The Gathering, a significant tradition within the Jedi Order, served as an instructional journey for Jedi Initiates. Its purpose was to guide them in conquering their individual anxieties and deficiencies, leading them to discover a kyber crystal uniquely resonant with their Force presence inside the Crystal Caves located on Ilum. Once a crystal was found, the youngling would begin constructing their personal lightsaber with guidance from Professor Huyang.
Dating back to the very origins of the Jedi Order and continuing across centuries until the Clone Wars, the Gathering was practiced at the Jedi Temple on Ilum. This ancient ritual demanded that Jedi Initiates place their trust in their instincts, surmount internal challenges, and locate a distinctive kyber crystal attuned to their unique Force presence within Ilum's Crystal Cave. For a thousand years, participants were transported to and from Ilum aboard the Crucible, a starship hailing from the era of the Old Republic.
Accompanied by a higher-ranking Jedi, such as a Jedi Master or Padawan, a clan consisting of six to eight younglings would journey to the planet Ilum, with the timing dependent on the world's solar cycle. Given that the faint star reached the correct position only every seventeen days, the trip was timed to coincide with this solar event. Upon arrival at the Temple, the younglings faced their initial trial, tasked with clearing the Temple entrance, which was frequently obstructed by accumulated snow, ice, and other natural debris. Once inside, the younglings convened at the Temple's heart, where their leader delivered a lesson on the nature of kyber crystals, lightsabers, and their significance within Jedi history. As the sun ascended over the Temple, its light streamed through an opening in the ceiling and was concentrated by a massive kyber crystal, melting the frozen waterfall that concealed the entrance to the caves. Descending into the Crystal Caves' depths independently, they were urged to expedite their search, as the waterfall would supposedly refreeze within a matter of hours. This statement was deliberately misleading, as the Force could be used to break the waterfall open. This fabrication aimed to instill a sense of gravity and urgency in the younglings, assisting them in overcoming the caves' strange illusory effects.
Once inside the labyrinth, the journey became increasingly tailored to each youngling. This personalization stemmed directly from the powerful vergence within the caves, which permeated the rock itself and amplified the Force. The vergence exploited the deepest vulnerabilities of those who entered, exposing their weaknesses and shortcomings. If the test was successfully navigated and the individual's fears were conquered, a unique kyber crystal would materialize, illuminating with a blue or green glow, or occasionally another hue, which it would retain permanently. Failure to overcome the trial would result in the student being overcome by self-doubt and fear, potentially preventing them from ever finding a crystal.