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Mind, Myth & Magick by T.A. Waters

Created by: T.A. Waters

Mind, Myth & Magick by T.A. Waters is a seminal book in the field of mentalism, offering a comprehensive collection of routines, essays, and concepts that serve as both a creative catalyst and a practical toolkit for performers. It covers a wide range of mentalism staples including tarot, book tests, newspaper tests, deck switches, and séance routines, with fresh takes on each. The book is packed with powerful effects like 'Pacted' and 'Box Office', and techniques such as 'Hex Change' and 'Kino', all designed to elevate a performer’s act with unique, audience-tested material.

Key features

  • Contains lesser-known but powerful effects like 'Pacted' and 'Box Office'

  • Covers a wide range of mentalism staples with fresh takes

  • Includes practical techniques such as 'Hex Change' and 'Kino'

  • Serves as a source of inspiration and a toolkit for crafting original material

  • Highly revered in mentalism circles, though long-out-of-print

Pros

  • Offers a comprehensive collection of routines and concepts

  • Provides fresh takes on mentalism staples

  • Includes practical, audience-tested material

  • Acts as both a creative catalyst and a practical toolkit

Cons

  • Long-out-of-print, may be hard to find

  • Some routines demand significant work to master

Effect

The book Mind, Myth & Magick contains a variety of mentalism effects that astonish audiences. Performers can make predictions appear impossible, switch decks without detection, and create striking visual moments like a participant vanishing and being replaced by a rose silhouette. The routines cover classic mentalism themes such as tarot readings, book tests, and séance performances, all with fresh and deceptive methods.

Full Details

Mind, Myth & Magick by T.A. Waters is a comprehensive book for mentalists. It includes detailed routines, essays, and techniques that range from beginner-friendly to advanced. Some standout effects include:

  • Pacted: A full billet-based act that can serve as a complete performance piece.
  • Box Office: A hands-off prediction effect that requires no gimmicks.
  • Hex Change: A deck switch method designed for standup performers, executed without a table.
  • Kino: A variation of the gold medallion effect with strong audience impact.

The book also covers tarot, newspaper tests, and séance routines, providing multiple ways to structure a mentalism act.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for mentalists who want to expand their repertoire with original, audience-tested material. It suits performers looking for fresh takes on classic effects and those who enjoy studying theory alongside practical routines. Beginners may find some techniques challenging, but the book offers enough variety to benefit all skill levels.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by routine. Some effects, like Box Office, are straightforward and require minimal setup. Others, such as Hex Change and Pacted, demand practice to master. The book includes essays and theory that help performers refine their approach, making it useful for both learning and improving existing skills.

What Magicians Say

The reviewer from Penguin Magic calls Mind, Myth & Magick a "Bible for mentalists," praising its overlooked routines and practical value. They highlight Hex Change as one of the best deck switches for standup performers and mention using Kino successfully in their shows. The book is described as a source of inspiration, with the reviewer noting their personal copy is filled with performance notes.

The reviewer states: "If you’re looking for a great collection of tricks, techniques, premises, plots, thoughts, concepts, essays, ideas—you can look no better or further than T.A. Waters."

This endorsement emphasizes the book’s depth and usefulness for mentalists seeking to elevate their performances.

What people are saying about Mind, Myth & Magick

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

If you’re looking for a great collection of tricks, techniques, premises, plots, thoughts, concepts, essays, ideas—you can look no better or further than T.A. Waters.

Review videos