Past Present & Future by Rick Lax

Created by: Rick Lax

Past Present & Future is a tarot-themed mentalism trick that combines cold reading with a surprising revelation. A spectator freely selects three cards from a shuffled tarot deck, which are then revealed to have 'past,' 'present,' and 'future' written on their backs. The magician ties the card meanings into a personalized and often humorous reading, creating a unique and engaging experience. This trick is best suited for performers comfortable with cold reading and mentalism, and it works well in tarot-themed performances or as a fun icebreaker. The included tutorial is thorough, but the trick relies heavily on strong presentation skills to sell the effect.

Key features

Uses a tarot deck with three pre-marked cards
Combines cold reading with a surprising revelation
Thorough tutorial included
Best suited for performers comfortable with mentalism and cold reading
Works well in tarot-themed performances or as an icebreaker

Pros

Easy to perform
Engaging for spectators
Unique and personalized experience
Thorough tutorial included

Cons

Relies heavily on presentation skills
Limited to tarot-themed settings
Not ideal for high-energy or corporate performances

Effect

The trick 'Past Present & Future' by Rick Lax uses a tarot deck to create a personalized reading for a spectator. The performer shuffles the deck and asks the spectator to select three cards. These cards are then revealed to have 'past,' 'present,' and 'future' written on their backs, creating a surprising and engaging effect. The performer can tie the meanings of the cards into a humorous or relatable story, making the trick both entertaining and memorable.

Full details

The trick involves a tarot deck with three pre-marked cards labeled 'past,' 'present,' and 'future.' The deck is shuffled, and the spectator freely selects three cards. The performer then reveals that these cards correspond to the spectator's past, present, and future. The trick relies on a clever method to ensure the marked cards are chosen, and the performer can use cold reading techniques to enhance the effect. The included tutorial is thorough, providing detailed instructions on how to perform the trick effectively.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and are comfortable with cold reading techniques. It is particularly suited for performers who want to add a tarot-themed routine to their repertoire or those who enjoy creating personalized and engaging experiences for their audience. It may not be the best fit for high-energy or corporate settings, as it requires a more intimate and thoughtful presentation.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The method behind 'Past Present & Future' is relatively simple, making it accessible to magicians of various skill levels. However, the trick's effectiveness heavily depends on the performer's presentation and cold reading skills. While the technical aspect is straightforward, delivering a convincing and engaging performance requires practice and confidence in storytelling and audience interaction.

What magicians say

Craig and Matt from 'The Matt Test' praised the trick for its surprising effectiveness and the depth of the included tutorial. Matt, who initially dislikes fortune-telling, found the trick enjoyable and noted its potential in the right hands. Craig highlighted the importance of presentation, stating that the trick relies more on performance than method. Magic-tv also reviewed the trick positively, emphasizing its simplicity and engagement for spectators, though they noted it is best suited for tarot-themed performances. AlakazamMagicUK gave the trick a glowing review, calling it a mind-bending addition to any magician's repertoire.