toastofthetrashfire

Shane •they/them • a hodgepodge of my ecclectic interests • meta

[toastofthetrashfire]

My Meta Master Post

As the title says, a master post with links to all my meta! Updating as I go!

Not Me

Reading of Dan via Paradise Lost

The Eighth Sense

Queer and Crip Time in The Eighth Sense and Giovanni's Room

Shadow the Series Solo Posts

Shadow and Hamlet (posted before episodes 8-14)

Art in Shadow (posted before episodes 8-14)

Shadow and Narrative (posted before episodes 8-14)

On Narrative in Shadow Part 2

Disability in Shadow

Shadow Meta Series: Technology, Time, and Horror (ongoing)

Posted Prior to episodes 8-14

Intro post

Post 1: Clocks and Masculinity in Shadow (posted before 8-14)

Post 2: Trin, Technology, and Narrative (posted before 8-14)

Post 3: Anurak and Old vs New Technology (posted before 8-14)

Post 4: Clocks Part 2

Post 5: Anurak and Trin, Trauma and Power

Only Friends

Some additions to a conversation on cuckoldry

Home School the Series

On Life Lessons

Maki being Manipulated

Moonlight Chicken

Some personal reflections on building a home

Midnight Museum

A short note on disability in Midnight Museum

Dead Friend Forever

Space and Framing in Episode 5

Touch in Episode 5

Math Skills vs Good Looks in Episode 5 (in conversation with my roomate)

Framing in DFF: The Masked Killer (ep 1-4)

Did Tee like Non?

Color in DFF: Part 1 (ep 5-6)

Color in DFF: Part 2 (ep 1-4)

Some things noticed on a DFF rewatch (meta-ish)

Color in DFF: Episode 7

Color in DFF Part 4: Episode 8

Color in DFF Part 5: Episode 9

Color in DFF Part 6: Episode 11

DFF, Found Footage, and the Real (reading DFF through parallels with found footage horror films and their themes)

Framing in DFF: Voyeurism and Sex

A Conversation on Genre (addition to a conversation)

An observation about a photo and voyeurism in episode 11

No Entry: Voyeurism and Reality in the DFF Finale

Other

Communication in JBLs (an addition to a discussion on Kieta Hatsukoi adaptations)

Comparison of how Kiseki Dear to Me and History 4 build in the adopted brothers trope (an addition to a conversation)

Last Twilight's ending (an addition to a conversation)

On Last Twilight and the Ableism of "hope" (an addition to a conversation)

An addition to a conversation about media criticism and cultural perspective with Thai horror as an example

[im-a-ramblr]

HAPPY FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL AROMANTIC VISIBILITY DAY

[homo-ousios]

happy pride don’t forget to set billionaires’ houses on fire and steal their drugs

[cyrjovie]

Gotta say, the souldbonding episode being the first Wu episode during Pride says a lot, I think. Also, finding out Fei is in it not for personal power, but for the power to help make their world a better place for queer people is a fantastic way to kick Pride off.

[janployshompoos]

I can tell just from the look in your eyes that you would never hurt me. You trust people too easily. Not just anyone.

WU | EP5

[crispywizardtale]

[janployshompoos]

So I need a talisman on me every time I sleep? Niran sorted that out with something else. A soul binding ritual? When two souls are bound, half of a person’s spiritual energy will flow into the other. Niran’s spiritual energy is suppressing the demon that nearly devoured you, and it will protect you from now on. Is that a good thing? I guess it is. It’s just not something people do. Because you and Niran will have to share the same fate from here on out. Be that good or bad, the two of you can no longer be separated from each other till death do you part.

WU | EP5

[becomingabeing]

no matter how you interpret it niran and pete's relationship is incredibly queer

[hughungrybear]

And just like that, their souls are bound to be together, forever...

(because I do remember Niran telling those couple the possible consequences of this ritual if they aren't sure 😅)

[maybe-boys-do-love]

Oh, so our mutual trust and admiration for one another which, through a ritual we performed, bounds our souls together so that my well-being is also your well-being is the most profound kind of relationship anyone can possibly have, but it doesn’t entitle us to share our funds (or any other legal rights married couples have) just because it’s not a romantic relationship? Haha It’s almost like this is some kind of commentary on the limits of marriage equality. Haha. But, nah, couldn’t be. Right, Niran?

[another-kkutabaaree]

Wu | Ep 5

[greenteadumplings]

Niran: I performed a soul binding ritual without even asking him. Henceforth our fate itself will be intertwined. Our peace and happiness, pleasures and sorrows our life forces everything is connected. Our souls themselves became one! What if he is mad at me? What if he's not ok with it? What if-

Pete: Yo soulmate bring that huge fortune of yours here

[echowshn]

Wu 巫; Easter Eggs from #WUTheSeriesEP5

Omfg I love love love today's episode. Still can't believe EP 5 is over!

千里繫魂 (Qiān Lǐ Jì Hún) : Connecting Souls through thousand miles Niran was prepping the dolls for the soul-binding ritual for the couple in EP3.

Jumping all the way to the part they started strategizing the best auspicious time for the ritual Each hour does not only have a zodiac representation, but also an element representation; There are 5 elements; which can clash or act together to produce another element. Nourishing: Wood -> Fire -> Earth -> Metal -> Water Clashing: Water -> Fire -> Metal -> Wood -> Earth Water vs. Fire: Water extinguishes Fire. Fire vs. Metal: Fire melts Metal. Metal vs. Wood: Metal chops/dulls Wood. Wood vs. Earth: Wood drains/parts Earth. Earth vs. Water: Earth muddies/blocks Water. In this case, Fire will turn Metal and create Water. (Think of it as melting metal into liquid)

First Auspicious Hour Master Tong gave was: Month of Dog, Day of Cow/Ox, Hour of Dragon ->Earth + Earth + Earth = very grounding and blocks water. However, since Qi Rong is of Metal element, not Water element Second Auspicious timing Master Tong gave: Month of Dog, Day of Snake, Hour of Horse ->Earth + Fire + Fire = Fire melts metal to create water, earth blocks water.

Onward to the ritual! As mentioned previously: 祭 (Jì) - Sacrifice for Qi Rong The writing here isn't correct, but for superstition's sake, I'm kinda glad they didn't write correctly, just in case.

Niran gave Pete his Jade Necklace!!! \\(T~T) 平安扣 (Píng Ān Kòu): A Jade Pendant Buckle that gives protection and peace; Symbolizes "locking in safety," bringing good fortune, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy.

奇戎鎮位 - Plaque to subdue Qi Rong

Here you'll see Jiahao and Fei using Mirrors - Mirrors is an occurring element in the show, but please notice here its not just ANY mirror, but a mirror with 8 sides - I can't tell if it is a bagua mirror or not. Mirrors are often used as a powerful ritual object to reflect cosmic order, dispel dark energy and expose the true forms of spirits and demons Bagua Mirror's primary purpose is to protect a home or business by deflecting, absorbing, or neutralizing negative energy

You'll see here when "Pete" is approaching the 3 kiddos, Pete isnt wearing the Jade necklace? It is Qi Rong using mind manipulation to trick them

You'll see real Pete here wearing the Jade Necklace while trying to find their way back to each other.

Omg Master Tong if he is all mighty and powerful - how can Qi Rong manipulate him further into his confidence of his craft :<

Niran and the yao that he faced/talked about during the show so far Silver Yao on the left: mentioned in EP 4 - Yao at the Factory Red Yao in the middle: in EP 2 - Yao at the Casino Blue Yao on the right: in EP 1 - Yao at the Old Man's Mansion

and poof to the butterfly: which reminds us of spirits and his grandpa

and here he faces Qi Rong in the eternal mirror set up

Can't wait for next episode! I can't believe we are already at the mid point for Wu. \\(T~T) It's been a crazy episode! I loved EVERYTHING. How do I turn back time to rewatch it again as if its my first time, and how do I turn the clock forward 6 days for the next episode?! They need to stop ending the episode in the middle of ritual!! \\(T~T)

[liminalweirdo]

'Brilliant at survival' — Long Covid afflicts trans and bi patients at highest rates - ClearHealthCosts

“God, when I said I wanted to be a little boy, I didn’t mean it like this.” That’s how Cy, a 23-year-old trans man, described how he feels l

like it or not, COVID is a trans/bisexual issue. You can't be intersectional if you're not still wearing a mask in public spaces. yes, in 2025. yes, still. No pride without disability pride. Stop eugenics, fight fascism, wear a mask.

[echowshn]

Wu 巫; Easter Eggs from #WUTheSeriesEP2

Since my twitter is acting up (T~T)//, here's my thread for all the easter eggs i've spotted for EP 2~ So this confirms that Niran is from Betong, Yala, Thailand.

If Niran นิรันดร์ translates to Eternal, I would assume his Chinese name Yong Le is 巫永樂. 永 (Forever/Everlasting) 樂 (Joy/Happiness). 巫 is his Chinese surname.

The exercise that Grandpa is doing is called Taichi - 太極

Grandpa mentions Tian Ming here - 天命, which translates to Mandate of the Heavens, Fate, Destiny, God's Will

The 3 deity statues in the Casino, includes Guan Gong 關公/ Guan Yu 關羽 in the middle.

Guan Yu 關羽 is known as a legendary Chinese general famous for his loyalty, brotherhood, honesty, righteousness, bravery, and martial prowess. He is also worshipped as a god of wealth or a guardian deity.

Why brotherhood - he is loyal to 2 other legendary figures: Liu Bei and Zhang Fei - this I'll explain further later

Poker is a game of strategy, statistics and also a game of whose hands are better matched against the cards dealt by the dealer.

In this game, the mafia had 3 of a kind where he has a pair kings, hence he would have pretty good odds of winning, either with a pair of Kings, or 3 of a kind.

However, Pete's hand won because it's straight spades + flush numbers Ace♠️, 2♠️, 3♠️, 4♠️, 5♠️. Which means it's a way better hand than 3 of a kind.

六耳獼猴: Six Eared Macaque // Interesting part abt Six Eared Macaque, it's a monkey demon that was a major antagonist in the Chinese Classic Fantasy Novel: Journey to the West 西遊記

封: Seal

Pretty interesting that a casino chip is used as a vessel to seal the yao from the casino xD

Suming, I would assume its the sect that Niran and Fei met where they trained to be Wu

Diner scene with Niran & Pete What I find interesting abt this scene has 2 parts:

The Chinese Good Luck Knot as an ornament, usually symbolizes Luck, Prosperity, Longevity and Unity ;)

The part where they connected over a dish - hahahhaa reminds me of the Oath of the Peach Garden - 桃園三結義

This is a fictional scene of a Chinese Classic "Romance of the Three Kingdom" where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei vowed loyalty and brotherhood to each other, and that even tho they are not born on the same day, they swore to die on the same day.

「念劉備﹑關羽﹑張飛，雖然異姓，既結為兄弟，則同心協力，救困扶危；上報國家，下安黎庶；不求同年同月同日生，只願同年同月同日死。皇天后土，實鑒此心。背義忘恩，天人共戮！」

Regarding butterflies I wasn’t sure if I want to put it here yet, but here goes nothing.

In Chinese beliefs there’s two parts to what a butterfly symbolises:

Longevity, love, the Soul and Spirit & freedom. It’s once said that if a butterfly appears at your wedding/important event, it is likely a departed loved one visiting and giving you their blessings.

Relating to the Chinese literature similar to Romeo & Juliet - Liang Shanbo 梁山伯 and Zhu Yingtai 祝英台, otherwise known as LiangZhu/ the butterfly lovers because of how they reunited as butterflies in the afterlife. (IM NOT FORESHADOWING ANYTHING 🤣)

Ooooh, is that the “Your Name/Kimi no Na Wa” manga?

The red ribbon, the fate between the two characters

Ooh! So I’ve watched back, and realise it’s part of this chant in Hakka

Chant Translation (Rough) - Sky's IG Post

無慈悲者 非天地 Those without compassion are not of Heaven & Earth 違天命者 違天地 Those defy Heaven's Will, defy Heaven & Earth 非報應者 逆天地 Those defy retribution/judgement, are against Heaven & Earth 非公道者反天地 Those defy justice, defy Heaven & Earth 天公地道, 自然正道, Heaven & Earth are Just, Nature is Right 不公不道者遭天誅 Those who act unjustly will be punished by the heavens

[echowshn]

Wu 巫; Easter Eggs from #WUTheSeriesEP3

Since my twitter is acting up (T~T)//, here's my thread for all the easter eggs i've spotted for EP 3~

Talismans are seals for the demon that's sealed in this chest.

退邪 (Tuì Xié): Expel Evil

Pán Gǔ - 盤古

In Chinese mythology, Pan Gu is the primordial being and creator of the Universe. 盤古開天闢地 refers to Pan Gu splitting the heavens and earth to create the universe, alongside the Yin 陰 (earth) and the Yang 陽 (heaven).

Hence, YinYang ☯️ describes opposite ends being interconnected and complementary to the natural world.

In Taoism, Yin refers to the dark side, so linking to spirits, stillness, moon. While Yang refers to the bright side, linking to the living, energy, light, sun.

This will explain more regarding the 9 people requirement later on.

In the ranking of cards, the smallest to greatest in power: ♦️♣️♥️♠️ Smallest being the Diamond, then the Club, the Heart, and the Spade.

Hence, Niran won his opponent by power denominator, Heart over Club.

This frame is Niran's family's ancestral plaque 祖先牌. Basically its a plaque to pay respects to all his ancestors. This also confirms Niran comes from the Wū (巫) clan.

Main line in the middle: 平陽堂 巫氏 歷代祖先 - Ancestors of Wu Clan of Píng Yáng Hall

Ping Yang Wu Clan is one of the most ancient lines, lineage from Wu Xian, a minister from Shang Dynasty who got their surname due to their position as Wu Chen (shaman related). omg the details and research P'Waa went to!!

All the butterfly symbolism relating to Niran or his grandfather, I would link the symbolism to his grandfather and spirits.

巫氏宗祠 (Wū Shì Zōng Cí) - Wu Clan Ancestral Hall (in Thailand)

萬派同源 (Wàn Pài Tóng Yuán): All schools of thought share the same origin //Btw, omg the way Sira called out Fei for serving power and Niran for serving for money is hawttt~

Hahahha I giggled at this part cos Jiahao said: 祝你們白頭偕老

Usually a phrase used in weddings, blessing the couple to live long and grow old together. 白頭偕老 (bai tou xie lao) literally means grow white hairs and old in harmony.

This part, where they said they don't need 9 Wus, but 9 people will do, is because they only need a few Wus to lead and support the ritual, and the rest can be anyone to gather and boost the Yang 陽 energy.

The earlier mentioned Yang 陽 energy refers to the living, the light, the sun, to defeat the demon Qi Rong with loads of Yin 陰 energy.

Fa Shi 法師 - Ritual Master who leads the procession.

The timing Master Tong is talking about refers to the Art of Yi Ching, where they would look into auspicious times, dates, fortune, star alignment, using Chinese dates, time, zodiac, elements, etc.

Essentially divination using 陰陽 yinyang, 五星 wuxing, hexagram, with concepts from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism. Year of the Horse 午 (wu), Month of the Snake 巳 (yi), Day of the Tiger 寅 (yin), approaching the hour of Monkey 申 (shen). //Just found out the extended meaning of it too: Horse: Crossing Snake: Rising energy Tiger: Shifting/drawing Monkey: Full form What if it's depicting: Crossing dimensions, rising energy to shift/draw the Monkey demon in Full Form 👀

Fire element begins to form -> haha is this why they used a fire extinguisher xD

Monkey Demon in Judo Uniform! Likely it's because Pete was a judo athlete back in the day so it’s more of merging of the two identities inside of Pete, and to provoke Pete into thinking he's the main cause of it so the demon can take over.

Transcribing the parts in the ritual to bring out the demon in Pete

Btw hearing that Dr Palang improv his parts made it so cool cos it is scenes we see often in Chinese shows of similar genre (I’m thinking Nezha/God of Honor type)

// DISCLAIMER - all these are to provoke the monkey demon into surfacing. Not real to Pete.

Fei: chants in Hakka All: 六耳獼猴 (Liu Er Mi Hou)

Fei: chants in Hakka All: 六耳獼猴 (Liu Er Mi Hou)

Jiahao: chants in Hakka All: 六耳獼猴 (Liu Er Mi Hou)

Jiahao: chants in Hakka All: 六耳獼猴 (Liu Er Mi Hou)

Fei: 快醒來 (Wake up!) Niran: 出來 快出來 (Come out! Come out now!)

Fei: 聽到了沒有 你這臭猴妖 (Did you hear me, damned monkey demon) Niran: 醒來挨罵挨打吧 (wake up to face your punishment/scoldings and beatings)

Jiahao: 六耳獼猴 今日撞上我 便是你的死期 (Liu Er Mi Hou, since you ran into me today, it will be your death day)

Fei: 聽到了沒有 你這臭猴妖 (Did you hear me, damned monkey demon) Jiahao: 孽障 出來受死吧 (Damned evil thing, come and face your death!)

Niran: 臭妖怪 (damned demon) Fei: 快醒來 (wake up!)

Niran: 快醒來受死吧 (wake up now to face your death) All: 急急如律令！(this you must obey!)

/// I did translate and change the slight context to suit English cos if I translate it directly in Chinese, it… wouldn’t really make sense

[echowshn]

Wu 巫; Easter Eggs from #WUTheSeriesEP4

Since my twitter is acting up (T~T)//, here's my thread for all the easter eggs i've spotted for EP 4~

Good energy flow - relating to fengshui. Pete's room is bright, with windows big enough to bring light and 陽yang energy into the room, hence good flows well too.

Fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire element, and also the hot temper in the demon xD

// Fun fact not relating to the series. I did a quick check though: Pete was born in 2002, so he would be a Water Horse. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. However, with the Art of Yi-Ching, the element from the birth year doesnt make the whole birth chart 生辰八字. It's just one part of it.

I'd assume this stance is related to 馬步? It looks similar to the horse stance. But it does help with balance, mental fortitude & strength, as well as core strength. What Niran is training Pete isn't physical strength, but mental. So that he can control and keep rooted to himself in case the demon takes over him. If Pete can be unbothered and kept focused to himself, it would help him tremendously, and not end up being just a vessel to the demon in the future.

Small easter egg here, Pete walking past artwork of Sun Wu Kong (Famed Monkey Demon from Journey to the West), while reflecting on his life, temper and what Niran has said.

Quite like that, when Pete is determined to do better, he found balance in his mind, body, and energy - it's exactly what Taoism is about - emphasising living life in harmony ☯️. And here he is wearing a shirt with a 陰陽 yinyang design

Okie we are getting to the serious part// Here we see the chinese name for Qi Rong - 奇戎

The chinese character here: 祭 (Jì) - short for 祭品 (Jì Pǐn) - a term for Sacrificial offerings to the dead. Li Puo/Li Bo also said to Qi Rong (Lord Warrior Almighty/戰神爺) in EP 3 and 4: 希望戰神爺好好享受祭品 (May the Lord Warrior enjoy/be satisfied with the sacrificial offerings) Everyone who has the 祭 talisman would be targeted in this ritual, to sacrifice their life force to Qi Rong

Notice here that before the ritual started, there were no mirrors on the floor, and after Pete successfully gotten out the mental battle with the six-earred macaque demon, there were mirrors all around him? Pete was very concentrated in not letting himself get provoked by the demon that he didn't realise the ritual has been completed. Good job Pete! Very very proud of you! (Niran is too, absolutely proud of you) btw: 生祠 (shēng cí, olden chinese read right to left) behind them means Living-person Shrine, part of a old Chinese practise of constructing a temple or memorial hall to honor a living official or individual who has made significant contributions to the local community.

Going into Episode 5 teaser: 奇戎鎮位 - Plaque to subdue Qi Rong

Oh wait Pete's wearing the jade necklace here 👀

So so excited for EP5! Even Sky and Nani said if possible, ep 5 should be watched on the big screen. We are entering mid of the series and one of the huge arcs of this title \\(T~T)