Are psychics better than us?
In card magic, some of our routines draw inspiration from the world of gamblers. Sometimes it’s the theme (poker demos, dice, etc.), and other times it’s the techniques themselves (false shuffles, deck switches, markings, etc.). To ensure these influences remain coherent, it’s advisable to watch films on the subject, learn the rules of the games you reference, and even immerse yourself in the cheater’s world to study its specifics. It’s thanks to these inspirations that I created my Texas Hold’em routine “Joffe's
In mentalism, some of our routines are inspired by the occult. Many of the films I watch deal with the supernatural and include examples of clairvoyance and mediumship. To better understand this theme, I also wanted to immerse myself in that world. In 2023 and 2024, I registered for a mini clairvoyance convention in Manila (Philippines), where I currently live. By exploring this universe, I discovered several elements that fundamentally differentiate the practice of clairvoyance from that of mentalism:
The phenomenon is never questioned
Unlike the audience of a magic or mentalism show, where spectators often try to detect the secret, those seeking occult experiences generally accept the demonstration at face value. People arrive with pre-established beliefs and do not look for the “trick.” This lack of skepticism allows for a much more immersive experience for a mentalist. However, this apparent ease in no way justifies relying on weak or unconvincing methods. Rather, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your message by focusing on a polished, solid presentation, charged with emotion.
The absence of a “verifiable” finale in clairvoyance
One aspect that struck me is that clairvoyants do not seem concerned with offering a conclusion in the form of “proof.” They are content to deliver their message, like an oracle. They provide direction, advice, or an image, and then let the client draw their own conclusions. This creates a diffuse, suspended atmosphere without any obligatory climax. Mentalism positions itself here as a more effective art: whereas clairvoyance remains fundamentally suggestive and open-ended, mentalism can deliver a clear finale, a measurable and verifiable result. This final point lends mentalism undeniable stage power. For example, you can guess a precise piece of information, prove a prediction, and create a concrete impact, whereas clairvoyance merely lets the mystery linger, more or less skillfully.
Price and absence of responsibility
Even very expensive clairvoyance sessions require no guarantee of results. Clients accept this uncertainty because what they are paying for is above all emotional comfort, a sympathetic ear, and perspective during a period of doubt. They do not come for entertainment, but for spiritual or psychological guidance. Mentalists can draw inspiration from this relationship between price and emotional impact: if your performance touches people deeply, creating an intense and personal moment, your fees can justifiably reflect this level of involvement and sensitivity. Your value no longer rests solely on technical prowess, but on the meaningful and emotionally resonant experience you offer.
How to apply these insights to your magic or mentalism repertoire?
You’ll gain an audience that is less inquisitive, more emotionally engaged by a strong finale, and you will secure better-paying bookings.
-
To wrap up on this subject, I’ll leave you with the demonstration by one of the speakers. It resembled a mentalism effect and may inspire you to create your own version. I’ve incorporated it as the current finale of my parlor show.
The speaker is an expert in Tarot and Reiki. She asks the entire audience to think of a personal question; nothing is written down—just a free mental choice. She then draws three Tarot cards at random (truly), placing them upright, backs toward the audience. She invites each person to mentally choose the left card, the middle card, or the right card; no procedure—just a free mental choice. She announces that the left card will answer the questions of those who chose it, the middle card will answer the questions of those who chose it, and the right card will answer the questions of those who chose it.
As a mentalist, I was both excited and skeptical. I could see the potential for an extraordinary revelation, while also knowing it was impossible. The speaker reveals the left card and interprets it for the audience, then the middle card, and finally the right card. She then asks members of the audience to raise their hand if their chosen card truly answered their question. I was shocked to see that 90% of the people around me raised their hands, and an audible shiver ran through the room.
Just imagine the experience from the participants’ point of view. In their eyes, their personal question had been perceived, then connected to the one card capable of providing the right answer.
Now go have fun with this idea.
