Reviews of products by Paul Voodini
4 ★★★★★ reviews
4 ★★★★★ reviews
1 ★★★★★ reviews
Palm Reading for Magicians
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Curtis Foster
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 13 June, 2024)
I’m scheduled to do a corporate event next month with up to 400 people attending. I’ve posted this before elsewhere, but I feel compelled to again. Thanks to Paul Voodini and his Palm Reading for Magicians, I’m more than prepared to do quick, punchy, entertaining readings for many people without props.
Having read a couple of dozen books and watched many videos on palm reading, Paul’s method is the only one that really stayed with me enough to capitalize on and use. I am prepared to do a reading anytime, anywhere as long as the sitter has at least one palm and speaks English.
Thanks to Paul, I have a priceless talent and ability that will pay dividends for the rest of my life. I literally cannot put a price on this and what he taught me from this video and book. Am I excited beyond belief that I can finally read palms after years of trying and failing?
You bet. ✋
Pure Q and A
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 09 April, 2024)
I found this to be the most audacious method and presentation for a Q&A act I've yet read. To pull this off, you'd have to be steeped in this kind of work so as to be able to come up with something to say. The thing is, you are doing just what you claim to be doing...saying what you think and not making any claims that you have to back up. Certain questions you refuse to answer and you tell why...medical issues or lotto numbers etc. The act is divided into 4 parts if I'm not mistaken. Certainly tough to learn, but if you already have the ability to do readings, this is really easier than all the gaffed methods for getting info. And, if you don't know an answer, you just say so, and since you are not claiming true powers, the audience is said to go along with you on this, and don't turn against you. I plan on rereading this and Paul's other books regularly because he has hit upon a very unusual style.
Cold Reading Lecture 2012
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 04 February, 2024)
I was actually looking for Herb Dewey books but I found this instead and am very glad I did. It is a wonderful lecture and I learned what I was looking for in my hunt for real info on this subject. If you are interested in readings or mentalism or psychology, I would highly recommend this download.
Third Dimension Telepathy
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
Not for beginners (3 stars if you are)! 4-5 stars if you are an experienced reader / performer.
You need to already have experience in giving readings and line ala fortune telling / horoscope writing / cold reading etc...
This book explains how to use a volunteer from the audience as a 'crutch', for lack of a better word. Not in a bad meaning, but in a good way; Like you got shot in the leg in the battlefield and your buddy is there to help you out of there and save you. However, in this case, the volunteer does so without being aware that their thoughts and actions are for your performance benefit.
Essentially the book is about performance advice, audience control, presentation.
You need to first build up some knowledge of mentalism magic techniques and fortune telling / readings and performance in order to effectively apply the stuff from this book.
Pure Q and A
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
Not for beginners!
4-5 stars if you are already an experienced or working Q & A performer that can employ the stuff in this book.
You need to have intensive experience in the presentation of giving readings and answers, lines; just like what your standard fare of fortune tellers, horoscope writers, mediums, i.e. 'non magician' mentalists etc. are already doing. None of those 'fluff' that is used in standard 'mental magic', hence no feeling of 'magic trick' - It DOES NOT teach any 'mental magic' tricks i.e. peeks, switches etc. You'll have to learn the basics and build up some foundation of Q&A 'tricks' first, plus readings. Then you can build the stuff taught in this book around your own repertoire / methods.
The above paragraph is the main thing that should help you decide if you want to get this or not.
Basically, this book is good for mainly presentation for an effective Q & A presentation; techniques you can also use in other reading routines, e.g. tarot readings, astrology, etc, and controlling the performance and audience. Lots of advice regarding answering and performing. Exactly what the title says, it is just pure Q&A.
Coffee Break Mental Magic: Pet Readings for Mind-Readers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Andrew Baroch (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 29 March, 2023)
So so. Shows some thought.
Cold Reading Lecture 2012
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 03 August, 2022)
This is the clearest, most practical discussion of cold reading I've ever read. Voodini teaches the why as much as the what, which means you'll get a stronger understanding of the dynamics involved. (Too much magic teaching undervalues the 'why's of what we do!)
Coffee Break Mental Magic #1: 3 Invisible Keys of Wonder
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Sean Hoade (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 24 July, 2022)
This is very entertainingly written, but best for those brand-new in the field. Still, at this price, I will be getting it every month.
Psychic Phenomena: Interactive Tarot Readings from the Stage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Alexander Wolf (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 19 April, 2022)
This PDF inspired me and I got new ideas from it. But that is not all. I got an idea what it means to deal with an audience in the right way so that they feel important. Get this PDF and get inspired too so that what you do will carry meaning. There is a deeper message behind this effect.
Five Haunted Keys
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jim Short (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 26 February, 2022)
In this manuscript Mr. Voodini gives you opportunities to be as spooky or as lighthearted as you wish. He also makes things easy to learn - in the first 'routine' he doesn't do any magic at all!
The routines are uniformly great, but the real value is his demonstration of the strength of a well-written script. Neither I nor he recommends you perform any of these verbatim, but use them as a jumping-off point for your own scripts.
This is a bargain at the listed price.
Cathy Shadows: Doing It For Real
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Martin (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 27 December, 2020)
For a small sum of money you are getting a short and quickly read PDF. Even though it's a quick read, the advice that "Cathy Shadows" gives is really great if one wants to learn some mental exercises to do some classic plots in mentalism for real. My only advice to a student of the esotric arts before purchasing this is to keep a very open mind while studying these exercises. At the very least you'll learn how to make a mentalism routine or single effect more theatrically compelling through simple means.
Psychic Phenomena: Interactive Tarot Readings from the Stage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Max Y
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 15 March, 2020)
Disclaimer: I didn't purchase this item from Lybrary but rather directly from Paul some years ago.
Recently Jermay released his "Tarot Psychometry" routine (end of 2019) and there was a reference to this item as well.
First of all let me tell you the review below by "Greg" is unfair - this manuscript details the entire "script" or presentation of this routine in front of an audience. The idea in itself (even without the script) is novel and worth knowing in itself.
Of course you need to provide your own readings; this manuscript is the script and outline on how to present this routine.
If you are interested in the idea, then I believe you will like this inexpensive ebook.
On the other hand, Jermay does not credit Paul, and probably he should.
Palm Reading for Magicians
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dan Dent
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 18 June, 2019)
This DVD is single-handedly responsible for setting me on the path towards a new career as an ‘events’ palm reader, which I have been doing now for the last four years. It teaches enough for anybody to give insightful, engaging ‘character analysis’ type readings, and serves perfectly as a solid grounding for further study of the oracle.
I can recommend it wholeheartedly.
Mark of the Devil: Six Slick Routines with a Marked Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Sarin Suriyakoon (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 22 January, 2017)
This ebook is really beautiful.
The way he teach the patters clarify everything you need to go out and perform.
I tricked my professor with his patter. Just choose your best patter for each person.
Psychic Show Cancelled
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Devin Knight (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 14 January, 2017)
An interesting and fun read, well worth the low price. Experienced performers will chuckle as they will recall the same things happening to them. There were situations in this PDF I could relate to.
The Magician's Guide to the Tarot
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Burmeister (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 11 June, 2016)
Paul Voodini has done it again.
In my opinion this is one of the best ebooks I have seen that explains the meanings of Tarot cards.
I will definitely MEMORIZE ALL the meanings.
The ebook is definitely worth your money.
The effects to use with the Tarot cards aren't bad either.
You can also combine other effects with the Tarot cards out of Magick Manuscript, Syzygy, and Stephen Minchs' THE BOOK of THOTH if you can find it.
This ebook learned well and a routine with Tarot cards that fits your style will come across as the real thing to the spectator.
David Burmeister
Mark of the Devil: Six Slick Routines with a Marked Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Burmeister (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 11 June, 2016)
What can I say?
Paul Voodini has excellent material as far as I can tell.
In his ebook, Mark of the Devil, his effect, SECRETS of the MAYANS is worth it's weight in gold.
There is quite a bit of memorization to do but the effect is tremendous.
You can use a marked deck of cards, a simple card force, or stacked deck etc. with this routine.
My opinion is to but the ebook and go online to find a cheap Mayan coin to do this GREAT effect.
David W. Burmeister
Mark of the Devil: Six Slick Routines with a Marked Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christian Fisanick (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 10 June, 2016)
When I got this on a whim, I just chuckled. A marked deck's a marked deck. Once you figure out how to read the markings, what else do you need? This was going to be a nothing read. Then I started reading and immediately realized that that au contraire, any fool mentalist can figure out someone's card with faux-mind reading shenanigans like "I'm seeing a black..no, wait a red card. You are thinking of a red card..." This book has some cool ideas to clothe your naked marked deck routine in. Is it a world beater? No, and unlike Paul Voodini when he was younger, you aren't going to base your entire show on marked deck routines. But this is a solid book with six good routines for a little over a buck each.
A Lightning Rod to the Spirits
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Paul Nightingale
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 08 December, 2014)
I read this and then kind of put it aside for several months. I got a show for an occult bookstore and of course wanted something just a little bit more in that vain than what I have been doing. I did the coloring book with a couple twists (banans flash and restored zigzag paper) it was the hit of the show and was requested two more times. How strange sometimes you never know. my respect for Paul has grown immensely. I will be checking out more of his material.
Coffee Break Mental Magic: Pet Readings for Mind-Readers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Phil Reda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 06 March, 2014)
I have the whole series of Coffee Break Mental Magic and look forward to each installment. Pet Readings is the best so far. I was hesitant but when I finished reading the manuscript all I could say was bravo! This is brilliant and a great way to get started with cold reading. The manuscript lays out the basic readings then goes on to teach several uses. This is a bargain and I highly recommend it. If you are an experienced cold reader then it might be a bit basic for you - but you still might find a nugget or two within the pages- especially the animal deck readings at the very end.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #5: The Ghost of M.R. James
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Phil Reda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 06 February, 2014)
What you are getting here is a story - I did not feel
The effect was that strong - it would be easy to substitute
Something else. Still for the price this is a good addition.
So far I have all the manuscripts in this series except the Sherlock Holmes edition. I have enjoyed each one.
Hypno-Mental Self-Working Card Tricks
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 January, 2014)
Simply put, this may be my favorite magic ebook. It's fun to read and it offers a few wonderful routines. 'A Demonstration of Hypnotic Mind Reading' may be a rather boring title, but it is a perfect set piece for a small gathering. The method will disappoint (it's almost TOO easy), but it's not about the method. It's an amazing routine if you are able to conjure up the appropriate atmosphere. The other routines are great as well, offering good stories, straightforward methods.
3 Coins 4 Your Thoughts
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 January, 2014)
A fun and easy way to approaching readings. You have control of how much time you take, how deep you go, without the complexity of a tarot deck. From the perspective of the audience, it is a fresh approach. Highly recommended.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #4: Fortune Tellers and Witches
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 January, 2014)
This issue of the series is the most magazine-like, in that it contains a variety. 'The Story-Teller Oracle' is a way of using two ordinary dice to make a simple reading. It has similarities to his own '3 Coins 4 Your Thoughts' ebook, though it's not as strong. But Voodini does open up many interesting possibilities here. 'Witch Trial' is a routine from Dan Dent. It is a story routine using tarot cards which fits quite nicely with Voodini's style. The ebook ends with a short story, 'The Vampire Fortune Teller', which proves that I would enjoy reading a collection of his fiction. It offers a modern fable, where Voodini draws us, however briefly, into an engaging world of a parallel Victorian London. Another encouraging entry in this fun series.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #3: Holmes and Moriarty
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 15 January, 2014)
I found this edition of the Coffee Break series to be the weakest so far. The story telling is outstanding, providing fascinating information about Holmes and Moriarty's relationship, but I found the method itself a bit flat. Overall, as part of this excellent series from this excellent author, I encourage you to complete your collection.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #2: Multi-Dimensional Out of this World
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 15 January, 2014)
Voodini does it again. The method is easy but very subtle. Presentation is critical, but Paul offers a marvelous script, which can be condensed or expanded, depending on your skills with audience members. This routine is a real stunner.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #2: Multi-Dimensional Out of this World
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Phil Reda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 14 January, 2014)
This is a very interesting version of OTW. I loved the plot that Mr Voodini weaves. If you are looking for a great story trick this will be a great purchase - especially for the price.
Coffee Break Mental Magic #1: 3 Invisible Keys of Wonder
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 02 January, 2014)
I have several e-books by Voodini, and have never been disappointed. His 'self-working' routines are particularly good. Not for the methods. Methods are almost afterthoughts. Voodini's strength is in creating an atmosphere, drawing people in with a good story. That's what you get here: three good stories. The Coffee Break concept is a good one, and this is a brilliant way to begin the series.
A Lightning Rod to the Spirits
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Phil Reda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 23 March, 2013)
Just finished reading this manuscript. I am a huge fan of Paul's work and this is another excellent example of his creative out put. There are four effects. My favorite is the Nurses Watch followed by the Child Coloring Book. Both in my mind are worth the price of the booklet. The frying pan routine is one that I will put on the shelf for now as it does require a confident and strong presentation. Finally the Vampire Salt routine shows how you can take the simplest trick and make it into a spooky story. This booklet is more of a pathway to get you thinking about all the magical effects that can be re-framed to this genre of performing. Also what you are getting is story for each effect with some performance comments. The secret is reveled but you have to already be familiar with the workings. All basic stuff.
3 Coins 4 Your Thoughts
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Phil Reda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 31 July, 2012)
I am new to giving readings and this does assume some basic understanding of the concepts of scripting a reading. I found this booklet to be extremely helpful in establishing a frame work from which to work and really enjoyed reading it. I am on my third read now and look forward to actually performing this. Highly recommended if you are interested in this sort of thing.
Psychic Phenomena: Interactive Tarot Readings from the Stage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Greg
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 02 May, 2012)
I'm sorry, but this e-book is rubbish. At ten pages, it is ten pages too long, as its only advice on how to give an interactive tarot reading from the stage is "Call the name of the card out in a loud commanding voice and hold it up high. Then deliver a short, punchy, up-beat reading for the audience member based on that card." It never gets any more specific than that.
The rest of the 'manuscript' is about how this kind of gig is better than lugging records around as a DJ or how important it is to hold your female volunteer's hand and be polite.
The audacity!
Midnight Side of the Mind
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dek El
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 15 October, 2011)
I've enjoyed reading Voodini's books in the past, and this is decidedly one of his greatest works. It allows you to take any mentalism performance to unforseen depths. Midnight Side of the Mind allows your spectators to visit worlds in their minds that are too awe inspiring to put into words. They will meet people they meet in 19th century England, they will use remote viewing to see inside of the room of another spectator, they can see past versions of themselves in perfect 3 dimensional clarity, as if they were walking in the past. I've never read anything like it and doubt I will again. With no gimmicks, Paul allows you to weave visions for your spectators that they will accept as reality and never forget, he allows you to landscape dreams that your spectators experience first hand. These ideas (and there are many) are some of the most pure and beautiful demonstrations of our art that I have ever read.
The Jack the Ripper Seance
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark Piazza (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 03 June, 2010)
I must have been one of the first to purchase this and, after printing it out, I devoured it! I couldn't put it down!
Paul, I think it's fantastic!
I plan on using the close-up routine 'FROM HELL' from my very own Shuddershadow Mansion ebook and/or the 'FROM HELL' parlor/stage version in my Memories, Mayhem and Mephistopholes ebook to create interest and upsell the Jack the Ripper seance.
My routines are simple but atmosphere-based and that's what I love about Paul's seance - the ATMOSPHERE he suggests creating.
I have my own Jack the Ripper seance scripted but I probably will abandon it and go with Paul's. Why? Because Paul's is 'cleaner'! (I will be substituting the phase with the glass becasue I need to employ one of my ideas here which would work better for me.)
Overall, this ebook is EXCELLENT! I can't wait to start reading it again!