The Royal Road to Card Magic is a term that refers to a specific book that focuses on teaching card magic techniques and tricks. Written by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue, it has become a staple resource for aspiring magicians looking to expand their repertoire in the field of card magic. The book is divided into different sections, each covering a specific aspect of card magic. It starts with the basics, teaching beginners how to handle cards, shuffle them, and perform simple tricks. As the book progresses, it delves into more advanced techniques such as false shuffles, palming, and the use of gimmicks. The Royal Road to Card Magic not only provides detailed instructions on each technique but also includes numerous illustrations to help readers visualize the movements and actions required.
Sacrificial weapons, like the utensils, vary according to the nature of the sacrifice. The most common weapon is the knife, which is used to slit the throat of the human or animal victim, a practice observed, for example, by Semites, Muslims, and ancient Greeks. Sometimes the knife is cast into the sea after use. An ax involved in the Athenian Bouphonia (“Ox-Slaughtering Festival”) was carried to the tribunal of the Prytaneum (the town hall, containing a community altar or hearth), inspected, and then submerged in the same way. Sometimes a poniard or dagger was used, such as in the Mithraic sacrifice of a bull; a ritual knife (khadga) shaped like a sickle, with the outer edge forming the cutting edge, is used in the sacrifice of black goats to Kali (a Hindu goddess who is the consort of Shiva) in Kolkata (Calcutta). In the great imperial sacrifice of the horse ( ashvamedha) of Vedic India, a gold-ornamented knife was used to sacrifice the horse, but knives of copper and iron were used for other animals. In the sacrificial rites of some contemporary peoples, a sword, which varies in size and form, generally is used. In ancient Iran the victim was slaughtered with a log or pestle. In all sacrificial rites it should be noted that a flow of blood is always necessary, even when the victim is clubbed.
, spoons and ladles used for drawing off liquids, which are fashioned out of pieces of wood of different, although ritualistically defined, varieties. Funeral models of houses, wells, farms, herds, and armies were used in the Han 206 bce 220 ce , Tang 618 907 , and Ming 1368 1644 periods of China as well as in ancient Egypt.
The Royal Road to Card Magic not only provides detailed instructions on each technique but also includes numerous illustrations to help readers visualize the movements and actions required. This makes it easier for beginners to learn and practice the tricks effectively. One of the notable features of this book is its emphasis on the presentation and performance of card tricks.
The Table of the Dead at the celebration of the deceased in the Ecuadorian Coastal Lowlands region
Ecuador is considered a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. It has several celebrations that are part of its traditions. One of these celebrations is the feast of All Souls Day, commemorated in a different way in the four regions of the country. In the coastal lowlands region, especially in the province of Santa Elena, the Tugaduaja community performs a ritual called the Table of the Dead, which consists of displaying various foods that the deceased relatives loved. The objective of this article is to describe the elaboration of this ritual from the ethnographic point of view, for which in-depth interviews and observation cards were used. The Table of the Dead is held 2 days a year, on one occasion for dead children and on the other for dead adults. The festive meals that can never be absent from the table are roasted sweet potato, dead man’s bread, corn custard, and goat stew. This social, ritual and festive use contributes to the dialog and respect between the different cultures and communities of Ecuador.
The authors understand that the key to successful magic lies not only in mastering the techniques but also in engaging and entertaining the audience. As such, they offer guidance on how to construct routines, create suspense, and add theatrical elements to the performance. The Royal Road to Card Magic has been highly regarded by magicians and has been in circulation for decades. It is considered a foundational text in the field, often recommended to beginners as a starting point in their journey to becoming proficient card magicians. Despite its age, the book remains relevant in the modern world of magic. Many of the tricks and techniques described are still used and popularized by renowned magicians today. The Royal Road to Card Magic offers a comprehensive and accessible guide for anyone interested in learning and mastering card magic..
Reviews for "Becoming a Card Magician: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Royal Road"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Royal Road to Card Magic." The explanations were confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult for a beginner like me to learn. The author assumes a certain level of card knowledge that I simply did not have. Additionally, the book lacks detailed illustrations, which would have been helpful in understanding the techniques. Overall, I found it frustrating and not suitable for beginners.
2. Sarah Thompson - 1 star - I found "The Royal Road to Card Magic" to be a waste of money. The book claims to teach card magic, but it only covers basic card handling techniques without any real magic tricks. I was looking for a book that would provide me with a repertoire of impressive card tricks, but this wasn't it. The explanations were also lacking in detail, leaving me confused and frustrated. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for actual card magic tricks.
3. David Johnson - 3 stars - While "The Royal Road to Card Magic" contains some useful information, I found it to be outdated and not relevant to modern card magic. The techniques and tricks covered in the book are quite old-fashioned and not aligned with current trends in the field. Additionally, the writing style is dry and lacks enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would recommend looking for a more contemporary card magic resource that better reflects the current state of the art.