The practice of magic is and should be practical. It should be a part of daily life: practical, prosaic, pragmatic, and all but unnoticeable to the untrained eye if you do it right. Don't get me wrong--I love all the pomp and circumstance of big magic rituals as much as the next practitioner, but as a daily affair magic should be practical enough to fit between going to work and running errands.
Magic should be small enough to be done on the way to a big meeting with your boss at work without anyone looking at you funny, yet powerful enough to create the effect you want at the big meeting.
After all, what's the use of magic if you have to have a cloak and dagger, not to mention a literal bag of magical tools, before you can do any magic?
Practical Magic Can Be Done
Magic is made practical by daily practice. Practical and practice, now those two words are related! Practical magic can be divided into two categories: private and public. Private magic rituals are the ones that you do at home, before you set off to work or after your kids have gone to bed. They are the rituals that you don't want observed or disturbed by others. Public rituals are the ones that you integrate into the parts of your day that you spend around other people. Some practitioners do public rituals with panache, while others integrate public rituals subtly and beneath the notice of others.
Regardless of if they are public or private, one thing is definite: daily rituals have to be kept simple or you won't have the time or perseverance to practice them daily. Simplicity is the key to successful practical magic.
Some Private Daily Magic Rituals
Private magic rituals are the acts of power you do to start your day, reaffirm your personal power, recap your day, or pay into your magical bank account. Here's a list of some simple rituals you can in private that can have a powerful effect:
- meditation (even a 5 minute sit has magical properties)
- burn a Sun Candle (to brighten energy or call something to you)
- Navajo Beauty Way (a way to connect wit higher beings)
- a "card of the day" (pull a Tarot or Medicine Card to give your day a magical theme)
- ask for a sign from the Universe (practice in calling for and seeing signs makes perfect)
The list of daily magic rituals you could do is endless, but the goal is to select one or two that you do every single blessed day as a way to keep your feet firmly planted on the magical path. Even 5 minutes a day of ritual practice can greatly increase your magical force over the course of a year.
Public Daily Magic Rituals
Private magic rituals are in some ways easier, since you don't have to deal with the prying eyes of curious coworkers or friends. Of course, if you don't mind practicing magic in public (I don't) then public displays of magic are really no big deal. But if you prefer a more subtle route, there are plenty of ways to do magic in public without anyone noticing.
One of my favorite magic rituals that you can do in public without anyone noticing is the consistency exercise. As the name implies, the aim of this ritual is to help you develop inner force through consistency.
The Consistency Exercise
For this exercise, pick a very simple act to perform at the same time every day. The act could be itching your nose, touching your thumb and forefinger together, making a mark on a sheet of paper, or rolling your eyes in a clockwise direction. It doesn't matter what the act is, so long as it is simple and you can perform it in public.
Next, choose the time at which you will perform your act every day. Since this is to be a public magic ritual, pick a time during the day when you are likely to be around other people, such as during working hours.
Finally, commence to do your daily ritual act every day at the appointed time. You are definitely encouraged to use cell phones, pagers, or sticky notes to remind yourself to do your magical act. This isn't a memory test... it's a reminder to come back to present time and remember that you are a magical practitioner. Do your act every day at the appointed time for 40 days straight. If you miss a day, start over again with day one. Forty days of doing the consistency exercise does two things: it helps you build enormous inner force and it helps you learn to practice magic in public.
Sounds like fun, doesn't it? What kinds of magical acts do you know of that are practical, prosaic, pragmatic, and can be done in public?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Alan Joel co-founded the Esoteric School of Shamanism and Magic with the goal of the helping people create permanent, positive change in their lives through the study of magic and shamanism. Get free magical and shamanic tips and resources, plus ebooks like Daily Rituals and instructions on how to do the rituals listed in this article, at http://www.shamanschool.com. Get more magic tips on the blog at http://shamanmagic.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Who Can Become a Magician and How to Succeed in the Magician Profession?
Everyone wants to be successful and has a strong will to pursue some business or a profession. People with strong determination to become a magician can also succeed in their ambition.
But who can be a Magician?
• Passion for magic is a big factor that can make a great magician.
• Apart from interest in magic, money is also a factor for becoming a magician. Magician's talent fee to appear before a live audience is high and if a magician becomes a celebrity, he earns a lot through endorsement from various companies. So, it is a rewarding profession for many.
• Some children grow up by taking up some magician as a role model. They are fascinated with the magician's task and wish to take it as a profession when they grow up.
• A person who wants to get fame by bringing smile to many faces can become a magician too. Magicians like David Blaine or David Copperfield earned the big name in the field.
How to succeed in the magician's profession?
The grounds to become a magician can be any but it is true that the magicians rekindle the lives of people by adopting some fun and false illusion. To become a successful magician is not a one day game. One has to be truly focused on the area of magic tricks. To get a better understanding of magic, it is good to learn the associated history and how the technology has helped to make it bigger. There are number of techniques involved in the area which need a clear understanding so that one gets an idea where to specialize.
One has to start from basics of magic profession. One can learn tricks from online tutorials or from various books available on magic tricks. Step by step, one can move on to the challenging tasks & tricks. It is good to record yourself practicing the tricks in a video and play back to check the quality of performance. Magic can also be performed in front of family and friends to get their feedback.
After mastering the tricks, work as an amateur magician. Try to choose some of the best illusions because only limited time is available on stage. Do not forget to maintain eye contact with your audience. One should also keep in mind that the mistakes during performance or practise should not discourage you from achieving your goal to be a successful magician but it is a way to learn and become a better magician.
Magic Mike the Magician Brisbane is a hilarious kids Magician and is a very entertaining party magician. With more than eighteen years experience and commitment to entertaining kids of all age groups Magic Mike has performed at hundreds of venues from Birthday Parties, Child Care Centers, Clubs, School fetes to Shopping Centers, corporate and private functions.
But who can be a Magician?
• Passion for magic is a big factor that can make a great magician.
• Apart from interest in magic, money is also a factor for becoming a magician. Magician's talent fee to appear before a live audience is high and if a magician becomes a celebrity, he earns a lot through endorsement from various companies. So, it is a rewarding profession for many.
• Some children grow up by taking up some magician as a role model. They are fascinated with the magician's task and wish to take it as a profession when they grow up.
• A person who wants to get fame by bringing smile to many faces can become a magician too. Magicians like David Blaine or David Copperfield earned the big name in the field.
How to succeed in the magician's profession?
The grounds to become a magician can be any but it is true that the magicians rekindle the lives of people by adopting some fun and false illusion. To become a successful magician is not a one day game. One has to be truly focused on the area of magic tricks. To get a better understanding of magic, it is good to learn the associated history and how the technology has helped to make it bigger. There are number of techniques involved in the area which need a clear understanding so that one gets an idea where to specialize.
One has to start from basics of magic profession. One can learn tricks from online tutorials or from various books available on magic tricks. Step by step, one can move on to the challenging tasks & tricks. It is good to record yourself practicing the tricks in a video and play back to check the quality of performance. Magic can also be performed in front of family and friends to get their feedback.
After mastering the tricks, work as an amateur magician. Try to choose some of the best illusions because only limited time is available on stage. Do not forget to maintain eye contact with your audience. One should also keep in mind that the mistakes during performance or practise should not discourage you from achieving your goal to be a successful magician but it is a way to learn and become a better magician.
Magic Mike the Magician Brisbane is a hilarious kids Magician and is a very entertaining party magician. With more than eighteen years experience and commitment to entertaining kids of all age groups Magic Mike has performed at hundreds of venues from Birthday Parties, Child Care Centers, Clubs, School fetes to Shopping Centers, corporate and private functions.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Stage Magic
We hope this article will be of benefit to those
already skilled in beginners magic who wish to
learn more advanced magic tricks.
These advanced magic tricks are whats known
as stage magic tricks.
Stage magic tricks will amaze and mystify the
audience when the magician performs these tricks.
Magicians perform these advanced magic tricks in
gambling casinos on cruise ships also on television.
One of the more popular and economical magic effects
the dove pan will always leave your audience amazed.
The magician causes a dove to appear as if by magic.
Many amazing magical routines can be performed using
this amazing magical prop.
Here is another great magical routine that can be
performed using the magical dovepan.
The magician displays an ordinary pan taps the
bottom proving it solid with no false bottom.
The magician starts cracking eggs into the pan
adding milk then a few pinches of salt then sugar.
The magician covers the pan with the lid removes it
then as if by magic a magical birthday cake appears.
The audience tastes the cake which is quite delicious.
There are many amazing routines that can be performed
when performing stage magic using this amazing prop.
When purchasing stage magic effects for a magic show
always look for a prop that can be used for several
magical routines also one of good quality.
While we are on the subject of great stage magic effects,
lets not forget the vanishing cane magic trick.
The magician displays a large silver cane quick as
lightning the cane transforms into 2 colored silks.
One word of caution always beware of buying cheap low grade low quality magic tricks for stage magic.
The reason one must be cautious when purchasing stage
magic is reputation.
When you decide to become a professional magician you
always want to leave a great impression on the audience.
Also you want to impress the folks who hired you.
Lets say you performed at a child's birthday party.
You purchased high quality stage magic tricks such as
dovepan, zombie floating ball etc.
You left a great impression on the audience members.
Soon you start getting calls to do all types of shows.
Because you had quality stage magic effects, you were
able to put on a great magic show for the audience.
If you will follow these simple rules , soon
you will be known as a professional magician.
Magically Yours
Bill Davis
Bill Davis is a master magician and the webmaster for http://www.wizardsmagicchest.com a website that teaches aspiring magicians the art of magic.
already skilled in beginners magic who wish to
learn more advanced magic tricks.
These advanced magic tricks are whats known
as stage magic tricks.
Stage magic tricks will amaze and mystify the
audience when the magician performs these tricks.
Magicians perform these advanced magic tricks in
gambling casinos on cruise ships also on television.
One of the more popular and economical magic effects
the dove pan will always leave your audience amazed.
The magician causes a dove to appear as if by magic.
Many amazing magical routines can be performed using
this amazing magical prop.
Here is another great magical routine that can be
performed using the magical dovepan.
The magician displays an ordinary pan taps the
bottom proving it solid with no false bottom.
The magician starts cracking eggs into the pan
adding milk then a few pinches of salt then sugar.
The magician covers the pan with the lid removes it
then as if by magic a magical birthday cake appears.
The audience tastes the cake which is quite delicious.
There are many amazing routines that can be performed
when performing stage magic using this amazing prop.
When purchasing stage magic effects for a magic show
always look for a prop that can be used for several
magical routines also one of good quality.
While we are on the subject of great stage magic effects,
lets not forget the vanishing cane magic trick.
The magician displays a large silver cane quick as
lightning the cane transforms into 2 colored silks.
One word of caution always beware of buying cheap low grade low quality magic tricks for stage magic.
The reason one must be cautious when purchasing stage
magic is reputation.
When you decide to become a professional magician you
always want to leave a great impression on the audience.
Also you want to impress the folks who hired you.
Lets say you performed at a child's birthday party.
You purchased high quality stage magic tricks such as
dovepan, zombie floating ball etc.
You left a great impression on the audience members.
Soon you start getting calls to do all types of shows.
Because you had quality stage magic effects, you were
able to put on a great magic show for the audience.
If you will follow these simple rules , soon
you will be known as a professional magician.
Magically Yours
Bill Davis
Bill Davis is a master magician and the webmaster for http://www.wizardsmagicchest.com a website that teaches aspiring magicians the art of magic.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Street Magic Success - Learn Street Magic in 30 Days
I have created an easy-to-follow guide that will help anyone become a street magician! Street Magic has become extremely popular in recent years due to David Blaine’s hit street magic television series and is growing hotter and hotter with recent magicians such as Criss Angel and Cyril Takayama. Previously, street magic was only known within a “community” of magicians and the secrets were passed on from person to person. Now, with the advent of the internet and television, anyone, and I mean anyone, no matter how old or young, can learn street magic effortlessly, quickly and inexpensively.
What are the advantages of learning street magic? Here are a few of the benefits:
1.Impress your friends and family: Let’s face it- everyone loves magic, especially street magic. No matter how old or young someone is, he or she loves being entertained. Knowing how to perform street magic will certainly make you the life of any party!
2.Boost self confidence: Imagine how powerful and confident you’ll feel when you have the ability to amaze anyone, anytime! I actually know some people who perform magic to pick up girls. It’s crazy how well it works!
3.Make money: Whether you put yourself up for hire, or offer private lessons, performing magic as a hobby can certainly give you a few extra bucks.
Buy a Deck of Bikes
The foundation of street magic lies in ordinary playing cards. Some of the most incredible street magic effects are performed with a simple deck of cards. As a beginning magician, it is absolutely necessary to learn a few basic card tricks. Bicycles are the best playing cards in my opinion. They are durable, comfortable and easy to handle. Get a deck of cards and become comfortable with them- practice shuffling, cutting, dealing etc. When you can handle the cards comfortable, learn a few basic card tricks. They don’t have to David Blaine type street magic card tricks; you can learn a simple kiddie trick or two. What’s important is you get a feel for handling cards.
Purchase a few Tricks
The truth is- the best street magic effects are not free. The creator has put months and even years of hard work in creating the effect. If you see a trick that blows your mind, write it down on a piece of paper and find out more about it. Be sure to read reviews of the trick. Ultimately, make a decision based on your gut reaction to the trick and what you have read about it.
An alternative to buying single tricks is buying “starter” sets, DVDs and books with many tricks, designed specifically for beginners. Purchasing these sets are great ways to get your feet wet in the world of street magic. Check out [http://learn-street-magic.com/articles/beginners.html] for some recommendations.
Perfecting your Sleights
The key to success in performing street magic is practice. Practice the moves slowly, step-by-step. After a while your hands will naturally become accustomed to the motion and speed will come on its own. Here’s a great checklist when practicing any street magic trick: This is a check list that I use whenever I think I am ready to perform a sleight.
1. Are there any fingers that jerk or jump?
2. Do the fingers that should stay stationary stay stationary?
3. Does anything make a noise when it should not?
4. Is the get-ready for the move well covered?
5. If it is supposed to look like something else, is it identical to that?
6. Can you perform it even if people are burning your hands?
7. Can you do it without looking at the deck?
8. Is there any stop in the movement / does it flow?
9. Is your hands/arms relaxed?
10. Do you move your body when you perform it?
11. Did you practice the sleight in the actual effect? Is it flowing with the routine/effect and the presentation?
If the sleight is angel sensitive, ask yourself: Can it be done…
1. When the audience is looking at it from the very front?
2. When the audience is looking at it from the right?
3. When the audience is looking at it from the left?
4. When the audience is looking at it from the top?
5. When you are standing up and the audience is sitting down?
6. When you are sitting down and the audience is standing up?
7. When there you are sitting at a table?
If not,
1. Do you have a method to cover those angles?
2. Do you have a way of not letting people view from those angles?
Performing Street Magic
Even with hours of practice, performing to an actual audience can be tough. I have been performing magic for about 8 years, and I still get nervous whenever I perform. Here are a few things I do to calm myself down: Breathe deep and slowly-you can even build this into the initial stages of a routine, e.g. blowing on a card to change it, using a long magic word etc. This will slow the heart rate and make you feel calmer .If you have shakes, tap your feet and the shakes will soon go away! Also, use big broad sweeping gestures. Before you perform, visualize as clearly as you can what you are going to do. When under stress the brain shuts down to a large extent and you have to rely on visual memory retained in the upper spinal column. Clear visualization will help to stop you freezing/forgetting what to do.
Final Words
With consistent practice and dedication, you will be able to learn street magic. The tricks and methods themselves are not hard, but will require commitment and devotion to perform flawlessly. Thanks for your interest in the wonderful world of street magic, and good luck in your magic journey!
Tony Weth has been performing street magic [http://www.learn-street-magic.com] for over 8 years and loves helping beginner magicians Learn Street Magic [http://www.learn-street-magic.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Weth
What are the advantages of learning street magic? Here are a few of the benefits:
1.Impress your friends and family: Let’s face it- everyone loves magic, especially street magic. No matter how old or young someone is, he or she loves being entertained. Knowing how to perform street magic will certainly make you the life of any party!
2.Boost self confidence: Imagine how powerful and confident you’ll feel when you have the ability to amaze anyone, anytime! I actually know some people who perform magic to pick up girls. It’s crazy how well it works!
3.Make money: Whether you put yourself up for hire, or offer private lessons, performing magic as a hobby can certainly give you a few extra bucks.
Buy a Deck of Bikes
The foundation of street magic lies in ordinary playing cards. Some of the most incredible street magic effects are performed with a simple deck of cards. As a beginning magician, it is absolutely necessary to learn a few basic card tricks. Bicycles are the best playing cards in my opinion. They are durable, comfortable and easy to handle. Get a deck of cards and become comfortable with them- practice shuffling, cutting, dealing etc. When you can handle the cards comfortable, learn a few basic card tricks. They don’t have to David Blaine type street magic card tricks; you can learn a simple kiddie trick or two. What’s important is you get a feel for handling cards.
Purchase a few Tricks
The truth is- the best street magic effects are not free. The creator has put months and even years of hard work in creating the effect. If you see a trick that blows your mind, write it down on a piece of paper and find out more about it. Be sure to read reviews of the trick. Ultimately, make a decision based on your gut reaction to the trick and what you have read about it.
An alternative to buying single tricks is buying “starter” sets, DVDs and books with many tricks, designed specifically for beginners. Purchasing these sets are great ways to get your feet wet in the world of street magic. Check out [http://learn-street-magic.com/articles/beginners.html] for some recommendations.
Perfecting your Sleights
The key to success in performing street magic is practice. Practice the moves slowly, step-by-step. After a while your hands will naturally become accustomed to the motion and speed will come on its own. Here’s a great checklist when practicing any street magic trick: This is a check list that I use whenever I think I am ready to perform a sleight.
1. Are there any fingers that jerk or jump?
2. Do the fingers that should stay stationary stay stationary?
3. Does anything make a noise when it should not?
4. Is the get-ready for the move well covered?
5. If it is supposed to look like something else, is it identical to that?
6. Can you perform it even if people are burning your hands?
7. Can you do it without looking at the deck?
8. Is there any stop in the movement / does it flow?
9. Is your hands/arms relaxed?
10. Do you move your body when you perform it?
11. Did you practice the sleight in the actual effect? Is it flowing with the routine/effect and the presentation?
If the sleight is angel sensitive, ask yourself: Can it be done…
1. When the audience is looking at it from the very front?
2. When the audience is looking at it from the right?
3. When the audience is looking at it from the left?
4. When the audience is looking at it from the top?
5. When you are standing up and the audience is sitting down?
6. When you are sitting down and the audience is standing up?
7. When there you are sitting at a table?
If not,
1. Do you have a method to cover those angles?
2. Do you have a way of not letting people view from those angles?
Performing Street Magic
Even with hours of practice, performing to an actual audience can be tough. I have been performing magic for about 8 years, and I still get nervous whenever I perform. Here are a few things I do to calm myself down: Breathe deep and slowly-you can even build this into the initial stages of a routine, e.g. blowing on a card to change it, using a long magic word etc. This will slow the heart rate and make you feel calmer .If you have shakes, tap your feet and the shakes will soon go away! Also, use big broad sweeping gestures. Before you perform, visualize as clearly as you can what you are going to do. When under stress the brain shuts down to a large extent and you have to rely on visual memory retained in the upper spinal column. Clear visualization will help to stop you freezing/forgetting what to do.
Final Words
With consistent practice and dedication, you will be able to learn street magic. The tricks and methods themselves are not hard, but will require commitment and devotion to perform flawlessly. Thanks for your interest in the wonderful world of street magic, and good luck in your magic journey!
Tony Weth has been performing street magic [http://www.learn-street-magic.com] for over 8 years and loves helping beginner magicians Learn Street Magic [http://www.learn-street-magic.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Weth
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