You may think that the results would conclude that magicians are a pretty skeptical lot, but they were not quite so indicative. The survey of over 400 magicians (and yes I was one of them – a non-believer I hasten to add) concluded that approximately 25% of the magicians believed in either telepathy, precognition or psychokinesis and that the same number had actually experienced said phenomenon.

He is quick to point out that it is “possible that the answers given by some performers do not reflect their genuine beliefs and experiences (after all, this is a group that deceive for a living!)” but none-the-less these results go against perceived wisdom (but not necessarily against previous similar surveys).

I find it staggering to believe that those whose livelihood is based around demonstrating the impossible are still duped into believing in the paranormal. Maybe the more knowledge you have the more your ego wont let you believe you can be fooled and so the only remaining option is that the paranormal phenomenon is real.

Professor Wiseman’s survey can be found here, and a detailed analysis of the results available on Skepchick.

Great Tricks Revealed - Will Goldston - 1939 - Conjuring

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“Here’s the real problem. You’ve probably heard the old saw about amateurs having to change tricks whereas professionals change audiences. It’s an old saw because it’s true. The typical amateur moves from trick to trick so as not to repeat himself; the worker repeats himself continually but no one’s really aware that he’s doing so. Who has the best shot of polishing and perfecting his material? It’s obvious.”

and:

“To sum up, a good magician understands that performing magic with ease is essential. To make sure he does perform with ease, he builds a repertoire of effects that can be done under almost any circumstances. He doesn’t equate difficulty with worth. He understands that the effect is the most important factor and technique is only important in how clearly it allows the effect to be communicated. He always performs his magic professionally no matter if he’s paid or not.”

Head on over to Unexpected Wonders and read the full article, you will definitely get something out of it.

The Glorious Deception: The Double Life Of William Robinson, Aka Chung Ling Soo,

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The inspiration for ‘Figaro’s Lair’ came from psychological illusionist Derren Brown. Anyone who knows of Derren will know just how fascinating and somewhat controversial this guy is. I first saw one his TV shows and was intrigued not only by his charming manor and zany sense of humor but also by the way he was able to totally bamboozle people and how easily he could manipulate people’s minds. He claims that he achieves his results using a combination of “magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship”. I really admire Derren’s abilities as not everyone would be ale to pull off such elaborate events so convincingly and with such flair as he does. I find all of that sort of psychological suggestion, mind control and mentalism processes really fascinating hence the inspiration for this piece.

Magical Hints, Will Goldston, Magic, Ventriloquism Etc

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Derren Brown, Discussion