Mentalism & Spiritism in Magic & Conjuring

Here you will find the history, method, and routine of the famous Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine book test developed by Richard Himber and staged to perfection by Stanley Jaks.

This Ellery Queen booklet from 1951 can occasionally still be found second-hand in its original edition. This means that nothing stands in the way of a faithful re-enactment of this effect.

1st edition 2024, PDF 20 pages.

Poly-graph; where the precision of a Lie Detector meets the artistry of Drawing Duplication.

Poly-graph is an unconventional yet logical fusion of two realms of mentalism - The Lie Detector and Drawing Duplication. Both plots unfold in tandem, with the Lie Detector concluding prior to the Drawing Duplication.

Start your act with the entire audience and end with drawing duplication with one, two, or more people.

Casually put, it is an everyday worker's material, a 100% surefire with no funny or tricky questions. With just an hour's preparation, it provides a solid 8-10 minutes of...

A prediction effect with an alphabet deck that fits in your pocket.

The magician picks four spectators to play a word game. He makes a prediction that he leaves face down, in full view, on the table and introduces a packet of alphabet cards: Thirteen cards with a different letter on both sides. Each spectator cuts, deals, and flips over the cards. The magician puts aside one card (a 'bonus card') and deals the rest of the cards among the four spectators.

The game is divided into two phases, a warm-up and the real deal.

THE WARM-UP: The spectators are asked to make up the longest word...

Two for the price of one here as with Credit Transfer you get a mental effect and a piece of magic together. A borrowed credit card is slipped into a small envelope. Two paperback books are shown and the pages are riffled of one of the books until a spectator calls 'stop'. The credit card in the envelope is dropped into the book to mark the place. The second book is now opened to reveal an envelope is already inside it, and the page it rests on turns out to match the page just selected in the first book. Then the credit card vanishes from the envelope in the first book and arrives inside the...

This is a quick, easy, direct, and impactful propless routine that you can easily carry in your head at all times, ready to deploy whenever you want. The entire routine takes up about 45 seconds to under a minute.

Based on the linked thoughts premise, you take your participant on a mental journey across the various continents of the world and you are able to impossibly reveal the country where the mental journey ends, to the utter surprise of your participant.

There are 3 routines explained. Your participant needs to have a mobile phone which can search Google. Or you can lend your phone...

This product is included in Scripted #41: A Taste for Words.

In the event that a mentalism effect fails, this is a script, process, and handing that allows you to fairly easily switch tricks mid-stream, unnoticed by the audience, and still present a strong trick.

This was originally designed if [lp= Scripted #41: A Taste for Words] routine failed, but the technique can work for many mentalism routines.

Three different handlings, 2 scripts, and 1 core concept protects the mentalist from complete failure in many routines.

NOTE: This was also specifically written for parlor and stage, but could easily be done close up with appropriate handling changes. ...

This product includes Scripted #42: Mentalism Fail-Safe.

Have you ever wanted to do mentalism without a mentalism theme? Where someone writes a word on an index card and you figure out what the word is?

A tried and true method that is simple, deceptive, and very well covered. One that doesn't use a peek, and doesn't require that you memorize anything. A routine and script that justifies each and every part of the trick with very little in the way of props.

You will receive a video recording of a performance. And as a bonus, a fail-safe concept, 3 different handlings, and 2 different scripts are given in case anything...

This rare manuscript was originally published in 1929 and sold for 50 dollars. It contains excellent material. The first part describes some very good slate routines with and without a flap. Here you will find messages mysteriously appearing on slates, a knockout number prediction, a trick where the magician duplicates in his slate a drawing made by a spectator on another slate. All of this is illustrated by many photographs.

Included is Nixon's Videtec Slate in which the magician holds a slate behind his back, a spectator chalks a number, a word, or anything on the slate, and the magician...

This is a 15-minute one-man routine with no props or gimmicks, an act that can baffle and stun your audiences because they can't have the faintest idea of how it's done. No questions are written down, nothing is said by the spectator, and yet you answer the question or problem of which he's thinking. You do it without any obvious "fishing" of any kind. And you do this not with just one person but with as many as ten, as time allows, regardless of the makeup of any particular audience.

George Anderson developed a unique "no questions written" approach to the Q&A act which he developed to...

Two sets of five ESP cards are freely displayed, one set with red backs, the other with blue. The red set is given to the spectator who shuffles them, the magician mixing the blue set. One at a time the performer places his cards face down onto the table and each time the spectator then places one of his cards at random next to the performer's. When the pairs of cards are turned face up, all five sets are seen to have been put down in matching pairs!

This is a streamlined version of my card matching routine which has extra subtleties and a cleaner handling than earlier versions.

...

A letter-by-letter revelation of somebody's birth sign that produces at most two No. Here is an example:

"What's your sign? Don't tell me! I'll read your mind. Here's a list of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Concentrate on yours. Now, mentally print it in big block letters. Look at it in your mind. Concentrate. I'll try to see what you see. When I make a statement please answer with a Yes or No. I see an R. Yes. I see an I. Yes. I see an A. Yes. I see an S. No. My error - it's an L. Yes. We're looking at Libra. Yes!"

1st edition ~1987, 3 pages; PDF 2 pages.

As an early bird offer, a special toolbox of physical gimmicks containing 11 "Killer Tools" worth $45 is included absolutely free.

A special early bird bonus of 9 impossible "Synergy" routines is included free.

Two extra surprise bonuses are also included, along with a massive PDF.

For example, in one of these routines, a participant never writes down her birthday and yet by using the peek function, the performer can divine her exact birthday.

In another of these routines, a participant thinks of a different color or shape each to represent his past, present and future. And secretly...

A propless animal guess.

"Do you like mentalism that is propless, fun, quick, and animal-related? Then get Noah's Ark by Fraser. It provides all the above. It is a great method and effect to have in your arsenal, as it can be performed in isolation, or embedded within a larger routine or set." - Ross Bartels

"Noah's Ark is a fun animal guess that makes you feel like a kid again when you perform it. The fun and playfulness of the method will blow the minds of your participants" - Perna

"When Fraser performed his animal guess on me it took me by surprise. It's so casual and the reveal...

The sequel to It Must Be Mindreading, this ebook reads like a novel - fast-paced, exciting, and with powerful effects.

Excerpt from the introduction:

Danson's Diary Trick was first published in the New Pentagram Vol 2. It was an effect many magicians liked and subsequently several variations were published. Ken de Courcy compiles here several variations from Roy Johnson, from MUM magazine, including his own ideas, tips, and suggestions.

1st edition 1983, 20 pages; PDF 23 pages.

Explaining the Burling Hull method of reducing the subject to a system - by classifying questions in four divisions and rendering answers according to a set of prescribed principles for each classification.

This work provides a clear description of a highly practical method of how to answer questions, and how to avoid or answer difficult questions. It also includes information on how to construct the introductory talk. This was part of Annemann's Five Foot Shelf and is therefore required reading for mentalists. It does not explain how to get knowledge of the questions themselves but there are several ways to do that,...

Unlock the fascinating history of the magic wand with a captivating twist that appeals to both believers and skeptics alike. Ever faced skepticism from ardent believers questioning your tricks' origins? From the creative mind of Wolfgang Riebe, embrace a mind-bending prediction trick that seamlessly weaves together ancient history and modern entertainment.

Step into the realm of magic wands, from the miracles of Jesus to the staff of Moses, and even the Pope's sceptre. Our magician delves into the rich tapestry of wand lore, inviting the audience to scrutinise and verify every detail. With...

A complete man and wife telepathy act.

A nicely worked out two-person act that eliminates long memorization preparation and training. The basic idea can be adapted and extended to fit your needs.

(Originally this booklet was sold with an 'apparatus'. The 'apparatus' was a set of cue cards or cue stickers which could be pasted onto cards. These are not included in this digital reproduction. However, the ebook does include images of all the cue cards and you can therefore make them yourself.)

A truly sensational mental telepathy act with ordinary playing cards and other objects handed...

Impromptu mentalism is usually improvised but certain effects may be prepared in advance if they are presented as impromptu ideas. Somewhat like the comic who memorizes thousands of one-liners and seems to create them off the top of his head.

• Bold Shots
• Cold Reading
• Contact Mind Reading
• Pendulums
• Basic Equipment
• Center Tear
• Billet Switch
• Stooges
• Forces
• Equivoce
• Hobson's Choice
• Memory
• Magic Squares
• Higher Math
• 1089
• A B C D
• 3 - 34 Follow-Up
• Words
• Wallet Acts
• Magic
• The Occult
• COP Out
• Finally

1st edition ~1980, 14 pages; PDF 8 pages.

Using a couple of classic principles and an unusual presentation, a unique moment of mystery can be created for your participant at any time and anywhere. These routines work best one-on-one or to a small group. With nothing but a couple of blank business cards, which just need a simple one-time preparation, you are always ready to mystify anyone.

There are 2 routines explained and with some interesting variations. All the routines are easy and self-working but pack a solid punch in terms of impact. The unique feeling which your participant experiences will remain with them for a very long...

The primary reason we are offering this work is that Ted Annemann included it in his "Five-Foot Shelf of Magic". I am assuming he included it because he felt a conjurer needed to have some understanding of black magic and be able to converse intelligently about it. It may also be a source for plots and scripts for routines.

• PREFACE
• EXPLANATION OF FULL-PAGE PLATES
• PART I THE LITERATURE OF CEREMONIAL MAGIC
  • CHAPTER I The Antiquity of Magical Rituals
    • §1. The Importance of Ceremonial Magic.
    • §2. The Distinction between White and Black Magic.
    • §3. The Unprinted Literature of Ceremonial Magic
  • CHAPTER II The Rituals of...

There will be no one who is not aware of the Chronologue diary effect by the great Bob Cassidy. This is a propless version of the same effect.

There are 2 pure propless versions of Chronologue which are explained where no diary or datebook and no physical deck or playing cards are in play. The process is quick, direct, and purely propless between the performer and a participant. The whole process takes about 2 minutes approx.

Using an imaginary diary and an imaginary deck, the lucky card of a participant for her birthday is nailed by the performer accurately. There are also 2 almost propless versions...

Straight from the mentalism act of award-winning Linking Ring author Michael Breggar comes The No Tears Tear.

The No Tears Tear is an easy-to-execute center tear that provides a peek in real-time. Do we all need another center tear? Nope. You only need one. And this is the one.

The manuscript is loaded with text and photos depicting each action and step in detail. The rationale for each move is also discussed which makes learning the method a snap.

Features:

• Real-time
• Real deceptive
• Real easy

You will be using this approach in your mentalism routines shortly after reading...

This intro price will go up to $30 from May 6, 2024.

This is a physical product which will be shipped to you. The accompanying PDF can be downloaded instantly from your digital shelf.

Exact Birthday is exactly that, a novel and fantastic birthday divination tool where you can divine the exact birthday of a total stranger in under 45 seconds. A specially printed business card is all you use to achieve this. A second card with general information like zodiac signs, their date ranges, and lucky playing cards is also provided as a reference card. Pop these 2 business-card-sized cards into...

Dieversion uses a single ungimmicked die to perform several fantastic effects. Multiple versions of a simple ranging force are used in a unique and novel manner to create impossible seeming outcomes.

In the routines, you apparently use your "Pollyanna Personality" to reveal an impossible piece of information being thought of by the participant. And as for the meaning of the word Pollyanna, try googling it and you will see that it has an interesting juicy meaning.

The following 6 routines are explained.

1. Wax Novelist
2. Conjured Tomb
3. Eight of Hearts
4. Red Earth
5. Friday on Jupiter
6. Dieversion...

Five cards with different emotions written on them are placed into non-marked envelopes and freely mixed up. The performer holds each one against his forehead. Can he feel the 'Love' card tonight? He certainly can! Easy, baffling mentalism.

Bonus effects:

• SHAKE, RATTLE & PREDICT - a cool mentalism effect using one gimmicked card you probably own already.
• PRETTY GREEN - a golfing-themed effect which is self-working. (You will need a prop for this, but may already have what's required).
• SHARK ATTACK: An original little bit of comedy to add to your close-up act. (You'll need to buy...

"What a great idea! Bravo!" - Luca Volpe

"This is staggering in its brilliance" - Marc Salem

CalendarX is a novel and fascinating concept. You just have to print out this 2024 calendar in whatever size you want and you can perform several effects throughout the year using this innovative calendar.

You can do coincidence effects, pin reveals, ACAAN effects, book tests, prediction effects, birthday divinations, add a number effects, diary effects, tossed out type routines, envelope routines etc. This will be a very handy tool for you to carry with you all through the year and perform different...

It talks, it answers questions, it floats, etc. The most complete treatise on the talking skull ever published. The Talking Skull is an entertaining and versatile effect that will find a place in any magician's act. It's as much at home in a Midnight Spook Show as it is in a straight magic routine. It plays as well on a nightclub floor as it does on television. The Talking Skull can be performed as seriously as the occasion requires, or it can provide much-needed comic relief in between the more serious effects in your show.

There have been a number of methods for the Talking Skull released...

The previous version of this routine, Future Test 2021 was very well received. This routine can also be performed in almost all performing situations - one-on-one, close-up, parlor, street, virtual show or even on a basic video call.

Future Test is a 'packs small plays big' kind of effect. Actually packs very small in your wallet and plays very big to a full room or in a virtual show or even over a video call. This effect is done on the back of your business card which you can later leave with the participant as a souvenir or send over to the participant's phone as a virtual image as a 'digital souvenir'. ...

This is a physical product which will be shipped to you. The accompanying PDF can be downloaded instantly from your digital shelf.

Star Test has nothing to do with star signs or their divination. Here STAR Test stands for Synaptic Transmission Association Response Test. Here under the guise of a scientific (pseudo) experiment, you actually demonstrate your mind-reading abilities in a very novel and stunning manner. I like it a lot when a mentalism effect is couched in a pseudo-scientific presentation. The credibility and believability factors increase exponentially. The effects described...

There are two routines explained in this manuscript. One is Propless Cartomancy and the other is Invisible Astrology. Both these effects are so very propless that you can actually perform them totally naked. Of course, that is speaking figuratively. Please do not try it literally.

You can perform these 30-second miracles at any time, anywhere to anyone - instantly. You can perform these routines close up, parlor, stage, street or even on a phone call or on a virtual show.

And the best part is that you need zero knowledge of either cartomancy or astrology to perform these routines. It...

A Mentalism Super Effect! Including all the templates to print colour back and front of the special 3 Superheroes cards.

This is a mentalism effect where the magician, using three special cards that he shows represent three different superheroes shown on both sides of each of the cards, instructs a spectator to arrange them in the order she prefers and to shuffle them, at first with one hand, then using both at the same time.

When finished, she will cover with the palm of her hand at first only one of the cards and then, after the next two-handed shuffle, as many as two out of three...

Numerological Destination is a simple, direct, bold, and effective self-working playing card routine with no sleight of hand, no mathematical procedure, and no marked cards ... it uses a regular pack of playing cards, anywhere, anytime.

You will surely find other uses for this method, but here's how we present it ...

Numerology is seen as a universal language of numbers. It's the idea that the universe is a system, and once broken down we're left with the basic elements, which are ... numbers. These numbers can then be used to help us better understand the world and ourselves. But one...

Invite your spectators on a bar crawl around the world. From the worst to the most prestigious. And along the way demonstrate your ability to anticipate their choices and stay one step ahead of chance.

Perform three fun and participatory mentalism effects.

Prediction: despite the free mixes made by a participant with the white cards on which you have written the names of bars, their location in the world, and their rating between 1 and 5, you are able to predict in which bar the Barathon will end.

Telepathy: you manage to capture the thoughts of a participant and identify the name...

This is a physical product which will be shipped to you. The accompanying PDF can be downloaded instantly from your digital shelf.

ESP here stands for Experiments in Synchronism Probability or in other words experiments in correlation studies. These are a set of stunning mind-reading effects couched in a pseudo-scientific presentation.

What You Get: Along with this PDF you also get a postcard-sized gimmick (4 inches x 6 inches approx) which is a high-quality and beautifully produced card that will last you a long time with reasonable care.

You can perform 3 routines using this card. ...

A presentation for any book test that uses the flashback method.

Have you heard of the Bookbearer? This is a storytelling, bizarre presentation to be used with any book with the "flashback" principle. If you own such a book, you could use this.

I see many performers using such books, some presentations are good, but most are not as they merely riffle the pages, tell the subject to stop them and remember the first word on the page, and then reveal it. Bah. Here you will tell the brief story of the Bookbearer, and in the end, either subtly suggest you're the actual Bookbearer. Or that you're...

A performance guide for "Frozen in Time".

I've owned the original Frozen in Time by Masuda since it was first released in the 1990s. Sure, nowadays there are physical pocket watches or wristwatches controlled electronically that you can do this with, but to me what's astonishing about Frozen in Time is that it's a gosh darn photograph! That's just crazy! How can a photograph happen to be set to an hour the subject chooses?

To me, Frozen in Time is a storytelling piece, not a prediction effect. I go into more detail in the manuscript as to why. It's fair to say I initially struggled with...

An impromptu effect of mentalism, which, making use of a few playing cards and coins, can be performed remotely and even over the phone.

The title suggests the idea behind this impromptu effect of mentalism in which, by letting a spectator (even from home) simply use four or five playing cards and two or three of his/her coins, the illusionist is allowed to perform an impromptu effect at a distance, even over the phone, or in the presence but with eyes closed (while blindfolded, without any trick, or otherwise remaining turned to one side for the entire duration of the experiment).

The...

A selection of 40 unpublished mentalism routines from the fertile mind of Ian Adair.

• Foreword / Steve Short
• All Because of a Toy Box of Magic!
• Introduction
• Fourtell
• Winner/Loser Challenge
• Breaking News!
• Calendar Calculation
• Chinese Post Prediction
• Digging For Gold
• Rings & Ropes 'Just Chance'
• Birth Date-Data
• B-Line Prediction
• Baby Gag Key-Ring Fob
• Happy Holidays
• A Choice Between Two
• Any Page Number Book Test
• Easy-To-Make Thumb 'Pen' Writer
• Comedy Thought Transference
• IncREDible PREDiction
• Star Selection
• Dead & Alive Revised
• Heads Or Tails?
• Mind-Boggling Balloons
• Stamp...

In the dimly lit chambers of an old book store, tucked away in the heart of an antiquated town, I stumbled upon a handwritten booklet that would alter the course of my journey as a mentalist and psychic entertainer. The booklet, tattered and cloaked in mystery, beckoned to me like a siren's call, promising revelations of an enigmatic world that had long faded into obscurity - the world of a Vaudeville Mind Reader. As a seeker of esoteric knowledge and a student of the arcane arts, I would unearth in this dusty place a small treasure of wisdom that transcended most of what I had encountered...

A simplified system of fortune telling.

One of the most effective ways of entertaining informally is by Fortune-Telling and, as a magician, you must have been asked many times if you can "tell fortunes". To do this properly requires much study and memory work, time you can probably not afford. So here is a new, simplified system that can easily be applied to Palmistry, the Tarot, Sand Reading, and almost every other form of divination. Apart from anything else, it's a great way to make friends.

The problem has always been to obtain sufficient 'cues' with which to give a 'reading'. Whilst...