Jerry Andrus (1918–2007) was an American magician and inventor known for his innovative magic tricks and optical illusions. He was born in Sheridan, Oregon and developed a deep interest in magic and illusions from a young age. Throughout his career, Andrus explored and created numerous original magic effects that baffled and amazed audiences. Andrus was particularly well-known for his close-up magic tricks that often relied on visual and psychological misdirection. He would use ordinary objects like cards, coins, and rubber bands to create illusions that seemed impossible to explain. His unique approach to magic combined sleight of hand, psychology, and innovative props to create effects that were both surprising and deceptive.
Accusations of witch-craft in [the 16th and 17th centuries] were often associated with devil-worship and Satanism. Witch-hunts were used to target any heretical (non-mainstream Christian) beliefs. Victims were often accused of debauched practices and transformation (turning into animals) as well as communion with evil spirits.
He lamented that the emperor Hadrian and a tribe of demons had defiled a Christian sacred place by building a temple to impure Aphrodite over Christ s tomb and had proffered foul sacrifices there upon defiled and polluted altars. She protests, and the crowd settles the matter by asking Zatchlas to recall the spirit from the grave for a brief time and to reanimate the body as it was before his death.
His unique approach to magic combined sleight of hand, psychology, and innovative props to create effects that were both surprising and deceptive. But what truly set Andrus apart from other magicians was his ability to create optical illusions that seemed to defy the laws of physics. He developed a unique technique called "Paradox Boxes" that allowed him to create three-dimensional objects that appeared to be physically impossible.
Do Pagans Worship the Devil?
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on August 14, 2019You've just discovered and started researching Paganism, and that's great! But uh-oh. someone went and got you worried because they told you Pagans are devil worshipers. Even scarier, you saw a picture, somewhere on this website, of a guy wearing horns. Yikes! Now what? Do Pagans really follow Satan?
The short answer to that question is No. Satan is a Christian construct, and so he’s outside of the spectrum of most Pagan belief systems, including Wicca. If someone tells you they’re a Satanist, then they’re a Satanist, not a Wiccan.
It's also important to keep in mind that most people who self-identify as Satanists do not, in fact, worship Satan as a deity, but instead embrace a concept of individualism and ego. Many Satanists are in fact atheists, particularly among those who follow LaVeyan Satanism. Others consider themselves hedonists. Regardless of your feelings about Old Scratch, the Devil, Beelzebub, or whatever you want to call him, Satan generally doesn't appear in most modern Pagan spiritual systems.
Many evangelical branches of Christianity warn members to avoid any sort of Pagan belief path. After all, they caution you, worship of any being other than the Christian god is tantamount to devil-worship. Focus On the Family, a fundamentalist Christian group, warns that if you're looking at the positive aspects of Paganism, it's because you've been tricked by the devil. They say, "Many Wiccans say that Wicca is harmless and nature-loving—that it has nothing to do with evil, Satanism and dark forces. But that is exactly what Satan wants them to believe! Intent on deceit, "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light," says Paul. "It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." Paul says that if they don't turn toward God and repent, "their end will be what their actions deserve" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)."
These boxes were made up of a series of interconnected pieces that, when viewed from a specific angle, created the illusion of an object that couldn't exist in reality. Andrus also invented other optical illusions, such as the famous "Impossible Box", a wooden box that seemed to have no top or bottom. In addition to his magic performances, Andrus also dedicated much of his time to teaching others about magic and the art of deception. He published numerous books and articles on various aspects of magic, including sleight of hand techniques, psychological misdirection, and the creation of optical illusions. Andrus believed that sharing his knowledge and experiences with others was crucial in keeping the art of magic alive and evolving. Throughout his life, Jerry Andrus received recognition and awards for his contributions to the field of magic. He was inducted into the Magic Circle Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the prestigious Milbourne Christopher Award. Andrus's work continues to inspire and influence magicians and illusionists around the world, and his magical creations and illusions are still performed and studied today. In conclusion, Jerry Andrus was a visionary magician and inventor who pushed the boundaries of magic and created illusions that continue to captivate audiences. His innovative tricks and optical illusions have left a lasting impact on the world of magic, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge has ensured that his legacy lives on..
Reviews for "The Life and Work of Jerry Andrus: A Legend in Magic"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Jerry Andrus Magic". The tricks performed were unimpressive and lacked any wow factor. The presentation was also quite bland and did not hold my attention. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for an entertaining magic performance.
2. John Smith - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Jerry Andrus Magic" but unfortunately, it fell short. The tricks were predictable and poorly executed, making it easy to figure out how they were done. The overall flow of the performance was disjointed, and it felt like the magician was just going through the motions. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
3. Sarah Thompson - 1 star - "Jerry Andrus Magic" was a complete waste of time and money. The tricks were outdated and failed to capture my interest. The magician seemed unenthusiastic and lacking in showmanship. I was hoping for an exciting and mind-blowing performance, but instead, I was bored and unimpressed throughout the entire show. I would not recommend this to anyone seeking an enjoyable magic experience.
4. Michael Johnson - 2 stars - I attended "Jerry Andrus Magic" with high hopes, but sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. The performance lacked originality and creativity, with tricks that have been seen countless times before. The magician's delivery was lackluster, and there was little interaction with the audience. Overall, the show felt stale and left me wanting more.
5. Emily Davis - 1 star - "Jerry Andrus Magic" was quite possibly the most unimpressive magic show I've ever seen. The tricks were basic and lacked any real sense of wonder or astonishment. The magician seemed disinterested and rushed through the performance. I would not recommend this show to anyone who is looking for a truly captivating and mind-blowing magic experience.