Simple Magic Tricks & Optical Illusions

Magic tricks are often based on scientific principles although the majority of people don't relate science to magic. Some simple magic tricks make use of optical illusions distorting our perceptions of space, shapes and colors, while others use verbal and non verbal psychological techniques (hypnotic suggestions) to fiddle with our subconscious belief systems and reactions.

Simple magic tricks that fiddle with our perceptions

It is amazing how easily our brain can be deceived. A classic example of an optical illusion is the hollow face effect. The Magic Dragon cut out of paper is a nice demonstration of this type of illusion – it's eerie, his head seems to follow you around like he's alive:



It's easy to make this cute dragon so you can test it for yourself. You can download a copy of the dragon here (it's free), print it out (best in colors) and then just follow the directions how to cut and stick it together. Kids just love this stuff so why not to make one for them?

Another optical illusion fooling our light detectors, is the 'checker shadow illusion' from Edward H. Adelson Ph.D.Professor of Visual Sciences:

What color are the squares marked A and B?

I would swear and bet all my money that A is dark gray and B is light gray!

WRONG.

They are exactly the same color, would you believe that?!
I had trouble believing so I blackened out everything except the A and B squares and here is the result:
(See the original proof and explanation here)

They are indeed exactly the same. Hmm ...

This illusion is for me a reminder that not everything is what it appears to be and that human beliefs (often based on wrong perceptions) have often nothing to do with reality. And many simple magic tricks make use of this phenomenon. Changing human perceptions and beliefs is a corner stone of so called "mentalism" magic resulting in baffling and intriguing illusions.

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Simple magic tricks : Levitation

There are plenty of simple magic tricks which can be performed by "less gifted" like me and still have the "wow" effect despite their simplicity.

Levitation tricks

Some impressive levitation tricks will require cleverly made constructions and/or special props. For example, if you wondered how this Dutch guy 'Ramana' which has been all over the news did his levitation stunt in front of the White House ...



This is one of many old simple magic tricks originating from India! I was surprised the press swallowed it. If I'd been there I would not have hesitated to grab his butt ;-).

The trick here consists of a heavy frame (hidden under the carpet) which has a pole with a seat welded to it. Baggy clothing hides the seat so only the pole is visible but if you watched the video hard enough you could see the outline of the seat. Just watch this video from India exposing the trick:




Then there is so called Balducci levitation.

This levitation is so simple that kids can perform it and it looks amazing for someone who is not familiar with it... Just in case you don't know this trick, it's in the angle – you need to position yourself
about 45 degrees from the people i.e. if your audience is looking at you from 6 o'clock, turn away from them so that you face 10 to 11 'clock. Then - your feet parallel - slowly tip toe on your right foot (the one furthest away) while rising your left foot off the ground keeping it parallel to the floor.

Try it in front of a mirror, if your angle is correct it looks great. The only problem with "Balducci levitation" is that lot of people, especially kids know it, but that's the problem with most of the freely available magic tricks ... If you want to learn professional magic it's gonna cost you.

Many simple magic tricks are based on optical illusions - you can read more about it in my next post.

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Hello and welcome to my Simple Magic Tricks blog

I created this blog with the aim of keeping all good magic stuff together. Here you will find everything on the subject of magic tricks that caught my interest including simple magic tricks for beginners that are not only simple but also quick and easy to learn. Illusions, mental magic, card and coin tricks, and any tricks that you could do too...

The bottom line is, there are many simple magic tricks you can learn almost immediately..