No one man should have all that power. Or should they?

A lot of us have a difficult relationship with power. We see how it can corrupt people, distort judgement, and give others opportunities to make their not-so-brilliant ideas come to life. We know what can happen when power becomes concentrated in the wrong hands.

But at the same time, power can be used to uplift others around you, open doors, protect communities, and build better systems. It can grant you the time and space needed to make better decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

Power is also what makes our technology run and our cities function smoothly. We notice it most acutely when it disappears: a blackout can bring an entire neighbourhood to a standstill, while the loss of personal power, no matter how minuscule, can throw our lives into chaos.

Or, if you’re into magic and witchcraft, like I am, it can mean something else entirely. It is the force that directs your energy towards the circumstances you desire, and you can hone it through practice and spiritual communion.

Who has power? Who wants it? Who gives it away? Who abuses it? What happens when someone finally takes theirs back? And how much power is enough before it becomes too much? All of these aspects of power—and others we haven’t considered yet—are what we want to explore in the next issue of Blood & Bourbon.

We welcome your submissions now.