Deeper Magic: Basic Magical Effects (Part 1)

David Devant's Seven Magical Effects

Hey there, and welcome to the very first edition of Deeper Magic! In this inaugural issue, we will explore different ways of categorising basic magical effects. Hopefully, this will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the art form and how various effects can be combined to create a well-balanced multiphase routine, a short magic set, or even an extended magic show.

“The amateur who wishes to succeed should thoroughly understand the headings under which all conjuring tricks can be classed. Let the amateur understand exactly all that a conjurer can do, and then let him take some object and try and discover some new way of performing a trick with it.”

— David Devant

Several magicians have attempted to categorise magic effects in a systematic manner. One of the first attempts was made by David Devant, a famous English magician and inaugural President of the Magic Circle. In his book My Magic Life, he outlined seven basic magical effects:

1. A Production or Creation

2. A Disappearance

3. A Transformation

4. A Transposition

5. An Apparent Defiance of Natural Laws

6. An Exhibition of Secret Motive Power

7. Apparent Mental Phenomena

Let’s examine these effects one at a time in greater detail.