#Niobe is stronger than me

[sadko101]

Another reason why the matrix is woke af, is in enter the matrix when you choose Niobe.

For a little background Niobe runs into Persephone trying to get to ghost cause he’s in trouble and Persephone does the whole “u gotta kiss me thing”

And she comments on how she knows Niobe has a lover, but until after the kiss she uses gender neutral pronouns instead of assuming Niobe lover is a man. Then after the (2nd) kiss she actively acknowledges that her lover is a man instead of assuming, saying: “your lover is a man. What’s his name?”. Ughhhh I love it

(And then niobe responds with “Jason” and Persephone is all like “tee hee, no it’s not, and he knows that”)

[antiloreolympus]

12 Anti LO Asks

1. arent some of the copies of that lo book upwards of $40 dollars if not more? like bare minimum ive seen it at least $20 even for the paperback but it goes way up for the hardcovers (tho the second vol already had a pretty massive markdown by what i saw on amazon which was ... weird). wt readers flip out over paying a few cents for fast pass, why would they buy the same thing they already read for free for a much higher price thats not even formatted correctly and kept all the typos?

2. i swear LO is making me into a pearl clutching nun. I get its trying to be ~pro sexuality~ or whatever but its so hamfisted in trying to do so and everyone and everything is so horny for??? reasons?? like no one talks or acts like this.

3. the way rachel "designs" characters deadass looks like how NFTs work. she just uses the same template and changes one or two things and calls its unique.

4. Does anyone know a comic where Persephone ACTUALLY chooses to go to the Underworld? Because LO and Ficlets still has her be kidnapped and Punderworld has it just be an accident she ended up there.

5. i think whats annoying me too about all these flashbacks is that im not sure whats actually true?? which i think is maybe the point but even when we see it from h or p's POV it comes across as the worst option? like helios' version actually made persephone look better than reality, hermes' flashback gave her personality and set their relationship better, meanwhile we get it from hxp and hades is just a neglectful ass to a literal child meanwhile persephone just looks like an idiot? like?? 💀

6. The biggest thing to me is these ancient stories don't belong to us, and modern "retellings" are not the "natural progression" of mythology, it's just people taking known stories and more often than not just making fanfic with the creator's biases. LO is allowed to exist, but Rachel is not "keeping the mythology alive" or "adding to the canon" as her fans claim. LO doesn't even fit a loose retelling, and it is not nor will ever be as legitimate as the actual texts. Sorry to be harsh but 🤷🏿

7. The way my skin crawled at the Niobe part… that’s so dumb if RS wants to portray Artemis as good and Apollo as bad why would you choose that myth like 😭 “hey Artemis only killed 6 instead of 7 like her awful brother” how does that even make sense??? Also ofc cutting so much of the original myth like-

From OP: Yeah, it doesn’t even make sense because we hear Leto is a sun goddess in LO but not the goddess of motherhood.

8. i dont get why all of a sudden now persephone wants to be queen? off of what? first its set up on she had goals to get her degree and have freedom, but now she just wants to be his wife? why? second, even her idea of making elysium is just her trying to relive her own guilt, not that she actually cares about the dead. her motives are out of nowhere and purely selfish, which the latter would be fine if LO didnt set up one set of goals but drop them to be hades' wife instead with no reasoning.

9. i think the biggest issue with this trial plot line is one) so dragged out, who cares, but two: hades is both leading up and during this whole thing has been so cartoonishly awful that i dont even care if he points out something right. a broken clock is also right twice a day, but that doesnt mean it still isnt broken. not to mention its very easy to make him look "right" when rachel purposely makes everyone else so irrational/wrong that he looks correct in comparison. that isnt a win, actually.

-----FP Spoilers/Mention-----

10. FP SPOILERS// Hades basically tells Persephone that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger in reaction to learning about her sexual assault and that really rubs me the wrong way because that kind of trauma doesn't make a person stronger, it damages you and as you heal you become stronger in spite of what happened so idk that whole diamond pep talk just irked me idk if anyone else feels the same way

11. Fp) Helios (thought it was Hera at first lol) she gives you HOMEMADE birthday cards as a bribe each year how dare you report a homicide she committed... Of course now we will get to know the real story is completely different and Perse is an angel who allowed those poor mortals to duebabd Minthe co. are such a horrible people for lying. She can't do anything wrong. Also, seriously? Russell? Such a Greek sounding name again.

12. I shouldn't be as annoyed as I am that episode 184 was basically more pointless stalling, it's honestly just a trend at this point. Is it bad that I actually laughed when Helios told Persephone that her birthday cards ain't shit? The way she actually tried to guilt-trip him for reporting her murdering people by saying "bUt I mAdE you Birthday Cards!!11" and him njust not having that shit. Beautiful. Also, as much as I was never a fan of Smythe's demonizing of Apollo, I'm not sure I like the direction she seems to go in now, namely the implication that Apollo's predatory behavior is really all Leto's fault because she encouraged it. It's yet another female character Smythe villainized just so Persephone could be the most perfect woman of them all in contrast to all these manipulative harpys on Olympus.

[ciegeinc]

Movie Review... The Matrix Resurrections

(2/5) Watched this twice in the last two days. The 2nd time took a lot longer because I had to keep pausing and taking notes. In a nutshell, in a flash summary...this is the Matrix for Gen Z'ers. The generation that can be summed in some instances as taking something that has already been done and calling it there own (for example countless dances and songs from the 80s and 90s redone, rediscovered on social media). That's what this movie feels like. It tries to do what three films did and then finish with something new and it fails and is bland.

Questions and plot holes are not foreign to the matrix franchise but when those questions are spread and explained in three films vs one; it's hard to process. There was more that I disliked than I liked.

The action was lackluster compared to its predecessors. I am not sure if this was done purposely for this new story or was this something due to COVID. Either way the final product did not reach the standard. I hated the shooting sequence too. Literally all at close range but no one got shot? I didn't like them breaking the 3rd wall too. That is always a key give away of a money grab Hollywood sequel. It was disguised as the comedic element of the film but was delivered as a load of cheese.

Lastly, the vagueness in the explanations about the returning of certain characters, terminology and settings. Zion's demise was unclear to me as well as the return of Smith. Niobe's return was good to see but then for her grow old to be just like Captain Roland doesn't make sense for what the character went through in the older films. There was a lot more too question but it's not worth it (check out my film notes at the bottom).

There were a few things I liked. The scene where Trinity yelled Neo's name gave me chills and the result of Neo going to the machine city (no spoiler). But that is about it.

This doesn't necessarily tarnish the other films but it’s definitely not needed either.

To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, Mr. Anderson, aka Neo, will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. If he's learned anything, it's that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of -- or into -- the Matrix. Neo already knows what he has to do, but what he doesn't yet know is that the Matrix is stronger, more secure and far more dangerous than ever before (rottentomatoes.com).

Notes and Questions (Things I Wrote on my Second Trip)...

Modal - Simulation used to Evolve programs Programs = Digital Sentience?

Rehashing of older films

Morpheus referred to bugs as a sentient and she did not correct him? But she isn't

Morpheus is a program that has to find Neo

Shoot at point blank range and missing?

Are the modal and game the same thing?

Neo is trapped within a new matrix with trinity and they can't remember anything.  Neo is a game creator in the new matrix and the game he creates is of his memories.  Basically the first 3 films.  The game is popular in the new matrix. In the game neo has created a new morpheus a program to free him.  

Constantly referring to the themes of the original films, breaking that 3rd wall was not done "smartly" Matrix 4 video game = matrix 4 movie.  Pitch meeting...matrix for Gen Z

Agent Smith Neo boss?

Analysts is the new Architect

Fighting and action sequences are subpar to predecessors (unsure if that was done purposely or due to COVID)

Battle in the office? Real...next game/modal. Agent Smith?

Bots vs Agents?

Mod morpheus was created to free him but Smith was also involved in the coding of Mod morpheus

Synthients?

Zion was always set up by machines...IO set up by people?

Very vague what happened to zion... during the purge, creation of new matrix, did Zion get destroyed

Smith explains his arrival being that from the analysts...but morpheus spoke of something different?

Analysts slow down mode?

New analysts wants to harness emotional distress instead using logic and equations as control like the architect

Niobe grew old just become Captain Roland

Tati?

Agent smith turning into that random guy?

How does trinity access skills neo once had?

[hereticaloracles]

Full Moon in Sagittarius: Free to be Free

“One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” – Helen Keller

Helios�� Astrological Angle for the Full Moon in Sagittarius– Right, so fair warning: This one is going to have some tough truths and not all of you are going to be receptive to them. I know this, and have to say them anyway, because it’s the essence of what is going on in the skies above and you all need to know to act (or not act) accordingly. After a solid week of dealing with hate from a viral tweet where I vaguely bashed Virgos while also giving them a serious promotion (yes, Virgos, there are benefits included) I can take the flak I’m going to get for this. So let’s dive right into this one, shall we?

The Sun & Moon, and Pluto– First things first, this is a story of an ending- It’s also the end of your story, if you’ll forgive the turn of phrase. Whatever house this Lunation falls in for you (25 Sag), you need to end something that fits in that theme. Now I’m not going to break it down by every house, a quick glance at your chart and the keywords they represent should give you the insight you need here- plus it is more than likely the thing that is stressing you out and that you’re losing sleep over. Now, let’s be real- no one LIKES endings. Endings hurt, and they represent the finality of a situation, one way or another- And what hurts the most is that some characters in the drama don’t make it all the way to the end as they should. Sometimes storylines don’t have a good conclusion and things are left unanswered. Every good story needs an ending though, and the sooner you make the conscious choice to work with this the more relieved you will be. I can’t make it not hurt for you, though. I only wish that I could. Minor Planets used: Eris, Sedna, Chaos, Borasisi, Ceto, Chariklo, Juno, Eros, Hekate

Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune– Speaking of hurt, this is the tough part that y’all aren’t going to take well. You need to stop identifying as a victim. The astro is clear on this, your mission right now is to end the story where you were subjected to some horrible tragedy or great wrong. No matter what it is, you need to stop telling the story that frames you as powerless and weak. If you were powerless and it wasn’t your fault, then stop telling the story at all. Now, to be clear I am not trying to minimize the pain anyone is feeling or their situation, but you cannot be a hero and a victim at the same time. We are moving into a tough, dangerous time, and you will need to choose who you will be- Hero, or Victim. Keep your story, and tell it when its time, but the times call for us to move forward. We cannot stay mired in the doldrums of our deepest depression. I know you spent so long working on emotional authenticity, and I am so proud of you for it- but you need to be functional now, and cannot allow your pain to shackle you to one spot. You need to be up, ready to go another round, raring to chase your dreams and punch Nazis in the face while throwing bricks at homophobes. You need to figure out a way to be positive, upbeat, and shake off the darkness of your mind. I write this in full knowledge of the horrors my own mind tortures me with on a daily basis and know how hypocritical it sounds, believe me- but it doesn’t change the fact that we need to do this. It requires all the bravery we can muster. We found our truths in the Cardinal Crisis and watched the world change in unbelievable ways- for good and ill. Neptune and Chiron in Pisces have wrung you out leaving you feeling like there is nothing left of you, and now the stars and I are asking for even more, more than those asked for combined. We need to be brave, bold, and strong, and we need to do it together. You have to start telling a new story about yourself, write a new narrative where you are the hero you dream of being, the hero the world needs. Your words have power, and you need to use this power to lift yourself up so that you can inspire others to do the same. It is not selfish to make yourself a priority. It’s time to stand up and show the world who you are, even if it breaks your heart to do it. Minor Planets used: Nodes, Arawn, Deucalion, Mors-Smonus, Amycus, Psyche, Nemesis, Requiem, Niobe, Siwa, Magdalena

Venus, Chiron, and Uranus– Nothing about this astro is kind, and this is the easiest it will be for a good long while. I know I’m asking a lot, and you will inevitably resist this advice because it’s far easier to stay broken than try to fix yourself- but your life is not what you want it to be. You know this. So much has been taken from you, and not one bit of it is fair and just, but you cannot change what has already happened. You must move forward. “But how? To where? What do I do, I’m lost!” you say. I know this because it’s what I’m saying, every minute of the day. The one thing that wasn’t taken from you was your heart. In fact, it was made stronger, so much so. You are ready to show the world who you are and what you’re made of. This is so important, and exactly what you should be doing. The missing ingredient to your success is joy. You need to create and live in a state of joy, even though things are bad. I know it feels inauthentic and the very idea rankles you. If you come from a place of joy and positivity, if it is real WITHIN you, you will have a much easier time affecting the change that you desire to see in the world. I’ve never suggested this before but this is what I see in the astro.

You will find your way back to where you are supposed to be if you trust yourself and let your heart do its job to lead the way for you. Keep your eyes on the prize, act like a hero would, and make sure to take care of yourself first so that you can help others. That is the mission, right now. Shape yourself into the hero you needed when you had no one, and then be there for others when they need you. Step in and step up. Minor Planets used: Orcus. Salacia, Typhon, Rhiphonos, Bienor, Orpheus, Eurydike, Atropos, Osiris, Hebe

Full Moon in Sagittarius: Free to be Free was originally published on Heretical Oracles

[dhampiravidi]

sunxxblessed​:

Apollo watched their exchange in bitter silence, every muscle in his body tensed. He yearned for the sun more than anything then. If it were still daylight, maybe he would be stronger. Maybe he could fight back, or at least escape. He closed his eyes for a moment, willing his sister to hear his silent prayer.

Artemis, if you hear this, I’m sorry, sister. Look out for Oraia.

He was certain Poseidon would kill him before Oraia made it back, so he just smiled weakly at her before she left.

Then Poseidon was giving him at our, and Apollo could only stare back in shock. He hadn’t even considered marriage, because he had made that vow long ago. But he also didn’t want to leave her or break her heart.

“It seems as though you’ve made the choice for me, Lord Poseidon,” he said quietly. “Even I were to want to marry her, I doubt you would allow it. So I’ll leave. But can you at least… can you please tell her I’m sorry? I never wanted to hurt her.”

She was glad for the nymphs when she came back. Not only were there lives lost in the storm, souls that she had to guide to the Underworld, but...he left me. Just like my father. And she cried the entire day. She wondered if the gods would turn her into stone like they had Queen Niobe, to take pity on her tears.

Over a thousand years later and she still found herself thinking about him, every time the sun rose, every time she fucked a blond--the latter of which wasn’t often, mind you. It hurt too much to be with someone who reminded her of him. 

Part of her wanted so badly to see him again, while another part detested the very thought of him. She was back to hating gods, save Artemis, her newer friend Hermes, and her mother’s people, who were much less fickle when it came to their love.