Back to the Future
Move forward in magic by walking backward!
“Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.”
— Traditional Māori Proverb
This beautiful piece of Māori wisdom translates as “I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.” For struggling magicians constantly seeking the next magic trick or the latest method, this proverb offers profound guidance. Progress in magic doesn’t come from endlessly reaching forward—it comes from walking backwards into what you already know, studying the fundamentals you think you’ve mastered, and deepening your understanding of the classics (that have survived for good reason).
Every great magician understood this. Houdini didn't just study Robert-Houdin; he absorbed his essence and transformed it into something uniquely his own (then, bizarrely, tried to destroy his legacy, but let’s ignore that for now). Vernon didn't just dissect Malini; he reinterpreted and reassembled his techniques into a new form of natural magic. Malone didn't just learn from Ed Marlo; he internalised his wisdom. They didn't advance by ignoring their lineage—they moved forward by walking backwards. No plutonium-powered DeLorean required—just the willingness to study your past to unlock your future.
Think of it as your own magical time machine—but instead of needing 1.21 jigowatts and a flux capacitor, all you need is curiosity about your own repertoire.
Instead of learning something new this week, take a moment to reflect on one effect you think you already know and honestly examine it: Who created it? What problem were they solving? How has it evolved? The future of your magic isn't in the trick you haven't learned yet—it's in the one that you already perform.
Walk backwards, fellow conjurer. The future is waiting!
Yours Magically,
Marty
P.S. Great Scott, who knew Back to the Future and ancient Māori wisdom had so much in common?!