#California folklore

[briefbestiary]

The rattle on a roperite's tail is said to be used as it pursues its prey. Throughout its hunt, the rattling noise is a force of intimidation, used to strike fear into the quarry's heart.

[mattievictoria]

You’ve been driving north for over two hours since you left Los Angeles, the unrelenting fog you’ve encountered thus far on your journey highly unusual for this time of year. Some time ago you crossed the county line over into Kern, but the endless stretch of Joshua Trees and dry, shrubby landscape that make up the Mojave Desert continues to remain unchanged. Around some middle-of-nowhere crossroad marked Kelso Valley and Jawbone Canyon, you get out to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with the dry desert air, the fog still gathering around you. It’s then something catches your eye out in the gloom of the valley floor— circling a single tall, bizarre yucca plant known locally as Our Lord’s Candle, you spy a white stag. An albino animal? Out here, in this harsh terrain? You look closer, and see the creature radiates a ghostly glow, brighter than the whitest piece of desert quartz currently scattered around your feet. As fast it takes you to blink only once, the phantom creature seems to fade out of view, becoming one with the surrounding haze. You peer into the fog that has so uncharacteristically blanketed the desert valley, but you soon find yourself smiling and shaking your head. It’s been a long drive, you say to yourself, and you’ve still got a long way to go— it’s far too early on the drive to start seeing things.

~

For the biweekly Cursed Files art prompt on The Unexplained Phenomena discord server! This time the theme was Local Folklore, so I drew the White Stag of Kelso Valley. My stint in the high desert may be over, but it’s definitely left an impression on me!

[paranormal-playground-podcast]

The Legend of the Dark Watchers in the Santa Lucia Mountains

The Legend of the Dark Watchers in the Santa Lucia Mountains is a captivating tale that has intrigued locals and visitors for generations. These mysterious shadowy figures, known as the Dark Watchers, are said to appear at twilight, standing silently and observing the landscape. The Legend of the Dark Watchers in the Santa Lucia Mountains continues to be a subject of fascination and fear,…

[chiropteracupola]

first day as a 1940s soda fountain employee. I've already made a grave error.

[augustsgrass]

caught between a rock and a hard place (my hometown and the rest of the world)

idle town, conan gray / dead poets society (1989) / california, chappell roan / anne carson / unknown / ribs, lorde / paul revere, noah kahan / my tears ricochet, taylor swift / richard siken / little women (2019)

[blood-injections]

Imagine being a killjoy lost in the desert and looking up and seeing giant fucking birds with ten foot wingspans circling above you and in your half insane state, delirious from dehydration, you don’t realize what they are, you just think of stories you’ve heard and the word ‘thunderbird’ escapes your parched lips like a prayer.

[novaraptorus]

Starting a series of illustrations of Jesus as depicted across North America in the post-post-apocalypse of After the End! Starting wiiiiith:

# CALIFORNIA

In the Imperial Palace of Sacramento, the capital of the Most Righteous Celestial Empire of California, the marble statue of Guru Jesus is not the largest, or fanciest of the Gurus depicted. Yet it is Guru Jesus who receives offerings and prayers to a degree almost unmatched by any other Guru.

Symbolising the Star Sign Scorpio, Guru Jesus teaches us the world is full of dangers and it is only with a steadfast commitment to living a pure life that we can hope to navigate them. It was he who remarked on the power that faith has over those that wish us ill - "In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all."

Peace and Love dudes.

[wardrobeoftime]

The Eras Tour + Costumes

Taylor Swift's white & golden dress.

[buttsaremyassthetic]

Niche Crytpids #2: The Dark Watchers

This is one of my favorites! The Dark Watchers are a very old piece of folklore originating from the Santa Lucia mountain range in California. It is said these (very) tall figures stand motionless in the hills during twilight and dawn, watching you from afar as you wander the wilderness. Should you ever approach them, they seemingly vanish into thin air! It’s a bit unclear on which group the legend can be attributed to, but it seems to most often be to Spanish colonizers, as nothing in the folklore of the local Chumash people translates directly to the Dark Watchers. Regardless of origin, this folklore has existed for a long time and has influenced quite a few writers and artists, including John Steinbeck! Cool! As for less supernatural explanations of the phenomena, there are a ton. The most common are attributed to isolation, exhaustion, animals doing animal things, pareidolia, or just the good ol’ Brocken specter.

Thanks to my patrons for picking this prompt for April's Illustration!

[bayareabadboy]

[tiffanydaleo]

Folklore

"Folklore" is 11" x 14" mixed media collage in my sketchbook!

11″ x 14″ Mixed media collage on paper Instagram Facebook Pinterest Tumblr YouTube Link

[briefbestiary]

A bizarre fearsome beast capable of unbridled ferocity. While the creatures can be solitary, they often live in groups or pairs.

[iriswalrus]

happy winter

❄️⛄️🫧

california dreamin’- the mamas and the papas

❄️⛄️🫧

♪ and the sky is grey, i’ve been for a walk, on a winter’s day ♪

❄️⛄️🫧

[paranormal-playground-podcast]

The Legend of the Devil’s Gate in Pasadena

The Legend of the Devil’s Gate in Pasadena is one of Southern California’s most intriguing urban legends. This site, known for its eerie atmosphere and paranormal activity, has captivated locals and visitors alike. The Devil’s Gate Dam area is steeped in mystery and has become a focal point for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. Historical Background The Devil’s Gate Dam was constructed in 1920.…

[chiropteracupola]

hmmm.

[saru18castillo]

The Eras Tour ✨

Santa Clara, California.