Here’s how it will seem to your amazed audience. You ask somebody from the audience to shuffle the cards, and check to make sure it’s not a marked deck or anything. You then take the deck, shuffle it once more for good measure, and then hand them back the deck.

After they are holding the deck, you tell them to separate the deck into four equal stacks. They don’t have to be exactly equal, only approximate. Then you stun the audience by staring directly through the top card to the other side, reading the name and value of the card. You will be able to easily do this many times and never come close to being discovered.

Here’s the trick. As you shuffle the deck one last time, take a quick glance at the bottom card, and secretly place it on top of the deck. This may take a wee bit of practice, but after you do it a few times at home, you’ll be a natural in front of others.

Once you know which card is on top, you’re ready to proceed. Watch them as they cut the deck into four stacks, and remember which one has the card you just peeked at. Let’s call it card one to make it easy. Pick any stack that doesn’t contain “card one,” but you actually say “card one.” Then pick it up, and set it face down in front of the stack. Remember this card now as card two. You’ll need to have somebody remember all four cards, so you can reveal them all at once. On the next pile of cards, you say “card two,” and look at the next card, which in reality is card three. The trick is to stay one step ahead of yourself.

After you’ve finally come to the stack that has “card one” on top, you’ll actually be saying “card four.” Then with all four cards laid face down, you have the audience member who was recording the cards call them out again. After they do this, you quickly flip all the cards over, showing them your accurate readings. This takes a little of memory, so it can help to practice with your friends before doing it in front of strangers. Have fun.

In some branches of magic, wands are used for the channeling of energy. Though wands are generally crafted out of wood or metal, crystal is also used for making them. A branch of oak, hazel or other trees is pruned and then carved or decorated to create a wand that suits the magician. Nowadays, readymade wands are also available and can be purchased from several stores or even over the Internet.

Works of fiction and fantasy have given magic wands the popularity that they are enjoying now. Wands are represented as spell-casting magical rods with the ability to change destiny by performing miracles. Fairy godmothers and witches are generally shown as carrying wands with a shining star or point on its tip. Most of us are familiar with the depiction of Cinderella’s fairy godmother’s wand and all that it did. Wands are also portrayed as weapons used in magical duels.

In the fantasy world of Harry Potter, a wand helps the wizard or witch to focus their energies and perform spells. Wands are generally required for most spells though it is possible to perform spells without them. Each wand is said to be unique and different from other wands. They are available in many varieties, being made of different woods, such as holly, willow, rosewood or oak and having different magical cores such as phoenix feather, unicorn hair or dragon heartstring.

Of course, the deliberate decision to add an effect of a definite nature is not the usualway the average magician adds to his routine or repertoire. The usual trick is added by the run-of-the-mill magical enthusiast simply because something in the number appeals to him. It might be the appearance of the apparatus. Or the apparent profundity of the method, the deceptive feature. Or the comedy potentialities. Or any of a number of other factors. I’m convinced this is not the correct way to add program material. It seems far better to me to add material from the viewpoint of its importance in adding entertainment value to the performer’s routine.

However, should a magician decide to add a production or appearance number to his program, usually through search he finds some type of trick that supplies the desired general effect. The specific trick selected usually determines the object with which the effect is accomplished. Then, the object to be used established, if he desires to tie it into a unified routine, he shapes and warps and changes matters until he meets his requirements as nearly as possible.

The somewhat more exacting magician will usually adopt the second method. Here, he will decide to add some type of production or mysterious appearance. Before embarking upon his search, he will determine the object or objects with which he wishes to accomplish the effect. Then, as before, he will make the search. But this investigation is not so general. Specifically, he knows what he wants to cause to appear. His hunt is limited to tricks in which the desired object is used. If he fails in his search, or if the tricks he finds do not seem satisfactory to him, usually he will decide upon a second object to take the place of the first choice

Not only will you be able to get all the props and equipment you need for your performance, the magic shop is great resource for new ideas and even places to perform.

If you require custom equipment you can go also about making it yourself. In centuries past, most magicians had to build their own props and equipment. Some tricks don’t require anything more than some plywood and a few tools. Also, if your props are home made you can be sure that no one else will have a trick exactly like yours.

The first piece you may want to create is your magician’s table. You can custom build it with hidden compartments to assist you with tricks where objects need to disappear.

Another important, although sometimes overlooked, piece of magician’s equipment is the outfit. What the magician wears can be a critical part of the performance and set the tone for the audience. Many magicians also like to have customized outfits with hidden pockets or panels to assist with tricks. Unless you have a talent for sewing you may want to consult with a local tailor to get your outfit created.

Perhaps the most common prop in magic is the deck of cards. This may seem simple but there are many different types. There are different colors, sizes, marked cards, double faced and double backed cards just to name a few. Most magic stores will have a type of deck to accommodate any tricks you might be working on but some magicians have their cards customized as well. If you do go with customized cards remember that you want them to look as much like an “ordinary” deck of cards as possible. You want the audience to believe that the magic is coming from you, not the props.

If your audience consists of a large group of children then the use of animals in your tricks is a must. Usually a white rabbit or white doves work the best. Doves are the easiest to train and rabbits don’t make noise or bite. Some magic stores will carry them but you can also get them at a local pet store.

If your trick calls for you to cover something with a handkerchief, you should opt for silk rather than a cotton handkerchief. Silk adds a touch of class and they are usually larger and come in a large variety of colors.

Complex magic tricks will almost always require some equipment or props so be prepared to go shopping or head out to the garage to make them yourself. Just remember that you make the magic happen, not the props. Also remember that fancy props are no substitute for honing your skills through practice and repetition. Master your craft and the right equipment will just add the finishing touch to your professional level performance.