling in occult activities, even though i'm an atheist + skeptic. recently i was at the bookstore + found a little book of spells that was just adorable. when i was flipping through it, i realized that a lot of spells and rituals incorporate things that have been proven to actually work from a psychological standpoint. for example, i found a spell where you repeat a particular incantation (or if you like, an affirmation!) and literally bind the affirmation to a talisman that you then carry with you. we already know that how you talk to yourself is important + positive affirmations can be very beneficial, so it made perfect sense to me that repeating a positive affirmation as you craft a little bauble might cause you to remember the affirmation as you go through your day + change your behavior/self-talk. since then i've been doing a lot of research on the concept of secular witches, which is how i came across your video. so glad that there's a community for this + resources like your channel available for newbies like me! thanks for posting such thoughtful + helpful content! :)

[@CaitlynCurtis1020]

I am so very glad I found your channel! I’ve been an atheist for a few years now but I love the ritual aspect of witchcraft. I love your perspective on how both of these ideas can coexist. Thank you so much!

[@johnmyers4392]

I feel so glad to have found your channel. I have found so many books that are littered with gendered phrasing. In books like Why are they calling witches she/her in their books! It’s been hard to find content as a more secular atheist witch who is just starting his journey. So thank you so much!

[@suzanne2509]

This was really inspiring! I know you mentioned not believing repetitive numbers are magical (like the time 11:11) in another video; however, I was the 517th viewer for this video posted on 5/17, and 5/17 is also my birthday. I know this is only a sign if I see it as a sign, so I’ll take it! Thanks for the push in the right direction!

[@SednaWoo]

we notice number patterns because they feel special and feeling something is special is a wonderful thing.

[@nancyok]

Woo! I always get excited when I see you've uploaded something new!

[@vkestrel3519]

Me too!

[@cheekygingerdoesstuff7223]

As an atheist who just is getting into this after thinking about it for a while-I just bought a vintage suitcase off Etsy to turn into a portable altar so that's how you know it's real 😂-one reason I'm looking for guidance is not so much that I want a nonexistent *right* path as it is that all the witchy things are a bit overwhelming. I'm not one to suffer from analysis paralysis that often, but my gosh, there's so much! I do have a tendency to flip around because I like all the things, but the exercise of imagining future me I think will help. And it's not as though I have a timeframe. I just don't want to lose steam because I need this. I need some kind of something to practice. To put me in a more positive place. Because . Anyway, I love your channel!

[@moonsongoak]

I needed this! I keep reading and researching things and then realising that it doesn't have to apply in my skeptic witchery. Speaking of candle magic i kept hearing that you mustn't blow out your candles as it blows the energy away , instead you need to snuff it. After a while i just went 'wait! I can decide whether it does or not!' And continued to blow out my candles as i don't have a snuffer!

[@SednaWoo]

I love to blow out a candle. It's so dramatic!

[@cheeseburgerfan]

i really appreciate these videos! ive been on and off looking into witchcraft for several years because it partially aligns with my beliefs. for the longest time i thought i couldnt practice witchcraft because i do not believe in any deities or the paranormal. i very recently discovered athiest witchcraft exists and im very excited to finally start exploring my spirituality in this way!

[@djinncat]

Sedna Woo, I agree with.

[@salemwatkins438]

Stumbled upon your channel and it struck a cord. This is exactly what I am!

[@bumbee795]

I just stumbled across this channel and I'm sooo happy that I did. It's nice to know that I'm not alone after all.

[@lotusandnightshade]

Same!!

[@sandpiperbirdie]

I watched video after video and this is the only one I liked. They all kept talking about religion and really that’s something that I’m very sick of. I don’t even want to hear that word anymore. You were very refreshing and I’m going to watch more of your videos. You’re very cute and you’re very sweet. You smile a lot and you have a sweet spirit. And I like what you have to say. I do however believe in the supernatural in the Craft. 🙂 I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you.

[@mathmindset]

So glad I found this. I've been interested in witchcraft for years, but have been extremely hesitant to start practicing because I viewed it solely as a religion. As an agnostic/atheist who is turned off by the institution of religion, I thought maybe witchcraft wasn't for me. After doing some research, the main thing with witchcraft is intention. So because of that, witchcraft can be religious if you want, or completely secular, or a mix of both. Like you said, there are no rules. To me, I've been wanting to practice witchcraft as a method of self care and cultivating positivity in general. This video has given me the drive to start practicing, so thank you for your helpful advice and encouragement! 🖤

[@SilmarilSam]

I'm so glad I found this video and channel! I've started on the path but have been frustrated by some of the reading I've been doing that gets so specific with wording and super specific herbs that I don't even know how to get, etc. etc. I kept thinking "I'm doing this for me . . . why can't I just make up my own practices and do what feels right for me? Do I really need to go out and figure out how to buy mugwort make these anointing oils?" and the thought that I really CAN just experiment and do what feels right is so freeing. Thank you.

[@sad_doggo2504]

Feels like you read my mind 😛 I had the same conversation with myself the other day, to the point I was asking why does it have to be a green candle? Can't I have a candle and add in something green? It's a CANDLE! lol.

[@welcome12ization]

Fascinating. I am interested in witchcraft as I like the feminist aspect. I am a spiritual atheist.

[@pngproductions8529]

herbs, kitchen, hedge, green, fae, are my interest so far as well as a in historical goddesses I've always had interest in. astrology, space, history, science, environment, nature, water are my draw into.

[@lunacoastwitch5233]

Oh wow. Thank you for taking the pressure off! I had a very religious upbringing and some anxiety about actually doing the witchcraft work (I've just been doing a lot of reading and listening and learning and trying to figure it out). Thanks for the advice -- feel more confident to just dive in :)

[@CelticShae]

This is the content I've been needing. Thank you for helping me contemplate and process these ideals.

[@SednaWoo]

I hope you find what you need out there! I recommend r/SASSwitches and Atheopaganism for more resources.

[@CelticShae]

Thank you!! I will go check them out.

[@brendenbaughman662]

This is great! I grew up making altars and reading wicca and witchcraft books around the house. Then I got older and increasingly more skeptical and self conscious, but I’ve always missed the vibe and ritual. What are some of your favorite books or other media resources on the topic, secular or not?

[@SednaWoo]

this is an excellent question. I haven't really found the right resource that I would feel comfortable recommending. The Atheopagan community has some great resources though!

[@heyhousecat]

I love this! Really appreciate these atheist witch videos!

[@user-le7nb5nw8t]

Thank you so much for making this video! I just dedicated myself to my practice after years of playing cat and mouse with it, psychologically. I'm finally in a place where I can focus on it, and your video has helped cement my resolve. I struggled with the concept of being an atheist witch, but your video clarified my doubts and questions and encouraged me even more. Thank you, thank you. ❤️❤️

[@julerama]

Thank you for the video! ☺️❤️ I feel relieved because I have just started witchcraft, and I have been very stressed to do it the right way whatever the way that even would be... 🙈 I will watch your other videos in the future! 😊

[@Thewitchescookery]

Such a great video! Someone just recommended your channel on my latest video and I am so glad I found you! Lovely content :) Love & Light from a fellow (agnostic) witch

[@SednaWoo]

I can't believe youtube hasn't suggested that I follow your channel already. You make such wonderful content!

[@Thewitchescookery]

@@SednaWoo hahah thanks & same - I looked a lot for witchy creators but never found you and your videos are great!

[@kafkanaut_apothecary]

I am so thankful I found you! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for in regards to my atheist and witchcraft journey! Thank you. :)

[@triciatree]

Damn. This was the video for me. Thank you!!

[@scenestress]

Thank you so much for your videos Sedna. I share them regularly on my Secular Witches of Australia page. Blessed Be 💚🖤

[@RCDeschene]

This absolutely beautiful! Have you ever watched a show called Talk Heathen or listened to a speaker named Vi La Bianca? She's a secular witch and agnostic atheist in the Atheist Community of Austin, and even has a segment on the show I mentioned where she talks about her non-supernatural utilization of pagan ritual to essentially manipulate her own mentality into something helpful for her. It really clicked with me and my non-theistic philosophy of making tangible use of metaphysically-rooted practices.

[@SednaWoo]

I was not aware of Vi La Bianca or the show so I will totally check this out. Thank you!

[@amylen.doodlebug]

Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and sharing your thoughts and practice! So welcome and refreshing. 💖

[@Wet_bread123]

So I just found this video and you are speaking so directly to everything I’ve been worrying about for the last few weeks. I feel so validated by this video so thank you 🥺

[@Aliysium_]

I love that you and your channel are here :) Thank you for every video you post

[@porcelainface7809]

Hiii, so uh this is gonna be an explanation of what I believe. So I am agnostic and lean aithest but I act like an eclectic witch, I pray to multiple gods in different pantheons, I see signs and all that but I know it isn't real, but it's comfort, that's the main thing comfort. I love that I can still par take with religious things without really believeing in them. I am a minor still but when I move out I hope to practice green witchery

[@mishapurser4439]

OMG I'm not alone! Thank you for this video

[@stephanieiken395]

I love this! I am atheist but have started dabbling in witchcraft and I feel like this video describes exactly how I feel about the subject.

[@calonstanni]

Wait. I have to take a bath. Give me 10 minutes and I'll continue this video in there. Gotta make a drink and get the PJs together and all. thanks!

[@calonstanni]

ok I'm back...In the tub with a vodka-n-koolaid, ready for some info and entertainment.

[@calonstanni]

This was a GREAT video! I loved the part about expanding on the rituals we already do. Even something simple as "doing the dishes before bedtime" can be turned into a witchy-vibe-happening by adding a candle or music and/or some focused imagery. I haven't noticed an uptick in skeptical witchery but I'm going to keep my eyes open for it and when I SEE it, I'm going to know that it's SYNCHRONICITY and that my spirit guides are trying to contact me!HOORAY, FINALLY!

[@SednaWoo]

@@calonstanni Yes! I love the idea of taking something that might be drudgery, like doing the dishes, and making it witchy.

[@joshs7178]

What a wonderful channel! I am on the same path and I love your videos

[@SednaWoo]

welcome! I hope you find what you are looking for on your path.

[@morganrooke3104]

thank you so much for this!

[@1015SaturdayNight]

THANK YOU 🖤

[@danidani000]

Hi I love everything about your video presence.

[@kschemenauer]

I am and atheist and so is my partner, I would absolutely love a video of how to tell people you love about what you do without scary them or thinking you have lost your mind haha my partner is very confused right now (I have been practicing for three months) I don’t know how to explain it to him!

[@SednaWoo]

I was one of those angry atheists that liked to watch internet debates so my husband finds the calm witchery to big a big improvement. I think a good place to start would be to share studies about how placebo and open label placebo because that's the science behind what I'm doing and why it works. journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0182466

[@kschemenauer]

Sedna Woo haha well thank you! I am definitely and angry democrat, atheist, Adult with ADD, and now... witch!! Thank you so much for being you and making content! Thank you! Definitely thanking you during my next gratitude working!

[@harvey8138]

Hi Sedna, do you have any secular witchcraft book recommendations? I'm finding it difficult to find any. I'm currently listening to the Placebo Magick Podcast you recommended and I love it

[@SednaWoo]

I've been meaning to read Grovedauguter Witchery: Practical Spellcraft by Bree Nicgarran but I haven't started it yet. I'm trash at book recommends because I have a hard time finishing books.

[@ileezamotherofrain4537]

I notice that occassionally other point out I seem "witchy,". I am an atheist and skeptic who is inteterested in how and why people experience religious idea. I think it is possible to use figures you know to be fictional as inspiration for thinking yourself. And I thknk almost everyone uses shorthand.

[@ileezamotherofrain4537]

I think I am having trouble with my plurals today.

[@Ann__333]

Book recommendations for skeptical atheist witches for brand new baby witch? Im a nurse so very science oriented.

[@klydeoliversecular8553]

I want to learn more about Secular Witchcraft, and I don't know if I'm tied with this craft maybe because of my Surname "SECULAR".. please help me..

[@tcconnection]

I never heard that religion made someone feel safe. Quite the opposite with fear, guilt, pressure to be obligatory, judgement, less money, gossip, etc.

[@welcome12ization]

Any books you'd recommend? I am a complete novice.

[@thehermit761]

Is there any books that you recomend?

[@QueenFiend]

It's from tiktok. There is a huge witch community there

[@SednaWoo]

I want to make tiktoks but it's totally an art form and I have not cracked that nut yet.

[@fireinateacup89]

Why ya afraid of us Pinterest witches?

[@SednaWoo]

they are too powerful.

[@connorbalisky1827]

You can rationalize the divine but the divine is not rational.

[@hayabusa190]

stop doing demonic things

[@Ki11P0P1]

no

[@hayabusa190]

@@Ki11P0P1 u don't even know what will happen in the next few months and years. There's still time to research what is the truth.

[@SednaWoo]

Hey demons, it's ya boi

[@Ki11P0P1]

@@hayabusa190 no thanks :)

[@Lara-dr8is]

hail satan