Force powers were the manifestations of a Force-sensitive being’s connection with the Force, an energy field that surrounded and bound together everything in existence. The nature and practice of such abilities were usually taught to learners by experienced practioners, such as the Jedi and the Sith. Some techniques required a deep connection with either the light side or the dark side of the Force, but many were not specific to either affinity. The Force was practiced as a form of magic by some groups, such as the Witches of Dathomir, Nightsisters, Mind-witches, and users of Sith magic and Sith alchemy.
The Jedi Order classified abilities with the Force according to three themes: Control, Sense, and Alter. Jedi Initiates studied Control, which was centered in one’s own body and regarded as the basic skills used throughout a being’s lifetime. Padawans progressed to Sense, extending themselves into their surrounding environment and expanding their awareness of the Living Force. As Jedi Knights, their education was furthered with Alter, the abilities that physically impacted their surroundings and were the most difficult to master.
The Sith divided their powers into three schools or focuses that channeled the dark side: Offense, Body, and Mind. Offense included skills that were dynamic, immediately applicable to lightsaber combat, and required relatively little exertion to deploy. Body drew upon the Living Force in one’s own cells to affect another’s on the physical plane; as such, it could damage one’s body and be hindered by the presence of cybernetics. Mind, which drew upon the Unifying Force, operated in memory and thought rather than the body or physical strength; its disciplines demanded intense concentration and psychic clarity.