Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-5094906-20141119193942/@comment-1916997-20141222011743

Hmcooper4 wrote: Well, actually, Robin used that bow first, and also the fairy wand, and he does not appear to have magic. Belle with some of the various potions (locator potion for example).

Also, Mermaids have the ability to walk on Land (limited, granted) which is based in Magic.

I wonder if it's something more along the lines of everyone has magic to some extent. At least those people that originated in the Enchanted Forest. Which, BTW, does include Emma. I would loosely compare it to being like Musical ability. Everyone has some amount of natural ability. Some are more naturally gifted than others, but those that are not as gifted can still work hard and achieve some success. And unless those that are gifted work hard to train and control their gift, they will never be able to use it to its fullest measure.

If the natural ability to perform magic could be measured, it would probably be something like a Magic Quotient (MQ). High MQ would be an indicator that someone has the potential to be a powerful magician. Emma and Zelena probably have the highest MQ. the rest of the Mills family (Cora and Regina) would probably score high on the MQ chart as well, though not as high as Emma or Zelena. Rumple is probably naturally low on the scale, but because of the Dagger, his MQ is enhanced tremendously. I would put Mary Margaret and Belle as probably somewhere around average (or just below average), and since they have not chosen to pursue Magic, that is why appear to be non-magical.

But apart from having a High MQ, There is also the opportunity to Study and refine that skill. Regina and Cora are as powerful as they are because they use their magical ability to it's full potential. Emma is only now coming into her powers, as she has not had the opportunity to learn to control her natural abilities. And Rumple has had centuries to work on and master his craft, overcoming any shortcoming he may have had from natural ability. This is really well thought out, and makes the most sense for Once's "laws" as far as what we've seen. Good job.