What Do You Want Your Magic to Be?

“WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR MAGIC TO BE?”

When my Master Teacher asked me this question for the very first time, it made me think about my future and the magician I wanted to become in five or ten years. I knew I needed to change, take some risks, and try some new things. It was time for me to take off the mask, find my voice, and tell my own stories. Finding my voice in magic was something I had been struggling with for many years, but having a teacher like Eugene Burger helped me break through my resistance.

Eugene used to ask this very important question at the beginning of every one of our Master Classes. He would take a deep breath, pause, and then look at the students and say: 

“What do you want your magic to be?”

What Would Your Answer Be?

• Do you want your magic to be run-of-the-mill, or do you want your magic to be outstanding?
• Do you want your magic to just entertain, or do you desire to do something more?
• Do you want your magic to inspire and transform people’s lives?
• Do you want your magic to be average or outstanding?

I think the answers are pretty clear; if you are reading this, you want something more meaningful. That’s why our school was created! So I ask you this:

“Is this your year to take the next step on your path to mastery?”

Is 2025 the year you decide to let go of old patterns and to take the leap to become the best magician you can be – and to live your best life? At our recent StoryMaster class, David Copperfield shared a very important idea with all of our students. David said:

 “Focus on telling stories that are very important to you. That is the key to successful magic!”

Set Your Audience’s Minds on Fire!
 
Are you seeking to learn how to tell your stories with your magic? If so, here is a unique invitation to an in-depth program to give you the skills to become the very best with The StoryMagic MasterMind group – https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/the-storymagic-mastermind-group
 
Spring Training 2025
 
Learn the fundamentals of your art from top professionals – get live in-person training with classes for card magic, stand-up, and parlor, and the classics of magic. Get specific feedback on your techniques and advice on how to improve your skills. Learn new magic and the correct practice disciplines that lead to professional presentations.

You will learn both basic and advanced techniques, suited to your skill level, and how to make your magic entertaining and play BIG in large venues. Attend the class of your choice, or get a discount when you sign up for all three. Register for Spring Training here – 
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/magic-mystery-school-spring-training-all-six-days

Do You Have These Qualities?

Here are a few important qualities that successful students posses: 

• They’re not afraid to take a risk.
• They dare to step out of their comfort zone.
• Many of them travel to Las Vegas to study and to watch the best magic performers in the world.
• I get very inspired teaching students who are passionate about transforming their magic. This is the time for you to take the leap.

Each student is different, and your interests matter. I meet each student where they are at and focus on their interests, their stories, and their passions. Then I help them develop a show that expresses their personal story and style. Here at the Mystery School we create a safe space for students like you to discover who you really are.

In April, we are hosting our Seven-Day Master Class. This is open to magicians at all levels of experience. If you are a beginner and want to learn the best ways to study and practice and perform magic, this is for you. If you are an experienced pro we have training for you that will take your magic to the next level. 

We only hold this class once a year and there are only a few remaining spots open, so the time is now. Register here: 
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/7-day-master-class-live-in-las-vegas-2025-04-21

See you online or in Las Vegas!

Jeff & Abigail McBride

Love and Magic

Dear Friends:
 
While the weather is cold, this love story can warm your heart. Our guest contributors this month are the husband-and-wife team Yan and Rin Ozzi, also known as “Married by Magic.” Together, they focus on the age-old story of love as we get ready to celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day. 

Love and magic are two concepts that enchant and captivate the human spirit, often intertwining in ways that elevate our experiences, and deepen our connections. In our act, Rin exclaims that “I love love! Love is magic!” At first glance, love may appear to be just an emotion, and we think of magic existing in the realm of illusion. However, both share a profound ability to transform, spark joy, and create unforgettable, magical moments. Together, with the right story, they create an enchanting tale that mesmerizes and inspires.

What Does Love Mean to You?

For us, love is passion, commitment, trust, surprise, excitement, wonder, kindness, and intimacy. It helps shape our identities, influences our decisions, and provides a sense of awe and purpose. Whether it’s the flutter of butterflies or the comforting warmth of your long-time love, these feelings have a way of making the mundane feel extraordinary. It encourages vulnerability, allowing us to connect with others on a profound level, sharing our dreams and fears and  joys and sorrows. Is this love or magic? We say both!

When love and magic intersect, they create a powerful synergy that can enhance connections with you, as well as between your audience members. One of the most enchanting ways to celebrate love through magic is by incorporating themes of romance and connection into your magic effects and stories. We can customize our magic performances to reflect the unique nuances of a couple’s relationship, turning an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience. 

For instance, design a routine that symbolizes the journey of love from one of the classic story archetypes–star-crossed lovers, soulmates, a princess and frog, opposites, and twin flames. The story arc starts with initial attraction and weaves in elements that reflect the challenges and triumphs of a relationship. Moreover, you can personalize your magic to commemorate significant milestones in a couple’s journey, first date, wedding day, or anniversary. 

A classic example is the linking rings, which can symbolize the connection between two people, representing how their lives are intertwined. We use linking hearts in our Speed Wedding Routine and profess that, if it is true love, the rings are inseparable. You can see a performance of that routine here – https://youtu.be/40iQ7qO3GdM.

Create Your Own Magic

Following are some go-to effects and recommendations to transform everyday magic into love stories. 

• Keepsakes: Keepsakes leave lasting impressions, and are free marketing and advertising. Keepsakes hold immense sentimental value, serving as tangible reminders of cherished moments. Some examples of keepsakes are signed cards, billets, paper hearts, origami objects, and flowers
• Healing Hearts: Start with Jeff and Abigail’s beautiful rendition of love and transformation with “Healing Hearts,” a torn-and-restored effect focusing on the healing power of love. https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/l/digital-video-downloads/healing-hearts-by-mago-martin-mcbride-burger

• Anniversary Waltz: This is a well-known card trick where it appears that two cards, each signed  by members of a couple, becomes one. Doc Eason calls Anniversary Waltz “the strongest card trick known to man.” There are many versions but you can create your own love story with any deck of cards or create or buy specially gaffed cards. I use a double-sided King and Queen of Hearts. 
• Gemini Twins: This easy to perform effect allows you to focus on the couple and their story. We use it with Post-it Notes as the markers, and ask each couple to write a special note or a feeling of love they have for the other. The note is placed on top of each special card. You can make your own cards that read “Bride” and “Groom,” or have the couple’s names prepared ahead of time, or just use a King and Queen. Alternatively, you can simply use a Cross-Cut Force to mark your special cards.

• Out of this World:A wonderful effect, but why not use special cards to make it focused on love? I love Larry Hass’s handling (My Way Out Of This World). We use a blank deck of cards and write “True” on half of the cards, and “Love” on the other half of the cards, so the end result comes out that the couple found “True Love.” You can also use Bride/Groom or Heart/Smiles.
• Rope Effects or BEKOS: Customize your favorite Professor’s Nightmare routine or BEKOS into a love story. In many cultures, tying the knot symbolizes unity, implying that people are together in an unbreakable bond or promise.
• Flowers: Never underestimate the power of flowers. A simple rose production can be meaningful, and a beautiful keepsake, especially on Valentine’s Day. 
• Sweets: Become the sweetest for your sweetie by making it special. Instead of just giving a box of chocolates, create magic using a simple appearance with a dove pan or production box. 
• What can you make love themed: Think about the story first, but there are so many easy ways to customize your magic and mentalism. Think of celebratory items such as confetti, champagne, balloons and have fun bringing happiness to others.

Ultimately, love and magic are about connection, transformation, wonder, and shared experiences. They invite us to explore the depths of our emotions, while reminding us that life is meant to be fun and full of surprises. When we embrace the magic of love, we open ourselves to a world where anything is possible. 
 
The month of February in general, and Valentine’s Day in particular, are reminders for us to love all year long. We are fortunate to believe Love is Magic and Magic is Love. This is inspired by how we think of and deliver our magic, driven by the philosophy of “The love you give away is the only love you keep.” Love is Magic because Magic is Love! 

Cheers!
Yan and Rin Ozzi – “Married by Magic” 
 
Yan and Rin Ozzi launched their act “Married by Magic” at the McBride Magic & Mystery School’s Master Class in 2024. They have since gone on to  win the Gold Medal at the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) convention, performed Recipe for Love at the Magic & Meaning Conference, and have been performing shows across North America. They are not only magicians but also licensed marriage officiants and ordained ministers, focusing their unique comedy and magical style on the power of love. Go to https://marriedbymagic.com/ to find out more.