Powers are magical traits that allow a being or an object to cause a supernatural effect in a manner that cannot be explained by scientific means.This can manifest as a specific supernatural ability or power (e.g. telekinesis, mind-reading, cryokinesis, freezing time and teleportation),), which allows one to perform specific magical feats without the need of a spell or potion. Powers vary with every magical being. With witches, they are usually a reflection of their personality or lineage. Powers are normally accessed by one's emotions, mind or instinct. They are displayed through supernatural beings such as demons, pixies, spirits, as well as witches and magical objects or substances. A power is most commonly shown to manifest itself for the first time as a reflex when a being is in direct need or just when the being is ready to receive the power.
Powers are often a distinguishing trait between supernatural beings and mortals. Due to the ability to defy natural limitations, beings with powers have an edge over mortals without powers. Some use that advantage to do good, while others use it for personal gain or evil. With the passage of time, certain powers have become associated with either one of the sides. For example, pyrokinesis is associated with evil and is supposedly one of the most coveted powers in the demonic realm.
- Also see: List of Magical Powers
Classification of Powers
Active and Passive Powers
Powers can be classified as active or passive, depending upon whether they require the user to take any action or if they just happen naturally without any sort of triggering.
Active powers are powers triggered by the user at the time of need. For example, a person with telekinesis actively channels their power to move an object. Other examples include freezing time, reading minds, teleportation, etc.
Passive powers are always in effect and do not need to be triggered or channeled in any way. For example, immortality does not require any type of trigger, as an immortal being is just naturally immortal.
Categories of Active Powers
Depending upon what they are used for, active powers can be classified into various categories. Some powers, such as telekinesis, can belong into multiple categories.
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive | Used to attack, destroy, hurt or kill other beings. | Telekinesis, Pyrokinesis, Energy Ball Generation |
| Defensive | Used to protect or hide oneself and others from harm. | Temporal Stasis, Telekinesis, Force Field Generation |
| Transportive | Used to move oneself and others from one place to another. | Teleportation, Supernatural Speed, Orbing, Portal Creation |
| Supportive | Used for purposes other than during battles. | Empathic Telepathy, Healing, Shapeshifting, Possession, Foresight, Disintegration |
Development of Powers
Acquisition of Powers
Most beings, such as witches and demons, acquire their powers through genetic inheritance. However, despite being born with the powers, not all powers manifest after birth.
Powers can also be acquired through other means such as:
- Coming into contact with certain magical beings, objects or substances - e.g.: black amber
- Stealing or transfer
- Afterlife - e.g.: ghosts, spirits, and Whitelighters
Losing Powers
Beings with powers can lose them completely if the powers are stripped from them, bound, or transferred into/stolen by other beings.
Stripping Powers
Power Stripping is the process through which magical powers are temporarily or permanently removed, rendering the being mortal and unable to use their magical abilities anymore.
For example, there exists a special dagger that allows a demon to perform a ritual to strip demonic powers.
Binding Powers
Binding is the process through which magical powers are disabled, usually through a spell, rendering the person powerless. The powers are not removed but rather they are made dormant. This is often performed on young witches by their parents to protect them from magical harm. Bound powers can be unbound through an unbinding spell or due to a tragic/emotional event.
For example, Marisol Vera performed a power binding spell on Macy, Mel and Maggie when they were babies to protect them and to give them a normal life. After sensing danger just before her death, she performed a Power Unbinding Spell causing their powers to become reactivated when the sisters were all in the same room.[1]
Transferring and Stealing Powers
In certain circumstances, powers can be transferred from one being to another. A power transfer ritual may require special magical objects such as the Prism of Souls.
The ability to transfer powers opens the potential for evil beings to steal powers from others either by killing them or tricking them to transfer powers. For example, an imposter demon once tried to trick the Charmed Ones in order to steal their powers using the Prism of Souls.[2]
Trivia
- Unlike in the original series, powers do not have a particular sound effect when a power is used.