What do orange lightsabers mean in ‘Star Wars’ and who wields them?

The laser swords of the Jedi and Sith need no real introduction, but it’s true that there are countless types of lightsabers in that galaxy far, far away. Coming in all colors, shapes, and sizes, the lightsaber is as versatile of a Star Wars weapon as it is a personal one.

Serving different purposes and reflecting different personalities, the colors of each individual lightsaber directly relate to the mind of the Force-user wielding it. Beyond the traditional shades of blue, red, and green, there exists a plethora of colors that many fans might not be familiar with and would want an in-depth crash course for.

One color, in particular, has been the basis of an entire Jedi mindset and has remained a mystery for decades: the orange lightsaber. 

What Are Orange Lightsabers?

Belonging to what are considered “Gray Jedi,” orange lightsabers serve an incredibly specific purpose. An orange lightsaber indicates that a delicate balance has been struck between the light and dark sides of the Force. A Jedi in possession of one has not completely turned their back on either belief system but rather exists somewhere in the middle.

Becoming a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and power, orange lightsabers ⏤ which are incredibly rare ⏤ signify a break from traditional values and a transition into a much more radical belief system. The most recent orange lightsaber wielder in Star Wars canon is none other than Rey Skywalker, as seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Why are Gray Jedis important?

The orange-yellow blade in the movie is a reminder that the Force is ever-changing. To be able to have balance, a Gray Jedi must use both the light and the dark, not one or the other. That requires the Jedi to step away from the Jedi way and also forsake the path of the Sith. This tends to indicate that those who use orange lightsabers are contemplative loners who create an entirely unique path. 

Here’s a look at the unofficial Gray Jedi code:

“There must be both dark and light. I will do what I must to keep the balance, as the balance is what holds all life. There is no good without evil, but evil must not be allowed to flourish. There is passion, yet peace; serenity, yet emotion; chaos, yet order. I am a wielder of the flame; a champion of balance. I am a guardian of life. I am a Gray Jedi.”

Coming from the Star Wars Legends, Gray Jedi has never explicitly been mentioned in any canonical material that Lucasfilm has released over the last 44 years. That hasn’t stopped this particular section of Force users from becoming fan favorites, though, and many are clamoring for Star Wars to officially introduce the term in the main canon. Until then, all we can do is appreciate the beauty and power of orange lightsabers, recognizing that they mean so much more than just a simple color option.