Self-working magic refers to a type of magic trick or illusion that can be performed without the need for any advanced sleight of hand or manipulation techniques. These tricks are designed to be relatively easy to learn and perform, making them accessible to both beginner and amateur magicians. What sets self-working magic apart from other types of magic is that it relies heavily on mathematical principles, cleverly designed props, or subtle psychological techniques. By using these methods, magicians can create seemingly impossible effects that are surprising and baffling to an audience. One of the most common examples of self-working magic is the use of mathematical principles, such as using a deck of cards to perform tricks like predicting a chosen card or finding the missing card. These tricks rely on a predetermined mathematical sequence that allows the magician to achieve the desired effect without the need for any complex sleight of hand.
This book is a marriage of Leonard Cohen's text and specially commissioned art from two renowned London artists/designers, Sarah Perkins and Ian Jackson.
Though laws were carved in marble They could not shelter men Though altars built in parliaments They could not order men Police arrested magic and magic went with them Mmmmm. This book is a marriage of Leonard Cohen s text and specially commissioned art from two renowned London artists designers, Sarah Perkins and Ian Jackson.
These tricks rely on a predetermined mathematical sequence that allows the magician to achieve the desired effect without the need for any complex sleight of hand. Another popular type of self-working magic involves the use of props or gimmicks that are specially designed to create the illusion of magic. For example, a magician may use a specially crafted magic box or tube that can perform an amazing transformation or vanish without the need for any manual manipulation.
from
Beautiful Losers
by
Leonard Cohen
I first encountered this passage in its musical setting, recorded extempore by Buffy Sainte-Marie. Its the reason I acquired and read the book. More about that below.
In the book, this is one long paragraph. Having remembered it as poetry for years, I have taken the liberty of imposing a line structure and some stanza separations. (These breaks are my own additions; I dont know how closely they match Buffy Sainte-Maries printed version.)
God is alive. Magic is afoot.
God is alive. Magic is afoot.
God is afoot. Magic is alive. Alive is afoot.
Magic never died.
God never sickened.
Many poor men lied. Many sick men lied.
Magic never weakened. Magic never hid. Magic always ruled.
God is afoot. God never died.
God was ruler though his funeral lengthened.
Though his mourners thickened Magic never fled.
Though his shrouds were hoisted the naked God did live.
Though his words were twisted the naked Magic thrived.
Though his death was published round and round the world the heart did not believe.
Many hurt men wondered. Many struck men bled.
Magic never faltered. Magic always led.
Many stones were rolled but God would not lie down.
Many wild men lied. Many fat men listened.
Though they offered stones Magic still was fed.
Though they locked their coffers God was always served.
Magic is afoot. God rules.
Alive is afoot. Alive is in command.
Many weak men hungered. Many strong men thrived.
Though they boasted solitude God was at their side.
Nor the dreamer in his cell, nor the captain on the hill.
Though his death was pardoned round and round the world the heart would not believe.
Though laws were carved in marble they could not shelter men.
Though altars built in parliaments they could not order men.
Police arrested Magic and Magic went with them for Magic loves the hungry.
But Magic would not tarry.
It moves from arm to arm.
It would not stay with them.
Magic is afoot. It cannot come to harm.
It rests in an empty palm.
It spawns in an empty mind.
But Magic is no instrument.
Magic is the end.
Many men drove Magic but Magic stayed behind.
Many strong men lied.
They only passed through Magic and out the other side.
Many weak men lied.
They came to God in secret and though they left him nourished they would not tell who healed.
Though mountains danced before them they said that God was dead.
Though his shrouds were hoisted the naked God did live.
This I mean to whisper to my mind.
This I mean to laugh with in my mind.
Many weak men hungered. Many strong men thrived.
Lastly, self-working magic can also involve the use of subtle psychological techniques to influence the audience's perception and create the illusion of magic. By using misdirection, suggestion, and other psychological principles, magicians can manipulate the audience's attention and perception to create astonishing effects. Self-working magic is a great way for beginners to start learning and performing magic tricks. These tricks can be easily learned with practice and do not require months or years of dedicated training to perfect. With a little bit of practice and a creative presentation, even beginners can perform mind-boggling magic tricks that will leave their audience amazed and entertained..
Reviews for "Nurturing Your Soul: The Magic of Self-Work"
1. John - 2 stars - I really didn't enjoy "Self Working Magic". The tricks were mostly basic and predictable, and there was nothing new or innovative in the book. It felt like I was reading a beginner's guide to magic, which is not what I expected from a book titled "Self Working Magic". I was hoping for more advanced techniques and tricks that would really challenge me and impress my audience. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - "Self Working Magic" wasn't terrible, but it wasn't anything special either. The tricks were easy to understand and perform, which might be good for beginners, but for someone with some experience in magic, it felt a bit too basic. The explanations were clear, but the overall presentation and layout of the book could have been better. It lacked innovation and failed to provide any truly memorable tricks. Overall, it was an average read and not something I would recommend to more advanced magicians.
3. Robert - 2 stars - I found "Self Working Magic" to be quite disappointing. The tricks were all self-working as promised, but they lacked any real impact or wow factor. Most of them felt like something I had seen before, and I was hoping for more originality. Additionally, the book could have provided more insightful tips on presentation and performance to make these tricks more engaging for the audience. Overall, I was not impressed by the content and felt it didn't live up to its potential.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to delve into "Self Working Magic", but unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed. The tricks were simple and didn't require much skill or practice, which may be useful for beginners, but not for someone looking to expand their repertoire. The book lacked depth and failed to engage me in any meaningful way. While there were some interesting concepts, they were easily overshadowed by the lackluster execution. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more enriching and challenging magical experience.
5. Michael - 3 stars - "Self Working Magic" had its moments, but overall, it felt like a compilation of tricks from various other sources. While some of the tricks were enjoyable to perform, they lacked the originality and creativity I was hoping for. The explanations were clear, but I felt like the book could have offered more insights into the theory and psychology behind these tricks. Ultimately, it was an average collection of self-working magic, but nothing exceptional or groundbreaking.