Originally Posted by
Daedra
Ok this is all my theory so take it with a grain of salt:
(Lots of head canon in it but I might as well share it)
Usually in the marvel universe high-end powers can be categorized by 3 different qualities:
Cosmic Power (power of the body)(physics): pure ultra-science in reed Richards or thanos style, unified control over the 4 foundamental forces of the universe, it’s a world of particles and quantification and logic, affinity for technology ….. atoms, molecules, photons, gravity, radiation etc… are under direct purview. (Scientific heroes… hulk,Fantastic four, captain marvel, silver surfer, quasar…..)
Mystic Power (power of the soul)(philosophy): spiritual growth, esoteric knowledge, ability to manipulate magical forces for a variety of effects, it’s a world of spirits, fantastical creatures, elemental powers, extra dimensinal energies, karmic balance….. faith, symbolism, meaning & intention, arcane powers and knowledge can move reality accordingly. (Doctor Strange, Clea, Doctor Voodoo, Morgan le Fay….)
Psionic Power (power of the mind)(biology): walks the line between body&soul, psionic power generation and manipulation, can be studied scientifically despite having some hard to quantify qualities, it’s a world of will, biochemical manipulation of ones’s body, astral self, empathy, telepathy, consciousness projection, can affect the physical word by specific or generic application of psionic energies generated by the brain with different affinities (tele-hydro-photo-thermo-cryo-ergo etc…. -kinesis), (mutants, xavier, emma frost, jean grey, vulcan, proteus are just some top examples)
Hybridization is very possible and common, you can have psionic manipulation via cosmic energy or cosmic forces manipulation via psionic means, mystic powers can emulate cosmic feats or affect the body as psionic would.
Mortals usually only have 1 source of power and can at best develop (and loose) a secondary source during their lifespawn (think of Illyana Rasputin or Jean Grey during her time as phoenix)
GODS (this is really what makes Ororo so different from the rest) can be distinguished by mere mortals because they naturally possess personal intrinsic reservoirs of each branch, whether they decide to cultivate each of the three branches or just focus on one their nature is always trine, true gods have a COSMIC, MYSTICAL and PSIONIC dimension to themselves (think a tridimensional being ability to act opposed to a bi-dimensional one) ( this is where I see characters like Gaea, Thor, Storm, Chthon, Odin, Osthur etc….)