What comes in to your mind when you hear the word "magic"? What
is magic? What is the ART of magic? According to World Book
Online Encyclopedia, "The word magic also refers to
entertainment in which the performer does tricks of so-called
magic. In such entertainment, neither the magicians nor the
audience believes that the performer has supernatural powers."
On the other hand, Paul Harris who is the author of "The Art of
Astonishment" defines magicians as "guides to astonishment".
Thus, magic can be defined as "an application of guided
astonishment." The three main branches of magic are "stage
magic", "parlor magic" and "close-up magic". Stage magic is any
magic that can be done on a stage. Stage magic is used to depict
the imagination. On the other hand, there's also "stand-up"
magic. If you've ever seen the Amazing Johnathan or Paul Kozak
perform, you've been witness to stand-up magic.
Magic can be categorized by the motivations and the performance
styles, but it does not end there. Here are some of the types of
magic according to motivation:
Parlor magic is performed right on the same floor level as the
audience, as opposed to a raised stage. Gospel is a special type
of parlor magic that is used to demonstrate religious (mostly
Christian) concepts. With the replacement of intimate nightclubs
by super-mega-nightclubs and comedy clubs, classic parlor magic
is rarely seen today. A distinctive branch of magic has
developed quite recently, called "close-up". Close-up magic,
like the other styles of magic, has developed its own individual
genres. Other types of close-up magic are "table-hopping",
"walk-around" and "street magic". All these magic happens in the
magician's and/or spectator's hands. This form of magic has
become increasingly popular due to its intimate nature.
After discussing the various ways and motivations of magic, it
seems appropriate to talk about the various types of "magic".
Eugene Burger, who co-authored the entitled "Magic and Meaning",
he mentioned the divisions of magic. First, there is the
"primary magic" which is the imagination.
Secondary magic, on the other hand, is drawn out of the
imagination and into the physical world. These include "ritual"
magic and "stage" magic. Ritual magic is directed to enhance
some aspect of life. A good example of this is magic performed
by an Indian shaman (i.e. the rain dance around a campfire).
Unlike stage magic, ritual magic relies on the imagination
itself.
Other types of magic are:
Detached magic, which is a form of ritual magic, wherein the
symbols used do not have direct significance to the individual
invoking the magic. Reflexive or trickster magic uses deception.
This differs from reduced deceptive magic as it focuses on
reminding and telling audiences its deceptive nature. Such
include gambling displays and "sucker tricks.
About the author:
Preston Houer has been involved with the art of illusion and
sleight of hand for over 30 years. Let Preston show you how to
Have Fun With Magic. Visit His Site Today!
http://www.have-fun-with-magic.com
Written by: Preston Houer
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Magic and Illusion
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