Smoking Gestures
Smoking is an outward manifestation of an inner turmoil or conflict and has little to do with nicotine addiction. It is one of the displacement activities that people in today's high-pressure society use to release the tensions that build up from social and business encounters. For example, most people experience inner tension while waiting outside the dentist's surgery to have a tooth removed. While a smoker will cover up his anxiety by smoking, non-smokers perform other rituals such as...
Complete Script
Here's a complete script, everything you need. The inductions I have used here are inductions I learned from Mark Cunningham. Before you begin, you must understand one very important thing. This was the first thing I learned in Mark Cunningham's Stage Hypnosis seminar. You must BE the hypnotist. You never TRY to hypnotize, you just DO IT. If she does not go under, it is because she is not following your commands. She MUST follow your every command. If she says she cannot be hypnotized, you say...
Silent Psychic Influence
In learning of Maya, you have learned of the threefold formula of Yogi psychic influence, viz., visualization, projection, and affirmation. You also know how to use it in relation to suggestion and hypnosis. This is the first state of training. When the initiate has mastered this stage, he is promoted to more advanced aspects of the subject, which is referred to as silent psychic influence. In this state of magical influencing, the formula of visualization, projection, and affirmation is...
Mystery Sex Magic
**Reposted from the first Lair, original date 1 26 04 This weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting up with some of the best pick-up artists in the world (all of which happen to live in LA, as luck would have it ) On Sunday night, I was joined by Mystery and his current roommate Herbal from Project Hollywood at Roadking's appartment for a night of Salt-Lick Barbeque flown out specially from Austin Texas, home of the best BBQ I've ever had. It had been a while since I'd hung out with Mystery, so I...
Deceptive Steps Illusion
This is the fourth in a series of illusion plans courtesy of Paul Osborne Illusion Systems METHOD Continued As you'll recall last month, we began our series on the Shooting a Girl from a Cannon Illusion . After looking at the cannon itself, now it's time to study suspended box the girl is shot into. In most cases, our shooting is performed at amusement parks in various outdoor staging conditions. For this reason, our box is built with weather conditions in mind, although we try to lower it as...
Three From PSP
Samuel Patrick Smith sent along three items a very instructive audio tape, a Burling Hull card trick, and a Jim Swoger item suitable for platform use. The Short Course on Kid's Shows is an 82-minute audio cassette which is based on material from Mr. Smith's books Big Laughs for Little People and Kiddie Patter and Little Feats. Side one of the cassette focuses on the general business of doing kid shows including repertoire, handling volunteers, repeat shows, dealing with problem children,...
Charlie Edwards Anti Grav Trick
Sunday, February 6th saw the 21st anniversary of the founding of the Leeds Magic Circle, and to celebrate this occasion a One Day Magical Convention was organised in the Mecca Locarno Ballroom, County Arcade, Leeds. That this Northern Function was to bl well patronised was quite evident very early in the day, for although the time of opening was arranged for 10 a.m., well before that time a large number of magicians and friends were already looking round the Dealer's Stands. The writer did not...
Mirroring and Matching
Neurolinguistic programmers, psychologists adept at persuasive techniques, discovered a magical tool. They uncovered the secret used by compliance professionals that guarantee almost unbeatable results. They discovered that by exactly mirroring the person you attempt to persuade, you can generate a very deep sense of rapport in that person. To mirror someone is to do exactly as they do - 100 . This means that you mirror their posture, their gestures, their body language, their tone of voice,...
The Breakthrough Card System
The first copies of the Breakthrough Card System were published 23 years ago in 1983. Over the years, there have been reprints of the original, the 25th Anniversary edition, The Memorized Breakthrough Card System, articles in magazines, as well as the performances and explanations on this video. The system itself is thoroughly explained on the DVD with all the shortcuts and other handling tips. It is the intention of this series of guide books to present new ideas and not repeat what has...
Aces in Their Faces
If you attended the Desert Magic Seminar earlier this year, you may have seen a fellow sitting on the floor frying everyone in sight with a remarkable four ace assembly. That fellow was Bob Kohler, and Aces in Their Faces is the routine he was performing. The Kohler routine uses an interesting set of gaffed cards originally created by Burling Hull. These cards allow very clean shows of the backs and faces of the cards and make the subsequent vanishes quite astounding. Bob's cards were printed...
The Atomic Aces
Effect The four aces are removed from the pack, along with four spot cards. The aces and indifferent cards are clearly alternated in one face-down pile. Yet, with no other action, they separate, the aces collecting at the Lop. The ace of spades and one spoL card are Lhen nominaLed as leaders for Lheir groups. The oLher three aces are placed face-down behind the ace of spades, and Lhe Lhree indifferenl cards behind their leader card. When the packeLs are switched, the cards magically conform Lo...
Mentalism Goes Postal
These days, begins the Mentalist, I always purchase postcards wherever I travel. When I return and review my postcard collection, it's almost as if I am standing in those exotic locations again. Perhaps some people in this audience would like to take a virtual vacation tonight. The performer empties the contents of a small paper sack, more than four dozen completely different scenic postcards, into a participant's outstretched hands. After he gives them a thorough shuffle, the postcards are...
Don Alans Big Deal
A few months ago, the magazine ads heralded the arrival of The most eagerly anticipated book of the New Millennium - a book on the magic of Don Alan. Many, myself included, thought this book would never appear. The story behind this book is as complex and contradictory as the man whose life and magic it details. It is a fascinating tale, but you're not going read it in this column. For the past two weeks I have read through piles of faxes and emails, and I have spent hours on the telephone....
The Indestructible Girl
This is a somewhat similar illusion to the one just described. A girl assistant is placed in cabinet, apparently occupying the greater part of same. The door is closed and metal or wooden bars run through the cabinet from front to back and back to front, apparently piercing the girl. When the bars have been placed in cabinet, a small door near top of cabinet is opened showing the girl assistant still standing there. The door is closed again and bars removed. The door is opened and girl steps...
The Last of The Spike Tricks
A few years ago in Magick, Jim Rainho published an effect wherein a sharp spike was hidden under one of several paper cups. The cups were then mixed and the performer, through the agency of his psychic abilities, smashed all of the cups with the palm of his hand -- except the one covering the spike. I betray no confidences when I point out that the cup covering the spike had been previously nail-nicked by the performer. Bascom Jones wisely suggested that, since the person mixing the cups may...
Magic Of Micah Lasher
Who's this kid playing fifty-two-card pick-up You're a magician, aren't you Never heard of the guy. Book looks good Probably for beginners. Aren't they all This new trade paperback is remarkable on several counts (1) It was planned, organized, and written by a fourteen-year-old (2) Its publisher approached and enjoined its writer, not the other way around (3) It is aimed at the public and sold in main-stream book stores (4) Instead of getting consensus praise from the magic community, we heard...
The Looking Glass
Edited by Kaufman, Racherbaumer, and Hobbs Issue number three of The Looking Glass has arrived, and it continues the standard of excellence set by the first two issues. There is great magic offered, including routines from Francis Carlyle (Seeing at the Fingertips), Rune Klan (a young Danish magician who contributes a remarkable multiple coin retention vanish), Paul Cummins (Four-Way Reverse Backfire, one of the highlights of his recent lecture), Alain Nu, Bob Farmer, Roy Walton, Hiro Sakai...
The Thrill is Back
When I was a little kid my folks would take me to Stoner's Magic Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana. An almost electric thrill ran through me when I entered the store so much stuff, so many mysteries, so little money to spend. Eventually that thrill faded, but in 1976 I time-traveled for a moment and got the same tingle when I walked into the dealers' room at my first magic convention, the IBM convention in Evansville. A few other occasions have evoked these feelings - visiting the Magic Castle and...
Its A Wonderful Life
In Frank Capra's classic movie, Clarence the Angel tells George Bailey, No man is poor who has friends. Well, that makes me one of the richest people in the world. To all my friends who have been such a strong support system through two very interesting in the Chinese curse sense years, my sincere thanks and appreciation. And to all of the readers of MAGIC, may you have a save and happy holiday season. And, speaking of It's a Wonderful Life, Downtown Theatre Classics will be presenting a...
No End in Sight
A little over a year ago, I predicted that we had reached the high water mark of magic production. The deluge of books, videos, and tricks would soon begin to recede. Boy, was I wrong. So, once again, I offer you short reviews of a whole bunch of stuff. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic Tricks By Tom Ogden Tom Ogden is well known as fine magician and a very funny guy. Although this book appears under the banner of The Complete Idiot's Guide series, do not be misled. Tom's book is neither...
The Magic Shoe Lace
EFFECT The performer says that he always has trouble in lacing up his shoes and offers to show the magic way to do it. A white shoe lace is displayed along with an envelope inside which is a large picture of a rather odd looking shoe. A helper is commandeered and first checks that the magician only has one shoe in the envelope. The shoe, which has no laces on it of course, is slid back into the envelope and left in full view. A bag is shown empty and the helper drops the white lace inside. He...
The Invisible Deck Routine
EFFECT A spectator is given an invisible deck to shuffle and he then selects one invisible card. This invisible card is placed into an examined and initialled visible envelope. Holding up this real envelope, the magician asks the spectator to repeat the name of his card. He then reaches inside the envelope and pulls out a VISIBLE card which is the same as that named by the spectator. COMMENTS One of the features of Alan Shaxon's lecture is his version of the Invisible Deck in which an invisible...
Routines For The Perfecto Leveridge Envelope
At the time of writing this there is a white alabaster envelope available measuring approximately 6.5 x 81 4. If you make up a Perfecto Leveridge Envelope in this size, you can use Jumbo cards with it in an excellent and easy version of Cards Across. Alternatively, Mark Leveridge Magic can supply these (they are called Jumbo Leveridge Envelopes) ready made in red. Please see our current catalogue, price list or website. EFFECT Ten Jumbo cards are counted from a Jumbo pack and openly slipped...
Amplify those states and link them to you
Some of these patterns are only three or four sentences along, and don't take more than 5 minutes to do The reason I'm taking such pains to explain is I want you to understand how what you're doing works, so you can improve upon it and come up with stuff even better You see, the average Speed Seducer will just blindly memorize the words of a seduction pattern, without understanding what he's doing. And, in many cases this will work. He'll still beat out his...
Kosky Switch
Gerald Kosky created a devilish, and still underused, method of switching one card for another, the card seemingly held securely, sandwiched between two face-up cards. According to Roberto Giobbi's Card College, the switch was originally published about 1940 by Joe Berg as Kosky's Invisible Card Exchange. To get a feeling for the switch at its most bare-bones use, take out the two black Kings, lay them face-up on the table, then place any card face-down between them. Get a break under the top...
Back and Front Hand Palming
Performer takes a card or several cards between his thumb and fingers. With a slight wave of the hand, cards disappear. Magician turns his hand over and shows that they are not on the back. He continues to show back and front of hand empty, then suddenly produces the cards at his finger-tips. Start with a single card. After you have become proficient with one, try two, three, and as many as you can handle. Turn left side toward audience. Hold right hand out from body. Place a card in right hand...
The Secrets of Yoga Cosmology
Yoga Cosmology is Astral Plane Magic. It is listed among the High Magics, and includes the extra sensory perception powers which are considered of vast importance to the magician. In the book, Religious Mysteries of the Orient, Ron Ormond and I touched on the subject of Hindu clairvoyance as Parimal Bandhu explained it to us. In this chapter and the next, I will cover this subject in depth in relation to our study of the real magic and mysticism of India. Certain phases of Cosmology have direct...
Kolanut In The Vagina
Kola Nut - A sacrament to simulate sexual energies and combat fatigue Kola nut was an ingredient in Coca-Cola after cocaine became illegal. Today, even kola nut is not used in this great American drink. It is, however, still consumed as a drink in Jamaica and Brazil, its primary attribute being a sexual stimulant similar to cocaine. The powdered seeds are used extensively as a condiment by the natives of Africa, the West Indies, and Brazil. A small piece of seed is chewed before meals to...
As A Feature In Your
To prepare, write the xrord 'odd' on a business card and place the card in one of the compartments. Seal this end with masking tape and also place a piece of tape around the ccnter. Leave the other empty c 1 open. At the opening of your act tell the spectators that you are going to make a prediction but that you will leave the subject of the prediction up to them. State that you could predict how much money one of them has in his pockets, the license number of someone's car, the phone number of...
The Rope And Tape Principle
The rope and tape principle, which I teach you in this lesson, is one of the oldest principles in the realm of Magic. We have evidence that this principle was in use over 350 years ago, and for how many centuries before that time this principle was employed by magicians we can only guess. It is probable that this principle was handed down from the ancient Hindu magicians for the Hindu fakirs today do similar effects with two small ropes and one, two, or three wooden balls. The first modern...
Eye Block Gesture
Some of the most irritating people with whom we deal are those who use the eye -block gesture as they speak. This gesture occurs unconsciously and is an attempt by the person to block you from his sight because he has become bored or uninterested in you or feels that he is superior to you. Compared to the normal rate of six to eight blinks per minute during conversation, the eyelids close and remain closed for a second or longer as the person momentarily wipes you from his mind. The ultimate...
The 10 Count to Orgasm
My good friend (who wishes only to be referred to as J) told me the following amazing story after reading my book Recently I had a one night sexual encounter with a woman, and we both understood the time limitations. I didn't want to complicate the fleeting relationship with talk of trance, hypnosis, or a formal induction. Whilst she was highly aroused (and naturally tranced after having already orgasmed a couple of times) I told her to imagine a warm wet tongue on her clitoris, to let the...
Thirty Minute WalkOn Act Concluded Fourth Dimensional Telepathy and other ideas
______---The final routine is Fourth Dimensional Telepathy, or as it is commonly known, the Three Envelope Test. For me to write this up would be redundant because the iMv original routine can be found in Annemann, and updated handlings appear in MINDBENDING MELTDOWN by Mark, and any of Bob Cassidy's books, notably the ART OF MENTALISM Volumes One and Two. Several versions appear in Bascom's MAGICK, and Cicardi and Fred Kolb have unpublished handlings that may be released to the world one day....
The Berglas Effect
This presentation has unquestionably achieved legendary status. It is an effect so impossible that it has had the best brains in magic scratching their heads in search of a solution. Some refused to believe the effect existed at all, that it was mere rumour, mis-reporting or perhaps even a hoax set up by the publicity master himself. In fact, the creation of the legend was a surprise even to David. He has been performing what is now widely known as The Berglas Effect fox many years, both on...
Three Ropes and a Baby Picture This
Camirand Academy offers two items from the professional repertoire of the very clever Richard Sanders. Three Ropes and a Baby is a multi-phase rope routine which has as its starting point the popular (and unfortunately, now often exposed) Professor's Nightmare. The Sanders routine is a synthesis of ideas from many people, including Slydini, Aldo Colombini, and George Sands. I didn't find anything earth-shakingly new here, but it is a tight and commercial routine. I was a little disappointed...
By Mark Strivings
Effect - A series of mental transmissions from the performer to the audience is attempted with varying results. The performer attempts to transmit colors, objects, geometrical designs, etc. As a final experiment, the performer attempts to project a random number to a single spectator. A manila pay envelope is introduced and shown to contain a small folded card. The envelope is left in sight. The performer explains that there is a two digit number on that card. The performer further explains...
Posthypnotic suggestions
Posthypnotic suggestions are a large part of what people regard as typical of hypnosis. We start by comparing it with the common phenomenon of social compliance the fact that people quite normally will do what another asks them to do. A description of a subject (Nobel Prizewinner Richard Feynman) is used to illustrate what it feels like to carry out a post hypnotic suggestion. Both phenomena are based on establishing a causal connection between two subsystems of the brain. Some exercises are...
Post Hypnotic Suggestion Experiment
Include this fine hypnotic test in the course of your program, or use it singly as a perfect demonstration of 'post hypnotic suggestion. 1 Select a subject who is desirous of 'breaking the cigarette habit', and explain thru post hypnotic suggestions, the smoking of cigarettes will no longer prove a pleasure in fact, become distasteful and consequently, the habit can be broken. Subject is seated on chair - told to completely relax. Go thru the regular procedure of putting the subject to sleep,...
How To Find Out Where She Puts Her Pictures And What To Do With That Information Once Youve Got It
The best way to find out where a woman puts her mental pictures, is, of course, to ask. You should do this as part of an overall discussion of how interesting the mind is. Try a dialogue like this. Did you know your mind puts pictures in different places, according to how you feel about them Well, look think of someone who you really, really like alot. Ok And now, if you were to just imagine your mind to be like a giant movie screen, and if you were to point to where on the screen you see the...
Martin Gardner to Rubber Chickens
Mac Martin Gardner is a regular columnist in this magazine and has also been featured in a cover-story profile. A few weeks ago, there was a get-together in Atlanta called The Gathering For Gardner II honoring him. By coincidence his name has come up in connection with a couple of the things we're reviewing this month. After I did the teach-a-trick segments on The World's Greatest Magic II last Thanksgiving eve, I have been both complimented and condemned by my fellow magicians. On the other...
Re Location
The staff of Marketplace that would be me is in the process of moving. Everything is packed into boxes, including the magic library. For that reason, references are a little more vague than usual this month. If you already have my phone number, it will be unchanged. If you need to mail something to me personally, the address is 9088 W. Rochelle Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89147. If you need to email me, do so at mail michaelclose.com. With any luck, next month life will proceed normally. The Magic of...
Lots O Stuff
Last month I took up time and space shouting from my soapbox. To make it up to you, here some short reviews of a whole lot of stuff. Harry Lorayne Card Videos Volumes 1-4 By Harry Lorayne Harry Lorayne should need no introduction to the readers of this magazine. In May, MAGIC added Mr. Lorayne's name to the list of 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century. Mr. Lorayne's first four books, Close-up Card Magic, Personal Secrets, My Favorite Card Tricks, and Deck-sterity should be in the...
Len Blease Magician
Paul Pleasants is one of the busiest working professionals in the business. A past winner of The Hickson Cup for Stage Magic as a member of the Ipswich Magical Society, where he is still a member, Paul has been described as a 'human dynamo' and is an accomplished and versatile magician. We managed to grab five minutes with Paul, just before he nipped out to do another show Q How important is it to be versatile Can you make a decent living as a specialist in one area of magic I think it is very...
Thought Of Cards Across Project
Available from The Merchant of Magic. www.magicshop.co.uk Price 14.99 For anyone who's not been on planet earth for the past 100 years or so, here's a brief description of this classic effect 20 cards are taken from a deck and divided into two piles of ten. One pile face up, one face down. A spectator is asked to just think of one of the face up cards. Each ten are given to two different spectators. Your best magical word is uttered, and low and behold their thought of card has now travelled...
Clive Court Uk Magician 1950-2000
As readers will know we love to have a laugh here in the magicseen offices, but this month we're having about 200 Introducing our great comedy issue which is full of stuff to tickle your funny bone and mangle you with merriment and mirth To set the tone for issue 16 we enlisted the help of some of magic's top funny people to provide us with a large number of their best lines, and we are really grateful to Noel Qualter, Noel Britten, John Archer, Pete Firman, Wayne Dobson and others for their...
Stripper Rules
Tell the girl you are a stripper too. Serious. You could say at least that you WERE one if you don't have the body type anymore, Ahem. Think of the brilliant psychology behind this. RULE the minute they dance for you for money you are a customer and they don't fuck customers. So DON'T let her dance for you - unless its for free. RULE don't buy her a drink or anything for that matter. RULE have a performer image - appeal to the performer in them. use gt gt photos gt gt gt gt cause they are so...
Mystery Method Negs
The girl is FAILING to meet your high expectations. Its not an insult, just a judgment call on your part. The better looking the girl, the more aggressive you must be with using negs. a 10 can get 3 negs up front, while an 8 only 1 or 2 over a longer time. You CAN go overboard if they think you are BETTER than them. you can drop the self-esteem right from under them (just like most 10s do to guys) and this isn't good. You have to get as close to the breaking point as you...
The Ultimate Secret to Getting Good With Women
**Reposted from the first Lair, original date 1 6 04 So I wrote this article for Cliff's List, but it seems Cliff continues to have trouble with his e- mail, so I don't know if the newsletter ever got out. Anyway, I was planning on reposting it here afterwards but since it seems most people didn't get the newsletter I guess it really doesn't matter. This was probably the hardest article I've ever written because it deals with a lot of personal stuff. Hope you guys get something from it so its...
Where to meet girls
(Taken from Sweep women off their feet ) Shopping Malls. Try to remember the last time you went to a mall. Can you possibly look in a direction and not spot a beautiful girl that you would like to seduce I'd venture a guess and say no. The malls are always full of girls. Girls who work at various stores and shops within the mall, but also a lot of girls who go shopping or just hang out. Girls love shopping. Though it is harder to seduce a girl if she is surrounded by her friends, it is not...
Thanks and acknowledgements
I wish to offer my sincerest thanks to the following people, all of whom contributed to this book whether they realise it or not. James Randi wrote several books which changed my life, and has proved a good friend over many years. Martin Gardner wrote the 'Mathematical Games' columns that opened the doors to many lasting treasures. Mike Hutchinson is a very valued friend who has done countless favours for me over the years, as well as performing many important introductions. Lewis Jones taught...
Cold reading and criminal interrogation
I receive a lot of correspondence about cold reading from all over the world, and most of it is very interesting. On more than one occasion, police officers and other law enforcement officials have written to me about the possible application of cold reading techniques to the interrogation of suspects in criminal cases. I find this an intriguing idea, and during a visit to New York I had the privilege of discussing it further with Peter Kougasian, Assistant DA for the County of New York (and a...
The Card Magic of Nick Trost
Younger readers of this magazine may not know who Nick Trost is, so let me take a moment to bring everybody up to speed. Mr. Trost is an extremely prolific creator of simple, but effective card routines. For 33 years from 1961 through 1994 he had a monthly column in The New Tops magazine, and during this period he marketed a great number of card effects, many of which became hugely popular. L amp L Publishing has released a retrospective of Mr. Trost's work, containing not only his original...
Miracle Worker
This is the kind of trick that will establish you as a Miracle Worker. The effect was originally shown to me by Mike Skinner who certainly knows how to choose a trick. It was credited to Alex Elmsley. The powerful climax here is so strong that I suggest you use it only for that special occasion when a blockbuster is required. A duplicate card is required. For the sake of description, we'll use the King of Diamonds. The two duplicates are on top of the deck, separated by any indifferent card....
Super Showdown
This is an elaboration of Showdown from The Card Magic of Nick Trost (see page 216). The original trick is a diabolical version of the Ten Card Poker Deal. Nick has expanded this into a remarkable four phase routine. Here's what happens 1) the magician shuffles the deck and deals out five poker hands. The magician wins with a full house. 2) The cards are reassembled and the deck is shuffled again. Five hands are dealt. Before the hands are shown the spectators are allowed to switch their hands...
Deck Preparation for Faro Shuffles
While talking one day with Harry Riser, the topic of this book arose, and he related to me a fascinating Elmsley anecdote. One evening in 1959, when Mr. Elmsley was in the States for his first lecture tour, he and Mr. Riser met for dinner and, of course, to discuss magic. Mr. Riser asked if he had any tips on improving the accuracy of the faro weave. At this Mr. Elmsley just smiled and offered him his deck. Immediately comprehending the meaning behind the gesture, Mr, Riser gave the deck a faro...
Breaking A Cocktail Glass By Thought Waves
Effect Here is a classic in mental magic. From several cocktail glasses, one is selected. This is placed in a transparent glassine or plastic bag to prevent injury or damage when the glass shatters. Assistant stands several feet from the performer, or in the audience, while the performer 'concentrates' on the glass. On command, the glass is HEARD to break, and does break in the transparent bag, proving 'thought control by mental vibration. ' Method Some advance preparation and experimentation...
Dharana And Dhyana
Having made you familiar with the Yogis' teachings concerning chitta and the vrittis, I shall now lead you along the path of Dharana (mental control) and Dhyana (concentrated meditation). Also, I will include features of a third Hindu classification of mental phenomena, that of Pratyahara, or the control of the senses. From a practical point of view, the control of the senses, control of the mind, and concentrated meditation are so closely interrelated that I will group them together in one...
An Interview with Swinggcat Part IV
In November of 2003, Swinggcat surprised the seduction community with the release of his book Real World Seduction. Famous in the Seduction community, respected by some of the best pick-up artists world wide, but relatively unknown to the general populous, Swinggcat quickly joined the ranks of gurus such as David DeAngelo with the amazing debut of his eBook which took a new look at the way Seduction and Attraction can be accomplished. But even with the massive popularity of his book, he's been...
Victory Carton Illusions
One of my very first books on illusions was U.F. Grant's Victory Carton Illusions. I still have ihe book with my name crudley stenciled on the back. The book was bought at Douglas Magicland in Dallas 409 N. Orvay-I still remember the address . Perhaps it was sold to me by Mark Wilson who was a demonstrater there at the time, I can't remember. The book features an illustration by Nelson llahne which I have replicated and updated above. Ihe book is only few pages, typewritten with some bad...
Modern Crystal Gazing
An ingenious yet simple method of working which appeals to many. Performer passes out blank cards, envelopes, and pencils to audience. Spectators write any question they desire answered or numbers on coins or bills, telephone numbers, addresses, etc. on the cards. They then seal the cards into the envelopes. Envelopes are collected and placed in a glass bowl on table in center of stage. Magician takes a crystal ball and gazes into it. Then he begins to read off questions and answers them. He...
Effect 10 Tarot Reading
You produce a pack of Tarot Cards and invite your volunteer to shuffle them thoroughly. After shuffling them, you take the pack and deal six cards face down on the table, discarding the remainder of the pack. As each card is turned to reveal its symbol, you make startling revelations about your volunteer that convince them you can see into their mind and personality. Tarot Reading relies on a technique known as cold reading. It's a technique used by clairvoyants, psychics and mentalists to make...
Debunker Terns Houdini Message To Widow Fraud
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A Few Seconds On Stay Stack Jon Racherbaumer
If you are partial to using the Stay Stack, you can perform several effects while maintaining the Stay Stack. You can also fluctuate between using Si Stebbins and Stay Stack as outlined by Marlo in Hierophant 2, p. 61, Marlo On Stebbins Stay-Stack. Therefore, before commencing the Clock Effect, give the deck a couple of quick Out Faro shuffles, retaining the Stay-Stack order. Turn your back and tell the spectator to think of an hour, remove an equal number of cards from the top of the deck, and...
The Tamariz Turnover
Tamariz says, 1 developed this move in 1968 and used it in various tricks and routines. It featured in my lectures many times. In 1976,1 showed it to a well known American cardician. Two years later, an incorrect explanation appeared in a leading American magazine, described as an anonymous move. So to set the record straight, here is the correct explanation and for an added bonus a subtle addition by that great magician Asca-nio. First the basic technique. It is necessary to start in the...
Spells Opener
You think spells work I was having a rather spirited debate with some friends and I'm still thinking about it. Then agree with her beliefs. And listen. Either How the hell can people still believe in witchcraft in this day and age I mean, what do I tell my best bud Or Have you ever cast a spell on someone Have you ever had a spell cast on you Then why do you believe it What evidence Don't be a YES man, actually hold your own ground but be TACTFUL so you don't begin an argument. Be ready to move...
David Shades Manual Anticipation and Vulnerability
I was to leave for a business trip on a Sunday, so on Saturday night, after my girlfriend and I returned to my place after going out for dinner, we decided to make it an evening at home to spend quality time together enjoying loving, tender intimacy, which we both savor. But I had planned to give her something to really think about in my absence I asked her to go into the bedroom and change into the sexy black bra, panties, and high heels that I like to see her in. As she did that, I went to my...
Greater Magic By John Northern Hilliard
He was my great example as a professional. He worked for many years at the famous Lido, before all the great nightclubs and variety shows in the world discovered him. Dany, who unfortunately died in 1989, was for me the ne plus ultra of magical entertainers. It pleased him to captivate the most difficult audiences with small tricks. Even magicians were often baffled by many of his effects. During his appearances in Berlin, I saw his show many times and learned from them how a top professional...
Pushing Pulling the art of sending mixed signals
Imagine there are three guys in a bar attempting to pick up this really hot stuck up looking woman. The first guy approaches her and says, Excuse me but you are so beautiful and l would really love to take you out some time. The second guy approaches her and says, Hey I will give you a quarter if you suck my dick. The third guy approaches her and says, You seem like fun maybe we will hang but only if you have hot girlfriends to introduce me to. The first two guys are likely to get turned down...
PlflOK Of CAM siof THdwW
The movement continues and in unison the little finger presses downwards, the second finger well wrapped around the end of the pack presses upwards and the first finger touching the top of the pack presses downwards. The effect of this combined operation is that the three of spades is automatically reversed at the bottom of the pack. As the movement of the fingers takes place the hand is not stationary but is moving either towards the table on which the pack is deposited or towards the left...
Appendix A Cayman Magic
David idly picked away at the label of his sweaty bottle of Corona. He delighted in the healthy and gratifying ache along the top of his shoulders, a recollection still lingering in his body from an afternoon spend water skiing along Seven Mile Beach. It was a fading recollection though, gradually being massaged away by the robust Mexican brew he'd come to love since arriving on Grand Cayman only what was it Five days already Christ, it wouldn't be long before he was brushing the goddamn snow...
Red Hot Mamas Lips
Red Hot Mama, a k a Chicago Opener has been variously credited to Jim Ryan, Frank Everhart and Al Leech. It is actually Leech's routine the other two popularized it. Dan Fleshman added the idea of having the first selection ending up in a wallet as a kicker. I have taken Fleshman's idea (but to a pocket instead of the wallet) and combined the routine with Lips, an effect by Gary Ouellet and Tony Binarelli. The result is all one could hope for from a card trick. Effect You spread a blue deck,...
Greek Dealing Two Hands
Next to the bottom deal I probably use the Greek deal the most, though it is fairly close to the second deal depending on application. Mind you, I also most frequently use the variation I'll describe later under the Count's grip, which is incredibly easy to the point where I doubt if you'll even invest the time in learning the methods I describe here once you learn it. Essentially, I feel a Greek deal simply offers a nice convincing alternative to bottom dealing and I began resorting to one...
The Bobo Coin Vanish
The main point in favor of this and the three coin vanishes that follow is an illusive element called retention of vision. In other words, not only does the coin actually appear to be placed in the left hand-the spectators think they see it in that hand AFTER the hands separate. The result of the perfect illusion these sleights create is complete deception. Hold a half dollar by its edge between the tips of the right thumb and middle finger and place it squarely in the palm of the left hand,...
Three Cards Across
This trick is one of the finest in all card magic. When neatly presented it never fails to entertain and mystify an audience. It was a favourite with the great English magician, David Devant, and with countless card conjurers since. The plot is simple. A spectator counts off a number of cards and puts them in his pocket or holds them in his hands. A second spectator chooses a card, the value of which is used to indicate how many cards shall be caused to fly invisibly to the cards held by the...
Completely Cold
A lot of people seemed interested in the book Style reffered to on Cold Reading in his rather mean post on Social Robots (but I guess when you're as good as he is, you have the ability to look down on us mere mortals). Regardless, thanks to IN10SE's help, I was able to track it down. It's called Completely Cold and is written by Kenton Knepper. It seems to be a book on mentalism tricks for street magicians, so it only seems natural Mystery would have incorporated something like it into his...
How the World Works
I'm not going to hop up on a soapbox this month we have a ton of items to talk about , but I do want to take a moment to discuss the reviewing process here at MAGIC. Lately I have read some mail suggesting that there is a conspiracy afoot in which personal friendship, proximity that is, West Coast vs. East Coast , or an advertising commitment to this magazine is required in order to have your product reviewed. The truth is far less sinister, and far more mundane. First, I don't show favoritism...
So Much Stuff
A few years ago I predicted that we had reach a high water mark as far as the number of products released each month was concerned. Boy was I wrong. And that's the extent of the introduction this month. Let's get on with it. By Uwe Schenk and Michael Sondermeyer. 6 x 9 hardcover. 177 pages. 35 postpaid. From I Saw That , 35 Candle Liteway, North York, Ontario, M2R 3J5 Canada. Fax 416665-7377. Web site www.isawthat.com. No doubt about it, being a children's entertainer is not an easy job. I'm...
Too Perfect Theory
One of the more perturbing aspects of the world magicians and magical hobbyists is the need for all criticism to be good criticism. No one ever wants to hear that their sleights flashed, their music was poorly edited, their patter was inane, their convention was boring, their book, prop, or video less than valuable, or their latest idea less than original. This glossing over of all negativity is especially true when it comes to biographical information. All magicians are great guys, and no one...
January 2001 Melt Down
On Friday, November 24th my PC self-destructed. I'm still unsure what caused the problems, but the problems were major and could not be repaired. All of a sudden, I was unable to send or receive email, or to surf the Internet. The reason Outlook the Microsoft email program and Internet Explorer the Microsoft Web Browser could no longer contact my Internet provider. I had just switched to a cable modem, but everything had been working fine. I checked the status of the cable modem, and discovered...
Silk Handkerchief To Glass Magic
Electronic Version 2002 Jos Antonio Gonz lez Campos The Original Tarbell Course in Magic Electronic Edition 2003 Jose Antonio Gonzalez Campos The History of Magic Professional Attitude The Dissolving Coin Necromancy and Divination Metal Ring on a String The Patriotic Rings and String The Vanishing Ring on String Development of Superstitions Review of Principles Chinese Paper Mystery Wintertime in China Japanese Torn and Restored Napkin Magic and Religion Magic Develops your Personality Hindoo...
Sawing A Woman In Half
At one time this was one of the most sensational illusions on the stage. The effect of sawing a woman in half was a good box office attraction. It gave ample opportunity for good publicity. Even to having an ambulance standing out in front of the theatre with sign attached that it was ready for emergency in case of any accident that may occur in sawing the lady in half. A big steel saw such as used to fell big trees was hung in the lobby. Selbit of England had a method of performing as did...
Stephen Tucker Magic
Stephen Tucker is a name to strike terror into the heart of any wallet-carrying magician who might happen to stroll innocently past his dealer stand with no thought of buying anything that day. Stephen specialises in close-up and stand-up magic mostly of his own devising. I say mostly, as he occasionally exchanges his own items with other dealers, and may therefore also carry various books, DVDs etc. not of his own origination. He took up magic after seeing a magician at one of his dad's annual...
Image Magicians Thimble Holder
Thimbles may have been designed for sewing purposes, but the manipulative magician has found them very effective in sleight of hand. Every kind from the simple aluminum or silver thimbles to the brightly-colored metal or wooden ones are used. Cardini, the noted English magician, uses beautiful rhinestone thimbles. Work with thimbles is flashy and permits of beautiful moves as they appear and disappear. They reflect the light and thus are very effective. As in other branches of manipulation you...
The Decision Destroyer Pattern
Sometimes, as we move through life, we make some poor decisions. Afterwards, those decisions become part of our mental map and begin to operate as a major psychological force in our life as a Meta-state . This pattern destroys such limiting, destructive, and unenhancing decisions. Decisions function as part of our mental maps that provide specific instructions about what to do. And, while a decision in one context and at one time may function very well for our benefit, as contexts and...
The Conclusion
You should ideally save the strongest effect for last, to leave the audience on a high, and so that they remember you for a long time. Incidentally, by 'strongest' we mean the effect that has the greatest 'wow' factor, the one that really leaves the audience wanting more, like no other effect you do. It's up to you to judge what will be best to perform for the closing sequence. We might add that some magicians choose to perform their best effect second to last, reasoning that it is better to...
Lines Lies Or The Truth
Everyone fears being rejected or humiliated and hurt. So, a genuine person is slightly nervous when meeting someone who rings his, or her, chimes. Sincere people are always somewhat awkward and childish no matter how hard they try to be cool and relaxed. Even if forty-something, they may blush or stutter because this is real, this is important, this is arousing, and this could get your heart broken. But the experienced manipulator or game player is not afraid because...
John Howie S Routines With The Jardine Ellis Ring
THE ingenious magical effect known as the Jardine Ellis ring trick was being performed by the originator whose real name incidentally was Duncan Lome Campbell as early as 1910. Unfortunately the details of the routine used by Ellis who died on February 1st, 1923 have not, so far, been published and magicians wishing to use the apparatus have, for the most part, devised their own versions of the basic effect. As a point of interest the original apparatus used by Jardine Ellis consisting of ring,...
Low Lateral Conversions November 7 1995
For a wide variety of reasons, including applicability, angles, choreography and general deceptiveness, the ability to convert from one palm position to others argues for its desirability as part of one's arsenal. Motivated by this awareness, I've investigated a number of Palm Conversions for Low Lateral Palm. These conversions run in both directions, to and from Low Lateral Palm. I considered including full details for every imaginable conversion but have decided that an overview of the...
Hrvt n selectlon 35 you dose the spread usins our left finger
F , ,retiy p the reversed card to the right, as if beginning a side which holds the packet in end grip conceals the sidejogged card. Turn this hand inward, brinzine , toward the audience, as if you were finish, J , the reversed card, after which you in , pltS Take the stacked half of the deck and secretlv L ,. glimpsed selection the card that n- TK X break under that card and. bringing your hands and the deck undeT table, turn the mate face up. Bnng the deck back into view and spread both...
What to use and how to apply
If you're making up your own deck, you can use actual Roughing Spray sold by many magic dealers, artist's protective spray, or even some of the cheaper brands of women's hair spray In the U.S., Krylon manufactures Matte Finish No. 1311 in an aerosol spray, which does a very good job. It is available through most art or craft shops, as well as at through most of the office warehouse type suppliers. Keep in mind you can do a lot of decks with even a small can of spray. See Photo 8. To prepare...