The Force represents one of the greatest sources of power in the galaxy; however, requires the will of a Force-sensitive being to effectively wield it, as technology is not a viable approach. To those with the appropriate sensitivity, it can be applied in a seemingly infinite variety of different ways. Individuals who are strong in the Force are able to enhance their own abilities, understand their environment on a deeper or supernatural level, or even use it to impose their will upon their physical surroundings.
#Learning About the Force However, this ability is quite rare. Further, though an individual may manifest sensitivity to the Force at any time, such a talent most be developed, rather than taught as a skill. For most species, it typically appears at a young age. Although even untrained Force use can sometimes grant insights or physical capabilities far beyond those considered normal, to effectively wield the Force in combat or in a more controlled manner requires a high level of training and discipline.
Therefore, communities of Force users are relatively small and isolated from the rest of the galaxy. The Jedi Order seeks out young and impressionable Force-sensitive children for instruction at one of their many temples throughout the galaxy, although they are usually reluctant to begin training anyone who is deemed too old. Even so, not all children who are sought by the Order to begin training are ever able to finish it; only a select few ever reach the rank of Knight.
#The Powers of the Force The power that the Force grants to a wielder may vary widely, but the types of abilities imparted are traditionally broken into three broad categories.
##Powers of the Body Force users can harness the Living Force within themselves to enhance their own physical prowess beyond natural levels. Abilities of this type allow the Jedi and Sith powers such as astounding agility and strength, healing from injuries that would have been meant certain death for a normal member of their species, or hibernating through long periods of deprivation from basic physical needs.
##Powers of Manipulation These powers allow Force users to bend the surrounding physical environment to their own will. This allows for supernatural feats such as telekinesis, energy redirection and projection. Such abilities can also involve the subtle manipulation of the minds of other beings. Those enthralled by raw power have always been particularly attracted to this type of Force manipulation.
##Powers of the Mind Powers of the mind include those that allow an awareness of the greater galaxy around the Force user. To witness events of the past, present, and future through visions achieved via meditation or other means is among the capabilities imparted by attunement to the Cosmic Force. At their fullest potential, these abilities may even grant the wielder the power to orchestrate or influence events according to his or her own desires.
##Lightsabers and the Force Force sensitivity also allows an individual the ability to effectively wield the lightsaber, the ancient weapon of the Jedi and Sith. Lightsaber prowess is signature skill of a successful Force wielder, as it draws upon all three aspects of Force mastery. Only those capable of a supernatural level of finesee and control are able to wield a lightsaber’s massless blade without endangering themselves. Furthermore, to be truly effective in combat, they must also have a high caliber of spatial awareness gained through a deep connection to the Force. Furthermore, a lightsaber is difficult at best to construct without the use of the Force, as it requires incredibly fine adjustments to align its focusing crystals. In fact, the completion of this task has been a rite of passage for young Jedi since ancient times.