Dear Friends in Magic,
In times when the world feels uncertain, art, and especially the art of magic, can become both a refuge and a response. This week, magician and philosopher Ferdinando Buscema invites us to consider how our practice of wonder can help us stay human amidst chaos. In this Museletter, Ferdinando reminds us that our sleights and scripts are more than tricks; they are acts of quiet courage and creative defiance.
Magic in Times of Chaos
by Ferdinando Buscema
Like many of us, I spend a lot of time thinking about magic. After nearly fifty years of this love affair, it still fills me every single day with deep joy and wonder. And, like many of us, I also read the news—trying to stay informed about what’s happening in the world—which can sometimes be overwhelming. It often seems as if the world is out of joint, spinning faster and stranger with every passing day. Yet, amid the noise and confusion, there is still so much beauty, kindness, and love worth protecting. Our attention is constantly pulled toward outrage and crisis, but the good is still there, if we know where to look. What follows are a few reflections on how to navigate this landscape of “High Weirdness”, as author Erik Davis calls it, and find some balance between these opposing forces.
Legend has it that on the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic sank into the freezing Atlantic, the eight musicians on board made a baffling choice. Instead of trying to save their lives, in the face of imminent disaster, they kept on playingtheir music.
Why did they act in such an unnatural way? We can speculate that perhaps, in that moment of chaos, they asked themselves, more or less consciously, What is my place in all this?
And maybe the answer was simple, bold, beautiful, and mad, “Just play on.”
It’s a striking image, one that feels deeply resonant for our times, as we find ourselves caught in our personal and collective turmoil. The world outside grows weirder and more incomprehensible by the day—faster, louder, meaner, and out of control. The effects on our inner lives are no fun–anxiety, helplessness, and disillusionment. And yet… here we are, magicians still honing our craft, still practicing our sleights, still rehearsing impossible things.
So why do we keep playing? Is it worth spending time and energy in the face of potential global disasters? Are we going to save the world from sinking with our tricks? Probably not. But magic is what we do, so we’ll keep on doing it anyway.
Magic—in its useless, beautiful, rebellious nature—is our way of staying human in a world that has forgotten how. In an age obsessed with efficiency and optimization, doing something that serves no practical purpose, like practicing sleight of hand or devoting endless hours to crafting wonder, is an act of quiet defiance and aesthetic resistance. We don’t do magic because it “makes sense.” We do it because it keeps our souls alive, and, hopefully, offers a glimpse of joy and wonder to those we share our art with.
Italian philosopher Franco “Bifo” Berardi wrote:
“I think that despair is the only appropriate intellectual response to our times. At the same time, I also think that despair and joy are not mutually exclusive, since despair is a mode of being of the intellectual mind, while joy is a way of being of the embodied mind.”
That’s a lifesaving reminder. Opposite feelings are not enemies. They can coexist, woven into the same breath. You can feel the weight of the world pressing down and still laugh at a dumb joke with a friend. You can be overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all and still be moved to tears by a song or a film. You can grieve and still dance in your kitchen, sing in the shower, fall in love, or play with your cat. You can be heartbroken about the world and still find yourself astonished by a magic effect, a new Fool Us episode, a piece of art, a book, or a friend.
Despair and joy–the real double lift–the secret move for surviving in times of High Weirdness.
Italian author Italo Calvino offers us a powerful magic spell, the ultimate compass to navigate our world:
“The hell of the living is not something that will be; if there is one, it is what is already here, the hell that we live every day, that we form by being together. There are two ways to avoid suffering for it. The first is easy for many: to accept hell and become part of it to the point of not seeing it anymore. The second is risky and requires continuous attention and learning: seeking and knowing how to recognize who and what, in the midst of hell, is not hell, and make it last, and give it space.”
Those words are a master key. That’s the trick. That’s the magic we need. We must learn to recognize who and what, in the midst of hell, is not hell, and then help those things last, and give them space to flourish. It all comes down to attention. What we pay attention to becomes our world. We become what we behold, and learning to direct our attention is no small task, especially in a world engineered to distract, disorient, and drag us into endless doom-scrolls.
So, my friends, here are three practical field notes, from one explorer to another, for thriving in the weirdness.
1. Practice — Attention as a martial art
Our art of magic lives and breathes through practice. Whether you’re refining a sleight, polishing a script, or rehearsing a full act, every moment of focused work is an act of quiet resistance against the chaos outside. Each minute spent at the table or at the mirror is a balm for the soul. When we practice, we’re not merely perfecting moves or words, we’re cultivating the martial art of attention. Attention is the ultimate superpower–the ability to shape our reality according to our will. So, learn to love your practice.
2. Perform — Just do it!
Whatever your level of skill or devotion to the art, magic is meant to be performed. Whether you are an amateur, a professional, or something in between, the more you share your magic, the more you spread joy and wonder to the people you meet. No, you’re not going to change the world with your Coins Across or Ambitious Card, but for a brief time, you have the chance to bring light, laughter, and astonishment into someone’s life. That’s no small feat. Magic is good medicine.
I’ve come to believe that real magic is the transmutation of despair into joy—by any means necessary. It’s how we say to the darkness–you don’t get the last word.
3. Community — That’s where true happiness lies.
No person is an island. Each of us is part of a greater whole. The communities we belong to shape who we are. We need others to form our sense of self, and, most importantly, we need others to create and share our happiness (and our sadness, too.) We’re so lucky to be part of the Magic & Mystery School community–this living, loving, breathing circle of wonder-workers. Personally, like many, I’ve found here a home for the soul. I’ve found friendship, knowledge, inspiration, support, and countless gifts. Here we share our joys and sorrows under the wings of loving and wise elders.
This community is an island of sanity, joy, and play amid chaos and darkness. It is a place of the heart, where we can nourish our souls, both in person and from afar. Cherish this place, and seize every opportunity to engage, contribute, and celebrate.
There you have it, my friends.
We don’t know where our global ship is sailing, or what the next wave will bring. The headlines may scream, but we, like the musicians on the Titanic, will keep on playing. Because this is what we do–our gentle, steady form of resistance, to multiply hope, beauty, and joy in the face of darkness.
The 19th Annual Magic & Meaning Conference
November 7–9, 2025 · Online Worldwide
Dear Friends,
Each year, magicians, storytellers, and seekers from around the world return home—to the heart and art of magic. It is time to reconnect with our tribe!
This is the Magic & Meaning Conference, our annual celebration of wonder, wisdom, and community.
Now in its nineteenth year, this gathering continues to inspire magicians of all kinds to think deeply, share openly, and rekindle their creative flame.
The Circle of Connection
Since 2006, our conference has brought together a global family of magical thinkers—people who know that magic is more than entertainment. It is a path of imagination, transformation, and meaning.
At this year’s conference, you will:
All sessions are recorded, so you can experience the conference live or at your own pace.
Guest of Honor: Stephen Minch
We are delighted to honor Stephen Minch—legendary magician, author, editor, and founder of Hermetic Press.
For decades, Stephen has illuminated the art of magic through his work with Dai Vernon, Tommy Wonder, Juan Tamariz, Max Maven, and many others. His presence this year will be both enlightening and inspiring.
Conference Schedule
Friday, November 7 – Opening Party and Circle of Gathering
Saturday & Sunday, November 8–9 – Talks, performances, learning sessions, and conversations that matter.
(Pacific Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day; Opening Circle begins Friday at 2:00 PM.)
A Gathering of the Heart
The Magic & Meaning Conference is more than an event. It’s a homecoming—a chance to renew your passion for magic and rediscover the community that believes in its power to uplift, unite, and transform.
Come be part of the conversation that continues to shape the future of our art.
Join Us
Reserve your place now:
Register for the 2025 Magic & Meaning Conference
Watch the preview video:
Why Attend the Magic & Meaning Conference?
We can’t wait to welcome you home—to the heart and art of magic.
With warm regards,
Jeff McBride, Abigail McBride, and Dr. Larry Hass
and all your friends at the Magic & Mystery School
Long ago, the Celts spoke of three deaths.
The first death comes when the heart stops beating.
The second death comes when the body is laid in the ground.
And the *third death… the final death… comes when your name is spoken for the very last time,
I ask you this, my friends, what would you do to keep your name alive?
While you are pondering that question I’ll give you my answer… Pass your legacy forward! That’s what I did with WONDERGROUND… I passed the tradition on to a younger generation and now it is flourishing again.
In the following Museletter, Will Bradshaw tells you about what it takes to keep a legacy alive… it is more work than you might think and you can learn from Will’s lessons below!
Good news! I will be performing this month at Wonderground with Will and an All-Star cast on October 16th, so you can join us there!
Wisdom from Wonderground
Or
(the secret price of a Producer)
“Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Will Bradshaw and Welcome to WONDERGROUND.”
The lights blind my eyes and the sound of the audience roars in my ears. And all the sweat, pain, and toil suddenly become worth it knowing the show goes on.
It is the dream of many of us magicians to produce our own show. Being able to introduce ourselves to new clients and able to say “Ah yes, I have my own Vegas show here, let me get you tickets!”
However, as Rumpelstiltskin once said “All magic comes at a cost dearee.” And, producing a show, and making it successful has its cost, its lessons, and its price. Some are delights, some cost us dearly, but all of them are important to know. So here are lessons I learned producing Wonderground.
1: Sometimes you are the bad guy
I worked most of my professional life attempting to be agreeable, easy going and not to lose my temper. And when you are producing a show, it is your responsibility to the audience, the cast and the investors to put on the best show possible. And if things go wrong, even if it was because of someone else… IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Now, I still try hard to convince people to do what I need them to get done without escalation. But in the end, your show is worth fighting for, and if you don’t fight for your vision, no one else will.
This means sometimes I have to be the bad guy. Sometimes I have to tell people “no.” Feelings will be hurt, egos bruised, but in the end, I am the producer, so I produce, and I produce a great show, month after month after month.
2: Acknowledge your limitations
No matter how much we pretend, we magicians are not experts at everything. For example, I do not know my way around a light board to save my soul, and am barely proficient with sound tech. And to be responsible as a producer is to acknowledge what you don’t know, and defer to others that do. (Yes, that bruised ego from point 1 is sometimes yours.) It is important to become knowledgeable in the aspects of your show. However, every hour you study scenic design is an hour you’re not working on your magic, or other theater arts. You can’t do it all, so you need people to fill in for your weaknesses.
3: A good team is worth more than gold
When doing a strolling gig or small corporate event, you can do most things on your own. (I usually don’t need to work a light board.) However, when you move into a theater, you need a team. For a one-night show of Wonderground my team is seven strong: two show hosts, one front of house manager, one stage manager (with a possible person helping them,) one light tech, one sound tech, and one videographer.
If you are doing a Variety Vignette, you need between 3-7 more performers to fill a 90 minute show, assuming everyone does at least 10 minutes.
In addition, if you don’t know how to make your own ads, you need one marketing manager, and one graphic designer.
In additional addition, if you’re producing a proper show instead of a Variety Vignette you will need…
One director, one dance choreographer (if you have dancers,) one costume designer (If you’re wearing clothing,) one prop builder, (possibly more if you’re including illusions,) and any assistants that will be in the show as well–between 1-3 for a small to mid-size show, and 3-7 for a mid to large show, as well as any additional tech personnel, for example a spotlight operator.
The key is to know who fills these roles in your show, and make sure you find people who share your vision… because when it’s five minutes till showtime, and tempers are hot, having a unified vision will unite your team and get things done.
So what do I gain for all my labor? An INVESTMENT.
An investment in my art, and my passion, yes, but also in prestige. That footage I give to my artist, is footage I receive as well. When I negotiate with corporate clients, my rate goes up because MY name is on the billing of a Vegas award-winning show.
WONDERGROUND gives me a monthly reason to bring NEW magic to the stage. I get to connect with some of the greatest magicians alive today, and finally, I get a chance to support the community that helped me get started, and I get to pave the way for the next generation of magicians.
An investment in yourself will aways pay interest. -Will Bradshaw
Hats off to Will Bradshaw, for that very honest and revealing look at what it takes to produce a long running event in Las Vegas!
We will see you at THE WONDERGROUND!
Dear Friends in Magic,
Every path in magic is unique, yet we all share the joy of discovery. Sometimes the most meaningful steps we take are the ones that lead us in unexpected directions. In this Museletter, guest columnist Evelyn Ehlers shares her story about the magic of wandering, and what can happen when we dare to step off the familiar road.
The Magic of Wandering
“Of magic doors there is this…
you may not see them even as you are passing through.”
– Linzi Day
In my classes with Jeff he encourages me to explore different paths in magic, to move out of my comfort zone, and be open to new experiences. All of which helps my magic evolve. Taking his advice I tried an experiment. What would happen if for one year I made choices in magic that were the opposite of my current path? Would my magic grow? Would my path in magic change? Would I change? Here’s my story and the results of what happened when I decided to step off my path and wander.
Playing With Fire
I loved performing baseball magic, classic magic, and card magic, but I still felt something was missing. Then a friend told me about the Weekend of Wisdom – three days of “a deep study of magic with evenings of deep mystery.” This was not the type of class I would typically attend, so it was the perfect place to begin.
There was plenty of magic teaching, but we also learned about alchemy, honoring the elements, and participating in fire magic. I held a ball of fire in my hands. No gimmicks, I was truly holding fire! I had learned magic, watched magic, and performed magic, but during that weekend I actually felt magic. Moments so pure and real that the way I approach my own magic was forever changed. Just one step off my path and I found what had been missing. I discovered the mystical side of magic, and, just as important, the mystical side of myself.
Curiouser and Curiouser
Down the rabbit hole I went. I had planned to attend the Master Class and work on my close-up magic, but instead chose to step way out of my comfort zone and detour into the Vegas desert for Mayfire, an alchemical fire circle hosted by Jeff and Abigail. This was a great opportunity for me to further explore the mystical side of magic and to experience magic from a very different
perspective. I found wonderful inspiration in the dancing, singing, drumming, chanting, and storytelling around the Fire. I came away enlightened and overflowing with new ideas for my magic.
Next up, instead of attending the Card Mastery class, I ventured into Tarot Magic. Only I didn’t use the Rider Waite deck, I learned with Baseball Tarot cards. My new path brought me full circle back to where it all started – with baseball magic. One day you’ll see me with sponge balls, the next day with a pendulum. The mainstream and the mystical. One keeps me grounded, the other lets me explore. I can’t imagine one without the other. My magic needs them both.
Revelations
Back to my initial questions. By making opposite choices did my magic evolve, did my path in magic change, did I change? The answer is yes!
In just one year, I found my way to the Fire, which has become a main source of inspiration for my magic – a profound and life enriching experience that helped me understand what real magic is and how it feels. I developed an interest in Ritual and Ceremonial magic – a genre with a world of new possibilities, opportunities and audiences. I became a Baseball Tarot reader, worked my first psychic and healing arts fair, joined a drum circle, and found a new community of like-minded friends. There is now more mystery in my mainstream magic, and the mystical has become more familiar.
My overall magic has improved. It’s more genuine, and my confidence in performing has grown. With this newfound confidence, I’m making my way from behind the close-up table to parlor and stage. I learned that a non-linear approach to magic keeps me engaged, challenged, and increases my overall depth of knowledge. With each new experience comes the exuberance of feeling like a beginner again, with endless potential for my magic to grow.
Magic Doors
There are magic doors everywhere waiting for you to step through. Detours on your path lead to unexpected places, where inspiration for your magic awaits. How do you find these doors? Start with Mystery School. Is there a class you find interesting but is different from the current magic you perform and/or study? Give it a try. There is no safer space to try something new.
Bridge the gap. If you come across a subject you would like to explore but it’s far out of your comfort zone, add a dose of familiarity–the way I used baseball as a vessel to learn Tarot.
Wander back in time. Is there a topic you wanted to pursue but set aside? Revisit your notes and ideas from the past, and awaken untapped passions.
Give yourself permission. When writing your goals, leave a blank space for something not currently in the realm of your imagination. Leave room for a magical experience that will only happen if you step off your path. I never would have thought to write “perform magic at a fire circle” on my goal list.
Storytellers
I hope my story inspires you to step out of the box and wander into areas of magic that you have yet to explore. You may find, as I did, an entirely new path to follow, leading to a treasure trove of wonder that will ignite your imagination, inspire your creativity, and elevate your magic. When you encounter a magic door on your journey, take a chance and step through. Trust in yourself and the universe, and most importantly, collect your stories and share them with us. It’s through our magic and our stories that our paths, no matter how different, are connected.