The Force Powers

The Force had a range of powers that functioned in accordance to fundamental attributes that were cardinal in nature, and categorized by the way in which a user was able to focus on the Force while using an ability. The aspects of the Force were divided into Control, Sense, and Alter by the Jedi Order. Under these three themes were several core abilities, that could be expanded upon and changed, depending on the user. Stemming from the core ability were several different ways to manipulate the Force, some of them mainstreamed within the Jedi and Sith teachings, others personally developed and unique.

Control

"Control is internal. It is the Jedi's ability to recognize the Force in himself and to use it to his benefit."

- Jedi Master Bodo Baas

The Jedi Order's teaching method began with the aspect of Control, taught to Jedi Initiates as a way to open their minds to the Force and establish a base point for further development. The theme of Control was centered on the ability to control one's own body, as self control was the starting point for all Jedi teachings. Development of these skills would continue throughout a Jedi's life, as the basics of all other disciplines of Force use began here. One of the most well known side-effects of mastering the discipline of Control was prolonged life and the avoidance of decay.

Three main abilities were centered around Control: tutaminis, curato salva, and altus sopor.

Tutaminis: Tutaminis is an umbrella title used by the Jedi Order to classify Force abilities relating to energy absorption. Designated as one in a family of Control abilities, tutaminis techniques were taught to Jedi Initiates within the Jedi academy throughout the history of the Order. While taught to all Jedi during the days of the Galactic Republic, it was a rare feat to be capable of dissipating concentrated energy such as what makes up a blasterbolt or lightsaber blade. While it was named and practiced by the Jedi Order, tutaminis was not restricted to use by Jedi. In fact, most Force-based groups and Force-users in general learned to use or at least control some of the abilities taught at the Temple.

Curato salva: Curato salva is an umbrella title used by the Jedi Order to classify Force abilities relating to self-healing. Designated as one in a family of Control abilities, curato techniques were taught to Jedi Initiates within the Jedi academy throughout the history of the Order.

Altus sopor: Altus sopor was the traditional term for the ability to increase a user's focus on the Force. Altus sopor was a basic component of the control area of Force techniques, and when developed, could allow a practitioner to merge into the Force so that they would become nearly invisible to others.

Sense

"...Sense involves the next step, in which the Jedi recognizes the force in the universe outside herself."

- Jedi Master Bodo Baas

Classified as Sense abilities by the Jedi Order, these techniques are taught to Padawans to broaden the scope of their Control abilities. Dipping into a deeper understanding of the Living Force, Sense abilities allowed Force-wielders to immerse themselves in the environment. By the end of their apprenticeship, Padawans were expected to use the Force as an additional sense, constantly attuned to the undulation of the Force.[2]

The Jedi Order saw the Sense abilities divided into four main groups: prima vitae, tactus otium, tai vordrax/psychometry, and projected telepathy. While there were many other styles to the Sense family, these were considered the most vital to Jedi teachings.

Tai vordrax/Psychometry: Psychometry or telemetry is a Force power that is a mental technique of picking up impressions and traces of information about the object touched and the events that have surrounded it. This power allowed the user to view events as if they were there, including the sights, sounds, and feelings, both emotional and physical, that the wielder of the object experienced. This power was easier to use on personal objects that were used frequently. Objects that were used once or by several people often made the use of this power difficult, though it was still possible. This skill was useful for tracking though it was not useful in open battle and would fail to render useful information at times.

Projected Telepathy: Telepathy is the very basic ability to mentally communicate over small or vast distances with other individuals. Every Force user, Jedi or Sith, was able to use it. The range of telepathy itself is theoretically infinite, but the telepath must be able to sense the presences of those they wish to contact. Thus, communicating with non-Force-sensitives became nearly impossible over distances greater than a handful of kilometers, and the typical upper limit for Force-sensitives was approximately 1,000 kilometers. However, individuals who were siblings, related, lovers, or lifelong friends, or who were once master and apprentice, were known to communicate across ranges far longer than that, and, in extreme cases (such as the twin bond between Jacen and Jaina Solo), the link apparently had no limit.

Alter

"Alter is the third and most difficult area to master, for it involves the student's ability to modify the Force and redistribute its energies."

- Jedi Master Bodo Baas

An advanced form of Force-use, many non-trained Force-sensitives stumble upon this group of powers accidentally, usually resulting in disastrous events. Untamed, these Force powers can cause mass chaos, as the art of manipulating other objects must be perfected and honed. Within the Jedi Order, these abilities were considered to be Alter abilities and were taught to Jedi Knights who had mastered the art of Control and Sense. Capable of affecting the environment, these abilities were vital to a successful Knight, as without them, individuals could see the Force, but were incapable of manipulating it.

In the Order of the Jedi, the great Masters considered the techniques of telekinesis, affect mind, and alter environment to make up this family of abilities.

Telekinesis: Telekinesis, abbreviated TK, is a neutral ability that most Force-sensitives have. With it, they can lift objects according to their concentration and move them, hovering the items in any direction. This ability was the base for Force Pull, Force Throw and Force Push, as well as telekinetic lightsaber combat techniques such as Saber Throw. It could be disputed that these are all the same power applied to different means.

Affect mind: Mind tricks refer to a spectrum of Force powers which influence the thoughts of sentient creatures, most commonly used to coerce into agreement by suggestion through voice manipulation, or to cause one to reveal information. This allowed its practitioners to resolve matters in a non-violent way. It could also be used to appeal to a sensory impression for distraction or cause friendly fire among enemies. One sinister variation of the power was "Force Corruption", an ability that would force targets to the user's side, while slowly draining their life.

Alter Environment: Alter Environment is a Force power that involves various techniques that allowed the user to manipulate nature, enabling the creation of phenomena such as Force whirlwinds or fog that could be used to attack or to shield the user from opponents. Plo Koon further modified this ability with his considerable knowledge of physics.