Constructing your Lightsaber

I'm sure this question has been brought up here before, but what is the symbolic significance of building one's own lightsaber? What is it's real world Jedi parallel? How is the process of it's construction relevant to a real Jedi?

Constructing a lightsaber, according to the mythos, was a pivotal moment in an apprentice's journey although after the Clone Wars broke out young learners of the Force were instructed on lightsaber construction well before they were paired with a teaching master. The lightsaber formalized their role as Jedi learner in a sense. The lightsaber was well-known as the weapon of a Jedi and therefore constructing ones own lightsaber marked them as a Jedi.

In the real word it has various meanings and depends on when you construct it. Over at the Temple of the Jedi Force, I hear that they sometimes require their apprentices to construct a lightsaber prior to being knighted. My reason (and I go back and forth on this) for wanting to to build one is because it is emblematic of the Jedi in the mythos, it was the one thing that clearly identified them as being a Jedi even when they weren't wearing the traditional robes of their temple. Then again, I normally encourage a certain amount of distancing from the mythos, but that's a personal preference and not something I think everyone has to do.

Jamie Stick wrote: Constructing a lightsaber, according to the mythos, was a pivotal moment in an apprentice's journey...My reason (and I go back and forth on this) for wanting to to build one is because it is emblematic of the Jedi in the mythos, it was the one thing that clearly identified them as being a Jedi even when they weren't wearing the traditional robes of their temple.

This. As a fencer and a (crappy) swordsman, it's the kind of thing that I want to do for me, as a test/reward for making it that far (Knighthood, here) without flaking out, or giving in, or being unwilling to confront myself honestly.

We all vary when it comes to how we feel about Star Wars actually influencing our Jediism, but to me Luke's greatest test was in the cave on Dagobah. He confronted a great evil, and in the end, he only found himself. That's the hardest part of this journey for me, and only when I defeat my greatest opponent--myself--will I feel truly confident that I can "protect" others, in whatever sense or form that happens to take. I have to take me on, no kid gloves. Then I can come play with the big boys and girls.

So, for me, constructing a lightsaber is kind of a trophy, and kind of a reminder of responsibility. Not just something cool and fun.


*edit** - I just realized I didn't answer your other question. In the fiction, lightsabers are delicate technological weapons formed through a delicate spiritual process, but they're also a bit more than that.

Jedi in fiction, from birth, studied the same, lived the same, etc. Very few of the youngling's or padawan's uniqueness or culture was allowed to show through for the vast majority of their training (which took most of their youth). The lightsaber can be seen as an allowance for individual expression--each one purpose-built to suit its owner.

It's also a test. In some of the comics and novelizations, there are tales of lightsaber construction relying heavily on the Force to sense imperfections and component alignments that would be "impossible" with one's normal senses. Many images depict Jedi building their lightsabers in a state of meditation, never physically touching the components. This requires a certain mastery of one's self to accomplish.

I'm in agree one with Jamie and Steam, it's something you can do mostly for the nostalgic feeling of being a Jedi but has nothing to do with training or learning here at the temple.

For me building one has been a sort of quest, not because I'm a huge fan girl or anything, but more because I'm celebrating Jeddism and where it came from. I don't have huge amounts of extra cash to drop on one so I am purchasing parts as I am able. Do I need to do this? No. Is it part of my training or any type of requirement? No. Is it fun to work on something that has a bit of a historic tie to the roots of Jeddism, yup! I'm also a historical reenactor and I do own real forged blades including a real katana that dates back to the turn of the last century. So for me it's also about being able to make (even though it's not real) a sword that truly was constructed by me something special.

I would not even have actually considered building one but one came to me in a dream, much the same way that when I'm working on ceremonial regalia (I'm Native American and dance at Pow Wows). It could have been influenced by a bad pasta night, not sure but now that I am working on one just for the sheer enjoyment of it I have to say it's really a interesting process, especially for me because i have to deliberately think about each part and how budget will let me build it the way I saw it.

I still go back and forth on whether or not I want to build my own. I think that it could be a lot of fun but it's also not necessary. It's a neat symbol and it would go well with my weapons collection (like Roz I have several "real" weapons and plenty of "fake" weapons) so having a weapon made by me would be nice to have. It's just a matter of if I think the symbolism is worth the time and money. Some day it might be.

Also, I'd want to go to like a hardware store and just find plumbing parts and random electronics and build it that way. Out of parts that were never intended to be used in saber construction rather than buying parts designed for just such a purpose. No real reason, it just sounds more challenging.

I have practiced the sword for many years, primarily Chinese and Filipino. To whit, I have practice swords that stand in for a lightsaber when I need an object of focus in practice.

For fun, I have a wooden lightsaber boken that is pretty sweet.

But one might consider the lightsaber as a symbol. It comes up in the IP, right at the end. I thought about what I might create that would serve the same purpose: Cutting through obstacles, piercing to the truth, decisive, a mixture of 'spirit' and matter.

I am rolling the idea of some artistic expression being my lightsaber. Perhaps a poem, perhaps not. Maybe a painting. It doesn't have to be literal. In point of fact, I can't make a literal lightsaber.

But something else could be my lightsaber, maybe.

I completely agree with all of the comments here so far. I recognize that Star Wars is in fact fiction, but at the same time as a science fiction writer myself, I also recognize that such works can hold deep and personal truths and lessons for us all. Constructing my lightsaber hilt was therefore meant as a symbol to honour both my chosen path and the value of fiction to our society. I also consider it meaningful to construct a replica of a weapon that cannot possibly work according to our current understanding of science: it represents to me not only the path and philosophy of the jedi, but also the ideal of the peaceful warrior. I also dabble enough in paganism that my saber tends to hold energy-working significance to me, but on the whole I just keep it on display, allowing it to shine its inspiring energy through my room.

On a side note, having constructed at least one other lightsaber since (that one as a wedding gift for two dear friends), I recognize that my skills have improved and that I could build another lightsaber that is far superior...but I refuse to. My saber is my own...as unique to me as the prints on my fingers or the DNA in my cells...imperfections and all. It reminds me to always keep the code and philosophies of the Jedi on my mind and to strive to live my life in a peaceful, ethical way in balance with the universe.

Just my two cents though!

I'm collecting 'special' bits from the universe for my proper one, they've so far all come from other people for other reasons.... but in the meantime mess around with cheaper ones for fun.

Great question and great answers!

The construction of the lightsaber, to my mind, has both symbolic and practical value.

I'll use an example from my own experience, which I suppose delves into your second and third questions.

Every time I step into the gym or any physical arena, I learn something about myself. If I don't, I have failed to defeat my own laziness - which again teaches me something about myself. Now, physical preparation is only one of many indicators that I am skilled in the things I should be...but the meaning behind the work expresses more about me than any number I throw up in my endeavors. Some things I am naturally gifted in...others require hours of agonizing effort to stay proficient in. A strength and conditioning coach who has worked with me a while will be able to tell what type of person I am - what the performances in various events mean and the methods I choose to prepare for them. I see construction of a lightsaber in much the same way. A training master knows his apprentice well enough to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the handiwork. To note where the student used natural gifts, and where he had to work a technique or piece a hundred times to get it right. The master sees what is important to the student - is it functionality? A pleasing form that garners attention? Diversity? The master knows what he sees perhaps even moreso than the apprentice. The construction of the saber melds control - of the self and of the Force, with personal expression and life perspective. A barely functioning saber may be the absolute best that a meager Jedi apprentice can offer - and his training master sees in it the significance of exquisite beauty and deep, fundamental commitment and understanding of the Jedi Way. Likewise, a very talented Jedi may create a tool of peerless quality and functionality, but the master sees in the handiwork all the signs of self-serving vanity and misinterpretation of the Jedi Code.

I believe that the lightsaber construction of fiction was a sacred tradition that summarized the things the Jedi in that universe valued in a Knight. The act itself was highly symbolic because it honored the idea that action - symbolized by the saber - must be first informed by knowledge, understanding, and expression of personal philosophy. Just as the Knight is responsible for his lightsaber, we are all solely responsible for our actions - which can be only as beautiful or terrifying as the control, wisdom, and care we pour into them.

In terms of what we have at the Temple, I do not think we yet have an equivalent ritual demonstrating what lightsaber construction does. I believe that Temple of the Jedi Order has a tradition of rigorous academic standards and integrity, which when viewed over a long enough timeline indicate many of the same things found in the LC process. Our process is rigorous, but is not perfect or perfectly comprehensive. None are. Each of the sub-communities of the greater Jedi community endorse a slightly different tradition of 'Jedi Knight', and develop their cultural values accordingly. The 'standards' enforced by each vary in rigor, clarity, and precision...but are meant to serve as indicators of a person who adheres to and places value in that cultural tradition of Jedi Knighthood. In our own degree scheme...completing all of the assigned writings does not automatically entitle an apprentice to knighthood. If that were so, the degree process would merely be a laundry list of blocks to check. The degree scheme, in truth, establishes eligibility. Once eligible, the Council - as a group of senior, experienced individuals who each understand what is important to the Temple tradition of Knighthood- makes its decision as to whether or not an apprentice can represent Temple tradition as a Knight.

Any attempt at a 'final project' in the spirit of lightsaber construction would need to begin by incorporating as many value indicators for the Temple of the Jedi Order as possible. This 'trial', 'test', or 'project' may not even be entirely uniform - and truly, uniformity is NOT the most important thing when establishing lightsaber construction - our values are. As long as the project retains a high degree of full-spectrum fidelity in what it means to be a Jedi Knight according to our understanding of Knighthood, the tradition of the Jedi Way and spirit of lightsaber construction will have been honored.

my version of lightsaber construction is entirely internal at the moment

my lightsaber is the collection of ideas and moods that i resonate with and with which i face the world.

my perspective is my lightsaber
my habbits are my lightsaber
my values and my integrity and my thoughts are my lightsaber

i feel that the construction of a physical lightsaber is a symbolic act of self actualization and independence

it says "now i am responsible, now i take responsibility and control of my own inner reality and my relationshiop to the external reality.
ive paid my depts
and ive outgrown all blame of others or myself
no matter what happens from this point onwards there is no blame or or debt towards anyone else
now it is me who is in charge of me"


also its a sort of warriors task
being faced with a difficult enterprise which will take time and travel and deliberateness and patience

its both training and graduation