In This Issue:

Redeeming the Warrior Path



Your Personal Mythology

Who's Out There Doing What?

Articles / Books / Podcasts, Etc.

Coming Soon

"Redeeming the Warrior Path"

“A great man doesn’t seek to lead; he is called to it.”

           Duke Leto Atriedes in DUNE - Frank Herbert

One of the five ArchePaths of the Ageless Wisdom is that of the Warrior.

The others are Scientist, Magician, Clergy, and Lover.

These days the Warrior Path is in serious need of redemption.

Most professional warriors go into service with high ideals. They align with the two-fold Mission of the Warrior Path –

* Protect and Defend the Weak and the Innocent.

* Uphold and Promote the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. 

Can those who do not follow these ideals call themselves true Warriors?

Mercenary groups are an old tradition going back to the merchant companies of the post-Chivalric era in Europe hiring knights to guard their trade routes and before that Greek warriors fighting for the Persian Cyrus the Younger to help defeat his brother Artaxerses II and getting stranded behind enemy lines, as recounted by the writer and professional soldier Xenophon in his book ANABASIS. And there are many more instances from earlier times up to current day conflicts around the globe.

A major problem with some private military companies [PMCs] is that their motive is profit and they are not bound by national or international rules of engagement or conduct. Nations can unofficially use “non-state actors” such as PMCs to implement their agendas yet not be legally held responsible for what happens since it is not “official”. E.g., the Taliban, ISIS, and European Coalition mercenaries in Afghanistan. Also check out the mercenaries currently in North Africa and Ukraine: see more at the Wagner Group, Russian in makeup but not “officially” a state-sponsored organization.

There’s a bit of similarity in rogue warriors to the Ronin of the Japanese Samurai, those who were masterless and thus free-lance. For media takes on this see the Robert De Niro film RONIN and Kurasawa’s 1954 film SEVEN SAMURAI, which was echoed in an American film, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.

Those guys were doing good work. Not all PMC mercenaries do.

Why is this a problem? Well, other than not being held accountable by nations and international organizations, they are often used by disrupters and dictators to further their own agendas, sometimes as agents provocateurs – “false flag” operators creating or exacerbating conflicts to justify sending in the official military or police. “Hey, crime was on the rise so we had to send in the XXX troops to restore order. Rest assured, they’ll be here as long as we need them.”

There is an historical basis to that played out well in the HBO series ROME – which is quite rich and engaging.       

OTHER SIGNS

…. that the Warrior Path needs redemption.

Suicide rates among U.S. Veterans is high, as much as forty per day in some estimates. In some years more Veterans commit suicide than are killed in combat. And that’s just the American Armed Services.

“Moral Injury” is the modern term for what has been variously called “shell shock, soldier’s heart, combat fatigue or war neurosis” according to the History Channel. It also shows up in the Mesopotamian myth of Gilgamesh, Icelandic literature, and the Indian epic Ramayana to name but a few.

https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

It is estimated that 32-36% of mass shooters in America are Veterans and use weapons-of-war in their attacks. Most non-Veteran shooters also use weapons-of-war. The militarization of the police and the citizenry has been problematic throughout the last decades.

This is certainly a call for better, more comprehensive mental and emotional health care for Veterans, no matter their age, rank, gender, specialty, or area of deployment. We also need better, well-funded mental health care for the general populace. Deflecting attention to a base problem the system refuses to address just exacerbates the problem. Paying more attention and giving more resources might help bring down the tragic suicide rate too prevalent today in America.

And also a call for another serious look at that juggernaut President Eisenhower warned us about: the Military-Industrial-Congressional complex.

In our current commercialized consumer society it has become more important to sell weapons than to take good care of our warriors. And our citizens. Just because you have an AR-15 does not make you a warrior. It may make you a killer, but they are not the same. Nor should they ever be considered such.  

IDEALLY

…most professional warriors go into service with high ideals.

They do align with that two-fold Mission of the Warrior Path:

* Protect and Defend the Weak and the Innocent.

* Uphold and Promote the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. 

In ancient Egypt the code of the Warrior was Wisdom, Courage &  Compassion. 

True Warriors deserve honour, respect, and to be treated with dignity and fairness.

-- How can the Armed Services better select, train, support, and hold accountable those who will become and serve as Warriors? And once they are discharged or retired…?

-- How can those of us intent on incorporating the Warrior ArchePath within ourselves better represent its ideals and methods regardless of our age, profession, or position?

-- How can we better pass on to others those ideals? In our stories, our art, our activism, our work, who and what we support, and the way we live our own lives?

As you explore your own ArchePaths, identify your favorite Warriors from myth, legend, history, media, or current times.

One of mine is Pallas Athena the Greek goddess of War, Wisdom, and Civilization. Also, Prince Arjuna in the Indian epic MAHABHARATA. His charioteer is the god Krishna, who drives the four horses (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the Self) so they are in balance and integrated.

I’m also quite fond of Lt. Richard Sharpe (played by Sean Bean) in the SHARPE’S RIFLES series of novels by Bernard Cornwell and the British TV series and movies based on them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharpe_(TV_series)

ASSASSIN’S CREED explores what it means to be a hero, including at least one game wherein you find yourself fighting for the other side and having to decide how to make a purposeful choice.

What are your own contacts with the Warrior Path? Direct service, a family member or friend, are you a supporter, an historian, film and book enthusiast, an avid game player? Perhaps you campaign and work for peace so we need not call so much upon the Warriors?

How do you think we can all do better about, with, and for the Warrior Path?

MYTH TIPS

Here are some more takes on the Warrior Path.

THE WHEEL OF TIME novels by Robert Jordan.

Also a TV series, the stories explore what it means to be a hero, a leader? Do you get to choose or does destiny assign you a role?

AMERICAN JEDI

“May the 4th Be With You”

Explore more about today’s real-life Jedi in the documentary AMERICAN JEDI by Laurent Malaquais.

I’m pleased to be a SME in Laurent’s most interesting and revealing look at the diverse people who choose to follow the Jedi path. [SME = Subject Matter Expert]

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanJediMovie

In these disruptive times around the world, Ken Burns’ TV series THE CIVIL WAR and Michael Shaara’s book KILLER ANGELS about that same American conflict shed light on various aspects of internecine strife and the individuals involved.

Other films/tv exploring Warriors are BAND OF BROTHERS, DAWN PATROL, THIN RED LINE, 12 O’CLOCK HIGH, ZULU, G.I. JANE, M.A.S.H. …and many more.

For a comic send-up of war films, watch TROPIC THUNDER. 

Get our seminar download of THE WARRIOR WAY FOR FILMMAKERS and the download of the AJNA / WARRIOR FOCUS MEDITATION here.

https://pamelajayesmith.net/products/cds-and-audio-tapes/

Find our Newsletter Archive here --

http://pamelajayesmith.net/articles/newsletter-archive/

Your Personal Mythology

Who do you want to be?

 YOU & THE WARRIOR ARCHEPATH

So what’s your own experience with the Warrior ArchePath?

Yourself in active duty? Parents, partners, siblings, close friends? An affinity for it? An interest in it? Played one on TV or in a movie?

In our quest to tap into, experience, learn and grow from each of the five ArchePaths, there are many effective ways we can do that. Some are actual experience, some are relatable via others, some are well affected by media (including movies, games, and books).

When I was first studying the ArchePaths, our teacher Georgia Lambert [http://www.lambertslodge.com/] suggested we “act as if” for a week in each of the Warrior, Scientist, Magician, Clergy, and Lover Paths. On the Warrior Path for instance, we didn’t have to wear camo and snap a salute but to “carry the frequency” of that Path. All well and good, I thought.

Then during that week I went to dinner with British Prime Minister Maggie Thatcher. [Okay…me and 300 other people.] I was all dolled up in fancy dress, curly hair and high heels – definitely not a uniform. My date had just broken his kneecap and was in a wheelchair, wearing a tuxedo. A thoughtful Bellhop at the Biltmore Hotel suggested we take a service elevator up to the dining room since stairs would be difficult.

After ushering us into the lift he turned to my date and said, “Have a pleasant evening.” Then he turned to me, saluted, and said, “Good evening, Sir”. The doors slid shut. There was a moment of silence. Then my date, who knew about the teachings, said, “Wow! That stuff really works!”

And so it does. Give it a try yourself.

Also, observe warriors, military people, anyone in uniform (yes, even medical and janitorial) to see how a category implied by a uniform informs the individual’s actions.

Here are some things you might find helpful to connect you with the Warrior ArchePath. [Including the suggestions in the above article.]

The Warrior ArchePath –

STEPS & GOALS - Soldier... Warrior... Monarch

MISSION -     Promote and Defend the Good the True and the Beautiful

                       Protect the Weak and the Innocent / Self-sacrifice for the Greater Good

KEYWORD - Purpose

DESIRES - Power, Victory

FEARS - Defeat, imprisonment, exile, shame

STRENGTHS - Loyalty, honor, strength, obedience to Leader, close to the mystery of death, action in spite of fear

WEAKNESSES - Narrow-minded, cruelty, cowardice, bureaucracy

STYLES OF ACTION - Quick, intuitive, controlled, forceful, observant, power-grace, self-sacrifice

STYLES OF SPEECH - I, me, direct sentences w/subject-verb-predicate. Power words like: force, power, hit, impact. Me/we versus them/it. Conflict. Duality.

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Watch the Film Courage 6 minute piece on the Warrior Path and other Chakras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7yNunjZBZw&list=PLez8jOvskc-NraKw2FWgxOZtlbZuNR92i&index=11

“Rethinking Heroes” – Radio show

https://rethinkingheroes.com/

“Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked,

remain brave and strong.”

Hildegard of Bingen

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A Personal Mythology Consultation can help identify your unique qualities and combinations along the ArchePaths and give you practical, enjoyable tools to enhance your natural tendencies – and your next steps.

Each of the Paths has 3 Levels [Beginner, Adept, Master]

Each has 3 Approaches [Emotional, Mental, Synthesized]

The Paths are gender-neutral and non-age-specific.

The state of the world today cries out for more individuals of integrity, balance, wisdom, courage, and compassion – all of which can be found on all of the ArchePaths.  

Better defining and aligning with your own ArchePaths can not only improve your life but it can inspire and inform those around you to more positive action for themselves and the rest of the planet.

Like the saying goes: Be the Change you Want to See.

Learn more about the ArchePaths here – http://pamelajayesmith.net/archepaths/

We offer a FREE 20-minute phone consultation to discuss how a Personal Mythology Consultation can best work for you.

Email pamelajayesmith@gmail.com to schedule your call. 

["Weekly Warriors" promo photo above: rear L-R Didacus Ramos,

the late great Jim Bogard, Monty Hayes McMillan; front Pamela Jaye

Photo by Edward A. Wilde]

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 BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS

 “A body at rest tends to stay at rest.

A body in motion tends to stay in motion.”

          Isaac Newton’s 1^st Law of Motion

Can’t move forward?

Everyone’s got a great idea but we often don’t know how to get started.

Having a mythic framework can really help.

Or maybe you’ve reached a point where you don’t know what to do next with the plot.

A fresh pair of eyes plus time-proven mythic structure using Mythic Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols can offer choices aligned with your vision and goals – and that can help you advance your project on a global scale.

Want to develop out that great idea you've either come up with or have had for a long time now?

Our Brainstorming Session can help you solidify your inspiration and sort all those great ideas into workable form.

“Suffice it to say, if you’re on a quest to bring your work to the next level and then get it out to the world in the most appealing (buyable) way, make sure Pamela Jaye Smith is on your brainstorming team from the beginning!” Reece Michaelson

BOOKS TO CHANGE THE WORLD

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/27/books-to-change-the-world-dua-lipa-sadiq-khan-sebastian-barry-and-more-share-their-picks

Includes Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX and Euripides’ THE TROJAN WOMEN as well as Toltec Wisdom and many more recent writings.

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“HOODWINKED IN THE HOTHOUSE

Resist False Solutions to Climate Change”

https://climatefalsesolutions.org/

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Climate Change and psychological distress     

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/10/humanitys-moment-how-can-we-find-meaning-in-a-world-that-is-at-once-both-heaven-and-hell

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Noblesse Oblige

CEO raises wages for workers to $70K/year. All prosper.

https://www.opednews.com/articles/CEO-Ridiculed-for-Raising-by-Meryl-Ann-Butler-Minimum-Wage_Minimum-Wage-Living-Wage-210817-229.html

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Trust-based Philanthropy

Interconnectedness – Merlin Sheldrake book  

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/01/beautiful-misunderstood-mushrooms-fungi-forage

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BBC news program on doing good –

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/11/prince-charles-businesses-terra-carta-pledge-planet-first-nature-age-of-extinction

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Speaking of Warriors –

“ATTILA THE HUN was an awful pest, but there are plenty of others. You musn’t blame him for all your troubles, because most of them are your own fault, and the sooner you realize it the better. He has even been blamed for the Fall of Rome, when he wasn’t anywhere near at the time. I forget exactly why Rome fell. It was probably just one of those things.”

THE DECLINE AND FALL OF PRACTICALLY EVERYBODY – Will Cuppy

A pretty accurate historical book with a quite saucy sense of humor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Cuppy



MILITARY OXYMORONS

Military Intelligence

War Codes

Military Ethics

Civilized Weapons



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From Sony’s take on Microsoft error messages, in Haiku.

The website you seek

Can not be located but

Countless more exist.

With searching comes loss

And the presence of absence:

“My Novel” not found.

Serious error.

All shortcuts have disappeared.

Screen. Mind. Both are blank.

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SO ZOOM IN – Sophia Louisa Lee

My podcast with her here --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJBi-lmW5Ig

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Agatha Christie in space? Why not, if you do it well. Todor Bombov has done it very well in his latest sci-fi novel TITAN.

An exploration team of astronauts on Saturn’s moon Titan starts losing members, one by one, to odd accidents or outright murder. And, personalized messages appear that reference Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” story, striking fear as to who’s going to be next.

But who – or what – is doing the killing?

As the clues mount up and the tension rises, how much can the humans trust their AI? Or each other?

A fast-paced plot, unique individuals, developing relationships, unpeeling mysteries…it all contributes to an urgent need to get off Titan, now!

Todor Bombov’s writing is smart but always accessible. His references to ancient times, mythology, literary works, current science and media are fun if you know them, inspire you to look them up if you don’t, but they never intimidate or slow down the story-telling.

https://www.amazon.com/Homo-Cosmicus-Titan-Todor-Bombov-ebook/dp/B09YDHDTJN/ref=sr_1_6?crid=34V5OWAGESDIT&keywords=Todor+Bombov&qid=1679266084&s=books&sprefix=todor+bombov%2Cstripbooks%2C151&sr=1-6

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SYMBOLS & ARCHITECTURE

Carol Assa’s "Invisible Architecture" podcast

A fascinating conversation about the ancient symbols and how they reflect the Ageless Wisdom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLO_dmIYgIQ&t=1984s

Georgia Lambert and I have also appeared on Carol's podcasts.

Mine about MEDIA & MYTH is here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGtdrRnC7yA

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Stressed out? Who isn't these days.

To find reliable relief from the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm that seem to be plaguing us all these days, check out Aurora J. Miller's neuro-physiology hacks at Instagram.com/aurorajmiller and on her website https://aurorajmiller.com/

Aurora always offers inspiring and practical advice that really has helped increase my own productivity.

Do check it out!

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“T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us” - by Carole Hooven

Watch/Listen to the author in conversation with Michael Shermer of the Skeptic Society.



https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/story-of-testosterone-hormone-that-dominates-divides-us-carole-hooven/

Testosterone also promotes cuddling – as tested in Mongolian gerbils. [??!??]

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220812114019.htm

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The Royal Society Open Library

The independent scientific academy of the UK (the oldest one in continuous existence) is dedicated to promoting excellence in science for the benefit of humanity. An excellent source of authoritative information on anything science. 

https://royalsociety.org/



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Past MYTHWORKS newsletters available here –

http://pamelajayesmith.net/articles/newsletter-archive/

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The KURULTAI Series

Pamela Jaye Smith

"We are all just dreamers, looking

for the right place to wake up."

History repeats itself so that everyone has the chance to be and do everything.

A group of souls intertwine lives through time and space in varying roles and relationships. Lovers now, warriors another time, parents now, siblings then, who kills whom, where is betrayal, where loyalty? 

And always the battle between the Darkness and the Light. How can you tell who's on which side when the players in the KURULTAI keep changing between lifetimes?

As these individuals reincarnate together again and again in diverse times and places, sometimes they can access their other past or future lives, but sometimes not. The mission of the KURULTAI is to help humanity evolve and save the world. 

But first they must wake up and realize that. Then they must find the means to overcome the Darkness...and those among them who serve it.



Coming soon from Pallas Press.

A Warrior's advice from the KURULTAI series.

THE CANYON OF FORGETFULNESS

"A warrior in battle has no room for emotion, Trooper. A warrior is their own sword, their own weapon. You must train that weapon, keep it sharp and ready, keep it working in top shape, keep it only for yourself. Carry only one weapon. Know how to use it many ways. That is your advantage.

“A warrior with one weapon they really know how to use is of far greater value than a whole army bristling with tools they cannot wield. You have chosen this way because of who you are, Denton, you have no other choice. Just as my father trained me, and I trained your father and you. If we have done our work well, you will learn to recognize and train others. And even in this stupid, silly excuse for a war, this patronizing enfeebling mewling de-nobling political shuffling ass-kissing, snotty-nosed excuse... you can still count for something.

"But do it our way, Denton. Your way. Never theirs. As you see," he turned so the lifeless sun glinted on his insignia, "even the hypocrite knows their own hypocrisy and knows our way is best and right. Even if they haven't a set of balls among all of them — on either side — to do it our way, they know us and let us do as we please. We learned something a long time ago, we Farleys. You can't kiss a moving ass.”

The young Lieutenant had smiled and his stern grandfather pulled in one corner of his cropped mustache, biting back his own grin. That was one of the old General's favorite sayings.

"So take care of your own ass and take care of your troops. Teach them how to take care of their own asses, and if you catch one of them trying to kiss yours, gods dammit, kick them up in rank and out of your command."

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Coming Events

To book Pamela Jaye for events or workshops, contact us.

Keynote, Seminars & Workshops, Festivals

Online Classes, Coaching, Retreats

Private Courses available with extensive feedback and one-on-one conversations via email, Zoom or phone.

Regular asynchronous group classes include feedback on exercises. 

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LOS ANGELES FILM SCHOOL

Digital Filmmaking Online program

lafilm.edu

Recently I was again on the Program Advisor Committee [PAC] reviewing and making comments and suggestions on their upcoming Curricula and Tech Kits.

The 3-year online program seems quite comprehensive and includes theory, networking, set etiquette, instruction in techniques, best practices, and the actual creation of a narrative film, a documentary, and a Capstone project.

VARIETY MAGAZINE just included LA Film School in their 2023 Top Film Schools List. Congratulations!

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STORYBOARD DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Ongoing monthly meetings.

After more than two decades, this is still my favorite writers group – always smart, always informative, always fun!

Hope you can join us on Zoom for some wide-ranging script development conversations.

I’ve spoken there a number of times and always look forward to doing so again.

[One of my faves was "Men in Black 3".]

https://storyboarddg.wordpress.com/

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ONLINE COURSES for Savvy Authors

·   CREATING GREAT VILLAINS & VILLAINESSES 06/26/23-07/23/23

·   SYMBOLS.IMAGES.CODES

10/16/23-11/12/23

My blogs for Savvy Authors -- 

Piloting the Planes of Story

Politics and Character Arcs

How Creativity Works

In Defense of Shallow Characters

LA WEBFEST

Was held May 4-5, 2023

Barnsdall Gallery Theatre

Hollywood, CA

It was a real success! And how lovely to see again creators who've been showing there for many years. Plus lots of new ones.

There will be more events coming up, which I'll announce here.

You can also find all this year's Selections & Winners listed on the site so you can then go watch their pieces.  

https://www.lawebfest.net/

Founded by the amazing Michael Ajakwe, the LA WEBFEST was the original and has inspired dozens more WebFests over the years around the world. With Michael’s passing the Fest was down, but is now back and going strong, thanks to Young Man Kang, Rich Halke, Jordan Love-Mitchell, and the Creative Team.

Hope to see you -- and your projects -- at the next LA WEBFEST.

JAIPUR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

www.jiffindia.org

The prestigious Jaipur Int. Film Festival draws entrants from around the world. For eleven years I’ve been honoured to be one of the judges for the screenplays and films and they continue to attract quality creative works.

This January the Opening Ceremony featured a Live Performance and Song Show of LAJJAWATI, a rich and multi-layered story by Sumathy Ram. She and 3-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej created a presentation that both honoured India's past poets and creators and no doubt inspired today's creators.

Heather Hale made a most inviting and impressive video introduction for the Presentation, which was the highlight of the Opening Ceremony. Congratulations to Sumathy Ram and Ricky Kej!

Do consider entering your script and/or film for next year's Festival.

DOES YOUR STORY HAVE A PASSPORT?

Even if your story takes place in a remote village or on another planet or dimension, you can touch upon global issues and universal archetypes that readers in many other places can relate to - while still keeping your story unique to you.

So get your Story a Passport and give it wings to travel round the world!

Our Brainstorming Sessions can help you do just that.

https://pamelajayesmith.net/services/story-script-consultation/

Give us a call and use the Free 20 Minute Consultation to discuss how we might help you craft your own creative projects using Mythic Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols.

Mythic Tools work in any genre, any style, and any platform from novels to features to web series or XR, from fiction to non-fiction to message media.

Pamela Jaye & the MYTHWORKS Team

323-874-6447

email us at pamelajayesmith.com

MYTHWORKS

Mythic Challenges

Alpha Babe Academy