#reflection of osiris

[littleluscinia]

Hitomi, post Mizuki Route: Iris... I don't know how to tell you. But the truth is your attempted killer, So Sejima, ... is actually your father.

Osiris:

[crocodiledeathspin]

Volumes // No Sleep

Mediaskare Records // 2014

[bet-on-me-13]

Undead Galaxy

So! Within the Ghost Zone, there exists a Lair unlike any other.

To a Ghost, a Lair is supposed to be an integral part of their Existence. When a Ghost Builds their Lair, they take a part of the Ghost Zone Itself and mold it into a Realm of their own, transforming it into a reflection of their Core.

As such, a Lair usually matches the personality, and more importantly the Obsessions, of the Ghost it was created by. It is meant to be the Eternal Home of the one who built it, a place to spend the rest of their eternal unlife, and as such it needs to be able to fulfill the Ghosts Obsessions.

Think of Skulkers Lair, an Island Jungle filled to the brim with Monsters and Beasts of all sorts, ready and waiting to be hunted down and skinned. The perfect home for a ghost with an Obsession based on Hunting.

Some take this a step farther, like the Ancients (which is just another name used for Gods in the Zone), who transform their Lairs into Entirely Seperate Afterlives for others to inhabit. Hades, Osiris, the Demon Lords of the various Hells, they all took this approach.

But there is a problem. For beings like God's, who are sustained by Worship, what would happen if their world were to die? If the planet their people resided on were to be hit by an asteroid, or blown up by an Alien warlord?

A God without its worship would Fade, and as such the Afterlife they used to maintain would fall apart as well. The Millions of Souls who trusted that God to protect them in death would be left to the mercy of the Void between Afterlives. Somebody decided that they didn't like that, and stepped in.

Within the Ghost Zone exists a Galaxy.

A Galaxy where all the souls and Afterlives of worlds that have died continue to exist. Worlds that were destroyed by a cataclysmic War that resulted in both sides dying, by unstable Mining Practices destabilize the Core, by a Psychic Virus that wiped out all life on Planet leaving a baren husk.

When their populations died, and the Gods who maintained their afterlives would have faded, they were saved by another and brought into his Lair.

The Ghost King, Phantom.

He was a spirit with two simple Obsessions. The Protection of others, and the Majesty of Space.

But there was no Space in the Ghost Zone, only the Infinite void. So he made his own. He constructed a Lair of incredible size, decorating it with Stars and Planets and Supernova and Nebula. He recreated the Majesty of the Space he adored, and the invited the wandering souls of dead worlds to enjoy it with him.

He gave them planets of their own within the Unliving Galaxy. All the souls of crumpled afterlives wandering the Ghost Zone were allowed to recreate it again, to find eachother and build their communities again.

With this he could fulfill both of his Obsessions at the same time, and he would he doing his duty as their king by helping his subjects.

He saw it as an absolute win.

...

They had been trapped in this strange dimension for days now.

Nobody had any idea how they ended up there. Clark had just fallen asleep, Diana was training, Hal was on patrol. Even J'onn himself was on Moniter Duty, when the next thing he knew they were all waking up on a floating purple rock in a Lazarus green void.

Thankfully Constantine that had been dragged alongside him when J'onn when he was taken, and managed to explain that they were in some kind of void in-between the afterlives.

"The Ghost Zone" "The Unending End" "The Collective Dead", it went by many names apparently. The most famous name for it was "The Infinite Realms", named for the way the infinite souls residing there would build their own personal Realms, or Lairs, to spend eternity in.

Not even he knew how they had ended up there. Constantine was confident that they hadn't died recently (the fact they needed to use "recently" was a sad thought), so it wasn't the old fashioned way at the very least.

Still, they needed to get moving. This place was dangerous and they didn't want to stay in one place for too long.

After days of traveling across the strange void (had they even eaten since they arrived there?) Constantine finally caught a hint of something. There was a draw on them, pulling them towards a specific direction. They had been unconsciously following it for days now, and now that they knew what they were doing they soldiered on even faster. If there were answers wherever they were being drawn, they would find them.

Once it came into view, it was obvious what had been calling to them this entire time. It was massive.

Spanning across the endless horizon, they could see something that looked like a Galaxy spanning in front of them. From their position on a floating island, they could see it in all its glory. Contrasting the green they had become accustomed to, the Galaxy swirled in a variety of Bright Blues and Deep Purples, with multicolored stars shining so brightly they stood out even as far as they were from it.

It took all their breaths away, and J'onn would admit to having stood there staring for longer than he should have. It was just so starkly different than anything he had seen thus far in this dimension of greens and purples.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

In an Instant their weapons were drawn and fighting stances set, facing the person who had appeared in their midst.

He was a young man, seemingly in his early 20's, with snow white hair and Lazarus green eyes. Above his head sat a crown glowing the same color as the galaxy spanning in front of them. They all knew instantly that this man was connected to it on a deep level.

"Who are you" Asked Diana. Her thoughts were filled with theat assessments and carefulness. She thought he was strong.

"Oh, my name is Phantom." He replied, "Sorry for startling you, this is one of my favorite spots to stargaze and I forgot that normal people usually can't see me when I zone out like that."

"What is that?" Clark asked, pointing to the Galactic Structure on the horizon. He was curious. The man before they didn't act hostile, so he had decided to match his energy.

"Oh, that's my Galaxy. Like it?" He asked excitedly, "Took me ages to get it looking just right, but I'm so proud of the results."

"Do you know why we are here?" Asked Hal, his mind was swimming with worry over his Sector of space. He had been taken while patrolling it. He wanted to get back quickly.

"I didn't bring you here, if that's what you're asking." He replied evenly, "But I know who did. They wanted to see you again, but with their Realms crumbled and their people scattered, they never had the chance. Now they do, and they wanted to say hello again. Sorry about the long journey, they messed up the Summoning process and you ended up a bit farther than intended."

"Who summoned us?" Asked Constantine warily. His thoughts were full of the various demons and gods he knew inhabited these Realms. He was worried.

"Well, You, accidently got dragged along through proximity, sorry." He apologized to the magician, "But as for the rest of you? Well, you'll just have to wait and see for yourselves. Trust me, it'll be a welcome surprise."

"Can you tell us where can we find the ones who summoned us?" Asked J'onn finally. He was curious, and wary, of who had decided to pull them into this dimension. But if the man before them was being truthful, then he wanted to meet them.

"Just keep following that pulling sensation that brought you here, you'll find them." He said, "I'll stay here for a while longer though. Just want to stargaze a bit more."

They left him on the island and kept going.

As the approached the Galaxy, it dawned on them how truly massive the realm in front of them was. Hal confirmed that it wasn't as big as a real one, but even he was in awe at its size.

As they drew closer is quickly became apparent that they were being drawn in different directions. After a quick discussion they decided it was best to split up.

J'onn approached the Planet he was being drawn to, and realized very quickly that it very closely resembled his old homeworld, Mars. The Red Sands, the Rocky Terrain, the two Moons that could be seen orbiting the planet, all of it seemed tailor made to resurface memories of his destroyed home.

It took all of a second for all of it to come together in his head.

The allusions Phantom had made to his summoners missing him. The resemblance to his old Homeworld. The fact he was currently in a version of the Afterlife.

As he made the connection in his head, he felt another two connections form. Ones he had not felt in the the Centuries since he had lost them.

"Hello, J'onn."

"...M'yri'ah..." His wife.

"Hi dad."

"...K'hym..." His Daughter.

It took nearly a full minute before his mind calmed enough to send them a response. It was a Whirlwind of wild thoughts, fear of this being a trick, and above all hope that it was real.

Eventually, he finally managed a response.

"I missed you."

[nousrose]

If we are gripped by a strong attraction to a person or a thing, we must reflect on it. As Jung says: Unless we prefer to be made fools of by our illusions, we shall, by carefully analysing every fascination, extract from it a portion of our own personality, like a quintessence, and slowly come to recognize that we meet ourselves time and again in a thousand disguises on the path of life. The same applies to our passionate antipathies. They also must be subjected to thorough analytic scrutiny. Whom do I hate? What groups or factions do I fight against? Whoever and whatever they are, they are a part of me; I'm bound to that which I hate as surely as I am to that which I love. The important thing, psychologically, is where one's libido is lodged, not whether one is for or against a particular thing. If we follow such reflections diligently, very gradually we will collect our scattered psyche from the outer world, as Isis gathered the dismembered body of Osiris.

The Mystery of the Coniunctio

Edward F. Edinger

[felassan]

From Owlcat Games - The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Announcement Trailer

"The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a story-driven sci-fi Action RPG. You play as a Pinkwater Security mercenary whose brief shore leave on the asteroid Eros spirals out of control. Trapped in a deadly lockdown and drawn into a solar system-wide conspiracy far beyond your control, you’ll have to adapt, survive, taking command of the most advanced ship in the whole of the solar system. Gather a crew and find your own path through the web of lies to leave your mark on the solar system. Become a Founder to support the development and get exclusive rewards: https://osirisreborn.owlcat.games/ [source]"

✨ A new upcoming science-fiction action RPG set in the The Expanse universe! ✨

singleplayer | third-person | story-driven | Mass Effect-inspired

Customizable PC, ‘the captain’ (who can be a woman or a man)

Play them as an Earther, Martian, or Belter

On CC: “robust and expansive character creation with a lot of options to choose from. Nice hairstyles, nice features, everything you would expect from modern character creation”

Make choices with consequences that shape the story and which influence your relationships with the companions

The captain has an identical twin sibling of the same gender who is “your first companion and most loyal companion from the start”

The captain commands the advanced starship frigate Gemini

They lead a crew of companions

There are romances

Game is fully voiced

The Story takes place “between Season 1 and Season 3 of the Expanse show” / “set during the first two-and-a-half seasons of the show, or the first two books. The events of the game occur alongside the major events that transpire across the universe in The Expanse TV show / books during that time”

Some familiar faces/voices from The Expanse will show up, “with some of the [show] actors reprising their roles”

Two companions will join you in the field during gameplay

Cover-focused, over-the-shoulder perspective real-time gameplay with guns, classes, squad coordination, and abilities

Pre-production began in 2022

will be on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S

Release date: “Coming Soon”

"Game Design Producer Yuliya Chernenko admitted the original Mass Effect trilogy “was absolutely an inspiration to the team.” “It was iconic for the Xbox 360 generation of gamers,” Chernenko continued. “Many of us first played it in our teenage years, and it left a lasting impression. We are building on that legacy and expanding what players anticipate from this experience. Our story is deeply rooted in hard science fiction, one of the core reasons The Expanse universe resonates so well with its fans. The combat reflects the standards of modern action gameplay. The narrative emphasizes political tension and moral complexity. And yes — there’s romance too.”"

[source, two, official website]

More info from the game's Steam page and website under the cut due to length:

“You’re no hero — just a merc caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to hold your crew together and keep the ship up and running. Your choices will shape your story.”

"The universe never tells us if we did right or wrong. By the 24th century, humanity has conquered the cosmos. However, life has remained anything but easy. In The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a story-driven sci-fi Action RPG, you play as a Pinkwater Security mercenary whose brief shore leave on the asteroid Eros spirals out of control. Trapped in a deadly lockdown and drawn into a solar system-wide conspiracy far beyond your control, you’ll have to adapt, survive, taking command of the most advanced ship in the whole of the solar system. Create and customize your own captain — Earther, Martian, or Belter — and lead a crew of highly-skilled specialists as you face off against escalating threats, political pressure, and a relentless enemy that will stop at nothing to see you dead. In a solar system held together by fragile alliances, every decision leaves its mark. Trust isn’t given – it’s earned. Your companions are more than just mission assets — they are people with their own scars and loyalties. Some chase redemption. Others hide their truths. Over time, your relationships will flourish or deteriorate depending on the choices you make and how you choose to lead. The ship becomes your home — a place where trust is earned, not given. Dynamic third-person combat. Fight in third-person utilizing cover-focused gunplay and abilities. Two companions will accompany you into the field while others will support from a distance: disabling systems or drawing the enemies’ attention. You will issue real-time commands and have to adapt quickly to survive the manifold threats the system will throw at you. The fractured world of The Expanse. Visit iconic locations like Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, and Luna. Walk through ruined habitats and political strongholds mired in unease and tension. Talk to the locals. Uncover secrets. Use your skills to influence what happens next. The system looks different from every planet and from every asteroid. Some are falling apart. Others just hide it better. You may even come across a familiar face or voice that reminds you of just how small the system really is."

[source: Steam]

"INTRODUCTION The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a third-person sci-fi action RPG set in the universe of The Expanse, where the tenuous balance of power between Earth, Mars, and the Belt is on the brink of collapse, and trust is a scarce commodity. Now it is time to gather a crew and find your own path through the web of lies to leave your mark on the solar system. By the 24th century, humanity has conquered the cosmos, but that hasn't made life any easier. What begins as a brief sojourn on the asteroid Eros reluctantly entangles you in a solar system-wide conspiracy. You will need to adapt to survive and keep your motley crew united in their mission as everything around you begins to fall apart. This is your story. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn offers a truly personal journey that evolves based on the choices you make and the pressures they place on everything you stand for. CHARACTERS Your crew is more than just backup — they’re the heart of your story. Each companion brings with them their own personal history and motives for joining the mission, though not all are easy to uncover. They’re more than just specialists. Some are haunted by past mistakes. Others hold on dearly to loyalty, survival, or even something they’ve never been capable of fully putting into words. The ship becomes your shared home — it’s not just a command center but a place where the crew can bond and where trust is earned. A single shared silence might become the foundation for a much deeper connection. A single decision could overturn it all. The way you lead your crew and the choices you make under pressure will shape every relationship in ways you don’t always see coming. COMBAT Combat in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is tactical and built around smart decision-making under pressure, where every move has the potential to shift the balance of a fight. Control your captain in third-person, and gain the upper hand by making use of a variety of weapons, tactics (cover, command, etc.), and specialized abilities. The game features multiple roles, each offering a distinct approach that reflects your personal playstyle. Two companions will fight alongside you, supporting whatever strategy you choose with complementary skills. Others will assist from a distance, hacking into systems or drawing enemies’ attention right when you need it most. You will issue commands in real time and coordinate with your squad to stay one step ahead as the battlefield evolves. Survival depends on how quickly you can adapt and who you trust to stand with you when your back is to the wall. EXPLORATION The Expanse: Osiris Reborn opens into a narrative-driven world where shifting power dynamics and personal choices will define your experience. You’ll visit the marvel that is the gardens of Ganymede, the teeming slums of Ceres, whole bunker complexes veiled in vastness of the Asteroid Belt, and the imperious political bastions of Mars and Luna. As you travel throughout the solar system, you will be ensnared in a cyclone of power struggles and unresolved conflict. The system looks different from every planet and from every asteroid. Some are falling apart. Others just hide it better. Talk to the locals and use your skills to influence the outcomes, sometimes by digging into secrets some may wish remained buried. You may even cross paths with those who have already made their indelible mark on this universe. What you learn and how you act upon it can open new paths and slowly and subtly change your place in the world around you."

[source]

[softieekayy]

Time cast a spell

Marc Spector x reader x Steven Grant

Word Count: 1.9k

Series masterlist

From the beginning of time souls that were meant to be each other always found one another. In each and every lifetime. Now wasn’t much different either, apart from the fact that they may not have been born in the same decade. The gods laughed at their obliviousness.

The older man, Marc Spector, a unique one he was. 3 men living in one body, a vigilante. Always a villain and violent. His fated one, a much younger woman and a breath of fresh air. Osiris swore to the other gods that she must’ve been a descendant of his, life followed wherever she stood. She was innocence in its purest form. Khonshu observed her from a distance, a part of him wanting to pluck her right out of his avatar’s life, allowing him to lead the life he lives. But he couldn’t, there was something so alluring about a woman who worshipped him every night the moon was full. A funny thing really, his avatar’s other half was a follower of his and oftentimes she pleased him greatly.

Marc met her by accident the first time. It wasn’t much, a bumped shoulder and a grumbled apology but the smell of her fruity perfume stuck around, it was like the scent had wrapped itself into the clothes he wore. He didn’t know what she looked like but she was in his dreams every single night. Steven had grown curious of her, he asked Marc who she was and if she was a special lady friend of his. The latter just snarked at him and Steven listened, clearly finding out that another woman so soon after Layla was a soft spot.

Steven met her the second time. However this time she was distressed, her eyes a little swollen and mascara smudged under her eyes as she chased her furry little feline down the street. Luckily the bastard stopped at his feet, rubbing his black fur all up against Steven’s legs.

“Oh Jazzy, there you are!” She exclaimed, coming to a quick halt as the fat coal coloured cat slowly made his way towards his owner's arms. She picked him up eagerly, the cat snuggling into her chest as if he’d been looking for her. She hadn’t even noticed Steven and Steven was too awkward to say anything.

“Will you speak or just stare at her like a creep?” Marc asked from the reflective surface of the pole. Steven just stuttered but before he could say anything the goddess in front of him did.

“Oh thank you so much for stopping this little fat bastard!” The woman exclaimed, her eyes looking animated as she thanked Steven.

“Oh uh, no need to thank me really, he ran into me” Steven awkwardly smiled, his hand fiddling with the shoulder bag he wore.

“Well Jazzy here doesn’t really just rub up against everyone so you must be special.” She joked, holding the cat in her arms like a baby. Steven just nodded, unable to say anything.

“I’m Y/n by the way.” She tells him, extending her hand for a handshake and Steven, in return, repeats his name to her and she smiles.

“Well I think I must let you head home before I talk your ear off in the alley way. You looked like you were in a rush.” The younger woman spoke gently, her eyes diverting to the cat, keeping a close eye on him. Steven nodded, too stunned to say much else and could only wave goodbye as she turned and left. This time the perfume lingering onto Steven’s clothes.

“Mate I think I might never wash these again” Steven tells Marc, a lovesick expression clouded his eyes.

“Yeah well, that’s not such a good idea, I don’t think we’ll be seeing her again” Marc sneered, certainty coating his words. At that Steven snapped back into reality, Marc’s harsh words sinking in as he continued home.

Jasper’s rough meow woke her up from her peaceful slumber, the old cat deciding to put all of his weight onto her chest, waking her up.

“Jazzy, I love you, I really do but you weigh 12 pounds and I can’t breathe.” She deadpanned. Staring at the cat as if he understood her and maybe he did because he got off her chest and slunk into the spot beside her, cleaning himself. She stared at him for a second, lips twitching up into a smile before she made her way out of bed.

The day to her was unknown. She knew she had errands to run but nothing that would take her more than two hours. Maybe she could drop by the museum, she hadn’t seen it yet despite living in London for 3 years now. She hummed to herself in agreement to the plans, grabbing her clothes and hopping into the shower. Unbeknownst to her, a god eyed her every movement.

Steven wouldn’t say that today was great. Marc had the body the night before and now he was tired and barely conscious. Donna hadn’t been the greatest either, nagging him for his clothes this time around and all Steven could do was give her a look. Jake laughed at him when he saw the state his buddy was in and the latter could only glare at him.

(Y/n) made her way up the stairs of the museum, admiring the poster of the Ennead before she noticed its inaccuracies. The weather was bearable today, not too chilly but just warm enough. She made her way up the steps, walking through each and every exhibition until she reached her favourite, Egypt. There was something about the ancient civilization that called her in, it lured her like a moth drawn to a flame. She stood there for a couple seconds, not quite aware of what would be waiting for her.

Khonshu watched her, his eyes following the young woman like a hawk. He made sure he hid his presence, not wanting her to even sense him in the slightest.

“I wonder how much longer you can hide it from her.” Hathor’s voice purred in the moon god’s ears as she came to stand next to him. Khonshu didn’t turn his gaze away from the woman who was now engrossed in some sarcophagus.

“What is it you want, Hathor? Do you not have your own avatar to attend to.” Khonshu sneered and the goddess chuckled lightly, watching (Y/n) as well now.

“My avatar is doing just fine. She’s thriving,” she said, “yours however, their life might just get turned upside down again.” She smirked and Khonshu thought about engaging in battle there and then. Hathor not privy to his thoughts jus smirked, leaning fully against the pillar.

“I won’t let her.”

“You cannot stop what has already been fated, Khonshu, no matter how much you might try. Don’t forget who she descends from.” Hathor gave the young woman one last look before patting her dear friend’s arm and leaving. Khonshu wondered if she was there just to antagonize him or to help him see clearly.

(Y/n) couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched intently, her red lips curling down into a frown. She didn’t like the feeling and in recent days it had been more prominent, as if the looming figure never left. It started after she got Jasper back from the strange but cute man. Her thoughts drifted towards him, Steven, a charming yet very awkward man. She found him very likeable though and wondered if she’d see him again. However the size of London and the population pulled her out from dreamland, knowing that it would be near impossible.

A small black figure caught her eye as she was immediately drawn to it. Upon inspection it was a plushy of Anubis, a great god turned into one that children would hold in their sleep. She thought it was cute, but then she saw a scarab and then Hathor and so it went on until she had 12 of them in her hands, anymore and she wouldn’t be able to get home.

Steven eyed the woman with the copious amount of gift shop items and a small smile snagged on his face.

“Uh, need some help there?” Steven questioned the stranger, awkwardness thick in his voice, his hands suddenly feeling more clammy.

“Hm, oh yes please!” The voice, a very familiar one chirped back, handing Steven the pile of stuffies before he could say anything else.

“No fucking way.” Marc scoffed from the reflection once the so-called stranger's face was revealed. It was her, the woman Marc bumped into and the one whose cat was rubbing up against Steven.

“Oh it’s you! Hello Steven!” Her voice gleamed with happiness and excitement and Steven suddenly felt faint, his heart was beating too fast that the older man thought he was gonna have a heart attack. Her eyes lit up in a certain way that made it seem like they had stars littered in them and Steven had a hard time looking away from them.

“Oh hello. How is uh, the little bugger?” Steven asked, truly wondering about the black that seemed to fancy him.

“Oh Jasper! He’s doing wonderful, probably looking for a way out as we speak.” She chuckled, waving her hand in the air as her gold bracelets clinked together. Red lips upturned in a soft smile, a far away gaze in her eyes.

“Right yeah. Cheeky bastard.” Steven joked, hoping to hear that laugh again.

“Oh that he is. Now enough about that little trouble maker.” She said, resting her arms on the countertop and leaning forward just a bit, “Would you like to join me for coffee or tea sometime, whatever is preferable to you.” She asked with a delicate smile and Steven was at a loss for words.

“Steven, man, you’re gonna have to say something, she can’t read your mind.” Marc told him, sighing at his friend.

“Oh right! Yes, of course. Does Wednesday at 5pm work for you?” Steven rattled off and the younger woman in front of him could only smile, nod and admire.

“That works perfectly for me Steven, I’ll see you then.” She grabbed the bag of stuffies from him and waved him bye. A small piece of paper with some digits written on it left on the desk.

Steven was giddy and despite Marc’s fake reluctance, he too was looking very forward to this night.

Later that evening, (Y/n) was sprawled onto her bed, her iPad tossed beside her still playing the video she was watching from earlier. Khonshu observed the scene, an intriguing little thing she was.

“Child.” He whispered, his voice mixing in with the air. The young woman stirred a little yet still showed no signs of waking up.

“Little one, arise.” Khonshu poked at her with his staff and that seemingly did the trick.

“Huh, w-what.” She mumbled, rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes. She looked ahead only to see bandages wrapped around a humanoid figure until she looked up and saw a floating bird skull, she screeched.

Khonshu leaned down until she was able to see his head, “At last we meet, darling.” His voice mixed in with the night sky as the woman in front of him looked confused and scared before she passed out.

Khonshu stood up, looking at her body and then up at the night sky.

“At last, after eons of torture she took form once again.” He spoke to the sky, his words letting the gods know what they suspected. Taking one last look at her, Khonshu fled in the night sky to his avatar.

He looked at the peaceful Marc Spector, asleep as if he had no worries for tomorrow.

“You have no idea what she will bring you, Marc.” And with those words Khonshu disappeared, letting things play out the way they need to for now.

Tagging these beauties: @weredancingonamoonbeam @jake-g-lockley

[yuliciagaming]

so osiris was known for his reflections right. and he presumably can’t make them anymore because they were of his light right. and threadrunner hunters can make clones of themselves with threaded specter right. well all of this to say i believe in osiris Strand Man

[thetelesterion]

Dionysos, also called Zagreus, is the god of rebirth, renewal, and wine. Additionally, he is the god of liberation and freedom. To me, he represents freedom for all people, especially the oppressed and the minorities. Dionysos is also heavily intertwined with queer history, and his own mythological stories reflect his gender non-conformity and androgynous nature. One of his epithets is literally "Ανδρογυνος." In the Roman period, the Emperor Hadrian ordered the deification of his lover Antinous, who tragically drowned in the Nile River. Even after his death, the cult that had formed around Antinous continued to thrive, creating statues which bore Antinous's youthly face. These statues also blended imagery of Osiris and Dionysos. Thus, even after death, this man wore the guise of a god, and lived on in a sense. Another fun fact I wanted to add, while reading up on a specific statue of Antinous/Dionysos, this one, I came across the little tidbit at the bottom which suggests that during the criminalization of homosexuality in the USSR, underground gay communities would perform wedding ceremonies and rites in front of the statue.

[drifterslittlemuffin]

Here's a cool little easter egg:

(Sorry for awful quality)

When you go to lighthouse, if you bring a sniper rifle with you, you can see Saint chatting with an Osiris reflection from a distance :)

Probably something that Bungie forgot or didn't bother to remove (since Osiris is now lightless), but still pretty cool!

[egypt-museum]

Reliquary of Abydos

This reliquary is notable for its design, with a base adorned with four lion protomes (the head and upper part of the body of the lion). These lion elements reflect the artistic traditions of the period and were likely included for symbolic reasons, as lions were often associated with strength, protection, and royalty in ancient Egypt.

The reliquary is made of diorite, a durable and dense stone. The object stands about 14.6 cm tall and 11.7 cm wide, so it is relatively small but intricately detailed.

A reliquary in the ancient Egyptian context is typically a container for relics or sacred objects. This particular one is believed to have been created to house a relic connected to Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664-525 BC. Now in the Louvre. E 11072

Read more

[kaibutsushidousha]

I hope this doesn’t seem like a flame-bait ask, but the Ka'an being albinos, and well, the even less necessary detail that Camazotz’s melanin was somehow contagious has left me reflecting on how this franchise has often portrayed darker skin as something of a consequence rather than something natural. Do you know of any details that might explain this implicit recurrence? From a Doylist, not Watsonian perspective. Either from anything Nasu may have been inspired by, or perhaps something he may have written early on. Because this is clearly an extremely unfortunate pattern, not uniform in the explanations either, which is why I’m curious enough to ask.

The examples I’m thinking of are specifically EMIYA (Shirou and Kiritsugu), Angra Mainyu, hell, even Dust of Osiris, and now Camazotz, at least within the new details (the skin darkening was nothing new, but COME ON, CONTAGIOUS MELANIN???).

I don't imagine he's inspired by anything specific for this trend. But your phrasing here, "portrayed darker skin as something of a consequence rather than something natural", is really clicked some switches in my head. It feels like a clue directly to the answer of the puzzle.

Japan is a 99% monoethnic country, geographically isolated by water, politically isolated for over 200 years, and freed from the isolationist regime for less long than the regime lasted. I live in a super multiethnic country, so when I see a darker person in Brazil, my Brazilian common sense tell me he's from a different race. But when a Japanese person sees a darker person without an obvious foreigner face, their common sense tells that's sun exposure.

Understanding darker skin as something of a consequence rather than something natural is their culture's default and there's text dating back to 10th century (Heian court lady diaries) to evidence it. I explain it more properly in this other post (about Danganronpa), but even the common use idiom 白い肌 ("white skin") is unrelated to race.

[talonabraxas]

“I have united with the serpent of the beyond. I have accepted everything beyond into myself.” -C.G. Jung, The Red Book

The Caduceus - Magical Staff of Hermes Talon Abraxas

Hermes, personifying the dual powers of the Secret Wisdom, carries in his right hand a powerful symbol which represents the breathing in and breathing out of the cosmos and unites all the dual aspects of manifested existence. The caduceus of Hermes was said to have been given him by Apollo. It is a wand with two serpents twined round it, surmounted by two wings. The ancient Greeks believed it to exercise influence over the living and the dead, bestow wealth and prosperity, and turn everything it touched into gold. They called it Kerykeion, 'herald's wand' – it was the emblem of heralds and ambassadors, giving them power and inviolability. While the rod represents power, the serpents symbolize wisdom.

The wings of the caduceus symbolize the 'winged radiance' of those who have achieved the dynamic equilibrium of the two lobes of the medulla, the petals of the third-eye chakra, as well as the lightning speed of Hermes as Messenger of the Gods. Like the twining serpents, Hermes is known as the equilibrator, balancing the pairs of opposites, inspiring the alchemist's belief that without him neither Isis nor Osiris could accomplish the Great Work. The caduceus also symbolizes the fall of spirit into matter from the archetypal world to the creative and formative worlds and finally to the material world. Thus it essentially represents the astral light, the means through which Hermes wields his great power of transformation. The astral light is variously described as an "ambient and all-penetrating fluid . . . a ray detached from the (Spiritual) Sun's splendour," – the girdle of Isis that twines around two poles, and the winged dragon of Medea as well as the double serpent of the caduceus. It is the vehicle of life, representing time and eternity: the tempter and the redeemer. The wings of the caduceus signify the spiritual transcendence of time and temptation.

The rod of the caduceus is called a 'laya rod,' a central staff surrounded by the positive and negative energy of the serpents. It is the neutral Sushumna, the channel of the Sun's One Ray. All wands and staffs of power derive from this idea, just as the guiding power of Hermes is reflected in the prayer to the Christos which promises, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The magician's wand, the 'baton de commandement' of ancient cave-paintings, and the lightning rod, are all aspects symbolic of a principle of controlled power.

On the western pediment of the Temple of Artemis at Corfu is a gorgon figure flanked by two lions. She stands in a 'pinwheel stance' which conveys movement without locomotion. Around her waist are coiled two serpents, entwined at the front, their heads arching back to face one another at her bodice. She is a guardian warding off evil and protecting the goddess within. As such, this stone figure represents protection through balanced duality. For the Great Serpent in the Garden of Eden and the 'Lord God' are one. Or, as the ancients taught, "Demon est Deus Inversus."

Agathodaemon and Kakodaemon are offshoots from the same tree of being, and evil is a force which is antagonistic but essential to good, giving it vitality and existence. These two entwined serpents, symbolizing the astral light which is not only the vehicle of life but the auxiliary of good and evil, reflect that matrix which ever seeks equilibrium. As long as nature remains 'untamed,' the opposition of the two forces (quicksilver and sulphur) manifests in a destructive mode. Hermes (Mercury) introduces the equilibrating element. The Hebrews called the astral light OD-OB-AOUR or 'Great Agent of Life.' The magnetism directed by the active will represented the right-hand serpent of the caduceus or OD. The left-hand serpent symbolized the passive OB. The golden globe at the summit of the rod was AOUR or 'equilibrating light,' the neutral point. The secret of magnetism could be mastered through ruling the fatality of OB with the intelligent power of OD, thereby gaining the perfect equilibrium of AOUR.

The solar and lunar spirals describe forces unfolding outward and simultaneously turning inward. They represent the expanding and contracting forces of nature, the alternating yin and yang, the two halves of the world egg as well as of the brain. A continuous oscillation between the two serpents accompanies the involution and evolution of spirit. The involution of spirit into matter is a progressive downward cycling, the 'sliding down of Aeons' of the Alexandrian Gnostics. The 'Downfall of Pleroma' (Gods and Devas) is allegorized as 'the desire to learn and acquire knowledge.' The seven 'rectors' break through the 'seven circles of fire.' These are the seven Devas who were born to act in space and time, to break through the seven circles of the super-spiritual planes into the phenomenal world. Allegorically, they rebelled against God.

In the nineteenth century 'primitive matter' was thought to have been formed by the act of a 'generative force' throwing off atoms endowed with varying forms of energy. It was believed by some that lowering temperatures and electricity within the 'original protyle' conferred upon newly-born elements their particular atomicity. Sir William Crookes, an intuitive chemist, pointed out that double spirals describe the process by which the elements originate. Such a figure would comprise three simultaneous oscillating motions, each at right angles to the other. Projecting this figure in space, curves describe loci where various chemical elements form within one cycle of oscillation. In the next cycle, conditions of temperature and time would have changed and the atomic groupings would be lineal descendants of the first group; and so the process would continue. Projected in space, the curve shows a central neutral line relating to electrical and chemical properties, with a positive spiral on the north, a negative on the south. This strongly echoes the metaphysics embodied in the caduceus. Though limited to material genesis, scientists have suggested that eventually matter would be reabsorbed into 'the point neutral as to electricity' or the 'zero point' analogous to the neutral globe at the summit of the caduceus rod – what The Secret Doctrine terms the "Inter-etheric point" upon which the universe revolves, a laya point, "which hiding place can be traced in the world of matter." Rotating neutral centers fixed by Fohat carry the full load of accumulated atoms from the start, and remain balanced.

The Divine Pyrnander teaches that "the Gods distinguished the Nature full of Seeds. And when all things were interminated and unmade up, the light things were divided on high and the heavy things were founded upon the moist Sand." When things were formed, they were sustained by Spirit and "Heaven was seen in Seven Circles . . . The Gods were seen in their Ideas of the Stars . . . and the Sphere was lined with air, carried about in a circular motion by the Spirit of God." Similarly, in modern astronomy, scientists speak of whirling gases made up of light hydrogen atoms evolving into heavier elements by 'spontaneous synthesis.' This cosmo-chemical process is described as unfolding in the same oscillating, caduceus-like pattern. Hydrogen atoms, the first of the series, are able to bind and to release a second electron, and in the absorption and emission of the necessary small amount of energy, all the wavelengths of the hydrogen spectrum are evolved. Since all further color distinctions are due to similar atomic and electro-magnetic variants, it would seem to follow that the potential for subsequent evolution exists at the earliest point. The unfolding spectrum can be related to the serpentine oscillation producing the original elements. In the language of the ancients, the Seven Devas break through spiritual planes into the phenomenal realms. Spirit involves into matter, its manifested spectrums circling down in series through the astral matrix.

These dual forces conjoin at the center of the seven-fold nature of man. The full force of the conjunction of the lunar and the solar serpents is uniquely experienced in human nature, and the perfected man who has balanced these universal forces is, like Hermes, a God of the Crossroads and a Mediator between Two Worlds. At the point of intersection between the macrocosm and the microcosm stands man. This is 'the cave of the heart,' the battleground of the dual forces of life. The vertical axis is the road of descending and ascending power. The horizontal axis is the manifestation of this in the world. Strong interaction of the contrasting forces along the two axes produces a spiralling motion that is the basis for identifying the aspiring disciple with the uncoiling serpent, and the perfected men of all ages as Nagas or Dragons of Wisdom.

Through his sacrifice the Serpent-Saviour initiates a new winding on the spiral of the next dimension, marking the beginning of a New Age. He is like The Redeemer on the cross. Through him man pulls himself up at the moment of death into the lunar foundations of the next world. The Adept who touches the earth like the serpent's tail sacrifices his life to lift up the whole in his journey back to his Spiritual Seat. He is the Spiralled Serpent of the Tree of Life.

The trunk of the Asvatta tree grows from heaven and descends at every Beginning from the two dark wings of the Swan of Life. The two Serpents, the ever-living and its illusion (spirit and matter) whose two heads grow from the one head between the wings, descend along the trunk, interlacing in close embrace. The two tails join on earth (the manifested universe) into one, and this is the great illusion.

Ophios and Ophiomorphos, Apollo and Python, Osiris and Typhon, Christos and the Serpent, are all convertible terms, all Logoi. "One is unintelligible without the other." They are spiritual saviours and physical regenerators; the former ensure immortality for the Divine Spirit and the latter give it through regeneration of the seed. The serpent or saviour has to die because he reveals the secret of the Immortal Ego.

Human consciousness is related to the balancing and flow of subtle energy currents. The Sakti of Siva actively revolves around the Siva lingham, the neutral rod of the caduceus. The lotus centers in the body are pierced by the Sakti energy passing into progressively finer vibrations. The Buddha termed this 'the untying of all the knots in the inverse order.' Man approaches the Divine through spiral stages of initiation. Apollonius of Tyana spoke of the Second Hour when "by the duad, the zodiacal fish chant the praises of God; the fiery serpents entwine about the caduceus and the thunder becomes harmonious." This is one of twelve zodiacal steps of successive initiation, another being to study the balanced forces in nature and learn how harmony results from the analogy of contraries, "to know the Great Magical Agent and two-fold polarization of universal light."

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus bears the following inscription "The power is vigorous if it be changed into earth . . . Ascend with the greatest sagacity from earth to heaven, and then again descend to earth, and unite together the power of things superior with things inferior." Such is the practice of theurgy which involves communication with, and bringing down to earth, planetary spirits and angels. Total purity of mind, heart and body is needed to perform this sublime magic. In the school of Iamblichus, priests who evoked gods during the Mysteries were Hierophants. Like the Brahman Grihasta, the Theurgist liberated his own astral body, which then took on the form of the God and served as a medium through which the "special current preserving ideas and knowledge of that God could be reached and manifested." Through theurgy, the initiated disciple ascends the spiral to communicate with the Augoeides rendered visible through the medium of his astral body.

The magic of theurgy and the art of healing are alike based upon the principle of establishing an equilibrium of forces. Because human nature denotes the polarity of spirit and matter, a struggle between the two manifests. Since the centripetal and centrifugal forces are interdependent, if the action of one is obstructed, the action of the other will immediately become self-destructive. There must be a restoration of equilibrium so that the currents of life can perform their proper function in the body. The Navajo medicine man carefully delineates a design in colored sand which precisely combines the correct elements of color, symbol, direction and balance. In the center of this mandala the patient will remain seated throughout the lengthy chanting which, together with the sand-painting, will evoke the contrasting forces in nature necessary to re-establish the proper equilibrium in the patient.

The knowledge needed to heal oneself is the same as that needed to ascend the spiral of initiation into the still center of the Higher Self. The great shadow of the astral light ever deludes man and the shadow-serpent entwined around him obscures his vision. Let man mark that serpent well and understand its essential force while turning his mind ever upward toward the Spiritual Sun. The ardent disciple strives to realize Siva through the balanced forces of his whole nature, thus embodying every aspect of the golden caduceus. This is the natural potential of man. The perfect balance achieved, the soul soars upward on radiant wings.

[thefirstknife]

Failsafe is so sad/mad at us for negligence!

And armor lore kinda confirms the nice personality is just her politeness filter.

She's allowed! I love her unconditionally!!!! She's SO funny.

Fave thing so far:

She cooked Osiris with this.

First lore tab is up on Ishtar! Fave parts:

A communications dish on what was once the starboard side of the Exodus Black creaked into position, reflecting a hazy patch of light down onto the Vandals as it locked into place—a devious stratagem that would increase the ambient temperature by as much as 3 degrees Celsius over the next 20 minutes. "Burn and die," Failsafe hissed quietly, while the Vandals did no such thing.

Help me?

And the filter thing:

Failsafe opened the communication ravenously, and it was only with moderate disappointment that she realized it was a text-free request: Ada-1 was seeking access to the Exodus Black's old shader archive.

And then:

Failsafe initiated a response. "Hey," she dictated. "Yeah, if you want to help Guardians play dress-up, you can have some of my old stuff." Her filter happily translated Failsafe's thoughts into a form it calculated was more acceptable to the recipient. "Bonjour, Ada-unit!" the filter typed cheerfully. "Your dedication to Guardian aesthetics is quite commendable! Your request has been approved! ^_^" As Failsafe reviewed the polished words, her processer made a dissatisfied grinding noise. She overrode the protocols and manually deleted the carets and underscore, then the exclamation points, then the patronizing greeting. She paused, deleted the rest of the message, and instead approved Ada's request without comment.

The .... "^_^" Absolutely losing it.

And finally:

The Vandals were doubtless going after another piece of plating. "Procreate!" Failsafe heard herself say brightly, and she realized she was still powering her protocol banks.

LET FAILSAFE SAY FUCK!!!!!!!

I'm having a normal time with Echoes so far.

[rosary-enthusiast]

I have a hot take today, about Christian/monotheist influences in Pagan spaces.

Unless you are strictly, & I mean strictly, a recreationist, you do not have to shun your own cultural influences in your practice. Religions have changed & adapted to one another for all of human history, & while we must be mindful of colonial effects on paganism, not all Christian or monotheistic influences are bad & harmful.

I live in the Deep South of the US. We do not have a culture of diverse religious practices, & I grew up with my idea of god exclusively being that of God with a capital G. it would be quite unnatural for me to force myself away from iconography & titles that I am familiar with in order to be strictly “historically accurate”, & it would not be a genuine reflection of my love for my practice. Just as Isis-Aphrodite, & Artemis of Ephesus, & Osiris-Dionysus, merged with foreign religious practices to form something equally as beautiful & valid, so too does Lord Apollo, & Lady Diana. Yes, these titles are reflective of specifically Christian influences, & European monarchy, but I am reflective of European immigrants, & Louisiana Catholics. If anything, this is just another epithet for a new era of beloved followers.

It’s ok not to use these titles, it’s ok to want to avoid outside influences in your religion, but consider why you think something like this is bad before casting judgement, & please reconsider the idea that Christian/abrahamic equals bad.

Anyway, go on & enjoy your spirituality. The gods have known many names, & I’m sure they won’t mind yours.

[whencyclopedia]

The Forty-Two Judges

The Forty-Two Judges were divine entities associated with the afterlife in ancient Egypt and, specifically, the judgment of the soul in the Hall of Truth. The soul would recite the Negative Confession in their presence as well as other gods and hope to be allowed to continue on to the paradise of the Field of Reeds.

The ancient Egyptians have long been defined as a death-obsessed culture owing to their association with tombs and mummies as depicted in popular media and, of course, the famous discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter in 1922 CE. Images of the jackal-headed god of the dead Anubis or the black-and-green mummified form of Osiris have also encouraged this association in the public imagination.

Actually, however, the Egyptians loved life and their seeming preoccupation with death and the afterlife was simply an expression of this. There is no evidence that the ancient Egyptians longed for death or looked forward to dying in any way – in fact, precisely the opposite is abundantly clear – and their elaborate funerary rituals and grand tombs stocked with grave goods were not a celebration of death but a vital aspect of the continuation of life on another, eternal, plane of existence. To reach this idealized world, however, one needed to have lived a virtuous life approved of by Osiris, the judge of the dead, and the Forty-Two Judges who presided with him over the Hall of Truth in the afterlife.

The Afterlife

The Egyptians believed that their land was the best in the world, created by the gods and given to them as a gift to enjoy. They were so deeply attached to their homes, family, and community that soldiers in the army were guaranteed their bodies would be returned from campaigns because they felt that, if they died in a foreign land, they would have a harder time – or possibly no chance at all – of attaining immortality in the afterlife.

This afterlife, known as The Field of Reeds (or Aaru in ancient Egyptian), was a perfect reflection of one's life on earth. Scholar Rosalie David describes the land which awaited the Egyptians after death:

The underworld kingdom of Osiris was believed to be a place of lush vegetation, with eternal springtime, unfailing harvests, and no pain or suffering. Sometimes called the `Field of Reeds', it was envisaged as a `mirror image' of the cultivated area in Egypt where rich and poor alike were provided with plots of land on which they were expected to grow crops. The location of this kingdom was fixed either below the western horizon or on a group of islands in the west. (160)

To reach this land, the recently deceased needed to be buried properly with all attendant rites according to their social standing. Funerary rites had to be strictly observed in order to preserve the body which, it was thought, the soul would need in order to receive sustenance in the next life.

Once the body was prepared and properly entombed, the soul's journey began through the afterlife. Funerary texts inside the tomb would let the soul know who they were, what had happened, and what to do next. The earliest of these were the Pyramid Texts (c. 2400-2300 BCE) which then evolved into the Coffin Texts (c. 2134-2040 BCE) and were fully developed as The Egyptian Book of the Dead (c. 1550-1070 BCE) during the period of the New Kingdom (c.1570-c.1069 BCE). The god Anubis would greet the newly departed soul in the tomb and usher it to the Hall of Truth where it would be judged by Osiris and an important aspect of this judgment was conference with the entities known as the Forty-Two Judges.

Continue reading...

[randombitchwashere]

Necromatica

Meet Necromatica, my oc/x reader (*in a brice tankthrust voice*im a bitch with a backstory). No thunderbolts just yet but I'll try writing some stuff in a few days so stay posted 😘

I already have a couple of ideas for short ficlets & drabbles so lmk if you want me to share,it will mostly be slow posts. She's a bit self reflecting to me so whoops lmao.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~《~♡~》~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Powers :dust like bacteria that consume flesh raw,(when applied to victims appears as tho it was rot, like radiation poisoning in late stage)

• Very good at combat, trained in childhood home, athletic graceful but dramatic (think like comedic WWE style at times but super graceful like a gymnist)

• Custom made weapon. Double ended retractable scythe blades that make one staff

• Iconic move is to lay out fuel on the ground and scrape the backend of the scythe blades while spinning and sparking on the ground. Lighting a fire ring and fighting people that way.

• Was raised in a German cult obsessed with death and a heavy religious theme but not Christian (like complet opposite but not Satanism). Was the cults "priestess at a young age because of the powers she had.

• When overwhelmed she cacoons herself in massive amounts of the bacteria clouds that form a safe hammock (like the gif up top). There appearance in large forms is textured, (think an hr giger painting, or scorn) Very tissue-y but ornate

• Vaguely on the spectrum, has sensory issues and social issues but not noticeable to most

• Her Costume is "controversial". ( she'd argue it's empowering) I'm thinking like a skater skirt with tactical gear scattered on her person, chunky sneakers like Osiris, plain shorts and all black and mostly goes as is into fights

• She is younger probably older gen z category ( think 21-26)