Visual Expression
Dedication Through Symbolism
The people and possessions with which we surround ourselves play a significant role in our mindset. It is certainly possible to find peace within chaos, but the chaos ought not be of our own making.
Altar || Beads || Crystals || Flags || Mats
See our guide on "ritual components." (Coming soon)
Check the Events Calendar for upcoming events where these and other crafts and activities may be included, or contact Je'Daii Order of Dai Bendu to request a new or private session.
Altar
COMING SOON
Beads
Beads come in countless combinations of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, sources, manufacturing processes and uses, with the most common modern usage being decoration (jewelry, apparel, and arts and crafts).
We'll discuss a few of these notable factors as far as they may relate to the Visual Expressions of Jediism, as well as some interesting trivia. For example, it is believed that bead trading was one of the reasons why humans developed language.
COMPONENTS
The most natural and readily available beads are threaded seeds; although their longevity leaves something to be desired.
The natural materials include both organic (ie. of animal- or plant-based origin) and inorganic (purely mineral origin). Natural organics include bone, coral, horn, ivory, seeds, animal shell, wood, and pearl, as well as fossilized materials such as amber, and Jet. Natural inorganics include various types of stones, ranging from gemstones to common minerals, and naturally occuring precious metals.
The oldest-surviving synthetic materials used for bead making have generally been ceramics, pottery, glass, and ancient alloys (ex: bronze and brass). Plastic beads have since been added to the list of synthetics as the most common and versatile.
The manner of combining beads is also varied, depending on the resources, needs, and intent of use. For example, the most common bead has had a hole bored through the center in order to thread a string through the center. Many miniscule beads are often embroidered onto fabrics used in ceremonial garb, such as wedding gowns. Manufacturers might opt to bore eyelet screws into opposite sides of a solid bead and link them together like a chain, or include a length of string through the center of a collection of cast beads, such as those most often used in celebrating Mardi Gras.
As is discussed under the topic of Vestments > Robes, the blending of organic and synthetic materials / components may or may not be desirable, including those used in the various methods of combining beads.
Additionally, as is discussed in Vestments > Fæposh, the use of bone – no matter how it is sourced – is often discouraged for balance-based intentions.
USES
The most common usage of beads for Jedi practitioners come in the form of one or more Vestment – an article or object that is worn or carried on one's person for its symbolism and intent. Examples of this include:
-
Bendu Beads – [One of our associates will hopefully soon instruct us in the manufacturing, intention, and use of Bendu Beads. We will update this section when we have sufficient information.]
-
Fæposh – Also known, in other traditions, as a Rosary, Prayer Beads, Mala, etc, this is a carefully constructed strand of precisely 118 beads, for the dual purpose of it being a decorative symbol for one's faith, and as a tool for practicing chants and mantras.
-
Padawan Braids – While braids are most often tied with colorful threads, careful application of beads may be desired. Furthermore, for those who wish to display their devotion to the Force and to the Order, but who cannot for practical reasons affect a Braid or Silka – such that it might interfere with workplace safety, for example – a short strand of beads that represent factors such as rank and position (as do the traditional threads) might be added to a keychain, suspended from a belt, fashioned into an earring, or some other such item.
-
Silka Beads – A decorative substitute for Padawan Braids, typically used by Jedi who are genetically bald, or who opt to shave their heads, but still value the tradition behind the physical placement of the visual representation.
Note that each of these uses for beads are not intended as interchangeable. You would not use Silka Beads to count off prayers or mantras, for example, as you would with a Fæposh.
To go into greater depths about each of these potential uses, see our page on Vestment Expression.
Crystals
Crystals are naturally-occurring rocks that assist in inducing meditation, and to amplify the effectiveness of those meditations.
The atoms in crystals have unique vibrational motions that determine how the stones will behave in the presence of heat or light (and each other). When choosing the right crystal for you, remember, you are a unique individual, so how you respond to a crystal’s energy may have a different specific effect than it would for someone else.
While the significance of lightsaber blade colors relative to the Jedi's chosen class has fallen out of practice, the selection of your crystal(s) can -- and arguably should -- reflect your core purpose and intent within the Order, as well as what resonates best with you.
Whether balancing the body, mind, or spirit, crystals are a valuable asset. Even if you don't believe in the healing power of crystals in a paranormal sense, there is a great deal of evidence in the social sciences proving the value of applied symbolism. And even if you find you resonate with one simply because "it's pretty," or because of the positive emotions associated with the person or place from whence you got it, that could certainly be enough to put you in a proper mindset to strive for balance.
Crystals may be placed anywhere that health and tranquility are desired, or even carried on your person at all times (such as in a pocket, a pouch, or as a piece of jewelry. Crystals may be carried all together in a single pouch, but may prove more effective one or two at a time.
Spend time understanding how each resonates with you and with each other. Learn which crystals work together, and when and where they are most effective.
Prayer Flag
Whether the written word, a symbol, or a collage of images – be it a singular strip of cloth or many strung together – the prayer flag is intended to act as a visual reminder of your dedication to bring balance to the Force.
In Tibetan culture, prayer flags are made of loosely woven, brightly colored cotton, bearing woodblock-printed text and images, and hung in sets of five sequential colors.
The colors represent the five elements and the Five Pure Lights (Wisdoms) which produce health and harmony when the mind is balanced and purified of the Five Disturbing Emotions (Poisons).
A flag (singular) may be a solitary strip of cloth, or many sewn or even strung together. Flags (plural) refers to any number of flag sets.
In the same way that national flags vary in their shapes and sizes -- yes, most are rectangular, but even those vary in their dimensional ratios -- prayer flags can take on any shape, size, and construct.
The prayer flags of various eastern religions come with a number of traditions that dictate auspicious and inauspicious times that these should be hung, as well as how and where a flag ought to be displayed, and later retired. They each represent a wealth of symbolism and significance to their culture.
For example, the reason Tibetan prayer flags are made and displayed in the manner and material they are is because they are meant to be blessings upon the world and not just for the self. These allow them to fade and dissolve in the elements until they resemble tattered rags and one of the set is lost, or until the Tibetan New Year (whichever comes first).
Likewise, the most important aspect of your own personal prayer flag is that it carries its own wealth of symbolism and significance to you in your search for balance within the Force.
As such, the basic descriptions provided here are merely recommendations on how to design and make a prayer flag. You are encouraged to design and display your flag in whatever manner and fashion you choose. The key is in being mindful of your choices, honorable in your intent, and respectful of your decisions.
Start by choosing a uniform ratio. For example, many vexillologists favor an approximation of the golden ratio, with a flag face that measures at a ratio of 5:8.
Simply, if a vertical flag has a face width of 5 inches, the face height would measure 8 inches.
Formula: X:Y = 5:8 = 5 / 8 ≈ 0.625
If width = X, then height (Y) = X / 0.625
If height = Y, then width (X) = Y * 0.625
Therefore, if a cloth had a face width of 12 inches, the face height would be 19.2 inches.
Note that the ratio remains the same no matter the unit of measurement (ie. metric, empiric, hands, cubits, acres, etc.)
If your flag's design calls for hemming any edges, take any folds into account, and measure the cloth accordingly.
Also account for the manner of suspension. For example, a prayer flag is most often hung horizontal and free-flowing from a rope, but may also be found sewn together, vertically, and flown from a pole. These are the two most common, however, there are other methods that you may research and consider.
For the sake of this exercise, we will assume the free-flow, horizontal suspension, in which case the cloth warrants extra height at a ratio of ≤ 3:8. This extra length will fold over the string or rope to be attached to the back of the flag.
Assuming the 5:8 ratio, and no hemming is desired, you might cut your cloth to the following dimensions:
Width: X to Height: Y + Y * ≤ 3:8 (≤ 3/8 ≤ 0.375)
So, if the width is 5", the cloth's total height might measure between 9.5" and 11", depending on the thickness of your string, twine, or rope.
Hint: you want the overlap to be long enough to reasonably secure it against the elements, but short enough that it does not interfere with the design of the flag, itself (unless it is somehow -- mindfully -- integrated into the design).
Once the cloth has been cut to the proper dimensions, it is time to decorate it.
Prayer flags should be intentional, not gaudy. Spend some serious time meditating on a design that holds significant meaning to you. It may be a solitary symbol, such as that of the Jedi Council or a mathematical or religious symbol; or it may be the text of one or more of your personally chosen mantras; or it may be a combination of both.
If you choose to have multiple flags in your prayer flag set, it is recommended that they each be either identical or distinct; it is not recommended that a set be unbalanced, or otherwise displeasing to the eye. A prayer flag is a visual representation of your pristine balance in the Force (not as you are, but as you strive to be), and ought to be congruent to your meditations.
Once the flag is assembled, choose an auspicious day (astrologically significant), being mindful of auspicious weather (sunny and windy is most auspicious). Prior to hanging it, bless it with smoke (for example, you might wave burning sage, or a burning incense stick over the fabric) while chanting, allowing the ash to fall upon it. (Note: it is inauspicious to cause ash to fall upon the prayer flag; it should happen naturally, if at all. And if it does, be cautious; you want ash, not embers).
Depending on the prayer flag's purpose, a Jedi may choose to display it in whatever space they have chosen to pray and/or meditate (bedroom, cave, chamber, garden, grove, ledge, sarcophagus, sphere, etc), or simply outside their home, between two structures, so that the winds may carry the blessings whither they may.
Prayer Flags may also be dual-purposed (preferably by intentional design) as a shawl, a sash, a band or blindfold, a handfast, etc, as a worn or bourn supplement to one's meditations. They may also be used to line or drape a meditative altar or sarcophagus. They should not, however, be worn as any sort of daily attire; they should never touch the ground (unless being retired); and they should always be re-hung in their place of honor (not stored away or left upon an altar) when not in use.
Mats
Known by many names (mat, rug, carpet, roll, etc) and for many purposes (prayer, meditation, yoga, sleep, etc), a Jedi's mat is a multi-purpose tool meant to provide you many relative comforts (psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc).
For the early practitioners of Jediism, a mat was one of their very few possessions for its versatility and usefulness. It was one of their most cared-for possessions, as well, as it is one of the few items designed and intended for use on the ground or floor.
Other
Note that ALL Expressions are optional / NONE of them are expected – let alone required – for anyone to be considered a Jedi. Practitioners are encouraged to utilize what helps them to feel one with the Force.
Here are some additional examples of Visual Expressions that we found worth mentioning, but with disclaimers.
A somewhat common example is COLLECTIONS. Many practitioners may find joy in collecting items or memorabilia related to the franchise that inspired Jediism, or of any other subject. While a collection may give us some pleasure and even some purpose, we must be able to let go of what we might fear to lose. It may be further noted that the Jedi code warns against passions without serenity. A collection is not a necessity of life, nor will it be present when we return to the Force. We do not necessarily discourage collections, but we encourage you to be mindful of your intent, and how it may or may not relate to your journey in the Force.
Another example is SYMBOLS. There is nothing inherently right or wrong about the use of symbolism. You might choose, for example, to print iconography on your prayer flags, or to otherwise decorate your space. Be aware that iconography that you didn't personally design and create is likely subject to trademark or copyright. Be wise, and do not tempt fate by attempting to use copyrighted materials for anything other than personal use.