What would a Bog Witch do? - 2022

This story begins in the redwoods, where a messy hike led to an unexpected transformation. As I stepped into the shower to wash away the dirt and twigs, I imagined long black hair cascading down my back—a stark contrast to the short hair I'd had for over a decade. The thought made me laugh, and I wondered, "What would a Bog Witch do?"

The concept of a Bog Witch resonated with me, partly because witchcraft isn't unfamiliar to Latinx people like myself. We have several practices that blend Indigenous and Spanish healing beliefs, such as Curanderismo and Brujería. Even in everyday life, we use small charms, like the saying recited to children after a minor injury:

"Sana sana, colita de rana, si no sana hoy, sanará mañana" - Latinx Proverb

This simple phrase, invoking a frog's tail for healing, feels like a connection between frogs, bogs, and witches. As I stood there, laughing—maybe even cackling—with earth swirling around my feet, I felt a sort of kinship with the Bog Witch.

I've noticed that many neurodivergent (ND) people, myself included, seem drawn to fantastical things. We often identify with otherworldly entities: cryptids, ghosts, aliens, and magical practitioners like witches. Of course, this doesn't apply to all ND individuals—some may not be fond of the creepy and crawly, and that's okay too.

"The Swamp Witch, or Bog Witch, is a notorious figure in folklore from around the world. Often perceived as one who has eschewed society, the Swamp Witch has been painted as a fearsome and mystical being who offers both danger and vice." From @WaterofWhimsey on IG.

Did I become a Bog Witch that day in the shower? Maybe for just a minute. While it's not an identity many would want to adopt completely, what the Bog Witch represents is valuable. As I continue on my journey to unmask and step into authenticity, I want to channel the Bog Witch's spirit. She reminds me that it's okay to step away from societal expectations and to look back into our history, collected beneath our feet.

This blog entry marks my second attempt at sharing these thoughts. My first try at creating a website didn't pan out, but I've learned that these things take time and often require multiple iterations. I finally managed to sit down and get started in January 2022, and I'm glad I persevered. Sometimes, embracing our inner Bog Witch means giving ourselves the time and space to grow and transform, just like the mysterious landscapes they inhabit.

References:

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bog/

https://www.instagram.com/waterofwhimsy/p/CQ03vUsLPFT/?hl=en