#bayou witch

[nataliedecorsair]

Problem solving Heather style (without ruining her favorite dress)

A feminine urge to unite with otherworldly entities and get rid of the shackles of mortal flesh P.S. - pay attention to the frog

[theinvitedrider]

[adarkrainbow]

I just clicked what my favorite adaptation/version of Cinderella is. I mean, I kind of knew back then, but I didn't realize it because at the time Cinderella wasn't a story I was really interested about, and I hadn't gone into the entire Cinderella rabbit hole. But if you ask me what my favorite Cinderella retelling is, it is definitively the story of Emberella as presented by Terry Pratchett in his "Witches Abroad" novel.

Yes it is kind of a parody and deconstruction of the Cinderella story (and a quite excellent one at that), but it also works very well as its own fairytale - plus it literaly predicted/foresaw Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" 18 YEARS before the movie was released.... and while slapping so hard the face of the Disney company.

Yeah, Emberella is my favorite version of Cinderella.

[firelise]

Film & TV I Think About A Lot » Eve's Bayou (1997) dir. Kasi Lemmons

"When I was your age, before I ever did the counseling, I could look at people, complete strangers, and see their whole lives so clear. But when I looked at each of my husbands, I never saw a thing. That's how it always is. Blind to my own life."

[thatmexisaurusrex]

A Meeting in the Bayou

Hey, people! This is for the @sambuckyhalloweenbingo for the prompt "Transformation". Enjoy! 🥰

A Meeting in the Bayou

| Pairing: SamBucky | Rated: T | WC: 1.7K |

Summary: Sam Wilson gets dared by his friends to hang out in the woods for ten minutes. There, he meets a mysterious young man.

Excerpt:

“Dare, huh?” asked Misty as she looked around for inspiration, taking a sip of her solo cup, “What about… the woods?” “The woods?” asked Sam, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah! The woods,” said Colleen, pointing her solo cup to the woods, “Ten minutes in the bayou, Sam.” “Sounds like the start of a horror film,” said Nat, shaking her head, “You can’t ask him to just walk into the woods.” “Hey. No. Dare is a dare. It’s not like I don’t know the woods next to my own house. It’s not even dark yet,” said Sam. There wasn’t really a fence between Sam’s backyard and the woods that backed up to his home. He spent most of his childhood exploring those woods with his siblings. He would be okay at the edge of the woods for ten minutes in broad daylight. “Better save me some of those cupcakes for when I return,” said Sam as he began walking to the tree line. “Will do!” yelled Misty as Sam made it into the woods.

READ THE REST ON AO3!

[luvrlola]

where the moon shines

[lilystrations]

"Beware The Whispers"

I finally got around to some swampy murky goodness, and these oh so lovely bog ladies couldn't be happier about it. 🔥👀🔥

[earthymama95]

- Earthy Mama

[alligatorhearts]

Animal Divinity in the Bayou

Cajun and Creole mysticism can both be traced, at least in part, to practices which heavily feature animals. The belief that the Earth and her creatures are all one can be found time and time again in many of the magical customs and communities which persist in Louisiana.

This is what my swampy animal messengers mean to me.

💫🐸🐊🐠🦐🦟️🐺💫

DISCLAIMER: the following symbolism and associations stem largely from my own personal practice and do not necessarily represent any specific group or practice. I am from Louisiana and I actively work with and research practitioners and practices from here, but there is a great deal of magical diversity in the swamp. Some of these are also categories of animals and should be looked at as umbrella terms. Take what resonates and leave what does not. <3

ALLIGATORS: strength, power, maternal instincts, fertility, protection, sleeper build, queen, a period of rest, the underworld, dark internal energy, balance of dark and light

FROGS: movement especially of home or environment, sensitivity especially to light or emotional, baggage, music (as in a career or love for), luck, fortune, addiction, disregarding messages (being stubborn), friendly warning, new connections

LIZARDS: (especially when seen on and around front doors!) death (typically not literal but spiritual or circumstantial), family, kin, illness in the family, deception, hidden truth, an upcoming search for something, desperation, a call to intuitive practices, change in sibling dynamics

FISH: (specifically black water fish like gar, pirate perch, black bullhead, and flier) financial hardship, display, commiserating, incoming connection, encouragement, movement (esp spiritual, like enlightenment or persevering through difficult work), toughness, dawn, new beginnings, opportunity, community, found family

SHRIMP: childhood, knowledge, the feeling of being unseen and/or unheard, coziness, friendship, new friends, high intelligence, fear of intelligence, jealousy, exhaustion, isolation, bullying, misunderstandings

CRAWFISH: parties, tender love, the heart chakra, romance, passion, speaking (as in a career or a passion), opening up, exploring new things, getting unstuck, being pulled out of the mud, sweeping generalizations, spreading your light, telling your truth

MOSQUITOS: gossip, telling stories, tall tales, being watched, the devil (as in tarot), masculine energy, warning of a psychic vampire in your midst, fog, confusion, rain, loss, interruption

LOUP GAROU: trickery, illusions, light-heartedness, smiling and laughter, fear of the unknown, unwarranted fears, an indication to take a pause and reassess, masks, shiny objects, looking the wrong way, choosing the lesser of two evils, loudness, shrouded in darkness, mystery

Tell me what you think, and let me know what animal messengers have surprising associations where you're from!

[nataliedecorsair]

A bit of Heather shitposting lol UPD - added Heather as smile dog

[theinvitedrider]

[bayouwitches]

4

Chapter 3

Time for some cooking in the kitchen with Mama Marie...if the boys don't blow the house up...

“Now, tie the apron to fit you, cheri.”  Marie smiled over at her newest daughter.  “You too, petit mwen.”  Now her words were directed at Melania.  “Enough laundry comes out of this house without having to try and get stains out from cooking.”  The laugh that followed was rich, deep, and honest.  A smile accompanied it that lit up her face, causing her eyes to sparkle in the mid-morning light.

“Mama, ignore the explosions.  I promise we won’t leave nutria parts all over the yard this time.   Don is going to have the pups come over to clean up any mess.”  Francois stepped into the kitchen and dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek, then one on each of his sisters’ as well.  “And ladies, do not worry, we shall keep your husbands in one piece.  If not, Don knows how to bring back the dead.”  He winked when Mel snapped a towel at his ass. “Hey!”  He took a big step to the door laughing, “okay, fine, we will keep them alive.  The rodents though, no promises.”  With that he disappeared around the door frame, Mel rolling her eyes and shaking her head after him.

“You will clean the gore off of the siding, garcon!!”  Marie yelled after her eldest son, then sighed.  Some day she was going to have her youngest have one of those hounds of his take after that boy!  Maybe a good bite on the ass would set him straight?

Heaven and Melania both were having giggle fits when Marie’s eyes turned towards them.  Both tried to contain their amusement.  Both failed.  Marie just shook her head.  She loved her children, but after over two centuries there were times she wanted to introduce them to some of their less savory ancestors.

Returning to the task at hand, Marie had her daughters stand on each side of her.  She was going to demonstrate what they needed to do then stand back and watch them do it.  First would be to dice the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery.  They’d do the “pope” next, but they’d start with the basics first.  They would be making a huge pot of seafood jambalaya for the evening’s meal.  

The “girls” watched their mother dice, the knife seeming to almost float on its own over the cutting board, slicing the vegetables into small pieces in a fast pace that was almost a blur.  When it was their turn to to show Marie if they had been paying attention, Melania and Heaven looked at one another with raised brows and doubtful looks.  Here went nothing.  

While they didn’t have the fluidity of their mother, they were able to achieve the small dice that was required.  There might also have been a few of those small pieces that went airborne at one another when Marie’s attention was distracted.  One might also have ended up in Marie’s hair.  And while the girls hoped that she wouldn’t know, there was no hiding anything from Marie.  Not then, not ever.

Next came the garlic, and there was a little more trouble with it just due to the size, but it all ended up the way it should.  Once everything was diced, it was time to start the roux.  Now, any chef in Louisiana can tell you there are three types a blonde, a light, and a dark.  The only difference was the length of time you cooked it.  1 part fat to 1 part flour and stir.

“All right girls, now of your workout for the day.  You’re going to keep the roux going until we have a nice chestnut color, and I’m going to clean the seafood.   And Melania, if you let it burn, you’ll get to start it all over on your own.” Marie winked at her daughter who rolled her eyes.  Starting it over was never fun.

“Yes, mamma.” 

The girls took turns adding the bacon grease, lard, and butter to the huge pan Marie had put on the stove.  Then the stirring began.  Slow enough to let the flour toast, fast enough to keep it from burning, and just enough to cause the arms to burn.  It doesn’t sound like long, but forty-five minutes can seem a long time when you’ve got to keep things consistent.

Once that was done, in went the seafood stock…lots of it.  Next went in the vegetables.  Finally the spices before it was set on low and slow for several hours to let the flavors infuse all through the liquid and for it to thicken down.  The seafood would be added more towards the end to keep it from being overcooked.

Now done with their chore, and all the small pieces of vegetables out of their hair, it was time for Mint Juleps and snacks on the back porch of the mansion. While Marie and the girls had been getting the base of the jambalaya started, Marie II had been getting the tea sandwiches and small cakes ready for an old-fashioned tea party on the back porch.  Thankfully she was used to her brothers and her brother-in-law enough that the first explosion did not cause her to drop any of the fine china.  Had she, they no doubt would have paid dearly for it later while they scoured the internet for a replacement piece.  

As the women sat out on the porch, they could hear the sound of small explosions, gunfire, and the occasional verbose cussing coming from the bayou.  At least they could tell they were all alive…for now…they’d have to see how many drug their asses back up for dinner.

All dividers by @cafekitsune

Heaven & Arthur Shelby belong to @call-sign-shark

[xhauntedchaos]

with: @inaducursehqstarters location: leaving the herb shop (french quarters)

yasmin had just left the herb shop before the lights went out . the lights turned off like a dominion effect ;; one by one before the bayou witch was left in the darkness . however , yamin had lived in new orleans all her life so she knew parts of the city like the back of her hand . " vis sera portus de la bête à moi . " she breathed , a simple spell that allowed her evergreen hues to see even during the darkest of nights . crossing the street yasmin went down the alleyway so she could take the back way home .

[cljordan-imperium]

Bayou Witches - 3

Heaven Shelby belongs to @call-sign-shark “Follow.”  Mel grinned, biting her lower lip as she beckoned Heaven with all the fingers on her right hand, backing towards the staircase to the lower floor from the doorway of the blonde's bedroom.  The women had ended up spending the day shopping in the nearest small town with Mel’s mom and sister, both named Marie, having fun and exploring all the little shops.  Heaven had thought the place reminded her of something out of one of those holiday TV movies that came to life, where everyone was super friendly and all had the most amazing accents.  Not to mention there were plenty of places selling delicious smelling treats that tasted even better.  Now she wondered what her new friend was up to, there was no missing the impish grin that lit up the brunette’s face, all the way to her oceanic blue eyes.

“What?”  Heaven started to reach for her sandals, when Mel rushed forward to grab her hand and pull her forward before she could. 

“Nope.  Tonight is barefoot.”  Mel’s grin grew.  “I promise you don’t have to worry about delicate feet at all.”

“Meeeelll…”  Heaven drew out her name as she started to follow, laughing and wondering what was in store.  

“Adoption ceremony time.”  Mel spun, her patchwork skirt flaring out in a wide circle around her as she did.  

“I’m sorry, what?” Heaven’s eyes went wide as Marie suddenly seemed to appear from nowhere and take one of her hands.

“You are now a bayou witch, child.  Come and meet your ancestors.  They have been waiting a long time for you to show up.”  Marie’s heavy Creole French accent made her words sound rich and aristocratic.  Her face though, it showed all the love a mother could have for a child as she gazed at Heaven and placed a kiss on her cheek.  “It is time you meet all of your family.”

Heaven watched Mel almost bound down the steps of the interior of the mansion with child-like enthusiasm, while Marie gently led her.  Marie II was a the bottom of the stairs waiting for her sister.  A tight hug was exchanged before Francois and Dontanion also stepped into view, hugs once more being exchanged.  Then the two sisters scampered off like children towards the back of the house.

“Do not worry about Arthur, he is in Alexander and Cade’s capable hands for the evening.  They are very familiar with how important family ceremonies are.”  Francois offered his arm to his new little sister.  The last time there was a new female LaVeau had been the birth of Melania.  They were rare.  Heaven would be the only adoption, and she would be just as loved as those born into the bloodline.

“Your brothers will escort you to the ceremony, child.  Welcome home, Heaven LaVeau-Shelby.  You will always have family in the Louisiana bayou.”  Marie kissed both Heaven’s cheeks before leaving her in Dontanion and Francois’ care.  She, like her daughters headed for the back of the mansion.

“Tonight, you will meet aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews within the line of the LaVeaus.  Then you’ll meet the ancestors.  No one tonight will mean you harm. We perform the same ceremony when there is a birth only then the baby is carried by its parents, you get escorts.” Dontanion explained in his accent that mirrored his mother’s.

Heaven was led across the back lawn of the mansion towards the bayou.  She could see a golden glow within the cypress trees that hung with Spanish moss and the low mangroves that were dotted among them.  As they drew nearer, she could hear the beat of the drums, and words in a language that she didn’t understand.  The closer they got, it was no longer discernible whether the singing was coming from in front of them, or from all around them.  It was as if the ancient cypress were singing themselves, the drumming coming from inside them.  The firelight made the shadows cast by the spanish moss to make the trees look alive.  It was like the entire bayou was welcoming Heaven home, and in a way it was.

Finally, they were close enough that Heaven could see the circle.  In the center was a bonfire, the wood piled so it was highest in the center.  Around that danced all of the females of the family.  Long skirts that brushed the ground, and like Melania’s, they all flared out when they spun.  Behind them were the males and the drums of all kinds.  Some were small enough to be carried, while others had to be placed and the drummer stood behind.  It was a sight unlike anything that Heaven had ever seen before.

When the three reached the edge of the firelight, everyone fell silent.  Marie came to the front, her rosary in one hand, her small staff with a silver head in the form of Baron Samedi in the other.  Twirling her rosary and moving the staff in a rhythm, she began to do a chant in the same language that Heaven had heard as they’d approached.  One of the drummers with a drum came forward to match the rhythm that she was indicating.  After two times through whatever incantation that Marie was doing, the other women and girls joined in.  There was also an intricate kind of line dance that the women did as they moved around the fire, making sure their skirts did not get too close to it. It started slow at first, then slowly began to increase in speed, but the rhythm stayed the same.

As Heaven watched and listened to the beautiful song, she started to notice what she thought were shadows moving across the waters of the bayou at first.  Later, she realized that it was the spirits coming out of the bayou and joining in the movements with the members of the LaVeau family. The spirits each carried a candle, a yellow flame atop each one.  Their voices echoed like soft breezes through the leaves of the trees as they joined in with the living LaVeaus.  Over 300 years of family came together to welcome their newest member to the fold.  The love almost palpable in the air as the members of the family, both living and passed on, now surrounding her in a circle.  It was a ritual that had been performed countless times over the centuries and would be performed  countless more in the future.

See blood did not make one a LaVeau, it was more than that.  Amongst those, living and dead, that were in  the bayou that night, there was an energy, a presence, in the very soul, the very being, that tied them all together.  It was a bond that even death could not break and  distance could not thin.  Time did not diminish, and the more members that came into the fold, the greater it grew.  Love is what made one a LaVeau and once you were one, all of those who came before and after accepted you without hesitation and loved without reservation.  Never, no matter where you were in the world, would you walk alone, because your ancestors would walk alongside you.  Tonight, Heaven became a LaVeau, and forever more she would be one and get to experience everything that came along with it.

@blind-the-winds @saltysupercomputer @pheita @writingmaidenwarrior @dreaminggoblin @toribookworm22 @korblez @aziz-reads @evita-shelby @call-sign-shark @cillmequick @raincoffeeandfandoms @spookyceph

[wherethewolfsbaneblooms]

Okay so I caved into @zeroinvador and made another siren OC. So here she is, big ol’ gator mommy Dominga. She was inspired by my recent trip to Florida. My apologies, Tumblr ruins the quality. Tap for a better image. Some info —

Freshwater siren. Amphibious reptilian clade.

American Alligator

About 15 ft long and THICK. A big gorl.

Lives in a dense Louisiana bayou the locals call the “Gator’s Smile”. It is named for the main river’s jagged shape. Her territory is expansive, but she resides mainly in an abandoned fishing hut directly in the epicenter that is only accessible by boat or bravery.

She is extremely charming but lazy and self indulgent. Eloquent and enticing words tend to manipulate her victims into doing her bidding, whatever that may be, on the promise of something special in return.

Practices ancient voodoo magic. Her dark, mysterious services are sought out by wayward fishermen and river-folk alike.

Rarely encounters other sirens. Has only met a handful in her life and usually only when she travels through brackish rivers closer to the sea.

Not inherently kind or generous but has a “help me and I help you” attitude.

Loves to lounge in the sun on the river bank.

Cannot breath under water but can hold her breath for up to two hours depending on her activity level and the temperature of the water. Has the ability to slow her heart rate down in colder waters to conserve energy and oxygen.

Does not do well in cold climates. Becomes slow, sluggish, and, in severe cases, almost catatonic.

Very old but it is unknown exactly how old she is. Appears to be in her late 30s-40s.

Has a deep, raspy voice. Slight Cajun accent. Can growl and bellow like normal gators.

Obsessed with piercings and has many. Even some explicit ones. Much of her jewelry was given to her as compensation for her witchcraft — for which her clients either pay in gold, their lives, or both.

She has a single reoccurring client that keeps her legend alive on the mainland and brings in more visitors to her. Her engraved gold “D” necklace was a gift from this client.

Sometimes is referred to as “Dom” for short, though she rarely allows it.

Has a natural flair for dramatics.

Egotistical but personable. She is a very good conversationalist and could talk you out of your last dime while making you feel like the most special person in the world.

Has a silver tongue 👀

Very inviting. She makes you want to get to know her better despite the fact she’s most likely playing you like a fiddle.

Most who seek her out are men and they make up the majority of her diet. However, on rare occasion she is visited by a woman and these are the visits she enjoys the most. Dominga jumps on the chance to have her other appetites satisfied — she very rarely consumes the women who visit her. Instead, she spends a few days enjoying them while they become hopelessly attached to her before she sends them on their way.

BIG Mommy vibes

Protective in nature for what she cares about (usually material things — hardly ever living individuals). But if someone were to win this gator’s love truly, she’d go to extraordinarily great lengths to keep them safe.

Likes to flip unsuspecting fishermen who’ve travelled too deep inside her territory out of their boats. She finds their fear amusing. And delicious.

Loves to eat and is a fantastic cook. Eats in BULK. If you please her well enough, she will likely cook for you.

HUGE BOOBIES

If you think you’ve found all her piercings, no you haven’t.

[for-the-love-sinnamon]

Time to stop making excuses and just become the feral swamp witch of my dreams.