In Search of Dowsing

Magicians, mentalists and mystery performers are a funny lot, often quick to adopt and demonstrate a power, practice or system which they have neither studied nor believe. Take, for example, dowsing: a technique for searching for underground water, minerals, or anything invisible, by observing and feeling the motion of a hand-held pointer (traditionally a forked stick or paired bent wires) or the changes in direction of a pendulum, proportedly in response to unseen influences.

Duns Congue Vestrum Fac

Michael Weber The Journal of Psience (Vol 1 Issue 3)

”That’s where the money is…”

This third issue of the Journal marks the half-way point for the first year of enrollment. A meeting place is under construction. It will offer those currently enrolled an opportunity to interact with each other and with the ideas and routines offered in the issues of the Journal.

The first bonus issue is also nearing completion. It will present an alternative path to achieving a moment of theatrical mind reading that traditionally focuses on a sterile data set. This non-traditional approach focuses on the core characteristics of the subject matter at hand making the process of mindreading feel more like a deepening sense of understanding and less like a game of hang-man.

This month’s presentations offer a look at the balance between process and outcome. Too much procedure and the entire experience will feel less like an entertainment and more like a burden-some chore. But if the steps leading up to a final revelation are too few or insignificant, they fre-quently offer little opportunity for the performer to develop his character or the relationship be-tween himself and his audience. As is most often the case, balance is the key. We want to provide an internal logic for the process, while leaving room for mystery. Work to offer moments of partici-pation from and interaction with members of the audience which are designed to strengthen the feeling of mystery. And finally, make sure the length and difficulty of the journey leads to a desti-nation which is exponentially more satisfying than the effort required to get there.

Let the journey begin.

Michael Weber The Journal of Psience (Vol 1 Issue 4)

Issue Four of the Journal takes a second look at Color Match which has become one of the most favored effects in magic and mentalism. Tony Anverdi started it all back in the early 1980’s and 30 years later, Craig Filicetti revived the method and effect with a vengeance. Few effects offer the same degree of spectator freedom and participation. Even fewer routines provide the guaranteed punch of the color-based drawing duplication. This month’s bonus material moves outside the lines and reexamines the Color Match effect and procedure in an informal context. Many restaurants offer a small box of crayons to amuse their youngest guests, a practice of which the clever per-former can take advantage. Finally, be on the look out for a few select offers of items which have only been available at recent conferences like The Genii Convention in Orlando and the Las Vegas based Mindvention (where a stage performance of the Day for Any Date from Issue One generated solid applause, much positive commentary, dozens of inquisi-tive mentalists and a healthy increase in the number of Psience members.) Please remember that this material is being shared so you can perform it (as long as you do not perform it on television, cable, YouTube or any other broadcast, live streamed or recorded format. Let’s keep live experiences alive.)

Michael Weber The Journal of Psience (Vol 1 Issue 5)