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Reading Systems, Oracles & Cold Reading

There are many reading systems and oracles in use today, such as Tarot, Palmistry, Cartomancy, Numerology, Astrology (Zodiac), Geomancy, and others. In performance these are often combined with cold reading and other techniques from the mentalists tool box.

Cold Reading means that your reading uses no previously obtained information about the client. You rely on your powers of observation and the ability to make deductions. Taking note on how a person dresses, their carriage, the way they respond to certain categories of questions and their body language can tell an expert a lot about a person’s lifestyle, point of view and education.

This contrasts with Hot Reading, which exploits prior, often secretly obtained, information (there is also Warm Reading, which makes use of verbal feedback obtained from the client during the reading).

Also see the topic Zodiac or Star Signs.

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Dave Arch
Scientific Cold Reading Intro by Dave Arch

Why would anyone purchase another eBook or watch another video on the subject of cold reading? What could possibly be new that hasn't already been said? I too would be skeptical. After you've read Webster, Dewey, Scryer and others, what else could there be? Drawing on my ten years as a Pastor and fourteen years as an Executive Coach (and zero years as a psychic), please, if you're at all curious, take a few moments and watch as I share my perspective on cold reading, how that perspective evolved, and then a quick overview of the model I'm recommending in my series of five eBooks soon to be released...

★★★★ $0
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Cathy Shadows & Paul Voodini
Cathy Shadows: Tarot on a Cold Afternoon by Cathy Shadows & Paul Voodini

Cathy Shadows: Tarot on a Cold Afternoon is a poetical journey through the Major Arcana of the Tarot, composed by Paul Voodini and inspired by long afternoons spent chatting with his favourite psychic and reader, Cathy Shadows! This is a delightful little ebook, full of whimsy and poetical insight. For the experienced reader it is sure to raise a smile and offer perhaps some new insights. For the newcomer to the Tarot, it will open the eyes to the poetry and beauty of these much-misunderstood cards.

Each of the 22 cards of the Major Arcana are examined, and although this PDF will not teach...

★★★★ $1
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Mystic Alexandre
Aeon Reading by Mystic Alexandre

The Aeon Reading is a mysterious Tarot card reading/experiment that will leave your participant wondering about the mystical powers of the Tarot. It will also leave them with an important message. If you perform at all with Tarot cards, you’ll surely be using this routine which has been in Alexandre's repertoire for years.

Written for the Thoth tarot deck (where the Aeon card is the 20th card) it can be automatically adapted to any tarot deck you might already own. This is based on a self working principle - no sleight of hand required.

1st edition 2005; 3 pages.

★★★★★ $3
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Devin Knight
The Human Lie Detector by Devin Knight

Real lie detection for mentalists and magicians. Know when someone is lying by holding their wrists.

"This, as Devin says, is for the advanced performer. It is not new, it is not 100%, but for those times that you must, this is the solution. Do not overlook this, and if you know the method, you will be delightfully experimenting. Put this in your arsenal." - Marc Salem
The technique described in this PDF has been one of my closely guarded secrets over the years. I used this constantly when I performed as psychic, Jason Michaels.

This information was first made available to the magic...

★★★★★ $3
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Cathy Shadows & Paul Voodini
Coffee Break Mental Magic: Pet Readings for Mind-Readers by Cathy Shadows & Paul Voodini

Pet Readings 4 Mind-Readers outlines a fascinating and engaging personality profile reading system suitable both for beginners and more experienced cold readers. Devised by Cathy Shadows and expanded upon by Paul Voodini, this very special edition of Coffee Break Mental Magic describes in detail the actual reading method which is based around pet animals. Following these details, the manuscript goes on to demonstrate how the technique can be used to win over a table of guests at any kind of function in a matter of moments, to provide insightful and fascinating stand-alone readings, and to augment...

★★★★ $3.25
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Robert A. Nelson
Psychological Reading by Robert A. Nelson

NOTE: This reading is also contained in the Nelson book, Confessions of a Medium.

Amaze any spectator, even one whom you've not met before, by giving an in-depth character reading that reveals psychological insights your client hasn't shared with anyone.

Spectators are more readily convinced by fortune tellers, and the like, if the reader begins the reading without first asking a lot of questions. In other words, the psychic gives the reading "from the cradle to the grave," as though the spectator's life were the pages of an open book.

No sooner does the client enter the room, then immediately the reader...

★★★★ $5
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David J. Lustig
Fortune Telling with Playing Cards by David J. Lustig

Be the life of the party. Delve into the past, present and future for fun or profit with this ebook and a deck of playing cards. David J. Lustig, Dunninger's friend and confidante, reveals his "La Vellma" fortune telling with cards method. With this method and a few nights of practice you, too, can amaze your friends with entertaining "readings" of the past, present and future — all revealed by the cards.

CONTENTS

  • Foreword
  • Introduction
  • Instructions
  • The Circle of 17
  • The Three Piles
  • Past, Present and Future
  • The Wish
  • Significance of the Cards
  • Clubs
  • Hearts
  • Spades
  • Diamonds
  • Hints
  • The La...
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Devin Knight
Fishing for Mentalism Dollars by Devin Knight

Here is a new refreshing way to get steady paid bookings as a cold reader. This plan does not involve theater shows, restaurants, costly advertising or renting office space hoping for clients.

The original method was advocated by W. G. Magnuson and Robert Nelson in the early 30s and worked well then; however, Devin Knight has updated this idea to make it 100% practical for today. The cool thing is that this works anywhere in the world, not just the USA.

If you are a mentalist with a good understanding of cold reading then you can work this plan either full-time or part-time. Mentalists around the world are already...

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Devin Knight
Nu-Way Private Reading by Devin Knight

This is one of the cleverest methods ever devised for a one-on-one answering of a written question. The basic method was first created by W. G. Magnuson and later improved on by myself. The spectator writes a question on a slip of paper and folds it into fourths. The mentalist doesn't do the folding. The spectator is then given a match and asked to burn the slip that has been in full view at all times. There is no center tear, nor is the slip torn in any manner. The spectator folds up his question and burns it. The slip is not put into an envelope at any time, it merely rests on a deck of cards.

The performer...

$5
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Docc Hilford
Personal Touch by Docc Hilford

Learn how Docc Hilford flies first class when he only has coach tickets. A crash course in palm reading spiced up with magic.

Recorded live at the Convention at the Capital 1998.

runtime: 9min 48s

★★★★ $6
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MP4 (video)

Robert A. Nelson
Six Lessons in Crystal Gazing by Robert A. Nelson

Robert A. Nelson is writing as Korda RaMayne. One of the most complete books ever written on the art of crystal gazing (scrying). Learn how to develop this wonderful ability in your home.

  • Lesson 1: History of Crystal Gazing.
  • Lesson 2: Power of Concentration.
  • Lesson 3: Visualization.
  • Lesson 4: How to Crystal Gaze.
  • Lesson 5: Silent Influence Through the Crystal.
  • Lesson 6: The Million Dollar Master Secret of Attaining Your Desires.
  • Bonus Lesson: The complete Hindu method to make a person at a distance think of you and to cause them to fall in love with you.
The ebook has been...
$6
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Montrose
Numerology for Everybody by Montrose

Discover the fascinating subject of Numerology and see what your personal numbers reveal about you.

This ebook is an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of numerology. With no special equipment or training, the student can use the methods revealed in this handbook to determine if his or her date of birth is considered "lucky" or if their name or address used in correspondence or business carries a favorable impression on others.

The author also identifies common personality traits associated with specific numbers, allowing the reader a unique opportunity for introspection....

★★★★★ $6
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Will Goldston
Looking Into The Future by Will Goldston

This is a collection of cold reading methods including palm reading, astrology and preparing horoscopes. It also includes a collection of news reports about spirits, ghosts and other weird and unusual occurrences.

  • PREFACE
  • CRYSTAL GAZING
  • ASTROLOGY
    • The Horoscope Of Will Goldston
  • PALMISTRY OR CHIROMANCY
    • Practical Points on Palmistry
  • THE PLANCHETTE
  • WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM?
    • Rules and conditions for the Spirit-Circle
  • EXPERIENCES
    • Weird Happening At Lamberhurst
    • Locks And Bolts Of No Avail
    • Spirited Away
    • Wonderful Proofs
    • Robert Houdin Mystified
    • Remarkable Test
    • Majuba Visions
    • Curious...
$6
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William W. Larsen
Thayer's Comedy Crystal Gazing Act by William W. Larsen

Here's the perfect "one man" comedy mentalism act that's great for those occasions when you aren't able to perform your regular show. Or add it as a feature to your regular act.

Don't confuse this with the old "two person" comedy mindreading act. This hilarious routine can be performed by you, alone, without assistants, stage hands or stooges. Using a crystal ball, a jumbo electric light bulb, or even a swirly-painted bowling ball, you cause a laugh riot by apparently answering questions which have been merely "thought of" by your audience. There's no mystery to it. All you need is this clever...

★★★★ $6
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Philemon Vanderbeck
A Wicked Pack of Cards by Philemon Vanderbeck
"Madame Sosostris, famous clairvoyant had a bad cold, nonetheless was known to be the wisest woman in Europe with a wicked pack of cards." - T.S. Eliot, "The Wasteland"
I've been working on an act designed specifically for comedy clubs based on the premise of "a wicked pack of cards." I have a 'volunteer' select a card, and I then proceed to give the worst possible interpretation of it.

The deck I'm using is "Morgan's Tarot," an unusual 86-card deck that bears little relationship with a normal Tarot deck. I found its simple black and white drawings and irreverent card titles to be apropos...

★★★★ $6.66
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P. R. S. Foli
Fortune Telling by Cards by P. R. S. Foli

This is a great book to get started on 'reading somebody from the cards'. It is also a great source for stories to go along with your magic tricks. It explains what each card signifies and even has a chapter on the history of cards. The bulk of the book is devoted to the various methods of reading cards, the French method, the Italien method, the Master method or Etteilla's Method.

123 pages.

  1. CHAPTER I: How we got our pack of cards
  2. CHAPTERII: What the individual cards signify
  3. CHAPTER III: The selected pack of thirty-two cards
  4. CHAPTER IV: The signification of quartettes, triplets, and...
★★★★ $7
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Richard Webster
Commercial Cold Reading Side 1: Volume 1 by Richard Webster

This is side one of a digitally re-mastered (MP3) version of the original MagiCassette™ first released in 1986 by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com. You will hear Richard Webster who is one of the world's leading experts on the art of cold reading. Richard Webster is a New Zealander who has been involved with Magic and Cold Reading for many, many years.

Richard used to release his own exclusive publications but now that he has achieved international fame he is published by a leading American publishing house. He has written books on a diverse range of subjects from Hypnotism to Fung...

★★★★★ $7
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MP3

Richard Webster
Commercial Cold Reading Side 2: Volume 1 by Richard Webster

This is side 2 of the Martin Breese MagicCassete released in 1986. See Commercial Cold Reading side 1.

Recorded October 9th, 1986. Length 25 min.

★★★★★ $7
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MP3

Paul Voodini
3 Coins 4 Your Thoughts by Paul Voodini

3 Coins 4 Your Thoughts is a full, self-contained, multi-phase reading system perfect for any situation - impromptu or in-depth. Utilising just 3 coins (your own or borrowed), you will be able to give wonderful, uplifting readings to both friends and complete strangers. Because this system uses items that everybody carries in their pockets, wallets, or purses (3 coins) its great strength is perhaps in social settings where you may be asked to demonstrate something "weird"! However because this is a fully formed reading system, it is equally ideal for a more in-depth formal reading. This is a...

★★★★ $7
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Devin Knight
Fortune Telling Card Trick by Devin Knight

After working a few card tricks, how many times have you been asked "Can you tell fortunes with cards?" Fortune telling with cards has always been interesting; but, how many of us have wanted to spend the time to learn and memorize the meanings of all the playing cards? I would dare say, very few of us. Besides, there is no trick to it.

Now you can say, "Yes." Not only that, but you can actually tell people how many brothers and sisters they have, how many children they have including their gender, number of pets and the month of their birthday, including their current age (without doing...

$7
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Dave Arch
Turning the Tarot by Dave Arch

Maybe a friend of yours needs a bit of encouragement in their life. Maybe you'd like to give them that encouragement in a mystical/magical way. Consider this handling of the Tarot cards. Using eleven cards from the Major Arcana and the first name of someone who has been particularly encouraging to your friend during his/her formative years, s/he'll be amazed as s/he inexplicably one-by-one eliminates all but the Sun card - arguably the most positive card in the Tarot deck.

1st edition 2019, 2 pages.

★★★★ $7
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Renzo Grosso
Tarots and Arcana by Renzo Grosso

Honestly, I have not been able to trace the author of this principle, which I think is lost in the mists of time. My Master of Mentalism Valerio Bovolenta taught me, and I want to give credit to him. I have done nothing but study it and try to indicate a method to be able to propose it with any number of cards.

The procedure is very simple: the spectator chooses how many cards he wants to use, puts away the remaining cards (they will not be used further), shuffles the cards he chose and, on the instruction of the performer, chooses a number, looks at a card, and reassembles the deck; even...

$7
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Paul Voodini
Cold Reading Lecture 2012 by Paul Voodini

In March of 2012, Paul Voodini was employed to give a 2 hour lecture on cold reading to the drama department of one of England's finest universities. The head of the drama department was perhaps hoping for an explanation of cold reading followed by the usual debunking of psychics as frauds who employ nothing but 'cold reading'. This, however, is not the lecture the university received!

While explaining in great detail what cold reading actually is (because, as you'll be aware, there is a lot of misinformation out there), Paul also went on to tackle the subject of genuine intuition. Perhaps...

★★★★★ $7.50
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S. W. Reilly
Modern Fortune Telling by S. W. Reilly

Make extra money, capture complete attention by telling fortunes for fun and profit. Very useful for bazaars, P.T.A. carnivals, money raisings of all kinds, great for bartenders, resort and cruise work - any place where people congregate. A fascinating entertainment just for your friends. Ebook covers the secret methods employed by fortune tellers, crystal gazers, mediums, etc. Prepares anyone to give readings of facts in the subjects life. Tells you what to say and how to say it. Includes easily learned methods of fortune telling with cards, streamlined, forceful. You will use this.

From...

$7.95
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Paul Voodini
Psychic Phenomena: Interactive Tarot Readings from the Stage by Paul Voodini

Paul Voodini presents a highly entertaining and interactive way of providing tarot card readings from the stage. This wonderful routine is ideal for both parlour and more intimate presentations as well as working fantastically with larger audiences of 100 and more. This routine combines the classic theatrics of old school mentalism with more modern requirements of being upbeat, interactive, and engaging. Whether you're performing in front of a dozen friends or in front of a full theater, this PDF will demonstrate to you exactly how to provide 30 minutes or more entertainment with nothing more...

★★★★ $8
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Alan Jones
Introduction to Numerology by Alan Jones

Introduction to Numerology is an overview of this divinatory system but with worksheets which allow the reader to create their own numerological profiles.

1st edition 2013, 53 pages.

$8
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PDF

B. W. McCarron
The Krahma System of Fortune Telling with Playing Cards by B. W. McCarron

Unlike most other fortune telling systems with playing cards, readings using this system are quick and snappy. The card layout is streamlined, yet the subject will be satisfied she received her money's worth since the outcome of the reading is dependent on her feelings and conscience. The reader will like it, too, since six to ten readings can be performed per hour. This system also provides an opportunity to recycle playing cards when they're no longer useful in the magic act. With the Krahma System, the more care-worn the deck, the better it will be accepted by the Subject as an instrument...

★★★★★ $8
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W. G. Magnuson & Devin Knight
Just Think by W. G. Magnuson & Devin Knight

If you really had psychic powers, you could answer questions just thought of. There would be no need for the person to write the question or tell you what it was. He would just think of a question in his mind. If you really had psychic powers you would immediately answer the question WITHOUT any pumping or fishing! There would be no hesitation! Of course, this sounds 100% impossible; unless, you really were psychic.

A noted performer once said, "The man who can create an act whereby you ask a spectator to just THINK of the question and then you answer it...will be doing something. In fact,...

★★★★ $8
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Howard P. Albright
A Message From The Sky by Howard P. Albright

Here is an outstanding routine for psychic entertainers to provide a personal Zodiac reading. It will leave your client breathless! It seems incredible that you are able to divine so much information.

This attractive eBook contains seven practical, tested methods expressly for use under close-up and impromptu conditions, such as you will encounter at clubs, parties and private engagements. It's an absolute "must have" for your mentalism library for those opportunities where you can't rely on mechanical gimmicks or pre-show work.

No previous knowledge of astrology is required, nor are great...

★★★★ $8
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Robert A. Nelson
Pages from a Medium's Notebook by Robert A. Nelson

Would you like to open the secret notebook of a successful medium and psychic reader? To study and absorb the personal notes and information gleaned as a result of years of experience? Would you like first-hand observations and instructions on how to give successful "psychological readings?" To know what to anticipate when a client enters your office? To know what type of reading to give for the satisfaction of the subject? To discover how and why the client is so easily fooled? To learn the closely guarded bits of "business" that build private readings and reputations?

The information contained...

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Robert A. Nelson
Confessions of a Medium by Robert A. Nelson

There has never been such a complete and thoroughly accurate exposé of the inner workings and guarded secrets of the professional medium, psychic and healer.

Describes how fake psychics get their certificates, making them immune from police interference. How anyone can obtain such a certificate. Explains how mediums and psychics work in "closed" towns so city authorities can't touch them. Includes sample ads as used by the phony seers, fake diplomas, how and where the psychics get their business, and how mediums can even work spare time and still make big money. Shows how the psychic obtains...

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Robert A. Nelson
The Art of Cold Reading by Robert A. Nelson

The secret book of the mental profession that teaches the mentalist or psychic to "read" a person "cold" with no gimmicks, no advance knowledge, and no preparation.

The Art of Cold Reading is the learned ability to cleverly read another "from the cradle to the grave" - and without important error. It is amazingly easy - if you understand the technique and methods. Possess it and you are always prepared to give readings - any time, anywhere, for fun or for profit.

The inner secrets of "cold reading" have been closely held and guarded for many years. Knowledge of this kind has been passed...

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Robert A. Nelson
The Secrets of Doctor "A" by Robert A. Nelson

"Dr. A" was a real-life figure, having devoted 33 years of his life as a very successful office reader and clairvoyant. He gave Robert Nelson full permission to publish his unique secrets, however he requested that he remain anonymous.

He devised, created and used what Nelson regarded as one of the finest - if not the finest - methods of giving private readings and (apparently) reading the minds of others.

The system described is so subtle and versatile that Dr. "A" and Nelson both were able to give thought-staggering readings and demonstrations under the most adverse of conditions, whether...

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Robert A. Nelson
Projected Answers by Robert A. Nelson

The first and only book on the technique of "projected answers to questions!"

Learn the professional mentalist's secret of projecting or carrying the replies to questions. Don't just provide a simple answer or restate the question. Use Nelson's projection technique to turn an ordinary Q&A act into a masterpiece. Not only does the spectator receive an answer to her question, but she is given a bonus in the form of additional information pertaining to her question, plus other predicted events.

The spectator is doubly intrigued at this mysterious source of information. Other spectators become...

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Robert A. Nelson
Technique of the Private Reader by Robert A. Nelson

Nelson reveals the special techniques that enable psychics and mentalists to give spectacular private readings.

Successful operators are able to astound and bewilder clients with apparent facts and reason, though unbeknownst to them. Where does this strange and uncanny power come from?

It's easy to "give readings," to apparently read the innermost thoughts of your subject and to chart their life from "cradle to grave," if you possess the technique - the knowledge of how to judge your client. What to tell him or her and how to accurately read their reactions. Such is the true secret. ...

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Floyd Gerald Thayer
Dr. Q's Tarot Telepathy by Floyd Gerald Thayer

Finally, a two-person mentalism act that doesn't use complicated codes, expensive electronics or stooges.

This is a godsend for the average mentalist, who may be wary of the time spent in training (and retraining) partners for the traditional two-person act. Tarot Telepathy transcends the code requirement, relying instead on the clever application of the "cradle-to-grave" type of psychological reading offered by the professional medium.

The performer, acts as the Medium, and is blindfolded and seated upon stage. His female assistant circulates among the audience, and randomly stands beside...

★★★★ $8
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W. G. Magnuson
20th Century Mindreading by W. G. Magnuson

20th Century Mindreading is a classic and is considered to be one of the best things that G. W. Magnuson ever released. It is the Holy Grail when it comes to cold-readings. It contains the Alain DeLysle cold reading spiel which many mentalists consider the best cold reading ever written.

The DeLysle reading is brilliantly conceived and will hit 99 out of a 100 sitters. When you first read it, you will think someone has written a detailed life history of you! It's that good. This is considered a full-blown reading and goes from cradle to grave.

All you have to do is read it over a few times...

★★★★★ $8
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Andrew Steinmetz
The Gaming Table Volume 2 by Andrew Steinmetz

This second volume of The Gaming Table is from a magician's point of view much more interesting. It includes a history of dice and playing cards including a fairly detailed description of how playing cards were made. It has a chapter on fortune telling with cards. And it also features a surprisingly good chapter on card tricks with explanations for four sleights (false shuffle, false cut, glide, card change) and 18 very nice card tricks. Among them we find a version of the prearranged deck and two person codes.

For people interested in Erdnase it is interesting to note that at the beginning of the...

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William W. Larsen & B. W. McCarron
Thayer's Life Span Reading by William W. Larsen & B. W. McCarron

This superb script allows a mentalist or psychic entertainer to apparently reveal any spectator's life, from the cradle to the grave. Is it mind reading? ESP? Vulcan Mind Meld? No, it's Larsen and McCarron's Life Span Reading, the psychic worker's "secret sauce" that, judiciously used, will convince most anyone that you have real psychic ability.

Not a trick, but a psychological profile that fits nearly anyone who walks in the door. Life readings such as this have been jealously guarded by office mediums, who use the spiel to convince the client of the psychic's innate ability. Yet, no special...

★★★★ $8
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