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Notion of Motion by Angelo Carbone

Created by: Angelo Carbone

Notion of Motion by Angelo Carbone is a legendary 'any named card' rising card effect where a spectator freely names any card from a deck, and that card mysteriously rises out of the deck held in the magician's hand. This is a close-up or parlour magic trick that requires no force, no threads, no magnets, and no electronics. The deck can be shown before and after the trick, and the inside of the card box can also be displayed, adding to the impossibility. Originally a rare and expensive effect, it's now more accessible with improved gimmicks and additional handling ideas from Joshua Jay for stand-up performances.

Key features

  • No force, threads, magnets, or electronics

  • Deck can be shown before and after the trick

  • Includes handling ideas for stand-up performances

  • Improved gimmick for better performance

Pros

  • Highly visual and impossible effect

  • No restrictive methods (threads/magnets)

  • Deck and box can be shown

  • Legendary status in magic community

Cons

  • Requires decent eyesight to perform

  • Deck cannot be fully examined

  • Angles need to be managed during performance

Effect

Notion of Motion by Angelo Carbone is a legendary rising card effect where a spectator freely names any card from a standard deck, and that exact card visibly rises out of the deck while held in the magician’s hand. There is no force, no equivocation, and no magician’s choice—the card is entirely the spectator’s selection. The deck can be shown before and after the trick, and the effect uses no threads, magnets, or electronics.

Full Details

Originally a rare and highly sought-after effect, Notion of Motion was once only available in limited handmade quantities for upwards of $400-$500. Now, thanks to Banishing Inc., it is more accessible. The trick allows the magician to:

  • Show the deck before and after the effect.
  • Display the inside of the card box, proving it empty.
  • Perform in stand-up or close-up settings with different handlings, including one taught by Joshua Jay involving a silk for easier execution.

The method is mechanical but ingeniously designed, making the effect both baffling and practical.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Magicians who want a powerful, reputation-making effect.
  • Performers who enjoy card magic but want something beyond standard card tricks.
  • Those who appreciate high-quality, well-constructed gimmicks.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies depending on the handling:

  • Easiest version (using a silk): Minimal skill required, making it accessible to most performers.
  • Original handling (barehanded): Requires some practice to master the mechanics smoothly.
  • Visual requirement: The performer must have decent eyesight to execute the method properly.

What Magicians Say

  • Mike Caveney called it a "version of the Hooker card rise you can keep in your pocket," referencing its practicality compared to older, cumbersome methods.
  • Derren Brown described it simply as "perfect and impossible."
  • itsallthingsmagic praised it as "legendary" and noted its impact in performance, calling it "Miracle level material."
  • SaturnMagicShop highlighted its historical rarity and the creator’s personal use in professional shows, calling it a "work of art."

Notion of Motion is a standout effect that combines impossibility with practicality, making it a valuable addition to any magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Notion of Motion by Angelo Carbone

itsallthingsmagic says...

This is a version of the hooker card rise you can keep in your pocket—perfect and impossible. [...] The deck can be shown before and after, and the inside of the box is also examinable.

Luke Dcy says...

This legendary effect was once a myth, but now it's accessible. The thinking behind it is as brilliant as the performance.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Notion of Motion is miracle-level material with an impact unlike almost any other card trick. The method is as exciting as the trick itself.

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