A common misconception is that Jedi are not allowed to get married and have families. To give up all forms of attachments. This is thanks to the movies and a few games, books, comics….You know...Fiction.
What most don’t quite add up is that Star Wars is a very vast and wide ranged universe. There is much more to it than just the famous movies on theater screens - but years and years of development both in the efforts of numerous authors, and in the universe itself. The time of “No Attachments” and “No Families/Relationships” was just a minor era in a series of many generations. There are many examples in the fiction of Jedi with families. Even during The Old Republic such things were not impossible, just harder to get approved by the Jedi Council. Such was the case of Jedi Council Member Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Due to the low ratio of males to females, Mundi's duty to his species was taken into account and he was permitted to remain wedded to his wife and honor wives" wookiepedia
There were even groups of Jedi that branched away from the head Jedi Order to practice their own Idea of Jedi. The Corellian Jedi as an example - put their families in high esteem, love and care to their duties.
And lastly Luke Skywalker himself was married to Mara Jade and fathered his only son, Ben Skywalker. (Before disney took charge and changed cannon)
Let's face it. Not only is all of that fictional and not on our radar of "Passible lessons to extract" But....
Being part of a family is a natural part of our lives. And isn't something we should just reject but instead embrace. Many members in the Jediism/Realism community have families. Mothers, Fathers, Guardians, Siblings and Children. Families are ingrained in the human culture no matter where you come from and we wouldn’t dream of keeping you from them.
Fun Fact!
In April 2015. A young, seven year old boy wrote to George Lucas asking the famous Director to change the rules so that he could one day grow up and get married. While this is just a fun little coincidence in a seven year old's life. What George Lucas said to the boy holds some value.
"To be a Jedi is to truly know the value of friendship, of compassion, and of loyalty, and these are values important in a marriage. The Sith think inward, only of themselves. When you find someone that you can connect to in a selfless way, then you are on the path of the light, and the dark side will not take hold of you. With this goodness in your heart, you can be married."
Many of the Jedi in our community comes from religious families and/or cultures. They find it difficult and somewhat intimidating to speak out and say "I am a Jedi."
Here at Just Jedi we feel that each and everyone of you know your situation best. And how best to handle it.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind.
The Force is everywhere, in everything and was inspired by a majority of real religious beliefs. When speaking to your family about your beliefs you do not need to mention "Jedi" or "The Force" if it really makes you that uncomfortable - you can, instead. Speak in terms that they can understand. Or even simply use it as a reference point (“You know when Yoda said…) Being a Jedi isn't about flaunting your path. Your ability to express your beliefs and adapt to your audience through critical thinking & sound communication is all apart of the Jedi Journey.
Training to be a Jedi gives you a core set of values and morals to live by. These morals and values will help you in your everyday life should you choose to apply them.
Lead by example. Be the positive change you want others, your friends and family, to see in you. Participate in your local charities, Join in your local 5k runs, show kindness to others even when disagreements are high, and offer healthy, active alternatives to family activities. Through your actions your journey is best known and understood.
Journal Entry: Write about your family. How do they help you in life? How do they challenge your growth good or bad….how do you help and challenge them?
Last Edits:
Sept 27 2020
April 21 2019