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Morning Star by Josep Vidal

Created by: Josep Vidal

Morning Star is a close-up card flourish where a single playing card is spun into the air and caught cleanly, creating a visually stunning and dynamic effect. It is part of a set of one-card flourishes that can be used to add flair to card magic routines or as practice for cardistry. This trick requires no advanced sleight-of-hand, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels, but it is recommended to be comfortable with basic one-hand cuts for better control. Using Bicycle playing cards is advised for optimal performance due to their finish and stock. The flourish is highly visual and can be incorporated into performances to reveal a selected card or add a moment of magic between effects.

Key features

  • No advanced sleight-of-hand required, suitable for all skill levels

  • Uses standard Bicycle playing cards for best results

  • Can be integrated into card magic routines or used for cardistry practice

  • Emphasizes smooth motions and practice in front of a mirror for clean execution

  • Builds on foundational skills like one-hand cuts

Pros

  • Highly visual and impressive effect

  • Easy to learn with step-by-step tutorial

  • Versatile for use in various card performances

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the spin and catch

  • May not be suitable for performers uncomfortable with basic card handling

Effect

The Morning Star is a visual card flourish. A magician spins a single playing card into the air. The card rotates cleanly before being caught again. This creates a brief, eye-catching moment of magic. It looks like the card is defying gravity for an instant.

Full details

The Morning Star is a one-card flourish. It is part of a set of moves that add style to card magic. The move involves spinning a card off the fingers. The card travels a short distance into the air. The magician then catches it. No advanced sleight of hand is needed. The move relies on finger placement and a flicking motion. Practice is required to make the spin and catch look smooth. Bicycle playing cards are often recommended for this flourish. Their finish helps the card move consistently.

Who should consider the trick

The Morning Star is for magicians who want to improve their card handling. It is good for performers who include visual elements in their routines. Cardists may also find it useful for practice. Beginners can learn it, but some basic skill is helpful. Josep Vidal suggests being comfortable with a one-hand cut first. This move is not for those who only do self-working tricks. It is for magicians willing to practice to add flair.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Morning Star is slightly more advanced than other one-hand flourishes. It requires coordination to spin and catch the card cleanly. Josep Vidal notes that it is achievable with practice. He advises starting slowly. Focus on smooth motions rather than speed. Practice in front of a mirror to check hand angles. The move is not highly difficult, but it needs repetition to master. It is suitable for most skill levels with dedication.

What magicians say

Josep Vidal includes the Morning Star in his tutorial on one-card flourishes. He describes it as a dynamic move that adds visual appeal. He says these flourishes are practical and easy to learn with clear instruction. Vidal emphasizes that no advanced sleight-of-hand is required. He recommends using Bicycle cards for best results. His teaching style is methodical, making the move feel achievable.

What people are saying about Morning Star

Josep Vidal says...

The Morning Star is a slightly more advanced flourish where the card is spun into the air and caught, making it practical, performative, and easy to learn with practice.

Tutorial videos