Introduction to Mentalism Book & Resource

[Craig Browning]

Back in December I introduced a FREE Book on Cold Reading with the promise that other FREE books covering Mentalism, Bizarre Magick and other fields of magic that I've worked in over the years. Well, here's book Two MENTALISM: An Introduction & Resource Manual

Book Three, on Bizarre Magick should be out by mid-June possibly sooner.

This new book offers a solid overview about Mentalism and the varied schools of thought when it comes to practice and performance. You will also find an outline as to the books you will want to invest in for your first year to two years of study along with an extended list of supportive materials that will aid you in honing key skill sets allied with the art. The rest will be up to you.

 

[greenstickman]

I think the link to the cold reading book is messed up, but the mentalism one looks interesting.

 

[AndrewJ]

I think you're the guy to either make or break my worst fear regarding the popular search for the "next level" of magic. I am terrified of seeing bizarre magic abused and perhaps cast aside in that quest. I am not "in it" so much as having my own path draw near to it. That branch deserves a great deal of respect. More than I can currently offer it.

Thinking aloud as I read.

I found the Learning To Cold Read book. Many of the techniques you mentioned and aspects of my own creative life have some overlap that concerns me. I am no stranger to giving the wrong impression about some matters of spirituality. In fact, it's a strong part of my presence, but is still done with respect for others. That said, there is the wrong impression and then there is the wrong impression.

My experience, these days, is that a person who gives the wrong impression has just made himself the punchline of a joke that no one wanted told. I find it far more common for people who legitimately study those paths to react with about 2 parts humor to 1 part honest scorn. The scorn merely makes the humor funnier.

It is vital to understand the tools and the people who use them.

So, alright. Knee-deep in the Mentalism e-book.

The chapter entitled Of Mystic Ways is perhaps one of the most important in either book thus far. This is said for the reasons mentioned above. If people are going to start mucking around with the tools then they better know exactly what they are doing in order to present it believably. Just as important, they need to understand the people who genuinely use those tools.

This is important

I would go so far as to urge people into interacting with real spiritualists. I have had a great deal of success introducing myself honestly: "At the very least, I do not want to misrepresent anyone who holds these beliefs as a part of my performance." People are extremely receptive to being shown respect. People like being able to share what they know.

"Putting it All Together": Steps 1 & 2 look familiar. I'm pretty sure there was something around these parts recently about not wanting to perform such in-depth on a character. If only I could remember why... Hopefully your authority will help turn that tide.

Finally, thank you. The cold reading book, as vague as it was, still clarified some abstracts in regards to any insincere methods of divination. The mentalism ebook really inspired some possible answers to matters that have been troubling me lately. I do very much appreciate your effort with both releases.

 

[Craig Browning]

Andrew, thanks so much for your kindness and most especially when it came to the "Mystic Ways" chapter (I was quite nervous about including it but feedback from several key personalities out there indicated that it was a "must")

Mentalism & Bizarre Magick rely on theatrical prowess far more than traditional magic does, this is why I point out the whole ordeal about Life Experience and how, in the early decades of the 20th century, even the younger performers would use make-up so as to look several years their senior -- that hint of grey and some crows feet implied authority and in those times, demanded respect (it was still a time when people respected their elders vs. challenging them). The key being that the Mentalist had to be able to control his audience as well as the volunteers brought on stage, something you really don't have the chops for when you're 20 years old and breaking in a new act while having absolutely no background or experience on stage, with theater or even improvisation workshops (which are amazingly valuable).

The 6 planned Introductory books I'm pulling together this year give the serious student a more than reasonable foundation (I've already been chewed out by a handful of my peers for giving away too much information just in these two books, one gent telling me I should sell the Mentalism book for $100.00).

To me, after 40 years on stage it's time to start giving back in a way that I was given to -- freely, with no punches pulled and very matter of fact. Young people need to know what they are getting into, the ups as well as the downs, which no writer I know of seems willing to discuss even though more people fail in show biz than not and too, more people are weekend warriors vs. full-time pro, so why tell them about such high profile, fleeting dream-goals? Teach them about the obtainable and how to be the best at that level and how to use that as a stepping stone for when they wish to move on, doing the more intense side of the work.

As I mentioned, I hope to have the Bizarre Magick book ready in the next two weeks and following behind that will be a piece that steps completely away from the Paranormal side of things, bringing us to the world of the Grand Illusion. . . that might through folks who aren't familiar with my yesteryear incarnation, but it was my first area of passion and I'm seeing more and more inquiries on the boards by young people wanting to move into this area.

Again, thanks for your kind words. I hope these books bring benefit to all that read them. I would ask that you rate & review the books at Lulu after you've read them, it would be a great help.

 

[Craig Browning]

I think the link to the cold reading book is messed up, but the mentalism one looks interesting.

I've re-set the link, try it now

 

[AndrewJ]

Thank you again as well. I was glad to see you take so much time on subjects that can quite possibly be neglected and - worse - harm everyone in their neglect. Thankfully, the lazy performer would be likely to take the brunt of that damage.

On that note, I will be eating some of my own crow over matters of the Zodiac. I don't necessarily believe in it, but it is worth studying for all the reasons mentioned already. Thank you for stressing as much in your e-book.

-Andrew