Magic Tricks
By Jimmy Sturo
The history of magic is as colorful as the history of ancient Egyptian and
Chinese civilizations, from where it can be traced. Magicians during those days,
also called "sorcerers," were a combination of entertainer and priest. Sorcerers
were usually seen together with royalty. They made people believe in the
supernatural power that made the plausibility of magic possible, allowing
pharaohs and kings an air of power and invincibility.
Magicians Today
Magicians of today are quite different, being more concerned with
entertainment than with anything else. Onlookers usually have no clue as to how
a magic trick is done, so magicians are able to wow their audiences and make the
impossible seem possible. As young children, our fascination with magic started
the minute we saw a rabbit being pulled out of a magician's hat. What's
interesting is that magic is a science, with methods and scientific principles
that make it work.
Learning Magic Tricks
In learning how to do magic tricks, only three words should be remembered:
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE. Any magic trick needs hours of practice
to create the illusion of reality. The famous Harry Houdini started his career
in magic by picking at locks. He practiced until he got so good at it that even
with his hands tied or with eyes blindfolded, he could pick any lock he could
get his hands on.
A mirror is one of the most important tools a magician can have; with the
mirror, he gets to see the illusion he is creating for the people watching him.
As a budding magician, try to curb your urge to show off. Practice in front of
the mirror first. You wouldn?t want your first magic trick to turn into a comedy
show on the first try.
