Mentalism & Spiritism in Magic & Conjuring

Written by Craig Browning for the sake of educating those curious about the art of mentalism as it pertains to the world of theatrical magic.

1st edition 2011, 46 pages.

Some theoretical thoughts on peeking and meaningful spectator interaction. In particular Julien Losa discusses what personal information to ask our spectators during a routine.

1st edition 2015, 4 pages.

The last few years have been a bit complicated for everyone, due to events that have influenced the lives of all of us, inhabitants of planet earth. We struggled, we resisted, we got out. And, I must admit, even with some positive notes! Our passion, Magic, has taken a few hits, from the point of view of activities and communications with the public; in some cases - as in mine - it has also acquired new operating methods.

Driven by friends and acquaintances, I started looking for effects to offer over the phone; to give them meaning, in addition to the difficulty of writing the story perfectly...

This intro price will go up to $6 from May 7th, 2024.

AI here does not stand for Artificial Intelligence. It is the key to the method used in the routine.

It is a self-working effect based on a classic principle wherein a participant freely chooses any USA State name and the performer is able to reveal the same.

This routine uses double-blank business cards. There is a one-time preparation and a 3-second setup is required before each performance.

You can use the underlying principle not only for the USA States theme but also for myriad other themes and premises.

1st edition 2024,...

This booklet is indeed a bargain, with effects by Hewitt, J. G. Thompson and Annemann. Among the effects you will find the famous Mental Masterpiece from Annemann.

1st edition 1935, PDF 16 pages.

1. Annemann's Diabolo Pellet Reading
2. The Modern Mindreader (Hewitt)
4. Annemann's Psychic Writing
5. Annemann's Mental Masterpiece
7. The New Double Telepathy Routine (Annemann)
8. Greta Annemann's Eyes of the Unknown
10. 30th Century Television (Hewitt and Annemann)
11. Coincidence (Hewitt)
12. Penetrating Vision (J. G. Thompson)
14. The Impromptu Mind Reader
15. GETIT! (Annemann)

This booklet is included with every sale of a swami gimmick at Sam's Funtime shop. With this digital edition you will of course not receive any swami gimmicks. But you will receive all the information about how to use one, with routine ideas and other important information of how to practice and care for your gimmick.

• Introduction
• The Swami Gimmick
• Fixing the Lead in the Gimmick
• Learning to use the Swami Gimmick
• Presentation Angles
• Choosing a Spectator and making a Prediction
• Writing the Visible Prediction
• The "Secret" Writing
• Other Considerations
• Prediction Ideas
• Easy Predictions ...

Harry Houdini spent a good part of his life exposing mediums and 'unexplainable' phenomena. In this booklet he describes the case of the Boston "Margery" and the prize the Scientific American put up for true paranormal effects. He not only clearly describes and demonstrates the tricks of this very clever medium but also tells the difficulties surrounding the actual exposure. Houdini was world class in the role of the detective. It is fascinating to read how he sensitised his leg to be able to feel the slightest movement the medium made.

Margery or Mina Stinson (1888–1941) was born in Canada...

3 Invisible Keys of Wonder is the first edition of Coffee Break Mental Magic, a weekly Paul Voodini PDF publication featuring stunning routines that utilize commonplace tools of mentalism, and sold for less than the price of a cup of coffee. The emphasis on the routines is powerful storylines and simple mechanics, meaning that all can enjoy them and use them, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

Normally the weekly Coffee Break Mental Magic release will feature a single routine, but to celebrate its launch, this first edition '3 Invisible Keys to Wonder' features three original routines,...

Paul Voodini presents Multi-Dimensional Out Of This World, the second in the weekly Coffee Break Mental Magic series. This is the Christmas & New Year 2013 edition, and as such it features something a little bit special. It is Paul Voodini's take on the classic Out Of This World card routine. However, as you can probably imagine, in the hands of Voodini Out Of This World is shaken up and is turned into a 3 phase routine featuring a volunteer being appointed as the group's psychic, a message being delivered from the spirits, and a display of personal intuition that contains within it a subconscious...

The third edition of Coffee Break Mental Magic is a Sherlock Holmes special to celebrate the launch on January 1st of the third series of BBC TV's wonderful Sherlock programme! This PDF features a self-working card routine (the only equipment you need is a normal deck of cards) that explores the eternal dance between the Great Detective and the King of Crime, Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty! What is the unbreakable bond that links these two men? Why is it that they battle to destroy each other and yet neither can exist without the other? Holmes & Moriarty - the Yin & Yang of crime and...

This is the fifth edition of the Coffee Break Mental Magic series and features a spooky routine based around the ghost stories of author M.R. James! When a collector of occult and esoteric books visits a small bookshop in the English village of Castleton, he could not have predicted that a demon would later be sent to kill him! However as a student of the occult, the book-loving collector is not as easy to kill as might be expected!

This is an enthralling story-telling routine that utilises a thumb tip bill switch or classic billet switch (or even a change bag). It is beyond the scope of...

This is the fourth release in the Coffee Break Mental Magic series and features two very special routines plus for the first time, a short story on a magical theme!

Paul Voodini presents the Story Teller's Oracle. This is a dice based reading system that is totally original and works in a way that has perhaps not been explored before. The system is pleasingly easy to master meaning memory work is kept to a minimum (no need for hidden cribs or sheets of numbers!), all of which allows the performer to concentrate on presentation, atmosphere, and engaging the sitter.

Paul is also delighted...

If you have ever wondered what is the best way to force a card or number or item in a certain situation, then you can stop wondering. This booklet is nothing but forcing methods. It is ideal if you design your own routines and would like to find the most suitable force. It is also great for people who have problems with one or another force, since here they will find other methods to reach the same outcome. Very simply said, get this ebook and stop worrying about your forces.

You could also get the version which includes Victor Farelli's notes: 202 Methods of Forcing - with Victor Farelli Notes.

first edition, 1933, Max Holden, New York;...

Annemann teaches thirteen commercial mentalism pieces with slates, cards, dollar bills, telephone books and cigarettes. The majority of routines involves cards. Annemann's unique direct style is felt in each one of these effects.

Paul Fleming wrote:

A collection of twelve typically ingenious Annemann creations, from the pages of The Sphinx.

first edition, 1952, Sphinx Publishing Corporation; 16 pages.

1. East Indian Needle Feat
2. Cigarette in Bill Again
4. Mentalex?
4. Telephone Mystery
5. Attention Mentalists
6. No Title at All
7. Three Card Monte Outdone
8. The Master Mind
12. My Original Swami Test
14. Improvement 8,000
14. Slate Writing Wrinkle
15. Club or Stage Mental Number
15. A Mediumistic Stunt

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from January 19th 1944. The feature effect is a ticket divination and the three guests are Beatrice Kay, singer, Carmel Snow, editor and John G. Shalit, entrepreneur.

This show #1 recording is not of the best sound quality. The other shows are of better quality. However, remember that these are old radio shows from the 40s. These are not your typical hi-fi CD quality recordings.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod or other MP3 player.

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from February 23rd 1944. The feature effect is a ticket divination and the guests are Brigadier General W. A. Danielson, W. B. Fowler president of the 19th Century Club, Jimmy Brown captain and second baseman of St. Louis Cardinals, Roy Acuff Grand Ol' Opry maestro.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod or other MP3 player.

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from July 19th 1944. Dunninger starts with divining the name Malini and then divines places and addresses. The feature effect is a murder divination. The guests are Raymond Edward Johnson of "Inner Sanctum," Muriel Stafford graphologist, Marion Chocket "Ellery Queen's" Secretary and Dick Brown singing star.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod or other MP3 player.

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from April 12th 1944. Dunninger starts with divining the number 3150 and the names 'Cobin' and 'Forman'. The guests are Betty Smith author of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", Richard Rodgers songwriter and Bea Wayne singer.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod, any other MP3 player or on your computer.

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from 26th April 1944. Dunninger starts with divining the name Sallye Kaufman and the birth date May 8th 1902. The guests are congresswoman Ruth Bryan Rhoda, newsman Fred Archibald and musician and movie star Vaughan Monroe.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod, any other MP3 player or on your computer.

Dunninger performed his mentalism on the radio in 1929 and from 1943-1944. This is one such episode from 1944. Dunninger starts with divining the letter number combination SO85999, the state Texas and the name Nora. The guests are senator Ford, Joe Laurie Jr. and Harry Hirschfield.

The MP3 format allows you to listen to it with your iPod, any other MP3 player or on your computer.

This is a 1944 radio interview with Dunninger. This recording seems to be not entirely complete but it nevertheless is a fascinating historical marker.

• Mentalism Up-Close by Mark Strivings
• In the Trenches with Paul Green
• The Bar Fly by Simon Lovell
• The Power of Inflation by Larry Moss
• Ask The Only by Al The Only
• My Turn by Jim Sisti
• Reviews
  • "Ultimate Brainwave" by Bob Solari
  • "Dishonest Abe" by Gregory Wilson
  • "Workers 5" by Michael Close
  • "The Restaurant Worker's Handbook" by Jim Pace and Jerry MacGregor
• 1996 Magic Menu Awards
• Thirty-Seven by Mark Strivings
• 50-50-50 Chance by Mark Strivings
• ESP in my Pocket by Mark Strivings
• The Last Word by Chris Hurlbert

Here you will find an ESP Card trick, three PK tricks, one trick with a regular deck, and a book test.

• An ESP Cards Effect
• Mini-Miraculous
• A Numbered Affair
• Misdirection Washer Bend
• Raw Metal
• A Subtle Dime Bend

1st edition 2012, 12 pages.

This effect was very popular in the early 1900s. It was used in vaudeville, tent shows, and touring illusion shows. However, today, it is almost forgotten.

This secret has been sold in the past by Nelson Enterprises, Nelmar, Joe Ovette and Del-Ardo and is now being revealed again to modern-day performers, who wish to add this novelty to their acts.

If you have seen Devin Knight perform, you may have seen him do this feat. It is a regular part of his show. This can be used by magicians, mentalists, and metaphysical performers; but, be warned, Even though there is a gimmick. This is not...

An envelope is shown upon which there is a question mark. Nearly a dozen cards are removed and shown to have the names of various colors written on them. The cards are mixed and a spectator is asked to remove one. The remaining cards are put away back into the envelope. The spectator can put the card away someplace on their person. In spite of this, the performer is able give them a reading (if desired) based on the color as well as divine the color of the card selected.

Included are the complete instructions for this routine which includes Kyle's color coding system "A Question of Color",...

This is a new effect from Devin Knight's recent East Coast lecture tour. It uses a special Svengali deck in a way that magicians will never suspect. So you know, you will need to own or buy a Svengali Deck and gimmick it to do this trick. Take this to your next magic club meeting and puzzle the members.

EFFECT: The performer shows a deck of cards and mixes them. He invites a spectator to stop him as he deals the cards face down on the table. The person can stop him anywhere in the deal, there are no restrictions. The performer deals until the person says stop. The performer shows the card...

Here's Alexander's own method of a stage mentalism feat that borders on genuine clairvoyance. You, too, can be "The Man Who Knows!"

A spectator selects a page of classified ads from among several in the newspaper and perhaps a hundred individual ads are cut out. Half a dozen spectators assist by folding the ads in half and placing them on a tray or table. From among the ads, thirteen are selected at random (a true free choice) and each is inserted into a standard drug or coin envelope and sealed. Note that the performer does not assist in the folding, inserting or sealing operation.

The...

From the introduction:

This will go up to $3 from May 15th, 2023.

Psychabulary is instant psychic vocabulary to impress your audiences. Psychabulary is a 'system' which gives you instant ability to use about 1000 different 'alpha' phrases which make you seem like a highly qualified psychology expert

Create instant scientific sounding phrases for your patter whether it is a magic trick or a mentalism effect you may be performing, without even a moment's hesitation. Give instant justification to any magic or mentalism process, again without even a moment's hesitation. Give instant explanations for any magical phenomenon...

A collection of self-working tricks based on a simple mathematical principle with multi-colored chips.

You will need to make the 5 chips yourself. Each chip has a color on the front and back. These chips can be easily made with stickers or permanent makers.

1st edition 1975, PDF 11 pages.

A short and whimsical booklet that explores the uses of smoke machines in mentalism. Even if you never chose to use smoke in your performances, the examples will inspire you to think about ways in which your mentalism might look to your audience.

You will read about ways in which smoke can be used as a visual metaphor, for gags, or to illustrate your "fauxcess" (a term that Derren Brown and Andy Nyman coined to denote the implied method that you want your audience to think you are using).

Fun fact: Derren Brown read the ad text for this book (back when it was a small Xeroxed and hand-cut...

Another great booklet from Annemann. It describes in detail his one man routine. Annemann wove together some of the greatest mental tricks. He discusses the question Magic vs. Mindreading and shares other invaluable advice with the reader. If you do mental magic you already know that anything from Annemann is a must read. If you just start with mental magic, read as much from Annemann as you can get your hands on.

Paul Fleming wrote:

Houdini writes about the famous mediums in his time. Names like Palladino and Ann O'Delia Diss Debar should ring a bell. He also elaborates on his exchanges with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was a firm believer in spirits and paranormal phenomena.

1st edition, 1924, Harper & Row, New York; reprint 1972, Arno Press, New York; 296 pages.

11. Introduction
12. Preface
1. I. The Founders of Modern Spiritualism
17. II. The Davenport Brothers
38. III. Daniel Dunglas Home
50. IV. Palladino
66. V. Ann O'Delia Diss Debar
79. VI. Dr. Slade and His Spirit Slates
101. VII. Slate Writing and Other Methods
117. VIII. Spirit Photography ...

This routined and fully explained program of magic runs approximately 25 minutes and can be carried in a brief case.

1st edition 1938, PDF 14 pages.

2. A Cigarette Rolled By Proxy. Orville Meyer.
3. The Henry E. Dixie Cigarette Vanish.
5. The Itinerant Dollar. Jacob Steisel.
7. A Matter Of Policy. Annemann.
8. Seven Keys To Baldpate. Annemann.
9. The Torn Deck Location. Julian J. Proskauer.
11. The Acme Thought Card Pass. Dr. Jacob Daley and Annemann.
14. Ads.

A completely routined and fully described thirty-minute act for one person, the necessary material for which may be carried in a brief case.

1st edition 1938, PDF 17 pages.

1. A Mental Club Act
3. Two Papers and a Spectator
6. Synthetic Sympathy (Annemann)
7. The Lie Detective (Stuart Robson)
8. The Twentieth Century Newspaper Test (Stuart Robson)
10. Triple Coercion (Annemann)
12. Slate Immortality (Robert Parrish)
14. Extra-Sensory Perception (Annemann)
16. Last Minute Notes.
17. Advertisement

A completely routined and explained magical club program running thirty minutes. All may be carried in a suitcase.

1st edition 1939, PDF 22 pages.

2. A Flash Ribbon Restoration. John K. Bays.
5. Twentieth Century Cards. Annemann.
6. Simplex Torn Card And Balloon. Lu-Brent.
8. The Lemon And The Dollar. Conrad Bush.
10. The Supreme East Indian Needle Feat. Annemann.
14. The Super Slates. Annemann.
15. A Ring In Transit. Eddie Clever.
17. Finale Trick. Keith Clark.
20. Last Minute Notes.
22. Ads.

A "No Card" Mystery Act. Completely routined and fully described, this 25 minute presentation has only a total carrying weight of 6 pounds, and does not make use of playing cards.

1st edition 1939, PDF 18 pages.

2. The Classic Cigarette. Lu-Brent
3. A Visible Cigarette Vanisher. Lu-Brent
5. Coins, En Route! Ottokar Fischer
6. Brr!! (Meaning 'Very Cold'). Otis Manning
7. The Spectral Seamstress. Charles T. Jordan
9. Lock and Key. Henry Fetsch
11. The Lucky Number Magic Square. Royal V. Heath
13. The Mystery of the Blackboard.
15. Last Minute Notes.
18. Ads.

"No Code" Telepathy. A complete routine, with explanations, of pseudo-telepathy between two people. It can be learned in one evening, its running time is 30 minutes, and everything necessary can be carried on the person.

1st edition 1940, PDF 13 pages.

2. Duo - Telepathy. Robert H. Parrish.
4. Impromptu Frame Up. Annemann.
5. Telepathy On The Cuff. Robert H. Parrish.
6. The Perfect Book Test.
6. The Secret Order Of The Aces. Annemann.
8. Thoughts In The Air. Annemann.
10. Last Minute Notes.
13. Ads.

In Miracle Mongers and their Methods, Harry Houdini turns a critical eye to wonders such as 'The Incombustible Spaniard' or 'Defiers of Poisonous Reptiles'. The timeless fascination with miracles and astonishing claims makes this classic as timely as when it was originally written.

1st edition, 1920, Dutton; reprinted, 1980, Cole; reprinted, 1981/1993, Prometheus; 240 pages.

1. I.Fire worship. - Fire eating and heat resistance. - The Middle Ages. - Among the Navajo Indians. - Fire-Walkers of Japan. - The Fiery Ordeal of Fiji
17. II.Watton's Ship-swabber from the Indies. - Richardson, 1667. -...

This is the same ebook as 202 Methods of Forcing except this one additionally includes the personal notes of Victor Farelli.

Farelli's notes can roughly be categorized in three groups. One is attribution where he writes the inventor's name, or at least the one he thought originated this particular force. The second group is quality, where he writes attributes like 'very good', 'ingenious' etc. And the third group are extensions, variations or entirely new forces. Some of these entries are even dated and could be of particular interest to historians.

Although I think these notes are quite interesting, please...

This is a wonderful presentational idea for the "Invisible Deck". (If you do not know what the "Invisible Deck" is ask around or visit a dealer. It is a very common prepared deck of cards.)

This routine will require some creativity on your part, but more so on the spectator’s part ... but this is part of the fun. It can really go anywhere and it’s usually just as interesting to the performer as it is for the participant.

1st edition 2008; 3 pages.

Now you can take your spectators on a tour of horror-ful amazement.

Your guest selects a horror movie title (one of nearly 200)...then answers three questions designed to probe deep into their psyche.

The program then correctly identifies the movie title they originally chose!

With a few fun surprises along the way, and the fact that it can be performed wherever you can lay your hands on a computer; this is a unique effect!

Here's the low-down:

• The choice of movie title is completely free;
• No suspicious keyboard work;
• No 'assistant' needed (hidden or otherwise);
• Can be repeated;...

Table of Contents

3. Content

   Spiritualistic Tricks

4. Introduction
4. The Dark Seance (Method 1)
6. The Dark Seance (Method 2)

   Slate Effects

8. A Trick With the Flap Slate
10. With Two Slates
11. The Tied Slates
12. The Flap Slate Minus Corner
12. With Unprepared Slates

    Mental Phenomena

13. The Giant Memory
15. The Lightning Calculator

1st edition 1931; 18 pages.

Table of Contents

3. Content
4. The One Man Crystal Reading Act
7. How To Answer Questions
8. The Crystal Gazing Act
10. The Living and the Dead
12. The Magic Mirror
13. The Human Calendar
17. The Hindu Pulse stopping
18. X-Ray Eyes
20. Long Distance Thought Transmission

1st edition 1931; 22 pages.