Gathering

The Gathering is a tradition and rite of passage in the Jedi Order, meant to expose Jedi younglings to their deepest fears and greatest flaws, in the hopes of pushing them to grapple with and then overcome those fears and flaws. Not all Jedi younglings successfully complete the Gathering, but those who do are allowed to begin further and more advanced training in the Force and with lightsabers. Successful younglings also locate a kyber crystal attuned to their own Force presence, which allows them to construct their first lightsabers.

The Gathering typically takes place on Ilum, where a group of younglings, led by a Jedi Master, enter the Crystal Caves and are exposed to the Force energies therein.

In 32 BBY, Newt Liryas travelled to Ilum with Grand Master Yoda and several other younglings for the Gathering. While there, he was nearly overcome with fears of a great darkness overcoming the rest of the younglings; he later related this vision to Yoda. The crystal he found was green. After taking Teresa Kraifech as his Padawan, Newt reflected on his experiences during the Gathering.

In 28 BBY, Teresa Kraifech travelled to Ilum with Jedi Master Plo Koon and several other younglings for the Gathering. The crystal she found was blue.