Feeling the Overlap: Neurodivergence and the Witchy World
I’ve noticed a connection in my world between all things witchy and being neurodivergent (ND). And I am curious as to how many of you reading this right now feel like you might fit into both worlds??
What Do We Mean by Neurodivergent
First, it might help to clarify what we mean by neurodivergent. It’s used as an umbrella term for people whose minds or ways of functioning fall outside dominant social norms. Neurotypicals, on the other hand, are those who comfortably fit within these norms of behaviour, communication, and functioning. However with the rise in ADHD and autism diagnoses – and more people recognising traits in themselves – it’s clear that some of the so-called neurotypicals are actually ND folk in disguise, masking and trying to appear “normal”.
I think it’s fair to say that ND people tend to go against the grain – the clue is in the name, after all, they aren’t the typical ones! And here’s a thought: there’s certainly nothing “typical” about being drawn to witchcraft, isn’t that often what the unconventional, curious, or “weird” ones do?
The ‘Witch’ as a Mirror of Difference
This idea is beautifully illustrated in the book and BBC show A Kind of Spark (highly recommend a watch if you haven’t seen it). The main character, Addie, is autistic. She becomes fascinated by the historical witch trials in her town, and there’s a striking parallel: the way witches were misunderstood and persecuted mirrors how she experiences being seen as “different.” There is a strong suggestion in the show that a number of those historically labelled as “witches” may have been ND – people who didn’t conform, who thought differently, who simply refused to fit neatly into societal expectations.
Reclaiming the Witch
The witch has long been a symbol of the feminine, explored in countless books, representing power, intuition, and independence – but she has also carried a thousand other meanings: good and evil, wise and wicked, hag and healer, and often she has been a very practical woman who knew her herbs and practiced her own type of earth based faith. Today, I’d like to take it further and explore the idea that “witch” can feel like a term for anyone who has ever been marginalised or misunderstood. While still most commonly embraced by women, it resonates with anyone who thinks differently, moves differently, or simply refuses to fit neatly into society’s expectations. In that sense, the witch has always been a figure for those who are different, who challenge convention, or who see the world in ways others might overlook.
Not Fitting the Modern World
This resonates strongly with ND people, many of whom naturally struggle with rigid schedules, productivity-focused worth, and hierarchical systems – all core features of modern capitalist society. But let’s be honest, who is really functioning well in the modern world? We face climate disaster, political and economic uncertainty, and it’s no exaggeration to say many of us are fearing the end of not just our way of life, but perhaps of humankind itself. Being “maladjusted” in a society built for conformity isn’t always a weakness – it can actually be a form of insight. Refusing to blindly go along with what is clearly unsustainable or harmful can become a kind of compass, pointing toward ways of seeing and being that aren’t always visible to the majority but can be deeply meaningful to the individual
The Courage to Stand Apart
This idea reminds me of the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who described being “maladjusted” to injustice. He didn’t accept the status quo, and neither do many neurodivergent individuals, albeit in different ways. Many notice when systems don’t make sense, when rules feel arbitrary, or when the world seems out of step with what is just. That awareness – of what isn’t working in society, in the environment, or even within our own lives – can become a guide, signalling that change, balance, and care are needed.
Interestingly, there’s now a shift in how difference is embraced. Many people are reclaiming the identity of “witch,” celebrating what makes them unusual, perceptive, and even rebellious. Luckily, witches aren’t burnt at the stake anymore but the courage it takes to stand apart is still needed today, in smaller but no less meaningful ways.
Therapy as a Space to Explore Difference
In my work with clients, I see how these unconventional traits can be misunderstood or isolating. Together, we explore what it means to honour unconventional thinking, to listen to the signals that say “this isn’t working,” and to find ways of living that respect the mind, the spirit, and the natural world around us. Therapy becomes a space to recognise the insight, creativity, and clarity that can come from seeing the world differently, and to follow that internal compass to carve a path that feels authentic, sustainable, and deeply personal.
So whether you’re drawn to witchy practices, curious about your neurodivergent traits, or simply feel like you don’t quite fit the mould, remember: there’s value in walking a different path. It can illuminate things others overlook, inspire new ways of thinking, and, if you lean into it, guide you toward a life that truly reflects your mind, your spirit, and your individuality.