Dear Friends:
Our first Museletter of the new year is from Kat Rettke. If you’ve attended Magic & Meaning, you’ve certainly met Kat. If you’ve attended one of our other events, you’ve received our 30-day-out and 10-day-out letters from her, or communicated with her about your registrations. While not a regular performer of magic herself, Kat has been an avid fan and student of magic for many years. She has become an invaluable and much-loved member of our team at the McBride Magic & Mystery School. I know you’ll enjoy her thoughts below.
From Kat Rettke:
I challenge anyone who is a magic enthusiast, an amateur or a hobbyist, to ask yourself what is it about your study of magic that you apply to your own personal or professional life? What are the theories and skills you use in your profession which are common to the skills needed for magic?
Magic clubs and other magician groups are wonderful social opportunities for those of us in the magic community. More importantly, I would guess that we have all found that learning the art of magic has been good for us in other areas of our lives, even among those of us who have no hope of ever making our living on stage.
“Great magicians are masters at analyzing their audience. They climb into their point of view… (they) create empathy with their audience, and they adjust their approach by picking up the feedback continually sent to them via audience facial expressions, applause (or its absence), gasps, laughter, the collective intake and expulsion of breath, and (above all) silence.â€
                      – David Morey, Eugene Burger and John E. McLaughlin, Creating Business Magic
More than twenty years of my life have been spent working as a social worker, mostly in healthcare settings. I was drawn to magic as a hobby, perhaps as a way to engage in an activity completely different from how I made a living, but mostly because I was very shy. I wanted a way to break the ice with other people.
Unfortunately, I never practiced enough to develop any magic skills beyond a very beginner level, and yet…there is so much more to the story for me about how valuable magic has been to me in other areas of my life.
In my professional workplace, I would find myself thinking about parallels between some of the skills of master magicians, and skills common in different theories of counseling; for instance, the skills of empathy and listening. Although I cannot credit the study of the art of magic with teaching me the skills of listening and empathy, it has been valuable to my development of these skills. Learning about audience management, audience reactions, and body language has sharpened the listening skills and feedback techniques I have learned and used as a social worker. I enjoy learning magic performance theory as a way to explore skills important to working with people from a unique perspective. I can think of so many examples of working in healthcare settings, where I have been made aware of the power of listening and observing the body language of others, as a way to diffuse a potentially hostile situation.
“Magic itself is a gift. It can create the appreciation that things are not as they seem, and therefore, that something better is possible.â€
– Robert Neale, Magic Matters Tricks & Essays
At its heart, social work as well as performance magic can inspire hope that we all have the power to change our lives for the better. I am grateful for both.
Dear Friends:
Don’t Give Up or Give In!
George Leonard’s book MASTERY made a profound impact on my life as a performer. George mentions that there are often long periods of our lives where we feel we are making no progress. He calls these plateaus. Plateaus are the long, flat places of our journeys where we do not seem to be rising up to the next level of excellence. Sometimes we need a guide or teacher to help us get motivated or reach that next step. Â
Here are the 8 steps you can take towards mastery.
Ask yourself, “How did you find out about the art of magic and find your way to our mystery school?â€
1. Watch live performances & lectures.
This is usually the first point of entry. Perhaps it was the first time you saw magic on TV, or a live show, and that may have started you on the road to study magic and philosophy.
Did you ever see my magic lecture live?
Now can see many of them here for FREE! Go to MAGICFLIX.COM, register and put in the code MCBRIDE. Go take a look, and tell me what you think! I would appreciate your feedback.
2. Watch great DVDs and read inspiring books.
When a student gets more serious, they start to work with our DVDs, and read our books, to deepen their understanding of our magical performance, philosophy, and vision.
https://www.magicalwisdom.com/shop/
3. Take online magic classes.
The Internet has made it easy for students to continue their deeper studies of magic by accessing our archives and online resources.
Have you seen our new online school? Here you go!
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/
4. Make progress with Skype mentoring.
For a much deeper understanding of magic, our school offers coaching and mentorship. I can work with you from the comfort and convenience of your home!
Many of our students develop mentoring relationships with our teachers via Skype for personalized feedback, and career guidance. We provide ongoing mentoring, training, and inspiration.
http://virtual.magicalwisdom.com/infopages/view/skype
5. Take a live class in Las Vegas.
When a student feels they are ready, they will take the journey to Las Vegas to study with our teachers and faculty at our school. Each class is an initiation into a different aspect of the magical arts, and each caters to varying levels of students’ competence.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
6. Enroll for a private class or residency.
Many students have specific needs or visions they need to refine. Personal private classes and residencies accelerate this creative process. Interested? We can work out individual sessions and residencies. Just call Abigail at (702) 450-0021.
7. Study the McBride Masterpiece Series
This intensive program shares some of our top secrets, training, philosophy and masterpiece routines with deserving students.
The only way that the masterpiece series is transmitted is live and in person – never through a medium. Go here: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces
8. Become a personal apprentice.
As a student progresses, it may become time for them to become an apprentice to one of the teachers at our school. The apprentices have the opportunity to deepen their studies, and get personalized feedback by assisting the school on a daily basis. This is the opportunity of a lifetime!
The apprentice is charged with developing their own magical expression and performance style. Their creative, artistic, and career and business development are reviewed regularly. The apprentices also help facilitate classes and the day-to-day running of the Magic & Mystery School, as well as performing as featured guest stars in the many shows and classes.
Apprentice positions are open only to students currently enrolled at the Magic & Mystery School.
Now it is your time to take your steps towards mastery.
What steps will you take this year to lift the level of your magic, career and life? We are here to help train and guide you.
See you online or in Las Vegas.
Be inspired,
Jeff
NEWS-FLASH!
If you are planning to attend the S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas in January of 2020 — I’ll be hosting a special class just before the convention:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
You are invited to the biggest magic party in Las Vegas!
One night only — never to be repeated!
WONDERGROUND HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!
December 19th, 2019
7pm – Rakesh – Close-up Magic
Tarot by Kim Renee
Ambient music by Thayer and Richard
8pm – Comedy Magic Show
Tim Wise is your host
Jungle Josh and Eric Odditorium
Darren & Jerryl — From the Far East to Vegas!
Joan and Lynetta — Ladies of Legerdemain
Elliott Hitchcock — International Man of Mystery
Will Bradshaw — Holiday Hocus-Pocus
9pm – Close-up, Magic Parlor and Strolling
Will, Scott & Tim at the Bar
Darren & Jerryl — Exotic Mysteries
Joan and Lynetta — Whimsy and Wonders
Luke Dancy — Contemporary Conjuring
Mondre — Master of the Close-up Table
Jungle Josh & friend Eric Odditorium
10pm – Variety Stage Extravaganza!
Elliott Hitchcock — International Man of Mystery
Steelfyre — The Cutting Edge of Magic
Darren & Jerryl — Exotic Mysteries
Jungle Josh & friend Eric Odditorium
Joan and Lynetta — Mischief & Mystique
Crossbow Magic — Danger and Daring
All the Above Plus:
Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic — Scott Steelfyre & Maggie, Corey, Psychic Sideshow with Kim Renee – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests.
Hello friends,
Abigail here, writing on a chilly winter night from the Library of Secrets at the Magic & Mystery School. One of Jeff’s first nicknames for me was Abbi-cadabra…. which, really, is pretty funny. But let’s think about the word my nickname came from, Abracadabra!
It translates: “I create as I speak.”
Many years ago, I was working through my core fears, which, at that time, were centered around being sick, poor and alone. I created an affirmation for myself, which I have said, sung, and written more times than I can count. It goes like this:
“I, Abigail, live in excellent health of body, mind and spirit… in love, joy, abundance and gratitude, all the days of my life.”
…and I do, and I am, and I will.
“Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic, and miracles.â€
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Affirmations are positive statements, said in the first person present tense, of what we want to be true. They are similar to declarations, statements, assertions, or proclamations. A number of wise teachers, including Louise Hay, Julia Cameron, and Dr. Wayne Dyer, suggest combining affirmations with “mirror work,†or looking into our own eyes in the mirror while speaking affirmations out loud.
Frequently, the mind will create a negative response to whatever we are trying to affirm, and that’s where the real magic of discovery can happen. We can choose to write down these negative reactive thoughts, and question them:
When have I felt this way in the past?
When is the very first time I ever remember feeling this way?
Who was I relating to when this feeling first occurred, and is this thought really true?
Is it even mine, or was it programmed by someone else who looked me in the eyes and told me this negative information?
Gazing into our own eyes and saying positive things can unwind the old painful messages. Changing old negative beliefs is real magic.
“I do believe in an everyday sort of magic — the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art, and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we’re alone.â€
― Charles de Lint
Here are some affirmations you can experiment with. Try repeating them ten times in a row, straight into your own eyes in the mirror, every day for thirty days, and see what happens!
My needs and desires are always being met.
I am blessed beyond my fondest dreams.
I am willing to give up difficulty and learn my lessons with ease.
There is plenty for everyone, including me.
Divine Intelligence gives me all the ideas I can use.
Everything I touch is a success.
When we can honestly identify that which we are most afraid of, we can use the power of these affirmations, or magic spells, or positive words to consciously reprogram our thinking, so that we can create the life we desire.
“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen.â€
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
When what we are saying, both out loud and in our internal self talk, is true, and is in alignment with our thoughts, our heartfelt feelings, our gut instincts, our creativity, and our grounded actions, the power of the word is made manifest. Energy flows cleanly, and life becomes magic.
Kung Fu, the TV series, was all the rage when I was in middle school. Watching that show, I imagined myself studying under the direction of a great master. Little did I know that years later I would actually meet my own Zen master, Eugene Burger, and then create a mystery school!
Seems like the show Kung Fu is playing out in my real everyday life!
We all need someone to help us along the path, who can call us on our procrastination or give us a wake-up call! Good friends and mentors can do that!
Poetry Corner:
Two Mystery School Haikus by D.R.
Arcana and lore
Secrets in a hidden room
Find the sliding door
 ………………………………….
Seekers of knowledge
Magic and mystery school
A goal for many.
Now you have the opportunity to study many of Eugene’s most prized and private performance pieces in the new book, Eugene Burger: From Beyond. In 2010, Eugene asked Dr. Larry Hass to write and oversee two books that would include all of his unpublished material (routines, essays, talks, interviews, and scripts). Working closely with Eugene right up to his death, Eugene Burger: From Beyond is the first of these books, and it includes all of Eugene’s unpublished parlor magic, stage magic, and spirit theater. The book is now available for purchase from Larry at: https://www.TheoryandArtofMagic.com.
Secret Shows
One of the best kept secrets in Vegas is that there are numerous private party shows that the public and magic community never hear about. (OK, on Facebook there were a few mentions.)
Last week I had the pleasure of being on a special show that was the creation of my visionary friend Stephane Vanel.
On the show Stephane performed with Lance Burton, Shin Lim, Amazing Jonathan, Rocco, Will Bradshaw, Kent Axell, and me! The event was hosted by WONDERGROUND’S Tim Wise. Now there’s a cast!
QUIZ: “Can you name all the performers in this photo?â€
I love performing at private events, so if you want to have me at your events in 2020, please contact my friend and manager Tobias Beckwith: tobias@yourmagic.com
McBride’s Magic & Mystery School All-Star Show at Mindvention–This conference is one of the world’s largest gatherings of mind readers and mystery entertainers. Our school rocked the house this night! Thanks to everyone for such a great opening night show. Here’s the cast list:
Lawrence Hass, Jeff McBride, Kabir Khan, Victor Castañeda, Gene Franklin Smith, and Ross Johnson.
If you are planning to attend the
SAM CONVENTION IN VEGAS IN 2020
I’ll be hosting two very special classes just before and after the convention:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
Did you love magic as a child and are just getting back into magic? Many of the world’s top magicians started late in life. The important thing is to get you started and learning in the best way!
The BEST way to learn magic = Live Personal Instruction
The BEST place to learn magic = Las Vegas Magic Capital of the World Â
Imagine yourself receiving hands-on personal instruction from some of the top experts in the world of magic…now you can. Join us for a few days of magic, fun and wonder!
Start your magic year off the correct way — Learn from the best teachers in the world. Our small group method gives you hands-on instruction and practical information.
Jeff McBride is one of the world’s most experienced magic teachers. Jeff has helped start the careers of thousands of magicians around the world. He can help you learn the tricks and techniques that you will use for a lifetime!
Join our class here:Â
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
WONDERGROUND News
You are invited to the biggest magic party in Las Vegas!
3 great DIFFERENT shows…
ONE night only! Never to be repeated!
November 21st, 2019
8pm Comedy Magic Show
Tim Wise is your host
Michael Mirth – Cryptic Conjurations
Louie Foxx – MagiComedy
Professor Phelyx – Enchanting Mind Reading
Derek Selinger – From P&T’s FOOL US
Ryan Brown – Mysterious Manipulations
9pm Close Up, Parlor & Strolling Magic
Will Bradshaw is your host
Michael Mirth Opens his Cabinet of Wonders
Louie Foxx – Funtastic Magi-Comedy
Derek Selinger – Canada’s Famous Mystery Man
Civi Civiac – Continental Conjurations
Professor Phelyx – Enchanting Encounters
Zack Patee at the WONDERBAR
10pm Variety Stage Extravaganza!
Ryan Brown – Rising Star of magic
Louie Foxx – Comedic Deceptions
Civi Civiac – Continental Conjurations
Niels Duinker – Gravity Defying Skills
Derek Selinger – Magic from the Shadows
All the Above Plus:
Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic with Scott Steelfyre & Maggie, Corey Rubino, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Psychic Sideshow with Eliza – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests.
Abigail and I are looking forward to hosting you at the McBride House of Mystery, so when you visit Las Vegas, know that you can always come over for a class or event. There is always something new and amazing happening here! Just drop us an email at Jeff@mcbridemagic.com.
Be inspired!
Jeff and Abigail
P.S. Just one more haiku by D.R.
Behind the white beard
Wisdom, humor, and knowledge
A naughty Santa.
