Force power / Legends Force powers were the manifestations of a Jedi , Sith , or other Force - adept ' s connection with the Force , an energy field that binds everything in existence . These powers were supernatural abilities not described by scientists . The powers were usually taught by Force - using organizations , but there were examples of individual , self - improving methods of learning to use the Force . There were many kinds of Force powers , but not all were available to a single person , since some of them required a deep connection with one side of the Force and others were secret or very rare . Also , as a side note , it should be taken into account that the Force is not " magic , " nor does it have specific " spells " or " powers , " and they are far more interrelated than the list might suggest . Alternatively , the Force was used as a form of magic by users such as the Nightsisters , Mind - witch es , and users of Sith magic and Sith alchemy . Aspects of 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 mainstream within the Jedi and Sith teachings , others personally developed and unique . Control . The Jedi Order ' s teaching method began with the aspect of Control , taught to Jedi Initiate s 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 " . These three umbrella abilities incorporated many of the abilities Jedi used throughout their service to the Republic . Sense . Classified as Sense abilities by the Jedi Order , these techniques were 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 . 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 . Alter . An advanced form of Force - use , many non - trained Force - sensitives stumbled 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 . Using Force powers . According to the theory that the Force is one , the light and dark sides did not actually describe the Force , but rather defined how an individual used it : to directly harm his enemies or to help himself overcome situations . Thus the aggressive or vengeful abilities inherently belonged to the dark side , while those which were healing , defensive , self - empowering , or diversionary belonged to the light side . For example , a Dark Jedi could cast powers that inherently belonged to the light side ( like Persuasion ) . Kyle Katarn , who allied himself with the light side , made use of dark side powers such as Grip and Lightning , possibly because of his experience while fighting Maw , and later on Dromund Kaas . This indicated that skillful Jedi of strong character could use these abilities according to their wisdom since their high experience prevented them from drifting towards the dark side . Core . The Core powers were the first powers a Jedi learned , and directly affected his own body or objects without actually harming or benefiting anything ( except for Push , which could be used against enemies ) . Control . The most basic Force techniques , requiring mastery over self . Control was the first basic abilities to be learned by a Jedi . Force Sense . The Force technique of Force Sense included all abilities enhancing perception of the world around a being . Alter . The most perceptive to the dark side , alter was the last technique taught to younglings . It included powers to create external phenomenon . Universal . Universal powers were generic Force techniques which were associated with neither side of the Force . Almost all Core powers also qualified as Universal powers , but many of them were uncommon and not an integral part of basic Jedi training . Light . Light side powers were the Force powers that the user accessed through the Force ' s light side . The Jedi used them for protection , increasing physical and mental capacities , and for defense . They could also inspire and increase the resolve of allies . Certain light side powers could also be used offensively , but did not directly cause physical harm . Dark . Dark side powers were used to harm , debilitate , or kill . Some , like Rage and Drain , were used to benefit the user personally , akin to powers of the light side , with the difference that these were used at the expense of his or her own health or another individual ' s Force reserve . The dark side drew its power from negative emotions , and while the intent behind their use may well have been good at the time , it was most likely to lead one to further spiritual corruption from overuse , without the proper self control and mindset . Continuous use of dark powers was shown to have a physically corrupting effect on the Force - user , regardless of intent , due to the body ' s inability to handle such power for long periods of time . Force powers applied to lightsaber combat . The Jedi and other Force organizations that used lightsabers also developed specific Force techniques especially for lightsaber combat . Behind the scenes . The various abilities listed above have been seen in the movies , the Star Wars Roleplaying Game and Star Wars games licensed or developed by LucasArts , where ' official ' names and definitions are given . In some of the games , the Potentium point that Force powers themselves were not inherently evil , but rather reflected the alignment of the Force - user is sometimes stressed , depending on the source . The Control / Sense / Alter splitting was developed for RPG rules , and was treat as game mechanics , but the " " canonized it as in - universe . Note that some powers , although they have multiple names , are describing the same power , in different levels or ways of use . It is also important to note that the rigidity of the above system merely reflects the various game design and storytelling strategies , as opposed to some actual delineation . Despite its name , the Force kick is highly unlikely to be a power .