Magic Tricks For Beginners

Review of Egyptian Paganism for Beginners: Bring the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt into Daily Life (Paperback)

2009-09-11T13:28:00.000-06:00

It should be noted first off that this is not a book of ancient Egyptian paganism as it would have been practiced, but rather a modern interpretation using Egyptian godforms in a modern neo-pagan setting, helpfully divided into two sections.

In part one, Egyptian concepts of God are related with the authors' understanding that 'each of the major neteru can represent the Supreme Being, each showing a slightly different facet of the One who is unknowable and inconceivable in his or her entirety. The neteru retain their individual identities, so the devotee is able to encounter the One in a very personal and intimate way.' (pg 7) Briefly described are a few Egyptian-specific terms such as the ka, sekhem, and the Heavenly Trine, and fortunately the authors honestly note that one 'cannot be sure that the ancient Egyptian words?mean the exact equivalent of terms we use today for such concepts' (pg 11). Also described are the elements involved in creating a shrine, the opening of the mouth ceremony, and further notes on Egyptian magick; as well as general pagan and magickal concepts such as casting a circle, totem and assumption of godforms.

The second part is dedicated to the various Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. Following various descriptions of their histories throughout the dynasties are invocations, replies, calls, meditations and commentary for many of the major Gods and Goddesses. Though they do state that it is '?not intended to be a dictionary of gods and goddesses the neteru are not presented in alphabetical order, but in the order that we believe is going to be the most helpful for explaining the nature of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices, showing an overall view of the religions' further noting that 'only a small selection of the neteru is featured' (pg 8).

There are, however, a few points of contention. For one, the understanding of chakra and kundalini lore was very simplified, and not really relevant to the text at hand, having no sensible place in Egyptian religion. Also, there did seem to be an overabundance of comparisons to Judeo-Christian mythology, perhaps they're trying to provide a reference point for those coming from such a background, but I found it more of a distraction than useful. There's no need to equate the two, as they come from completely different mythological and ritual backgrounds.

While not an expression of ancient Egyptian religion and ritual as it may have been practiced, it does provide a basic introduction to modern Egyptian paganism, not a bad start to one's exploration of this path.

Product Description
Bring the sacred rites and rituals of ancient Egypt into your Pagan practice today. This beautifully written guide, by noted scholars Jocelyn Almond and Keith Seddon, presents a compelling overview of ancient Egyptian religious and magical beliefs.

Egyptian Paganism for Beginners is unique in its focus on specific rituals for individual gods and goddesses. For solitary practitioners who want to perform daily devotions, it offers genuine invocations and prayers for each of the main Egyptian deities. There are translations of authentic religious texts, along with insightful commentary on relevant Egyptian history, myth, and lore.

Also included in this comprehensive guidebook are practical instructions on how to cast a circle, make a shrine, consecrate statues, and channel oracles. The reader will learn how to safely evoke entities, invoke deities, and "assume the Godform"-a major tenet of ancient Egyptian religion.

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Review of Goldie: The Sunshine Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 4) (Paperback)

2009-09-11T08:54:00.000-06:00

These Weather Fairy books by Daisy Meadows (hey... I wouldn't put my real name on them either) are wholly unremarkable.I suppose they're harmless enough for K-3 grade kids, but there's nothing to distinguish them.The writing is tediously simplistic, the stories are unimaginative, and the illustrations uninspiring.I read a couple to my kids and they never asked for them again... and they ask for everything again.

This may seem harsh criticism for books so obviously targeted at young girls, but compare these to some of the exception children's literature out there (H. A. Rey, Beatrix Potter, Maurice Sendak, Ludwig Bemelmans, Dr. Seuss, Kay Thompson, Arnold Lobel, etc., etc., etc) and their mediocrity becomes quite clear.Something intended to encourage kids to read doesn't have to aim so low.I'd argue for the advantages of the opposite approach.

- mm

Product Description
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies!They use magical feathers to bring all of the weather to Fairyland.But when the feathers disappear, the weather turns wacky.The Weather Fairies must fix it -- fast! Goldie the Sunshine Fairy's magic feather has disappeared.Now Wetherbury is so hot and sunny that the cornfields are turning into popcorn.What a mess!Find one feather in each book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Goldie: The Sunshine Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 4) (Paperback)

Review of Mouse Makes Magic: Phonics Reader (Step-Into-Reading, Step 2) (Paperback)

2009-09-10T13:20:00.000-06:00

My daughter LOVES mouse and his books.We have bought them all and wish there were more.Mouse makes reading concepts very fun and very easy to grasp.I home school and have shown these books to my other homeschooling friends.They have all been amazed at how cheap they are and how much information they deliver in a easy fun way.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mouse Makes Magic: Phonics Reader (Step-Into-Reading, Step 2) (Paperback)

Review of Fern: The Green Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 4) (Paperback)

2009-09-10T09:15:00.000-06:00

These books are just right for my 6-year old girl.She loves the magic (the 2 human girls can turn into fairies and fly!), the puzzle of finding the color feathers, and also the friendship of the girls and fairies working together.I enjoy reading them too, that's important, they aren't boring to me!

Product Description
Fairyland is home to seven colorful sisters.Together, they are the Rainbow Fairies!They keep Fairyland dazzling and bright.But when evil Jack Frost sends them far away, the sisters are in big trouble.If they don't return soon, Fairyland is doomed to be gray forever!Rachel and Kirsty are sure that the garden maze holds a special secret.If they make all the right turns, could it lead them to Fern the Green Fairy?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fern: The Green Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 4) (Paperback)

Review of The Magic World of the Amazing Randi (Paperback)

2009-09-10T05:58:00.000-06:00

The Amazing Randi searched the world of magic to bring you the illusions described in this book. Here they are by country of origin from Canada to Viet Nam:

*Canada, Dean Gunnarson, "The Houdini Coin"
*France, Steve Gotson, "You Do As I Do ... If You Can!"
*Ireland, Billy McComb, "Sorting Out the Cards"
*Italy, Massimo Polidoro, "Restored String"
*Jamaica, Michael Chen, "The Buddha Papers"
*Mexico, Joaquin Ayala, "Nick Nack
*Puerto Rico, Alexander, "The Magic Hole"
*South Africa, Steve Shaw, "I Never Miss!"
*Switzerland, Martin Cottet, "Color Telepathy"
*U.S.A., Tony Albano, "Time for E.S.P."
*U.S.A., Angel, "The Ghost Pencil"
*U.S.A., Arthur Benjamin, "Gotcha!"
*U.S.A., Harry Blackstone, "The Amazing Black Hole"
*U.S.A., Nathan Burton, "The Holy Handkerchief"
*U.S.A., David Copperfield, "The Jumping Rubber Band"
*U.S.A., Goldfinger & Dove, "How Many Cards?"
*U.S.A., Denny Lee & Minh, "E.S.P. By Telephone"
*U.S.A., Tina Lenert, "The Evaporating Glass"
*U.S.A., Harry Maurer, "The Next Card I Turn Over"
*U.S.A., Penn & Teller, "The Trick that Never Goes Wrong"
*U.S.A., James Randi, "Cards in the Pocket"
*U.S.A., Robert Steiner, "A Sure Prediction"
*U.S.S.R., Oleg Medvedev, "Vanishing Knot, Is It Not?"
*Viet Nam, Alan Nguyen, "The Turnover Coin"

This book is well written by James (The Amazing) Randi and attractively illustrated by Penny Alexander. The attentive reader will learn about shuffles and steals, palms and cuts, gaffs and gimmicks, acts and effects, misdirections and props.

Each effect is introduced with a flattering portrait of a magician accompanied by an equally flattering portraiture of the same. This is followed by a brief description of the performer's magical selection in company with a detailed explanation of how it's done. Numerous illustrations, beautifully penciled, clarify the tricky moves and the role of props, which include cards, coins, paper, handkerchiefs, napkins, strings, shoelaces, books, magazines, pencils, crayons, rubber bands, and a glass.

My Favorite Quote: "The Spectator ... may attribute alien powers to you!"

My Favorite Effect: "Sorting Out the Cards" by Ireland's Billy McComb.

About James (The Amazing) Randi

James Randi is a writer, educator, magician, escape artist, investigator of paranormal boasts, debunker of occult claims, revealer of faith healers' tricks, exposer of flim-flam artists, Uri Geller's truth detector, and challenger of psychics everywhere.

The James Randi Education Foundation is offering one million dollars to anyone who can show incontrovertible evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event. Since 1964, more than 1,000 people (including psychics, mediums, dowsers, astrologers, faith healers, exorcists, and hustlers) have submitted applications to claim the prize. As of November 5, 2008, no one has ever demonstrated the paranormal ability they claimed to possess.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Magic World of the Amazing Randi (Paperback)

Review of Crystal: The Snow Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 1) (Paperback)

2009-09-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

I bought this for my seven year old daughterand she loved it. It prompted her to get the entire series. It was very age appropriate.It was easy for her to read.

Product Description
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies!They use magical feathers to bring all of the weather to Fairyland.But when the feathers disappear, the weather turns wacky.The Weather Fairies must fix it -- fast! In this book, Crystal the Snow Fairy has lost her magic feather.Now it's snowing in summer!Find one feather in each book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crystal: The Snow Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 1) (Paperback)

Review of Hayley: The Rain Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 7) (Paperback)

2009-09-09T13:35:00.000-06:00

We've been struggling for a way to get my daughter to read now that she's run out of Junie B. Jones books. The Weather Fairies books have done the trick.She seems to enjoy reading again for the first time in half a year or more.

I have to say I haven't read any of the Weather Fairies myself but I caught my twelve-year-old son reading the series because his sister had obviously liked it.He said he wanted to read more, too.

Product Description
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies!Along with Doodle the rooster and his magical feathers, they bring all of the weather to Fairyland.But when evil Jack Frost and his goblins steal the feathers, the weather turns wacky.It's up to the Weather Fairies to fix it -- fast!Rachel and Kirsty have only one magic feather left to find, and it belongs to Hayley the Rain Fairy.But with a flood in full flow, will they ever reach it?Find the final feather in this book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hayley: The Rain Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 7) (Paperback)

Review of The Women's Guide to Golf: A Handbook for Beginners (Paperback)

2009-09-09T04:39:00.000-06:00

If you know nothing about golf or just want a refresher course, this is, by far, the best book out there.
Teaching pro Kellie Stenzel clearly aims this book at beginners, those afraid of being embarrassed on the course.In a friendly, forgiving tone (she even recommends that beginners take practice shots from traps), Garvin covers basic golf swing mechanics, rules, etiquette, lessons, cost-cutting, training aids, range practice, handicaps, gender discrimination, and even how to drive a golf cart. Her approach is "fake it 'til you make it";. Most useful are the cues or tips she gives her students to increase their success. Also unique is her discussion of dealing with the "Prince Charming Syndrome": men who give unsolicited advice to women golfers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Women's Guide to Golf: A Handbook for Beginners (Paperback)

Review of Clown Magic (Paperback)

2009-09-08T10:16:00.000-06:00

This is a very good book. It teaches you a lot on clowning not just funny magic tricks but also how to behave as a clown. This book was very helpful to me and I'm shure it will be helpful to you to. If you are thinking ofbuying a clowning book, this one should be at the top of your list.

Product Description
Clowning is fun. Magic is fun. Putting the two togetherdoubles the fun and enjoyment. In this book you will learn how toeffectively combine the humor and funny antics of clowning with thethrill and enchantment of magic.

This is not simply a book about clowning, nor it it just a book of comedy magic tricks. It is a guide on how to be entertainingly funny using magical effects and offbeat stunts in a clownish way.

All of the tricks and gimmicks described in this book are very simple to perform and can be learned in a few minutes. Most require absolutely no manipulative or sleight-of-hand skill. The entertainment comes from the way the tricks are presented and not from the tricks themselves.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clown Magic (Paperback)

Review of Rainbow Magic Books 1-7 Boxset (Mass Market Paperback)

2009-09-08T08:21:00.000-06:00

I was a little confused with the product picture... I thought it was one large book like adult style.This is actually a large holder for the individual series of books.It is much easier for my daughter to carry around one small book at a time.The cost is much less if you buy the whole series than each individual book and you get a great way to store them all together!

Product Description
Fairyland is home to seven colorful sisters.Together, they are the Rainbow Fairies!They keep Fairyland dazzling and bright.But when evil Jack Frost sends them far away, the sisters are in big trouble.If they don't return soon, Fairyland is doomed to be gray forever!

Can Rachel and Kirsty help track down each Rainbow Fairy?Find out in this special boxed set, which includes all seven books in the original Rainbow Magic series, plus a sparkly charm!

Find one fairy in each Rainbow Magic book and bring the sparkle back to Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rainbow Magic Books 1-7 Boxset (Mass Market Paperback)

Review of Inky: The Indigo Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 6) (Paperback)

2009-09-08T07:33:00.000-06:00

My 6 year old daughter is in 1st grade and loves this book series.She catches herself reading longer than the required time for her homework.I'm all for her being interested in reading and not just any reading but good stories for her age.I'm amazed she started reading these chapter books in Kindergarten.She has this color series, the animals series and she is getting the weather series for Christmas.

Product Description
Fairyland is home to seven colorful sisters.Together, they are the Rainbow Fairies!They keep Fairyland dazzling and bright.But when evil Jack Frost sends them far away, the sisters are in big trouble.If they don't return soon, Fairyland is doomed to be gray forever!A magical book sweeps Rachel and Kirsty away to the Land of Sweets.Could Inky the Indigo Fairy be waiting there for them?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Inky: The Indigo Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 6) (Paperback)

Review of Dolphins at Daybreak (Magic Tree House, No. 9) (Paperback)

2009-09-07T09:50:00.000-06:00

My name is Stephanie and I think that you should read this book.Here is why. Jack and Annie fly off in the magic tree house to an ocean.There they find a boat to go inside.Jack starts studying the boat while Annieplays on the computer.She accidentally presses a button that makes theboat drop down into the ocean and sail.Holly cow!It is a minisubmarine!They run into a shark, but their new dolphin friends save theday. Join Jack and Annie in their search for the mystery item that willallow them to return home.Will they ever find it and return home?You'llhave to read this book to find out. I think you'll love this book.I knowthat I did. Happy reading!

Product Description
Morgan le Fay will make Jack and Annie masters of the tree house if only they can solve four riddles. Dolphins at Daybreak begins the third set of four books in the magical series, as Jack and Annie embark upon solving riddle number three in a whole new world under the ocean!.

From the Inside Flap
Morgan le Fay will make Jack and Annie masters of the tree house if only they can solve four riddles -- which will take four books, of course! Dolphins at Daybreak begins the third set of four books in this magical (and increasingly popular) series! Jack and Annie are off in the Magic Tree House again, this time to a whole new world under the ocean. Complete with a giant octopus, a hungry shark, and dolphins to the rescue, this Magic Tree House book delivers an underwater adventure kids can dream about.--This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dolphins at Daybreak (Magic Tree House, No. 9) (Paperback)

Review of Excel Magic: Tips and Time Savers (Paperback)

2009-09-07T08:34:00.000-06:00

No data disk was provided with the file.

The book is not well written; it is almost as if a collection of ideas from pc magazines were thrown into a hat and pulled out.The techniques are presented without explanation of where or when they might be useful and without practical examples.

Mr. Sweet is an instructor, according to the book and it seems to be written to deliver to a class rather that to a reader.In class he may add the missing ingredients??

As I read the book I got the feeling he was writing based on material someone else had given him and he was trying to put it into an acceptable format.

What was puzzling also was that there were some very unusual tips and at the same time there were some tips that no Excel user would consider a tip and infact at least one tip that was just plan incorrect.It just didn't seem like the author was really the author.Very strange feeling.

Product Description
Existing technical books are too lengthy and dull to be suitable as references for beginning and intermediate Excel users. The author cuts through the clutter and provides precise, useful information users want and need. This Microsoft Excel book will take you to the next level and you to be quicker and more comfortable with Excel. When you reach that next level, you will also feel better about yourself! This book is designed to increase your productivity and self-esteem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Excel Magic: Tips and Time Savers (Paperback)

Review of Joy The Summer Vacation Fairy (Rainbow Magic) (Mass Market Paperback)

2009-09-07T04:45:00.000-06:00

These are great books for little girls, but I thought people should know that this is the exact same book as Summer the Holiday fairy.They use "Americanized" English in this book, but everything else is exactly the same.I thought I would let people know, so you won't buy this book if you already have the other one as I did.The publishers should have left the fairy's name the same, because this is a bit misleading if you ask me.

Product Description
Rainspell Island is the perfect place for a vacation.And Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy is the one who keeps it that way!But when Jack Frost steals three magical shells from the beaches, Joy starts to lose her sparkle.

Can Rachel and Kirsty help her bring the magic back to Rainspell Island?Three times the fairy fun in one book!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Joy The Summer Vacation Fairy (Rainbow Magic) (Mass Market Paperback)

Review of Net of Magic: Wonders and Deceptions in India (Paperback)

2009-09-06T16:21:00.000-06:00

I ordered this book with high expectations (being a lover of India and a life-long fan of magic). I must say that they were all met and exceeded. Mr. Siegel has not only managed to write a detailed anthropological account, but a genuinely entertaining read. Description of the illusions is handled with artful care.

To me, its greatest success is in making you feel like you are witnessing the magic, smelling the air, and getting to know the people of modern and ancient India.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Net of Magic: Wonders and Deceptions in India (Paperback)

Review of Evie: The Mist Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 5) (Paperback)

2009-09-06T06:52:00.000-06:00

This is the second series of "Rainbow Magic" fairy books written by Daisy Meadows, picking up where the seven-part Rainbow Fairies series left off.These books are innocent and engaging, focusing on two young girls, Kirsty and Rachel, who meet while on vacation with their parents, and are drawn into the magical world of the fairies, who are in conflict with the mischievous Jack Frost. The structure of this series is nearly identical to the first: the girls are given a quest in which they must help seven fairies (each with sparkles aplenty and cute, super-girly outfits and princess-y names such as Hayley, Heather, Iris, Amber and Iris... ) who have been bothered by Jack and his goblin helpers. In each book they complete one part of the quest and meet one new fairy.

It is important to know going in that these books are interconnected -- each individual volume ties in with the others, so you will want to start with book #1, then go on to #2, etc. The plots are not very complicated, but they do make reference to each other, and the idea is to read them all together.

The other thing to know is that these books are not very scary or troubling - there is action, but no violence and not much real danger (the goblins are easily beaten, and not very frightening) so if you are looking for longer narratives for young kids to read, but don't want anything disturbing, this series is good option. One criticism is that the books are pretty WASP-y, and while a couple of the fairies might be seen as Asian, basically the entire series takes place in an all-white, middle-class world, populated with thin, blonde girls and a few brunettes. Other than that, though, this is a good series for families looking for light, engaging, age-appropriate stories. (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

Product Description
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies!They use magical feathers to bring all of the weather to Fairyland.But when the feathers disappear, the weather turns wacky.The Weather Fairies must fix it -- fast! Evie the Mist Fairy has lost her Mist Feather.Now she's trapped in the shadowy forest!Can Rachel and Kirsty find their way through the fog to help her?Find one feather in each book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Evie: The Mist Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 5) (Paperback)

Review of Midnight on the Moon (Magic Tree House, No. 8) (Paperback)

2009-09-06T02:55:00.000-06:00

this book will take you to the moon. It's an exiting adventure where Jack and Annie get wisked off in another adventure to the moon. they need to know how to live on the moon but thet find somthing that helps them.Iwonder what it was?find out and read!

Product Description
Illustrated in black-and-white. Jack and Annie are whisked forty years

forward in time and land at an international space station on the moon.

There they don space suits and go exploring the lunar surface in search of the

fourth object needed to free the enchantress Morgan le Fay from a powerful

spell.

From the Inside Flap
Illustrated in black-and-white. Jack and Annie are whisked forty years forward in time and land at an international space station on the moon. There they don space suits and go exploring the lunar surface in search of the fourth object needed to free the enchantress Morgan le Fay from a powerful spell.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midnight on the Moon (Magic Tree House, No. 8) (Paperback)

Review of Emma's Magic Winter (I Can Read Book 3) (Paperback)

2009-09-05T18:56:00.000-06:00

My five-year-old daughter, like the title character in this book, is named Emma and tends to be on the shy side.So I think it has been very fun and enjoyable for her to read this book about a shy little girl who finally has the courage to talk to the new girl who moves into her neighborhood.It's a very sweet book about how the two girls become friends...we definitely plan on reading the others in this series!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Emma's Magic Winter (I Can Read Book 3) (Paperback)

Review of Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House #25) (Paperback)

2009-09-05T09:09:00.000-06:00

This book was great, my 7-year-old daughter really enjoyed it.The book successfully introduces kids to historical facts about Shakespeare and his theater, while also having a fun story about Jack and Annie and their adventures in "merry olde England".We eagerly await the next installment in the Magic Tree House series!

Product Description
Jack and Annie travel in their magic tree house to Elizabethan London, where they become actors in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and try to rescue a tame bear.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House #25) (Paperback)

Review of Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

2009-09-05T06:09:00.000-06:00

As a teacher of Wicca for many years, I'm always looking for better materials to use for training.I am grateful to Ms. Sabin for providing what will undoubtedly be the introductory book I will recommend for the foreseeable future.She presents the basics without pushing any given path or tradition, often presenting varying interpretations and viewpoints in a non-judgemental manner.This is a solid foundation for seekers to use as a springboard to whatever flavor of Wicca they choose to explore.

I appreciate that she addresses ethics within Wicca, which many authors seem to avoid, or present in a highly simplistic manner.

The book is clearly meant for beginners, hence the title, and is possibly the best overall introduction I have yet seen.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

Review of Pearl: The Cloud Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 3) (Paperback)

2009-09-04T17:43:00.000-06:00

We've been struggling for a way to get my daughter to read now that she's run out of Junie B. Jones books. The Weather Fairies books have done the trick.She seems to enjoy reading again for the first time in half a year or more.

I have to say I haven't read any of the Weather Fairies myself but I caught my twelve-year-old son reading the series because his sister had obviously liked it.He said he wanted to read more, too.

Product Description
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies!With the help of Doodle the rooster and his magical feathers, they bring all of the weather to Fairyland.But when evil Jack Frost and his goblins steal the feathers, the weather turns wacky.It's up to the Weather Fairies to fix it -- fast!When everyone in Wetherbury becomes gloomy, Rachel and Kirsty think the cloud feather might be to blame.Can Pearl the Cloud Fairy help the girls find it?Or is Pearl down in the dumps, too?Find one feather in each book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pearl: The Cloud Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 3) (Paperback)

Review of Tonight On The Titanic (Magic Tree House 17, paper) (Paperback)

2009-09-04T13:15:00.000-06:00

All of my daughters love to listen to the Magic Tree House series.They'll listen to the same stories again and again. There is a basic pattern or template that the stories fit into.Jack and Annie, a brother and sister, go into a tree house that is near home.In the tree house they'll find a note left by Morgan giving them an assignment.They'll travel some where in history, have an adventure, do their assignment, and return home.One of the things I like about the books is we do learn a little history while reading the story.

I read "Tonight On The Titanic" with my middle daughter.We took turns, each reading a page.I enjoyed the book.Jack and Annie are asked to get a gift from a ship lost at sea, the gift will help break a magic spell.Jack and Annie end up on the Titanic.They try to encourage people to hurry and get off the Titanic.They have some success and get a gift from one of the people they save.It was fun to read.

Personally I'd probably give this four stars, but because my daughters like the Magic Tree House books so much, and they are target audience, it deserves a five.If you have young children this is a good book to read to them, or read with them.

Product Description
The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie away to the decks of that ill-fated ship, the Titanic. There they must help two children find their way to a lifeboat--all while they are in danger of becoming victims of that tragic night themselves.

From the Inside Flap
The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie away to the decks of that ill-fated ship, the Titanic. There they must help two children find their way to a lifeboat--all while they are in danger of becoming victims of that tragic night themselves.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tonight On The Titanic (Magic Tree House 17, paper) (Paperback)

Review of Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends (Paperback)

2009-09-04T05:39:00.000-06:00

Please take note that this book originally came with a packet of trick accessories and another, smaller book.If you buy this book used and all you get is the main book, then many of the tricks in the book will be useless to you.Such is the case that happened with me.

Penn and Teller are great writers (and showmen, of course) and you will thoroughly enjoy their stories, but there's just something missing when you are not able to perform all the tricks they mention because you don't have all the original materials.The mind-reading trick sounds so wonderful, but without the extra book you can't perform it, for example.

Another impossible trick is the very first one where they tell you to call a phone number.I called it and was directed to the voicemail of someone within Random House (not the publishers of this book, btw).Being that the book came out in 1989 it looks like Penn and Teller have long given up that particular number.

Maybe in a dusty old bookstore, sometime in the future, I might be lucky enough to stumble across this complete package, but until then, if ever, I can only wonder at what might have been.

...

Product Description
Penn & Teller impart their priceless secrets for conning, scamming, and fooling your closest personal friends. And even they're suprised how many copies of this we've sold: 120,000 to-date.

From the Inside Flap
Penn & Teller impart their priceless secrets for conning, scamming, and fooling your closest personal friends. And even they're suprised how many copies of this we've sold: 120,000 to-date.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends (Paperback)

Review of The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks (Hardcover)

2009-09-03T15:07:00.000-06:00

Magic with ropes, is a great way to do magic for adults and kids. It is easy to understand, for the audience, and it packs small, and play big!

In this book, you can find everything about professionel rope magic. On the market, you can find another book, "Abbot's encyclopedia of rope tricks" but that is only one third, of this "Stewart James'Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks". This is the book for a serious magician.

The language in the book, is easy to understand, and the pictures are very good.

You can find both easy tricks, and very professional tricks. This book is a must for every serious magician.

Product Description
An essential title for every magician, The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks is the only book of its kind.Magical genius Stewart James, over the course of 40+ years, compiled three volumes of the Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks. Now, for the first time, these classic works have been collected, newly edited, and combined in a single hardbound volume. Over the course of nearly 450 large-format pages, James describes every nuance of this fascinating branch of conjuring. Hundreds of effects are described. Puzzles share the pages with stage-filling illusions, legendary feats (like the fabled Indian Rope Trick), escapes, spirit effects, cut and restored tricks, penetrations, trick knots, suspensions, and James' famous Sefalaljia, to name but a few. Rope tricks are the ultimate form of "pack small, play big" magic. And many impromptu feats that can be worked at the drop of a hat - often with borrowed rope - are described in these pages. Mini-miracles for virtually every type of performer are illuminated in these pages. From kid-show worker to close-up magician and parlor prestidigitator, rope tricks to suit nearly every taste, theme, and interest (not to mention skill) level are included.Many of the greatest magical minds of the last 100 years contributed to the Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks, including Harlan Tarbell, David Devant, Jay Marshall, Martin Gardner, Eddie Joseph, Larry Becker, G.W. Hunter, Sid Lorraine, Bob Hummer, Jean Hugard, Winston Freer, Burling Hull, T. Page Wright, U.F. Grant, William Larsen, Sr., Dunninger, Percy Abbott, P.C. Sorcar, Tenkai Ishida, Will Brema, and many, many more.

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Review of Kabbalah for Beginners (Paperback)

2009-09-03T06:24:00.000-06:00

For anyone seeking meaning in their lives or anyone who feels that have yet to find a purpose to their existence I hope they are fortunate enough to find any book written by Michael Laitman. I have found that while they all speak of the same thing; they all have something new to offer the reader. The first part of this book speaks about the origin and history of Kabbalah which may peak the interest of any history buff or anyone interested in understanding what Kabbalah says about the creation of mankind. As with any book (and this one is less than 200 pages) the historical perspective feels incomplete, but it provides enough information to lead the reader on their own quest for information.

I've found that few people know or have any working understanding of what Kabbalah is about and what they do know is not what Laitman or his organization, Bnei Baruch, teaches. The second part of this book is appropriately named "the gist." There is no mention of red strings and evil eyes as we've heard about in trendy magazines and on television. It does provide exactly what it suggests; a general description of what Kabbalah is all about. The rest of the book deals with "Reality" and "Correction" and also provides a section with common questions and answers. Any serious student of Kabbalah will tell you that further reading and study materials are necessary, but this is a good place to start.

Product Description
This book answers such key questions as 'Why are we here?' 'Why is there pain?' and 'How can we make life more enjoyable?' The book describes the emergence of Kabbalah and its prominent figures, the essence of the wisdom, and previously hidden revolutionary Kabbalistic concepts. Lastly, the book explains how we can make life better and more enjoyable.

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Review of Magick for Beginners: The Power to Change Your World (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

2009-09-03T02:25:00.000-06:00

J. H. Brennan has written more than 50 books and has lectured internationally.His latest book, Magick for Beginners: The Power to Change Your World, is an easy to understand introduction to using magic.It isn't about pulling rabbits out of hats or other sleight-of-hand tricks.Brennan defines magic as "a collection of techniques, dating back at least 70,000 years, aimed at manipulating the human imagination in order to produce physical, psychological, or spiritual results."

He emphasizes that there's more than one system of magic.Because his training was Qabalistically based, the techniques he describes include many elements from the Quabalah.

Auto-suggestion and imagination play a huge role in the success of magic.Human imagination is also described as "astral" and the astral world is as real as the physical world.Practicing magic brings one into contact with the astral plane, and sometimes with astral entities.For this reason, Brennan starts with basic safeguards that all magicians need to learn before doing anything else.

He then describes in great detail how and why magic works.He begins with "low magic," which includes instructions on how to produce a [$$$] bill.Low magic also includes divination, auras, chakras, and dowsing.Many of the low magic techniques are relatively easy to master and there are thousands of magicians practicing them.

Brennan then discusses "high magic."High magic requires far more work and dedication, but the rewards are enormous.It enables practitioners to "link [themselves] to the power and knowledge of the Universal Forces that underlie all reality."He includes instructions for rituals, pathworking, and conjuration.Brennan finishes the high magic section with instructions for making oneself "invisible."

Interwoven throughout the book are threads from the Qabalah, and quantum physics.Brennan draws parallels between the ancient and modern, and believes that science and magic will one day be recognized as one and the same.

He's used an informal approach in Magick for Beginners to help remove the dark mystery surrounding the practice of magic and show that "magic can be fun."Readers following his instructions can evoke magic to safely improve their lives.While it can be a serious endeavor, they'll find they can have fun with it also.

Product Description
Designed to make Magick accessible to the novice, this guide introduces the many aspects of magic and the occult, and explains in detail several experiments that the reader can try, including producing money and becoming invisible. The book is divided into two sections on Low and High Magick. In the first section, the reader can explore the Ouija board, astral and etheric bodies, the chakras, the aura, Qabalah, wood nymphs and leprechauns, mantra chanting, water and ghost divining, and the Tree of Life. The reader is then introduced to the more potent High Magick. The author explains how to prepare the mind correctly before conducting ritual magic, and how to conduct rituals.

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Review of The MAGIC OF MICAH LASHER: More Than 50 Tricks That Will Amaze and Delight Everyone - Including You (Paperback)

2009-09-02T14:46:00.000-06:00

The tricks here, especially the card tricks, are very good and very classic, and (amazingly) to not require advanced manipulation techniques.A beginner can learn all of them in a few days by following Micah's step-by-step instructions.This is -not- one of the usual run of close-up magic books which seem to randomly mix trivial self-working tricks and professional-level slights, usually with far from sufficient explanation and no orderly plan for learning.

This book won't make you an expert, but is definitely the very best one to get if you'd like to learn the basics.I hope it stays in print forever!

Product Description
A fourteen-year-old magician shares some of his favorite tricks, with easy-to-understand instructions on performing tricks with coins, cards, ropes, balls, and other everyday objects.20,000 first printing.

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Review of P.J. Funnybunny's Bag of Tricks (Step into Reading) (Paperback)

2009-09-02T13:51:00.000-06:00

P.J. Funnybunny became a hit in our house when we first read "It's Not Easy Being A Bunny." Marilyn Sadler returns with another Funnybunny tale that tickles the funny bone.Featuring the usual cast of P.J., little sister Honey Bunny, best friend Potts Pig, and the large Funny Bunny family, it offers simple vocabulary and large font.In this Step 2 reader designed for preschoolers thru Grade 1, P.J.'s dad brings home a magic kit full of amazing tricks and a whole lot of trouble.The book teaches children the importance of practicing.One day after reading the book overheard my 4.5 year old daughter chanting, "Practice! Practice! Practice!" as she was playing.If you hear P. J. say, "Ta-da!" then watch out!Your candy bar may - "POOF" - disappear like Potts Pig's did.Or your doll may just float in thin air.As an added bonus, the last page has a disappearing coin trick.Readers - definitely try this at home!

Product Description
P.J. studies and practices to perform a magic show for his family and friends but afterwards no one seems to be interested in his tricks, so he shows them the best trick of all.

From the Inside Flap
P. J. Funnybunny?s dad brings home a special present: a magic kit! P.J. studies all the tricks and does them just right. So why are his family and friends bored with his tricks? P.J. decides to show them the best trick of all . . . by disappearing!

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Review of Royal Road to Card Magic (Paperback)

2009-09-02T10:19:00.000-06:00

I'm ashamed to admit that this wasn't the first card trick book I everbought. This book walks you through every amateur sleight of hand anycard-magician-to-be could ever hope to learn with a bounty of helpfulillustrations, along with very deep text. While some of it is a littledifficult to wade through, it is well worth the effort. The tricks, withrare exception, are excellent, and the way in which they are taught is veryuser-friendly. Instead of teaching seven or eight sleights of hand at once,this book teaches you one, then a few tricks using that sleight. Then itteaches you another, and then some more tricks.

If you're just lookinginto card magic for the very first time, or are an advanced magician, thisbook will prove to be both fun and informative - a must have.

Product Description
With this book, anyone can develop a versatile repertoire of first rate card tricks. The authors, both noted authorities on magic, present complete, easy to understand explanations of basic techniques and over 100 complete tricks. More than 120 line cuts make explanations easy to follow, so that even beginners can develop professional-level skill. 121 figures.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Review of True Magick: A Beginner's Guide (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

2009-09-01T19:24:00.000-06:00

This book contains the most sensible advice to beginners I could hope to find. She hits the proverbial nail on the head with Chapters 1, 2, and 4 through 7, which explain what magic (theurgy) IS, and the basics ofpreparation and readiness for the practice thereof. (Chapter three is fineas well, but I would have preferred it come later in the book. I would alsorefer seekers to "Drawing Down the Moon" by Adler for morein-depth coverage, after the abovementioned chapters are read.) The rest ofthe book concerns itself with specifically Wiccan magic, which is fine, anda wonderful case study of the application of magick. I read some otherreviews and I have a few comments to make. "this book had a lot ofgood facts and interesting points, but was not all thatentertaining"... This book was not MEANT as entertainment. For that, Irefer you to the fiction section of Amazon. :) "I was hoping for someeasier reading material that maybe offered some more beginner spells"The material *IS* easy reading, it was offered in a light, easilycomprehensible, almost conversational manner, which in no way lessens itseffectiveness or diminishes its important message. And I feel the spelllevel of the book is appropriate, especially for someone who is a rawbeginner. True magick comes from within, as she admirably repeats. I wouldvery much advise that you reread the fore part of the book and take thoselessons to heart before skipping to the end to get to the spells... youwill be thankful you did, and your magick will be much more effective. Bright Blessings!

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Review of Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia Of Magic: A Complete Course (Paperback)

2009-09-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

This is a small but very thick book, rather it was larger and thinner (be easier to handle). That being said, this is definitely THE BOOK you should get. It takes you through close-up magic through stage magic. Effects, secrets and pre-perations,how to perform all the tricks in a simple step-by-step process with diagrams, and finish's up with comments and suggestions.

A quick note: if you get this book, do not get his other book "Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic". You only need one of these two, the have almost the exactsame information.

Product Description
A handy reference guide for anyone aspiring to be a master magician--or looking for clever ways to be the life of the party. Here are more than 220 classic tricks--from sleight of hand to levitation--accompanied by more than 1,500 illustrations and clear, step-by-step instructions.

About the Author
Mark Wilson is first and foremost a famous magician, who the New York Times has recognized as "probably the nation's leading authority on magic." He is also the hugely successful author of numerous kits and books devoted to instruction in the magical arts including the newly released Complete Course in Magic (Revised Ed.). Additionally, has made countless guest appearances throughout his career on every major TV talk show in the country. Mark Wilson resides in southern California.

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Review of Urban Voodoo: A Beginners Guide to Afro-Caribbean Magic (Paperback)

2009-09-01T09:31:00.000-06:00

No one owns the term "Voodoo" because it is a mixed set of beliefs and folks practices from an indigenous cultural place called Haiti. The African beliefs that made it with the slaves to Haiti were inter-mixed with the Native American Taino culture who lived there prior to the African slaves.

AND let's not forget that New Orleans Voodoo is mixed with RootWork, Conjuring, some Native American Shamanism, Appalachian folks practices, Deutch Pow-Wow, Catholicism and the Gods know what else! So why not stop with all the slanderous crap by screaming that it's not real Voodoo and realize your argument holds no weight? As Louis Martinae, author of New Orleans Voodoo Tarot book and a drummer for the Rampart Street Voodoo Temple in NO, LA, said, "Voodoo is inclusive not exclusive".

Hyatt and Black have done an excellent job with helping one to cut thru the miasma of theory to get you a lot of HOW-TO material. I personally have used the "Invocation to Eshu" on page 147 & invoked Exu Tranca-Ruas as explained on pages 152-153 as well as invoked Oshun as explained on pages 160-161 both with AWESOME results! My clients have been astounded at the level of work that this Exu has performed for them.

Since I am a practitioner of Sorcery and a Spiritual Worker, I have many clients who I do RootWork and Conjure-Sorcery work for and often I've found that Exu Tranca-Ruas to be just the help they need to break thru blockages that are stopping up their lives.

Go ahead and argue what you will about the origins of Hyatt and Black's material but RESULTS speak loudest!

Voodoo-Sorcery is the realm of the Bokor the Vodu Sorcerer and NOT under the thumb of the Vodu Priesthood thus none of you have ANY right to point fingers and complain. And it doesn't matter if you're a Santero/a, Babalawo, Houngan, Manbo, whatever, you do NOT have any say about what Sorcerers do and don't do! I don't see any of you telling a RootWorker what is authentic or what isn't.

The fact is that this system works. It just upsets many of you that the author's came out of the closet to explain material that was "supposed" to be kept hidden. Well too bad. It's now out in the open. And besides, the majority of this material is mere "surface knowledge" anyway. The real deep stuff is still hidden because one has to do the work to uncover it for themselves. Spoon fed info from your god-parents is mere surface knowledge to help get you to a level where - IF you do the work - then you will uncover the DEEPER aspects of Spirituality, Magic and Occultism.

Product Description
This book fills a long-standing need in literature: Voodoo, Santeria, and Macumba as practised today in cities throughout the Western world. It is not another history or sociological study, but a candid personal account by two who came to "the religion" from the outside. It includes descriptions of the phenomena triggered by Voodoo practice, divination techniques, spells and a method of self-initiation.

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Review of The Magic Book: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Anytime, Anywhere, Sleight-Of-Hand Magic (Paperback)

2009-08-31T21:44:00.000-06:00

Harry Lorayne is best known today as a memory expert. Six Las Vegascasinos won't deal Blackjack to him because of his ability to remembercards. However, within the magic fraternity, Lorayne is both a top notchentertainer and original thinker. I've used two card sleights he invented,the halo cut and the ultra-move, to perform what look like card miraclesfor audiences. In "The Magic Book", Lorayne presents a completeand solid grounding in the basics of sleight-of-hand magic. Starting withcards, he explains the basics of false shuffling, false cuts, double lifts,palming, and forces. His explanation of the jog shuffle is vital for everymagician who works with cards. The following two chapters describe effectsand routines that use the sleights just explained and essentiallyself-working card routines. Many of these routines are real stunners, quiteliterally reputation makers. Whether easy or difficult to perform, theroutines give the illusion of the performer being a wizard with cards.Turning from cards, basic coin sleights and routines are explained next,followed by number magic, mental magic and miscellaneous magic. One of themost important parts of the book is the "Afterthoughts" paragraphthat follows the description of a particular sleight or routine. Here,Lorayne explains both important points to remember and why certain moves orpatter work. These explanations turn the tricks into real magic. HarryLorayne is one of the best teachers of magic around. "The MagicBook" supports that contention by demonstrating that Lorayne teachesone how to be a magician, that is, how to make real magic happen, asopposed to simply doing tricks. This book is one which belongs in everymagician's library.

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Review of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic Tricks (Paperback)

2009-08-31T20:37:00.000-06:00

I have several of the "Idiot's Guide to . . ." books and was pleasantly surprised to see one devoted to magic.The established format of these guides lends itself well to teaching not only magic tricks, buthow to perform them.Nothing is worse than a boring lout who thinks he (orshe) is a magician because he knows the "21 card trick."Thefirst two parts of this guide are used to teach the art of presentation,how to handle an audience, and what to do when something goes wrong (animportant subject most books never touch).The tricks cover a wide rangefrom bar bets to skilled manipulations, and it even comes with a set oftrick cards that are worth the price of the book alone.My only complaintis that all the tricks were closeup ones.After all the advice on how toperform, it would have been nice to include a few small stage to largestage effects.Other than that small observation, this is the book to getif you want to develop your interest in magic.

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Review of Practical Magic for Beginners: Techniques & Rituals to Focus Magical Energy (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

2009-08-31T11:45:00.000-06:00

It does not go into wide discussions on origins of wicca, it does not go on and on about wicca/witchcraft as religious system and its incorporability into your own religious belief (if different).
It goes on to explain about the way of the witch, giving plenty of exercises and sound advice on posture, meditation, grounding and centering, feeling your centre, energy work, directing energy, seeing the aura, finding your magical voice, magic circle, moon-phases, chakras etc, on to the ritual itself.
No mumbo-jumbo, no religious overtones, no silly songs praising this or that goddess (if i want a book on that, I'm sure there are many available) just sound practical advice for beginners on how to enhance your capabilities and how to use your own skill in making things manifest for you.
The author draws from many sources, from wicca and ceremonial magic, to buddhism and martial arts - actually from most systems which acknowlledge the Energy the witch uses to manifest.
The book is very well organized, goes from basics on to more complicated stuff and does not skip a step.
I wish I had known of this book years ago!
Not a word in this book is wasted.

Product Description
Anyone can practice magic to improve their everyday lives. Practical Magic for Beginners is a straightforward introduction to magical practice for Christians, Pagans, Jews, atheists, and people of all religious traditions.

This comprehensive training course presents the foundations of spellcraft and ritual magic through short, simple exercises. Readers explore their energy and senses, and then move on to developing skills in extrasensory perception, divination, and introspection. Magical timing, magical processes, ritual space and tools, journaling, and dreamwork are explained and discussed in depth. This nondenominational guidebook also includes twenty rituals related to friendship, love, prosperity, health, and other common concerns.

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Review of Herb Magic for Beginners (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

2009-08-30T17:52:00.000-06:00

I love this little book. I love Ellen's writing style that is very humorous and personable while still being informational and matter of fact. The author includes some concise content that is useful such as information on moon phases, how to choose the best plants for growing in your region, as well as alternative sources and uses for herbs if you cannot grow your own plants. This book is a complete beginners guide to tell you how to work with herbs in general. Its strong point is that is is not a herb encyclopedia. After reading this book you are ready to take the next step. Which isnt that the goal of a beginner level book? I feel a great companion to this book would be Cunnningham's Encyclopedia of Herbs.

Product Description
Stir up passion with violet or nab a new job with honeysuckle. From parsley to periwinkle, people enjoy herbs for their aroma, taste, and healing abilities, but few are aware of the enchanting powers harnessed within these multipurpose plants. Breathing new life into herbal folklore and wisdom, Ellen Dugan introduces the magical side of these natural treasures.

The author of Cottage Witchery describes the magical traits of flowers, roots, trees, spices, and other commonly found herbs. Under her guidance, readers learn the basics of magic and spellworking so they may safely explore herbal magic on their own for health, luck, prosperity, romance, protection, and more!

About the Author
Ellen Dugan, the "Garden Witch," has been a psychic-clairvoyant and a practicing Witch for over twenty years. She is a Master Gardener and teaches classes on flower folklore and gardening at a community college. She is also a regular contributor to Llewellyn's Almanacs, datebooks, and calendars, and is the author of Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up; Elements of Witchcraft; Natural Magick for Teens; 7 Days of Magic: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for the Bewitching Week; Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick for Hearth and Home; Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon; The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells & Magick; Herb Magic for Beginners: Down-to-Earth Enchantments . Future titles from Ellen include "Natural Witchery: Personal, Intuitive & Practical Magick " (2007) and “How to Enchant a Man” (2008). When she's not keeping up with her family, Ellen likes to unwind by working in her perennial gardens at home with her husband. Ellen wholeheartedly encourages folks to personalize their spellcraft: to get their hands dirty and connect with the spiritual side of nature, discovering the wonder and magick of the natural world.

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Review of Enochian Magic for Beginners: The Original System of Angel Magic (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

2009-08-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

For the greater part, Tyson's book is a reasonably accurate review of thematerial in Dee's diaries. So long as you are using it solely as areference for the basic elements of the system, you won't go wrong. However, he tends to "interpret" unresolvable ambiguities in thematerial according to his own view without ever noting that there areambiguities. He also selectively quotes the original material to supporthis views; a substantially different sense of what was said sometimesarises when the material itself is studied. Where Tyson really crashes andburns is in his association of the Enochian material with the apocalypse,particularly in his belief that the Calls are meant to bring about the endof the world. Here he combines Christian fundamentalist myth with elementsof H.P. Lovecraft's fictional horror universes; there is nothing in theoriginal to support his ideas.

Product Description
Some magicians say it is the most powerful magical system ever. The Golden Dawn used it. Aleister Crowley used it. A growing number of magicians use it. And now, you can use it too thanks to Donald Tyson and his book, Enochian Magic for Beginners.

Revealed to John Dee and Edward Kelley over 400 years ago, much of this system has been ignored or misunderstood, even by famous magicians. Some of the source material has been fragmented, obscure, or unavailable. Thankfully, Mr. Tyson has worked long and hard to rediscover what was missing and piece together what had been changed.

Make no mistake-this is not a superficial treatment of Enochian magic. Yes, it is written for beginners, but it is also a vital and important resource for those who are currently practicing the Enochian system.

Most people today follow the Golden Dawn's method of Enochian magic. But did you know that they left out a major portion of the system? It's true! They did not include the Heptarchia Mystica, a manuscript discovered amongst John Dee's belongings. In Enochian Magic for Beginners, you will learn the secrets of the Heptarchia Mystica, including such things as the Angelic seven rulers, the preparations for practice of the system, and how to perform the ritual of the system.

But the Golden Dawn Enochian system is also quite powerful, and you will learn all of the inner secrets of this system so you can practice it on your own.

Also included are two new designs for Enochian typefaces, Donald Tyson's reconstruction of the Enochian Book of Spirits, and much more.

If you have found that your magic has not been as successful as you would like, this is the book you need to start a new page in your magical career. If you want to learn about the Enochian system, this book is the best introduction to it to date. And if you are already practicing Enochian magic, you will find this book to be a valuable resource.

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Review of Magic: The Complete Course (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

2009-08-30T13:42:00.000-06:00

One doesn't judge a book like this by its style. This is too bad, really, because Jay's style is delightful. Nor does one judge it on the basis of such other "literary" criteria as humour, insight, or human interest, which is also unfortunate because, surprisingly, the book abounds in these as well. No, one buys a book like this for its ability to teach us, well, let's be frank, its ability to teach us how to make our friends look like idiots. (Sure, there are going to be some few who buy it to SERIOUSLY get a grounding in beginning magic, but, alas, they ARE few... and far between). Additionally, a large portion of the book's audience will probably be young people ("young" being in the eye of the beholder, but it has been my experience that we tend to lose either interest or simple dexterity as we age). So, the real tests of a book like this are: A) Are the tricks explained clearly and in an easily duplicable manner? B) Are there ENOUGH of them that DON'T require the hours of practice that any true afficianado of the art knows is necessary... but we really don't want to do? and C) Does it also contain a great DVD of over 2 hours in length that shows us how to do a lot of the tricks and, even if we don't want to do them ourselves, still is a heck of a lot of entertaining fun? The answer to all three of these is a resounding YES!!!!!! So, what are you waiting for? Buy this!

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Review of Magic for Dummies (Paperback)

2009-08-29T19:27:00.000-06:00

I am a professional magician. I have used this book on many occasions to teach a magic workshop. The tricks are very well explained and most are very easy to perform. Lots of pictures make this process quick. If you are a beginner in magic, a professional or even a teacher, I highly recommend making this purchase!

Product Description
Move over, David Copperfield. The coolest magic tricks have been gathered together in one book, best-selling author David Pogue's Magic For Dummies, which is guaranteed to leave your friends, family and coworkers spellbound at your mastery of the mystical arts.

Perform great magic at the drop of a hat with these tips and tricks -- literally -- from Pogue and 35 of America's top professional magicians. With a little practice (and some clever misdirection, which lays at the heart of all magic tricks), you'll bewitch everyone around you with card tricks, coin tricks, disappearing acts, and even mind-reading! Magic For Dummies features more than 90 deceptions, illusions, and sleights of hand for all occasions, along with photos, patter, and presentation tips for every trick in the book. You'll be pulling rabbits out of your hat for years to come with these great magic tricks...easy enough to learn, and enchanting enough to keep folks baffled and bewildered.

From the Back Cover
"A book that all magicians of any age and level of experience will cherish and refer to for years to come!" - Lance Burton, World-Renowned Magician "A wonderful introduction, not only to 'how it's done,' but also to 'how and why You can do it'!" - Tobias Beckwith, Magic Producer and Manager

350 Step-by-Step Photos Featured!

Perform Magic at the Drop of a Hat You don't need a white tiger, expensive props, or hours of preparation to do magic. With a little practice and showmanship, you can bewitch family, friends, and coworkers using a few everyday items! Make money disappear, melt a salt shaker, and even read someone's mind! The trick to spicing up your next party, presentation, or evening out is easy - just pick up Magic For Dummies®! Chock-Full of Show-Stopping Tricks:

The Ninja Key Catch
The Torn and Restored Toilet Paper
Straw through the Jaw
Beans through Orifices

Plus stunning tricks contributed by 35 of America's top professional magicians, including Lance Burton, Johnny Thompson, Jeff McBride, and Paul Harris!

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Review of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Street Magic (Paperback)

2009-08-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

The title of this book might be a bit off-putting to serious magicians. "Street magic" is busking, a centuries-old art: a charismatic street performer draws a crowd and does a show for as many people as will watch. Ogden is referring here to the "street magic" seen on television since David Blaine's first special in 1997. Young magicians find Blaine's "street magic" fascinating, because it's cooler than traditional stage performance. Old-timers don't consider TV-style "street magic" to be the real deal. However, Ogden is using the concept here to appeal directly to a 21st-century audience.

Ogden offers a first-rate introduction to the history and art of conjuring. The tricks here vary in difficulty from very simple sleight-free tricks to intermediate sleight-of-hand. They are carefully selected to have maximum punch. The presentations will truly amaze audiences. His partners in this venture include some of the biggest names in magic: Max Maven, Jeff McBride, Mac King, Michael Ammar, and many others.

This is one of the best introductory books on conjuring I have ever seen. Highly recommended.

Product Description
It's the hip-hop of hocus-pocus.

Forget about David Copperfield, cruise ship illusionists, and birthday party magicians. They're so twentieth century. Think cutting-edge magickers like David Blaine and Criss Angel. People starting out in magic today want something edgier, grittier, quick, visual, and maybe a little dangerous. This guide will teach you how to do it!

What makes The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Street Magic different from other books is the type of tricks and the thematic presentations that readers will actually learn. Out of the literally thousands of tricks that could have been included, only those that have the greatest impact, both visually and psychologically, appear in this book. It includes:
-75 to 100 tricks
-200 illustrations, from how-to shots to photos of street magicians at work
-Contains something for all levels, from easy-to-accomplish tricks for complete beginners to more challenging sleight-of-hand for those who seriously want to pursue the art of legerdemain

About the Author
Tom Ogden began his professional career as a magician over 35 years ago, and his magic has taken him to more than 90 countries on all seven continents. His national television work has included 'The World's Greatest Magic,' 'The Great Magic of Las Vegas,' and 'Magic and Beyond,' as well as numerous commercials. Ogden is the author of four books, including The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Ghosts and Hauntings and 200 Years of the American Circus.

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Review of Tricks with Your Head: Hilarious Magic Tricks and Stunts to Disgust and Delight (Paperback)

2009-08-29T10:34:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting for this book for about 10 years or so... that's how long it's been since Penn & Teller deified Mac in their book "How to Play With Your Food".The title changed slightly (originally, they said to look for "Playing With Your Head"), and in that time, I had the opportunity to see Mac perform on a few "World's greatest magicians" type specials.Thus, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.And for the most part, I was right.

The star rating I used above is an average of ratings... if you've never read a book on goofy tricks like these, add a star.The originality will make you snort beverages through your nose when you think about poking your eyeball out with a fork.Gruesome as it sounds, I've done it before, and it's a great gag.Mac even suggests two different outcomes for you to try, depending on how far you want to string the audience along.The novelty of it all will also make you a little more forgiving for certain tricks like sticking a french fry up your nose (to keep more beverages from coming out, of course).

On the downside, if you have read books like this before, deduct a star.There is enough original material here to make up for gags that seem like old chestnuts, and the writing is entertaining and instructive.Regardless, you'll still feel like you've seen a bunch of this already, and odds are you will have.

Product Description
"Mac King is a god." -Penn and Teller

Tricks with Your Head is the world's greatest (and only) collection of hilarious, mystifying, and sometimes repulsive magic tricks that you can perform with your very own head.

If you've only thought of your head as a receptacle for so-called higher learning, or as a structure for keeping your haircut from falling into your body cavity, rejoice! Now you can use that ten-pound meatball between your shoulders as a source of ribald entertainment. Best of all, when you learn to perform a head trick, you can never be caught without your prop.

Mac King and Mark Levy have perfected the ultimate mix of head games (literally) in this clever illustrated volume that teaches you how to:
* Make your head disappear
* Penetrate your skull with a drinking straw
* Make a french fry vanish up your nose
* Read someone's mind
* Jab a fork in your eye

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Review of Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (Paperback)

2009-08-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

This is my first magic book and it is fantastic.I've seen my share of amateur and professional magic tricks.This book covers the gamut.In one hour, I found and learned three tricks that I've never seen before.I performed them for co-workers the same day and astonished them.

I've since found a good handful of tricks that are original (to me), don't require great slight-of-hand skills and don't cost money (for props).Now I perform them for friends and strangers and, viola, my circle of friends is growing!Do a few easy-to-learn magic tricks really make one more interesting?I guess so.

And there's the easiest little "Jumping Rubber Band" trick that if you show a child, then teach him how to do it (sorry, I broke the first rule of magic), you'll put a big smile on his face and he'll excitedly run off to show everyone his magic.

Product Description
From one of the world's premier practitioners of classic magic, with years of experience instructing younger readers in the magical arts, comes this new revision of his complete guide to learning and performing fantastic feats of prestidigitation. Acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times as "the text that...young magicians swear by," it's full of step-by-step instructions. More than 2,000 illustrations provide the know-how behind 300 techniques, from basic card tricks to advanced levitation, along with advice on planning and staging a professional-quality magic show.

About the Author
Mark Wilson is first and foremost a famous magician, who the New York Times has recognized as "probably the nation's leading authority on magic." He is also the hugely successful author of numerous kits and books devoted to instruction in the magical arts including the newly released Complete Course in Magic (Revised Ed.). Additionally, has made countless guest appearances throughout his career on every major TV talk show in the country. Mark Wilson resides in southern California.

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Review of 50 Magic Tricks: Using Common Objects That Teach Children Strategies for Success (Paperback)

2009-08-28T06:21:00.000-06:00

if you enjoy to inspire and motivate people with magic this is a great book for you, not only to entertain small children, but also to touch the souls of grown up children in the corporate world.

The little feats of magic you will find in this book can easily be adapted to present a point (or 50 :-) in a wondrous way. If you want your audience to feel good about themselves, while you train or sell with magic, this book is worth diamonds in your life :-)

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Review of Presenting & Training With Magic : 53 Simple Magic Tricks You Can Use to Energize Any Audience (Paperback)

2009-08-28T05:19:00.000-06:00

Ed Rose has created a wonderful resource for trainers, educators and speakers. His easy to perform magic tricks tie into what brain researchers have found related to stimulating the brains of learners - use novelty and allow them to have fun and the chance for enhanced learning increases.

Thumbs up to Ed for making a seeminging mysterious process and technique available to the average trainer, speaker and educator. There are many other wonderful books that also provide creative strategies similar to the ones in this book. The Creative Training Idea Book; Creative Learning: Activities and Games That REALLY Engage People (Essential Tools Resource)

Product Description
Magic tricks add flair, excitement, and entertainment to any workshop or training program-but most trainers and speakers don't use magic in their presentations because they think it's too difficult. In this heavily illustrated book, corporate training manager and magician Ed Rose explains 50 of the most effective, and easiest-to-perform magic tricks for emphasizing and illustrating key learning points in any presentation. Within no time, you'll be adding magic to your training courses-and getting enthusiastic applause, plus greater energy and participation, from every audience.

From the Back Cover
"This is the most honest, motivating, and reaable book I've seen on the use of magic as a presentation and training tool. A "must read" for anyone wanting to put a sparkle in their presentation and make memorable points stick."-Harvey Robbins, co-author of the award-winning Why Teams Don't Work. "Ed Rose has taken the mystery and fear out of magic and developed a trainer-friendly bag of tricks that are both fun and produce solid learning outcomes."-Glenn Parker, Author of Team Players and Teamwork. "Shows you step-by-step how your key points will be remembered if you present them in unforgettable ways."-Mel Silberman, author of the popular McGraw-Hill Team and Training Sourcebook Series. Make audiences sit up and smile, and remember your message. Use secrets from the world of magic to "jazz up" your presentations and reinforce your main points. These imaginative, field-tested magic tricks will work for anyone wanting to impart a memorable message-including trainers, speakers, teachers, coaches and salespeople. Learn how to: give your meetings an exciting start; use clever dialogue with your tricks to drive home the theme of your presentation; be a more effective presenter or trainer.

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Review of Amazing Magic Tricks, Beginner Level (Edge Books) (Library Binding)

2009-08-27T17:42:00.000-06:00

Advertised as a "hard cover" book--I expected more.It looks like a little Golden Book--It does not look like something that costs over $20.The content is fine--definitely at a beginner level and quite clear.But I think I was "tricked".I would not buy it again,

Product Description
Amaze your friends with these fun, easy magic tricks. Step-by-step instructions teach astounding tricks like how to make a coin disappear, restore a cut rope, and read minds! Clear photos of each trick will have your audience stumped faster than you can say abracadabra!

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Review of 200 Magic Tricks Anyone Can Do (Paperback)

2009-08-27T09:57:00.001-06:00

Joining the party? Amuse your friends with this easy to use tricks.

Product Description
One of the great magicians of the 20th century offers 200 feats of magic to mystify and entertain. Illustrations throughout.

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Review of 200 Magic Tricks Anyone Can Do (Paperback)

2009-08-27T09:57:00.000-06:00

Review of Roosevelt Rat's Learn Magic From A to Z (Paperback)

2009-08-27T05:10:00.000-06:00

I have read a lot of books that teach magic but none has had such an organized approach as this book.It's GREAT!!!

Product Description
Roosevelt Rat helps you discover the secrets of real magicians!

Join Roosevelt Rat as he leads you through fun lessons that teach you how to think like a magician. Each lesson explains a magical concept and one of Roosevelt's favorite tricks. In no time at all, you'll be able to read minds, predict the future, float a stuffed animal, perform mind-boggling card tricks, and much more! And with Roosevelt as your guide, you'll have tons of fun as you learn all these classic magic tricks!

And sometimes Roosevelt will give you a star tip. These tips will help you become a star magician. They show you how to take each trick to the next level and do it like a professional! In other words, they reveal the REAL secret of magic -- how to entertain an audience. Roosevelt explains how to make the presentation exciting, how to use humor, what to do if you make a mistake, and more!

And just for fun, each lesson ends with one of Roosevelt's favorite jokes. So grab some cheese and crackers and a comfortable chair and let's start learning magic together!

And a note for the adults: Parents and school teachers appreciate the fact that each lesson in this book introduces new vocabulary terms. From the first lesson (which explains the terms accomplice and confederate) to the last lesson (with the terms neurons and dendrites), students will be improving their vocabulary as they learn to perform these classic magic tricks!

About the Author
Hi, I'm Roosevelt Rat. I m a Norway rat (scientific name Rattus Norvegicus, but almost no one calls me that).

You're probably wondering how a rat could write a book. Well, let me tell you my story. It starts in Miss Patton's 1st grade classroom. Miss Patton bought a couple rats to be her class pets. (Most teachers buy a turtle or fish, but Miss Patton liked rats. Miss Patton had good taste.)

Soon those two rats had baby rats. And that's where I come in. Those two rats are my parents. My name is Roosevelt, and I'm a Reading Rat. Yes, I can read.

While my brothers and sisters ran on the exercise wheel, I learned my ABC's. While they dug holes, I learned how to put letters together to spell words, like cheese and crackers. And while they chased each other's tails, I learned phonics and grammar and vocabulary. Pretty soon I could read and write well enough to start writing my own book.

Then I ran into a problem. My rat claws are made for scavenging for food, but not for writing with a pencil. And don't even mention typing -- the first sentence in my book came out like this: 'Greod fndl psowq v ptywdnm blurt.' But I got some help with the word-processing and spell-checking, and now I'm the world's first published rat author. Pretty cool, huh?

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