Jedi:Initiation

The Jedi, generally, do not take apprentices through volunteers. With the Spirit, one cannot make hard or fast rules, however, because every degree of freedom must remain open. When an apprentice is introduced to the Master, everything about the situation is relevant: the attitude of the potential apprentice (are they approaching you or are they facing away), the context in their environment (is it a school, work, jail, a need for help, etc. -- these are the obstacles facing them overtly or behind the scenes). What is scattered about them? These may be their connections to their present world which are tying them down. Are you in the dominant or subservient position? If the former, then you should approach them, if the latter, you should wait for them to approach you or gather more data. You might also check the use of names...

In absence of a Jedi presence in your world, the next best alternative is to master the tools and power of your world. Only then, can you achieve the awareness necessary to be clear.

Midichlorians are extra strength factors in the blood/DNA. The word stands for "middle": those who stay in the middle without choosing a side tend to have more of them. It takes more heart and is more difficult. For this reason, the Jedi look for those who are neutral or in the middle. The Force can generally point this out and will simply bring a potential apprentice into the view of the Master.

A Jedi keeps their family name until s/he is determined/allowed to take the title "Jedi"....

A lock of hair could symbolize the old self, connected to family, that is cut at that time. This area could be perpetually cut to keep loyalty to the order. The lock given to significant other for safekeeping if they are ever to return.

During their training, however, they sh0uld let their hair grow, to show that they are not vain. This also communicates, by length of the hair, the length of their training. Once their training has finished, then all of their hair is cut and they receive their Title.

The Jedi training is a path that sits between total passivity, like water flowing down a mountain, and total control, like that of climbing a mountain. The Jedi lives in-between both.

The Jedi cloak is for the protection of the Jedi from the thoughts of others. The Jedi thrives on being inconspicuous and must try to prevent him/herself from being known.

The Jedi Order may accept one candidate from the Highest Court in the "galaxy" (a council of 16 judges appointed for life (as they wish) from everywhere in the galaxy). This is(?) in exchange for the stipend received by those in the Jedi Order; however, if the order/wisdom of the Jedi are not in play, then it defaults back to only the Spirit and no obligation is necessary -- the stipend is merely recognition that civilization has taken a claim on the processes the Jedi Master put into action, namely: civil rule that is grounded in the perfection of Man of which they came.