Force-meld
Force-meld, also recognized as Jedi meld, United Jedi Cluster-Mind, or battle meld, represented a unique technique where a Force-sensitive individual would intertwine their mind with others, collectively amplifying their strength. Considered an advanced form of battle meditation, this practice was known to the ancient Jedi, albeit carrying inherent risks. While battle meditation could exert influence on both Force users and non-Force users on opposing sides, Force Meld specifically concentrated on harmonizing and augmenting the capabilities of Force-sensitives within the user's own group.
Overview
Given that the number of Force-sensitives involved in a large-scale battle was generally far less than the number of non-sensitives, the demands of Force Meld were, in some ways, less extensive than those of battle meditation, as the meld affected a smaller group of minds. Consequently, it was believed that Force Meld was somewhat easier to master. The number of practitioners in the New Jedi Order was nearly half the number of battle meditation practitioners in the old order.
Jorus C'baoth utilized this technique at least eight times throughout his life. Anakin Solo reinvented it for the New Jedi Order during the Yuuzhan Vong War, enabling the Jedi combatting the Yuuzhan Vong to function as a unified, potent entity. Under the guidance of Jacen Solo, Force Meld played a crucial role during the Mission to Myrkr, enhancing the effectiveness of the Myrkr strike team. Later, inspired by the renowned power of Joruus C'baoth during the Thrawn campaign, Jaina Solo further refined Force Meld, employing it as a starfighter squadron strategy within her Twin Suns Squadron. Shortly after, Madurrin implemented the meld as a coordinating tactic between squadrons, a role that Jacen and Luke Skywalker soon adopted as well.
Sustained application of this technique could lead to participants completing each other's sentences or thoughts. This ability could also be interpreted as a form of telepathy. Obi-Wan Kenobi cautioned that the successful creation of a unified entity state through Force Meld, without causing mental harm or destruction to those involved, required a Master of significant power and profound connection to the Force. The potential drawbacks of Force Meld were contributing factors to the Dark Nest Crisis.
The amplified power conferred by Force Meld was a double-edged sword. While the entity could influence a larger number of minds with greater potency, a significant disturbance in the Force could overwhelm the participants, as they experienced pain through their heightened senses. If the pain originated from the minds connected within the meld, it could have devastating consequences for the participants, potentially leading to a loss of mental control and an inability to perceive other dangers.
The majority of light side participants in a meld could prevent an individual from succumbing to the dark side. However, if the participants held conflicting thoughts and struggled to focus on a shared objective, the meld could become a hindrance rather than an advantage.
Behind the scenes
During a press conference, former U.S. President Barack Obama inadvertently referenced the Force meld when he mentioned a "Jedi mind meld." This blending of terminology from both the Star Wars and Star Trek universes drew criticism from some fans, while others, including Lynne Hale, directed attention to this very article on Wookieepedia, which acknowledges the existence of a Jedi meld. As previously stated, an alternate name of the Force meld is "Jedi meld," as mentioned in Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force.