Mind Reading in the 21st Century

 

Mind Reading or Magic

Mind Reading in the 21st Century... Expectations are high, and there’s also some healthy skepticism. As a mentalist, you had better deliver a strong, visceral experience. I’m not saying you have to claim supernatural powers, but your performance should leave your audience questioning what they’ve witnessed. You simply know things you couldn’t possibly know. In the same vein, good (or great) magic works the same way. Your audience must feel there is no way you could know what you do.  Good "great" magic works the same way. Your audience must feel there is NFW!

Although I don’t advertise myself as a mentalist or mind reader, as that’s not my primary focus, I do have a few pieces in my repertoire that create an experience where I seem to know things I can’t possibly know. Interestingly, the reactions to these “tricks” demonstrate why so many magicians transition from traditional magic to mentalism and mind reading. It’s almost like an automatic upgrade in terms of respect. After all, when people hear "magician," they often picture someone performing at a children's birthday party. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) Let’s be honest, we’re all concerned about our status… at least a little bit.

In the above photo I am revealing the name of the young lady's grandfather.

Derren Brown-Mentalist-Illusionist

Many people know the name Derren Brown, especially those in the U.K. but his reputation goes well beyond his homeland. His reputation is truly worldwide.

Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and writer. He is a self-described "psychological illusionist" whose acts are often designed to expose the methods of those who claim to possess supernatural powers, such as faith healers and mediums. Wikipedia

My first introduction to the work of Derek came from his videos, which were heavily magic, manipulation based...with a touch of psychological based "mentalism". His sleight of hand abilities were/are top notch. He could have been a successful magician, but his passion led him to become...Well, Derren Brown.

If any of you are readers of my blog, you know how I emphasize the inclusion of video on our websites. It's our greatest asset to show potential clients a demonstration of our skills. Videos will add credibility to our 5-Star reviews. Some reviews appear to be over the top...the proof is in our live performances.

I sometimes visit other magician's websites, it's good to see what others have to offer. Truly some well-done professional presentations...however, I recently visited a "mind reader's" website and was searching for a video which would demonstrate his credibility of mind reading skills. There was none. The only videos were some short clips of quick "eye candy" which laypeople find impressive, but they had no relevance to mind reading.

To wrap things up I'll leave you with a final thought...If you were a mind reader, why not leave a fragment of evidence.

 Joe Ferranti

Massachusetts Magician 339-927-4710

www.ferrantimagic.com

Curious about the Secrets of Magic? What you need to know.

Joe Ferranti-Close-up magician Massachusetts

My interest (curiosity) in magic goes back around 40+ years. There was no internet to access magic secrets. Those serious about the craft would visit magic shops. If there was one or more in your vicinity, you were fortunate.

Upon entering a magic shop, you would feel you have arrived at a magical wonderland. You would find shelves stacked with colorful apparatus and books. So many books, a virtual “magic library” that covered every form of magic, from close-up to stage magic. Magic with balls, candles, even cigarettes and cigars. Books with secrets of mentalism and the standard “card tricks,” everything you might find of interest, were available in a book.

 There was always one person or more there to help you find what interested you and also to demonstrate individual tricks that were available for sale. It was no small task to perform the many tricks that were stocked in the store.

 In front of the shelves were glass cases displaying special apparatus for the close-up performer. Cups and balls, specialty coins, wallets, cards, silks, the list is endless. If you’re a magician, your eyes will light up. Only one thing matches the stimulation of a magic shop.

 

The Magic Catalog

Tannen's Catalog of Magic

One of my fondest memories was the Magic Catalog, which represented the entire stock of the magic inventory. If you didn’t have a retail location near you, the Catalogue was your only way to find what you “think” you needed.

 Catalogs were beneficial in some ways, but also had drawbacks. The writers and illustrators crafted the description to conjure up dreams in our minds of the magic we could perform. It was enticing, to say the least, addictive at its worst. Sadly, the items we received didn’t always match our imaginations of what we read in the catalog.

 Every magician understands what a “junk drawer” is. It’s the place where we keep our magic props/tricks that didn’t quite live up to our imaginations. “Hype” is not a recent phenomenon. It walks a fine line between our expectations and our realizations.

Sometimes Deceptive Descriptions

Descriptions of magic effects can sometimes be misleading. It’s common to hear about what a “trick” doesn’t use. “No magnets, no rough and smooth, no thread”. You’ll understand the jargon if you are a magician. It seemed the only solution could be “real magic.” Which, of course, was never the case. When receiving the secret, disappointment would sometimes set in.

Without getting into the weeds on this topic, I spent many hours fantasizing as I perused a magic catalog. A little “Magic Pornography” if you will.

A Hard Lesson to Learn

 Let me not blame the retail establishment entirely. Often, the secrets of magic are disappointing. A lesson that is hard to learn for the perpetually curious. Also, magic can be difficult, requiring many hours of study and practice. Beginning magicians want easy tricks, which will provide immediate gratification. The real reward comes after many hours of serious study. Some tricks are easier than others, but no shortcuts for dedicated practitioners. Just as musicians spend countless hours practicing in order to play “music.” To perform “magic,” the Magician must make the same commitment.

Today's Magic Retail business

 Today, the magic retail business is for the most part conducted online. Brick and mortar shops have disappeared. Demos and performances are available via video.

 With the advent of social media, expectations of open communication held promise for honest discussions and understanding alternative views. If you’ve spent more than a minute on Facebook, you know how that turned out. As in social media, the results are the same in the magic industry.

To end on a positive note… Creativity is endless in magic. Sleight-of-hand techniques continue to advance. New effects and handlings of the classics never cease to amaze me. Magic is more popular than ever, and when audiences approve of the end result. Listen to the applause!

Joe Ferranti

www.ferrantimagic.com                                                                                                  339-927-4710

 

“Can Magic Sleights be Made Invisible? Using Words Wisely.”

 How many of us have strived to perform a "Perfect Pass?" I used to believe there were magicians who could perform an "invisible pass" while their hands were being "burned." (Burn means, the spectators are looking at your hands only, in hopes of catching the secret.)

I certainly don't demean the skill and hours of practice the best passers endure. It's not easy, some of us might never get it. However, if you listen to the experts of our day, you will learn intricacies that will assist you in your pursuit of an invisible pass. They'll discuss the use of words, (maybe asking a question.) attitude, eye contact, perhaps a gesture. A quick anecdote, some magicians will wait to execute the pass, knowing that people will grow tired of watching/burning you. They asked the legendary Magician Max Malini how long he would wait to execute the pass.  His answer was, "I'll wait a week."

An Invisible Top Change

 

Trying to learn a "Top Change" from a book was impossible for me. "I assume others have done it, but not me. However, with the help of the many DVDs on card sleights, I finally understood the mechanics. "However, I didn't use it until I needed it for a routine I was incorporating into my repertoire."

Here's the effect: The magician spreads the deck in front of a spectator, instructing them to think of a card they see. After shuffling the cards, I remove one card and place it in my breast coat pocket. Asking the spectator to name the card that they saw. "I retrieve the card from my pocket, and it precisely matches the one they had in mind." (For our purposes let's say it's the King of Spades.) To carry the "magic" a bit further I dribble the cards and display a card for another spectator. The little secret is this: You bring the card to the top using a side steal. Now the Big secret for the top change.

 

A Combination of Words and a Gesture Guarantee Invisibility

 

"I already know one thing about your card...do you know what I know? As I reach for the King of Spades in my pocket..."I know it's not the King of spades, because Bob... (top change and gesture with the supposed King of Spades towards Bob) ... thought of the King of Spades."

 

The ending is not the purpose, the words and gesture cover the work. "As I mentioned previously, some individuals may be so adept that they don't find it necessary to put in the same level of thinking that I did. "For me without my "reasoning" I'd probably get caught 50% of the time.

 

I Thought I knew a Lot.

 

My ability with a deck of cards is intermediate and has served me well in the style in which I perform. however, I recently discovered Ben Earl's The Family.  Just when I thought I had everything figured out I discovered a resource that has advanced my sleight of hand. It's not cheap, but it's a bargain. "He's forced me to think a little deeper, consequently improving my overall performances." I can't recommend his project highly enough. And you don't have to sign up forever. This is my busy working season, not having much time to study, I was able to put my subscription on pause. I'll rejoin when things slow down.

Happy Holidays from The Magic of Joe Ferranti

"Are you the Illusionist? If that's a Good Thing, yes!"

 

View from 41st Floor Devonshire Residences Boston

Boston Massachusetts Illusionist-ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710

Magic and Illusion at the Devonshire Residences Boston.

I’ve set my “maps” for The Devonshire Residences in Boston, MA, where I’ve been hired to perform strolling magic for a Halloween Party. Driving to Boston is always a hassle, and there’s no actual way to arrive just before a performance. Leaving early is the only choice, but many things can go wrong with traffic. Despite my efforts to make good time, I’m faced with an 18-minute delay indicated by the dreaded “red” on my phone. The estimated arrival keeps getting later, but fortunately, I did manage to arrive in plenty of time. The stress of driving to gigs is the only downside of the job.

Luckily, I saved time by utilizing their own garage, where they had a space reserved for me. Upon entering, I shared the elevator with a young woman also going up. We exchanged polite greetings, and she asked, “Are you the illusionist?” Surprised by the term, I responded, “I might just be a magician… are you coming to the party?” She confirmed her attendance before exiting her floor, leaving me to continue my ascent to the 41st floor.

It’s Not What You Do…It’s What they Think You do.

So, I start thinking…illusionist? Well… my repertoire is not just a bunch of tricks. In fact, it “hits pretty hard.” I make no claims of special powers, but I know some people get a little scared, scream, swear, you’ve likely seen the reactions if you watch magician’s promos on YouTube. Here’s mine. https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofjoeferrantibosto6476

We magicians need to promote ourselves, also known as blowing your own horn. It’s bragging, I was taught that was not a good characteristic. I don’t particularly like braggarts…so I walk a fine line. My performance character is humble, I let the material represent me, and the spectators’ reactions make my introduction to the next group easy.

Building Credibility With honesty.

As magicians, we constantly strive to build our credibility. There are many ways…the simplest is to lie. A small one might be referring to ourselves as a “master magician.” There are no strict requirements for using this status. It’s open to everybody. I haven’t used that one yet, but I’m kind of liking the “Illusionist.” Perhaps I’ll go with “Boston’s Foremost Close-Up illusionist!”

Next, the “Big Lie.” for example, As seen on Penn and Tellef Fool Us! That’s a lie because I’ve never appeared on P&T, in fact I’ve never been to their show. They are coming to Boston soon. Perhaps it’s time to catch their show.

Boston Close-Up Magician Joe Ferranti