Magic, mindreading, misdirection?

[Contrabass101]

I am an amateur magician, who enjoy the aspect of magic called mentalism, or mental magic - that is giving the impression that a spectator’s mind has been read, or somehow subconsciously influenced to make a certain choice. Derren Brown is, I think, the best known performer in this field.

• • • Spoiler below * * *

In fact most, if not all, “mindreading” rely on some sort of trickery or sleight of hand, and of course the basic skill of all magic - misdirection.

Of course it would be wrong to hold séances, pose as a medium etc., I am a bit uncertain about some of the finer points… Revealing how a trick is done, spoils the fun for everyone, and most books recommend the use of a an explanation that directs the spectator’s attention somewhere else. For instance one might pretend (or even state) to be picking up on facial expressions, unconscious movement etc. That way people would not ask to inspect cards or pens that you use. The point is to make people stop thinking about trickery-explanations entirely. Modern psychology have many handy terms and themes for such misdirection. Again, Derren Brown applies them brilliantly.

The mindreader, like the ordinary magician (or even actor) is in the business of manipulation and deceit. There is a sense in which the audience wishes to be lied to, and there is a sense in which it seems okay, but then again, the lines seem blurred.

Is it okay at all to lie to a spectator? And where does one draw the line?

Any thoughts? Perhaps even some fellow Catholic magicians.

 

[JimG]

A good magician always has a good line of patter, is expert at misdirection, and never reveals his secrets.

Nothing wrong with that. That’s why people will pay to see a good magician or illusionist.

The audience expects to be deceived!

 

[Contrabass101]

Yeah, it might be that simple…

But then again, the mentalism-genre might be slightly different. No one actually believes that “Maximillian Magic the Magnificent” can produce rabbits out of thin air, but many people think that Derren Brown does actually have some “quasi-psychic” abilities. Some people even start learning NLP to “be like Derren Brown”.

The line between the stage and the real world is not so clear in this genre of magic. I think that’s what fascinates me, actually…

But that also means, that people may actually believe in some of your psycho-babble misdirections, which I think complicates the situation a bit.

Or maybe I’m just being over-scrupulous…

 

[promethius]

Yeah, it might be that simple…

But then again, the mentalism-genre might be slightly different. No one actually believes that “Maximillian Magic the Magnificent” can produce rabbits out of thin air, but many people think that Derren Brown does actually have some “quasi-psychic” abilities. Some people even start learning NLP to “be like Derren Brown”.

The line between the stage and the real world is not so clear in this genre of magic. I think that’s what fascinates me, actually…

But that also means, that people may actually believe in some of your psycho-babble misdirections, which I think complicates the situation a bit.

Or maybe I’m just being over-scrupulous…

The best mentalist I ever saw in performance always made a speech at the end of his shows, detailing not how the tricks were done, but reminding that they are, in fact, tricks. Then he would give a little schpeel on the power of belief and doing something that you love with your life. I thought it actually added to the show.

That being said, NLP is a legitimate art form. It doesn’t involve reading minds at all, but rather implements suggestive psychology. People in sales and marketing use forms of NLP all the time. The mistake comes when we allow people, especially ourselves, to continually assume that a psychological phenomenon known as NLP is actually a mystical phenomenon known as ESP. There’s a marked difference between using suggestive language to make someone think something you want them to, verses attempting to use illicit powers to do unGodly acts.

 

[Contrabass101]

Thank you.

It may take a little while before I reach a conclusion, but the thoughts you have both provided is great. I think I will continue to read minds with a good conscience

• CB

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

Can you explain in what way you go about reading people’s minds. I mean, do you put on shows in front of a nice size audience for the pure purpose of the people’s entertainment? Like a Broadway show…like Sigfried and Roy? Do you tell fortunes? Before I can comment, I need a better understanding. I haven’t heard or seen this Derrin person to my knowledge, so I don’t know what he does.

 

[Highwayhound]

Any thoughts? Perhaps even some fellow Catholic magicians.

Answering the call for fellow Catholic magicians:bluelite:

I am not sure who this Derren Brown is, but if you are interested is learning about I magician that handles matters right concerning your question then I suggest investigating one Andre Kole. One of my soccer players invited me to his church to watch Andre Kole perform. I even got to go up on stage to assist with one trick.

andrekole.org/

Of course it would be wrong to hold séances, pose as a medium etc., I am a bit uncertain about some of the finer points… Revealing how a trick is done, spoils the fun for everyone,

I agree on both these points.

The mindreader, like the ordinary magician (or even actor) is in the business of manipulation and deceit. There is a sense in which the audience wishes to be lied to, and there is a sense in which it seems okay, but then again, the lines seem blurred.

I would suggest a different perspective. The business is entertainment. Skills such as manipulation and deceit are used, but for the purpose of entertainment. As well if you properly present yourself as a magician then your audience will understand this to be your purpose.

but then again, the lines seem blurred

This is where you and your virtues as a Catholic will come into the picture. Let me illustrate with an example from the summer of 1998. Cyclops(my dog) and I were bicycling around the country of France. This was the year France won the World Cup and the year before Lance Armstrong started his improbable run through the Tour of France race (Pantani won this summer). Somewhere northeast of Lyon on the way to Germany a kind French family let my dog and I stay with them. One evening after dinner I set about thanking this family with a magic show. A favorite card trick I perform is to deal out three 2s and ask people to put their hand over them. Then I cut to an ace and rub the ace on the back of their hands. The 2s when picked up become aces – quite a stunner.

The father of the family called out, “Diable!”

Now as a good Catholic I could not let this stand.

“Any talent I have is from God”, I responded.

When I have conducted “Family Night” at my church each performance is started with a prayer. So, it is up to you to make matters clear in your performances.

Is it okay at all to lie to a spectator? And where does one draw the line?

Are you seeking to gain some advantage from the spectator? Are you abusing the spectator? Your performance of magic tricks can be what you make of it. You can choose to make it worthy of God and wholesome.

It is late here. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to message me and ask any questions.

God bless

 

[chevalier]

I don’t think pulling rabbits out of a hat can be sinful. On the other hand, one doesn’t need gratuitous pseudo-esoteric symbolics with it. So if one keeps it clean… Or tricks you do with a set of cards. Deceiving the audience, on demand and for pay, isn’t much more actually deceptive than being a very convincing Hamlet. It just seems less noble than a classical play.

As for the mental stuff, one needs to remember to respect other’s will and privacy. Just because it’s science and not esoterism doesn’t mean we’re free to go subliminal on people.