I've been interested in witchcraft for several years, but I don't believe in anything (no deities, energies, higher beings/powers or wider/collective consciousnesses) and I kept bouncing off. Recently though I've discovered that if I combine a witchy practice with my art I give myself more freedom to explore it without having such a negative reaction.

For example, using tarot for journaling or creative writing prompts has been going well! I also seem to be ok with grimoires, as most of the ones I've seen utilize scrapbooking and sketching which are two things I already enjoy.

How have you incorporated witchcraft into areas of your life you already enjoyed? If you are also artistic or creative, do you have other ways you use art in your practice? I'm also curious if any of you also have had success working with your skepticism instead of trying to push past it, as that seems to be going better for me.

I'm new here, and in many ways at the beginning of trying to figure things out. I'm here because I yearn for a spiritual practice that does not include deities or religious orthodoxy/hierarchy, is rooted in reverence for the land, plants and other animals, and is science-based but leaves room for magick. I come from a line of women on my maternal side who were and are decidedly witchy (one who embraced this side of herself and some who worked to deny their witchiness, but it came out in superstition and belief in the supernatural anyhow...).

I wanted to thank all of you in various threads who recommended reading Braiding Sweetgrass. Since reading Crowley and other Wiccan types of books in my teens and early 20s (none of which I could relate to) it's the first book I've read since I've picked my journey back up, and it's the best foundation I can think of for anyone wanting to explore science-seeking and/or green witchcraft.

Next on my booklist is A Spell in the Wild, and I've just begun listening to Hex Positive and exploring Atheopaganism. I'd be grateful for other suggestions of books, blogs, and podcasts. Note: I'm very allergic to woo. I haven't started to practice yet (except for adopting ever more environmentally responsible practices and limiting consumption based on wants rather than needs, but have been a life-long collector of rocks and wood and feathers found along my way). I am looking for ways to regularly practice witchcraft according to the seasons, as well as to incorporate practice craft in my daily life. Kitchen, house and green craft most appeal. Any and all suggestions for direction/exploration and potential pitfalls to avoid would be most welcome.

Many thanks again to all who have so generously shared their questions, thoughts, and knowledge in the various threads on this site.