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kingchristo wrote:Ive just got the 13 steps book so i look forward to having a read of that is there any books that specifically teach you about saonces i know that not spelt right and also doing spirit stuff thanks again this has been really helpfull to me

Try the Paranormal Entertainer
http://www.readerofminds.co.uk/paranormal_20.html

I started with books by Craig B and Paul Voodini in addition I have the Karle Fulve Self working mentalism and Mind Fluff. I would recommend getting Mind Fluff because it will give you ideas about a different style of mentalism.

I believe the biggest part of mentalism is presentation, so it is good to look at different styles of performing to find what you want you think would suit you. The two aspects that stood out to me was modern mentalism using modern props and the premise of NLP, Psychology, body language etc or Psychic methods

I found that Mind Fluff gave effects that made me think about how you can use various techniques to present mentalism in a very modern way.

In addition to that if you can afford it I found the Banachek PSI DVD series worth every penny.

A_n_t wrote:Just something else worth bearing in mind. There are many fantastic works of mentalism that are available to buy, however you could make an entire career out of the contents of just one of the many books mentioned.

In Deed! With just the information found in Corinda you will have more than most major legends had going for them well into the early 1950s (I'm not saying that such material was the "only" thing going, just the key methodologies of the day). Mentalism didn't start seeing major shifts and additions until the latter 60's when a more formal sense of Psychological Reading methods & Wordology started coming to the surface alongside a massive out-cropping of PK/TK type bits (due to the Geller sensation).

As to my Tirade Above I do apologize on two counts; starting with the fact that I didn't see any reference to my personal contributions but did see pointers to others. While some of these resources are in deed valuable, most are not in my experience; Paul Brook's earlier 5 books are certainly things of genuine import (The Gift and Alchemical Tools standing at the top of that list); Paul's Paranormal Entertainer is a decent primer. Other titles (not necessarily those of Brook or Voodini) I really can't encourage more than a read-through on, in that far superior resources exist that cover the ideas and theories these texts cover.

I did say one thing in that post however, that needs to be expanded on; the fact that I have given away far more information (including some rather guarded points of view that I've been chewed out over by the "big boys". . . basically, for not making folks pay for the material). . . nonetheless, one would be hard pressed to find more than a dozen people on any of these forums who've given away as much information as I have over the years -- solid, easy to validate resources, concepts and approaches including the act of giving members on this board, complete routines that I could have sold for thousands of dollars. This is a "fault" of mine and as I've been told by many a dear friend, people don't respect such pearls when they've not had to earn them the hard way (if they ever get so far). So yes, I'm quite guilty of having a "bruised ego" (for lack of a better term) because of the plethora of folks who've elected to take me for granted, forgetting who was there (usually kicking them in the rubber parts) when they were first jumping in on things.

This latter point is admittedly, a corner I've painted myself into as the result of my belief people would be both, more appreciative as well as able to remember where such things came from. Not everyone seems willing to go to the extremes I go, when it comes to crediting the folks from my past. . . then again, not all "authors" and "creators" seem willing to say that this or that person were the first to write an essay on something we've expanded upon or for that matter, it was their effect that served as the template for one's variation. Humans are just selfish that way, from time to time.

Regardless, my apology to all and most especially our newbie. I simply hope you can try to understand the reason behind my assholiness.

In addition to 13 steps and practical mental magic and a lot of the other mentions already I'd recommend Elliot Bresler switchcraft as an excellent resource and incredible value for money.

I've mainly concentrated on readings, over the last two years. Quite a few books have already been mentioned. Lebanon magic circle has a good few choices. I have a fondness for Robert Nelson material, which might be seen as a bit old fashioned now and some of the statistical data may be dated, but I've still found them to be good reads. I also recommend Richard Webster's material on reading systems. All the ones I've had have been useful.

Just to add that Trickshop has most of Annemann's titles, and other good mentalism effects, for very cheap indeed (as long as you don't mind e-books).

seances. And yes. the works of Paul Voodini, & Freddie Valentine( both members on here) will help you learn the basics. but you will only learn if you go attend some presentatuions,because its not as easy as you think.

I didn't notice that "S" word in play until Dale's post.

Seance work is a field all its own and is not like any of the more traditional modes of work most folks associate with magic. We're talking about a field in which less is way more than more ever will be.

While you really should be versed in proper mentalism work (especially Cold Reading, Muscle Reading & Billet work) the real area of focus has to be learning the psychology of the Spiritualist. I'd recommend checking into the works of Bill Montana when it comes to such, and actually study the historic views when it comes to how Spiritualist Mediums worked; what was actually involved with a Seance and how little actually happened the majority of the time.

Learn all you can about Glass Moving/OUIJA styled Seance work, which includes Table Tipping & Pendulums.

WHAT NOT TO DO is run out and grab a bunch of tricks that are "spooky" and think you have a Seance. . . nor do you run thousands of yards of thread all over a room and have a half-dozen hidden helpers as one gent suggests in his horrid book "THE OTHER SIDE" contributions & theories of a rank amateur (in other words, avoid this book!)

Study Bizarre Magick via people like Jim Magus, Larry Baukin, Brother Shadow, etc. and you will be more on "the path" of understanding when it comes to this particular niche.

Regardless, like most Seance workers, I do not encourage anyone to journey down this path until they have studied and experimented with the arena for at least a year's time. . . Oh! And don't focus on Halloween for this sort of thing unless you plan on doing the Disneyesque type Seance complete with rubber-masks, flashing lights, and smoke. As Paul will tell you, there's a huge market for solid ghost work now days (especially in most of Europe), but you need to frame everything from the perspective of the believer or those "uncertain" and leave the rest (the supposed skeptics) just as uncertain when they leave