What does it mean to be Force-sensitive in the Star Wars Universe?

The Force remains one of the biggest mysteries in the Star Wars Universe, but what is equally mysterious is how one can be Force-sensitive.

Since Star Wars began with the groundbreaking film A New Hope, the Force has been a mysterious-yet-powerful form of energy for the Jedi and Sith alike. As stories began to take shape and the Star Wars lore deepened, fans have been introduced to different things the Force can do.

From Qui-Gon Jinn attempting to use the classic “Jedi mind trick” on Watto in The Phantom Menance to Darth Vader using the Force-choke on several victims, the Force seems to be capable of almost anything.

I myself was amazed to watch the Force in ways I never thought possible through the years, but what really fascinated me was how one could be Force-sensitive?

Is it inherited? Are some born with this ability?

It’s time for me to find some answers.

What can a Force-sensitive person do?

Upon doing some research, I found the Force-sensitive entry from Wookieepedia to be a great start. In the article, it explains that one could be force-sensitive in three different ways:

"They either inherited it from a Force-sensitive progenitor (which was most often the case), acquired the sensitivity through random mutation or evolution, or, in rare cases, one was artificially imbued with sensitivity to the Force, such as was the case of the Reborn and Sith Cultists."

Learning this got me thinking back to the ending of The Last Jedi when the little boy was able to use the Force to bring the broom to his hand. It filled me with this sense of hope that there could be more Jedi in the future and that as long as the Force exists, there will always be those to use it for good against those using it for evil.

In another Wookieepedia article, Force power, the Force can be explained in three categories: control, sense and alter.

“Control” contains abilities such as breath control, Force ghost, Force healing, Force valor and Tapas (keeping warm in a cold environment). “Sense” contains abilities such as Force listening, Force sense, Force vision and telepathy.

“Alter” has the most abilities including combustion, cryokinesis, dopplegänger, Force confusion, Force illusion, Force pull/push, mind control and teleportation.

Remember, these are not all of the abilities one can master by using the Force. What amazes me further is when someone discovers they are Force-sensitive.

We’ve seen the likes of Anakin Skywalker completely unaware of his abilities as his mother called them as special powers. Then you have those like Luke who was unaware of the Force until he met Obi-Wan Kenobi.

As the Star Wars Universe continues to grow there is no doubt that fans will see both the Force and those who are Force-sensitive continue to exist and impress us with their abilities. While this could mean the Jedi will never fade, then it could also mean the Sith won’t either as the Force has both the Light and Dark Side.

One thing is certain: I look forward to watching and experiencing these new developments wondering what will happen next for those who are Force-sensitive.

Which Force user is your favorite? Comment down below!