A Blog of Wisdom.: Magic

10 Amazing Mythological Objects

Perhaps as a child you worshiped Indiana Jones, bought yourself a fedora, and hoped to search for supernatural treasures long lost to mankind. Mythology has been rife with mysterious objects of power that imbue the user with unique abilities. So, fedora in hand, let’s venture into the world of mysterious and fantastic powers. 
 
10 The Cintamani Stone 
 
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Most people are familiar with the concept of the Philosopher’s Stone, but few have heard of the Cintamani Stone. Said to be lost somewhere in Southeast Asia, the stone is the Oriental equivalent of the Philosopher’s Stone. The stone is thought to be a relic of Buddha, and is able to grant wishes. Supernatural powers aside, the stone represents Buddhist values and teachings. It has never been found (of course), and there has never been any solid evidence of its existence. 
 
9 The Seven-League Boots 
 
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The Seven-League Boots are a recurring artifact in numerous European fairy tales, and the boots themselves allowed one to travel seven leagues (roughly five kilometers or three miles) per step. The boots aren’t very well known, and they are featured primarily in the French fairytale Hop-o’-My-Thumb.  
 
In the story, Hop-o’-My-Thumb is a small boy who is extremely intelligent. When his parents abandon him and his brothers, he becomes the (very tiny) man of the house. When an ogre decides to make a meal of the brothers, Hop-o’-My-Thumb steals their magical boots to escape and make his fortune for his family. 
 
8 The Ring Of Gyges 
 
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Plenty of us have seen the Lord of the Rings movies and are familiar with the One Ring, the cursed ring that grants invisibility but eventually corrupts the souls of those who wear it. Luckily, mythology has a ring that grants invisibility without the nasty side effects. The Ring of Gyges was a ring from a story told by the famous philosopher Plato. In the story, Gyges is a shepherd who finds the ring after an earthquake reveals a cave near where he herds his flock. 
 
Upon entering the cave, Gyges finds the ring on the finger of a corpse that doesn’t seem human. When he places it upon his finger, he discovers he can become invisible by adjusting it. Gyges then goes to the palace of his local kingdom, woos the wife of the king, then kills him and becomes King of Lydia. So . . . maybe we were wrong about the soul-blackening part. 
 
7 The Hand Of Glory 
 
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This is an item you better hope a burglar never gets his hands on. The Hand of Glory was fashioned from a condemned murderer’s hands. A wax candle was affixed to one of the fingers, and the dead man’s hair was used as a wick. It had the power to unlock doors and freeze people in place. Its flame could only be extinguished by the thief who wielded it, and it would have been a vital tool to the criminal trade if it ever existed. In its day, the Hand of Glory was considered to be the product of extremely black magic. 
 
6 Skatert-Samobranka 
 
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Let’s say you’re out for a picnic, and you’ve forgotten the food. That’s not an issue, you just need to whip out your Skatert-Samobranka. The Skatert-Samobranka was a magic tablecloth that could produce food when unfurled and cleaned itself up when it was folded again. As with most supernatural items, there were rules. The Skatert-Samobranka was sentient, so it needed to be respected and cared for. If angered, it might have ruined the food, and any rips or holes would cause it to slowly lose its magical properties. That’s one temperamental tablecloth. 
 
5 The Book Of Thoth 
 
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The Book of Thoth was a book of ancient magic used by the Egyptian god of wisdom and magic, Thoth. The Book of Thoth was said to contain two spells—one to understand animals and one to understand the mind of the gods. In an ancient Egyptian story, a prince of Egypt found the book after avoiding a series of traps. As punishment for finding the book, the prince’s family was killed, and the prince committed suicide.  
 
Years later, a new prince found the book but was warned by the old prince’s ghost not to take it. He didn’t listen and was promptly convinced by a beautiful woman to humiliate himself and kill his children. However, he discovered that the whole thing was an illusion created by the old prince’s ghost as a warning. He placed the book back into the old prince’s tomb and left. 
 
4 Helmet Of Invisibility 
 
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Another Greek legend, the Helmet of Invisibility was a helmet once owned by the hero Perseus that could grant—you guessed it—invisibility. Perseus wore the helmet in his quest to slay Medusa. It prevented her petrifying gaze from affecting him when he went into battle. Perseus returned with Medusa’s head, so his quest went quite well. 
 
3 The Spear Of Destiny 
 
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The Spear of Destiny is a sacred relic in the Christian faith. It is said that the spear that pierced Christ’s side was imbued with unique powers. Supposedly, only the owner of the Spear of Destiny could control the world. Many a conspiracy nut will tell you that Hitler, while dabbling in the occult, took the spear for himself and went on to conquer most of Europe. Later, when General Patton arrived in Nuremburg, he took the spear from the city, and Hitler’s reign of terror soon ended. 
 
2 The Argo 
 
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Anyone familiar with classical mythology is probably familiar with The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes, the tale of Jason and his team of heroes (the Argonauts), who quested to gain the Golden Fleece in Colchis—so that Jason could claim his throne. The ship itself was said to be under the protection of the goddess Hera and was made from the timber of the forests of Dodona, which held the power of prophecy. When the quest for the Golden Fleece was done, the Argo was placed into the heavens as a constellation. 
 
1 Dragon’s Teeth 
 
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Dragons are the quintessential monster of European folklore: giant, fire-breathing lizards that may have been the medieval explanation for dinosaur bones. The Greek legend of Cadmus states that, in the days of yore, Cadmus killed the sacred dragon of the god of war—Ares. Athena, Ares’s sister, told Cadmus to plant the teeth, which grew into a fresh crop of soldiers. He then threw a precious gem in amid the soldiers, who fought each other for it until there were five survivors. These five later went on to found the city of Thebes. To this day, to “sow dragon’s teeth” means to cause something that breeds dispute. 
 
credit to <a href="http://listverse.com/2013/08/01/ten-amazing-and-curious-mythological-objects/">Listverse</a>

Perhaps as a child you worshiped Indiana Jones, bought yourself a fedora, and hoped to search for supernatural treasures long lost to mankin...

Scary Paranormal Games

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Here are some of the scariest games for your paranormal parties. Some are so frightening, they shouldn't be played at all. 
 
WE DON'T USUALLY think of games when we consider the paranormal. The paranormal is something to be investigated, researched and taken seriously, not trifled with in something as frivolous as what we'd consider a "game." 
 
We're not talking about the harmless games children play at Halloween or even the various paranormal-themed action and role-playing computer games available. We're talking about the games that are played in the dark of night that truly can be paranormal in nature and have unexpected, even terrifying results. 
 
Games such as "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board," the Ouija board, "Bloody Mary" and spoon bending seem to be favorites of teenagers particularly. At parties, sleepovers and when the opportunity arises to sneak into an abandoned or rumored-to-be-haunted building, these games are very often played. Teens like them not only because they challenge the unknown, but also for the same reason they love horror and slasher movies - they like to be scared. 
 
Adults and paranormal researchers usually discourage such games - particularly the Ouija and Bloody Mary - because of the negative psychological impact they can have on the participants. Whether the game players are merely scaring themselves or they really are tapping into negative realms, many researchers advise that these "games" are best left alone. And for that reason, we cannot recommend their practice. Light as a Feather and spoon bending are more harmless and may have a scientific basis, but some argue that any game that has elements of the unknown should be avoided. 
 
People play them at their own risk. 
 
LIGHT AS A FEATHER, STIFF AS A BOARD 
 
 
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This levitation game has been around for decades. I recall my sister telling me that she and her friends tried it at a teen party - and it worked. 
 
The most common version of this "trick" requires at least five people. One person, the victim, lies relaxed on the floor with eyes closed. The other four participants surround her, one on each side, one at the head and one at the feet. Each of the participants places two fingers of each hand beneath the victim. With their eyes closed, they begin to chant, "Light as a feather… stiff as a board…" over and over. With just the slightest effort, the participants are able to raise the victim off the floor in what appears to be the defiance of gravity. 
 
Does it work? In addition to my sister, I've heard from a number of other people who attest that it does. I have never witnessed it personally. Some contend that it can work with just three people, which would be even more astounding. There are also variations on this levitation trick involving a chair. 
 
OUIJA BOARD 
 
 
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The Ouija is undoubtedly the most well-known paranormal game in the world, mainly because it can be found in just about any mainstream toy store. It's the commercial version of the "talking board," which may date back centuries. 
 
For those who are unfamiliar with it, the Ouija is a game board on which are printed the letters of the alphabet and the words "yes," "no" and "goodbye." Two players place their fingers lightly on a planchette or pointer, then ask questions. The pointer then seems to magically slide around the board, spelling out answers. 
 
While some contend that the movement of the pointer is just the result of unconscious effort by the participants, or the "ideomotor effect," (see the article, "Ouija: How Does It Work?"), members of various religious groups are joined by many paranormal researchers in warning that the Ouija may indeed be opening a door to the spirit realm. Dark and sinister forces, they say, can enter our dimension through this door, sometimes with chillingly negative consequences. (See "Tales of the Ouija" for some of these experiences from readers.) 
 
Because of this possible negative impact, many researchers advise that the Ouija should not be used under any circumstances. Others say that it can be used safely if a proper "cleansing" is done before and after its use, or if used under the guidance of an experienced medium. 
 
BLOODY MARY 
 
 
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The conjuring of Bloody Mary has been a favorite way for teenagers, girls in particular, to scare themselves silly. The appearance of the Bloody Mary spirit has become the stuff of urban legend, yet many have testified that she really does appear. 
 
Basically, the ritual goes like this: stand in a darkened or lightless room where there is a mirror. Stare into the mirror and chant "Bloody Mary" 13 times. The gruesome spirit of Bloody Mary will appear behind you in the mirror. 
 
There are many variations on the ritual, any of which a brave teenage girl will try, usually on a dare. Sometimes a lighted candle is required in the dark room. You must chant the name three times, six times, nine times - even up to 100 times, depending on whom you ask. Another variation is that you must spin slowly in place while you chant Bloody Mary's name, glancing in the mirror with each turn. 
 
An excellent article by Patty A. Wilson in the June 2005 issue of FATE magazine gives the complete history of the Bloody Mary legend, saying that the most likely origin is the life of Mary Stuart. Also known as Mary Queen of Scots in 16th century England, she was involved in many plots, intrigues and murder. She was executed in 1587, and it is her bloody corpse that appears in the mirror when beckoned. 
 
Yet another tradition says that the evil spirit is none other than Satan's spouse. (I didn't even know he was seeing anyone!) 
 
Although the biggest worry with Bloody Mary is that the participant will succeed in scaring herself into hysterics, we occasionally hear stories about people who really did see Bloody Mary in the mirror. Usually these tales come through a friend of a friend and are, of course, impossible to verify. 
 
SPOON BENDING 
 
 
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Psychic Uri Geller is most often credited with the phenomenon of spoon bending. While skeptics claim this feat is nothing more than magician's sleight of hand, others say that it is a psychic phenomenon that just about anyone can accomplish. 
 
It's so easily done that spoon-bending parties have been held. On these occasions, the host brings a load of spoons and forks (forks are probably used more often than spoons because it's more dramatic to get the tines all twisted), usually bought cheap from a thrift store. The party goers are asked to choose a utensil they believe will bend, and sometime during the course of the event, most of the spoons and forks indeed do bend and twist, seemingly in defiance of all logic and the laws of physics. 
 
In short, the method goes like this: Invite people to the party that you know and like. Create a relaxed atmosphere of fun and laughter. Ask each participant to choose a utensil that they believe "wants" to bend. (They don't all want to bend.) It's even suggested that you ask the fork, "Will you bend for me?" Then hold the fork vertically and shout, "Bend! Bend!" Rub it gently with your fingers. 
 
If the utensil does not begin to bend, divert your attention. Focus your attention on something else. Some even say that this inattention to the utensil is vital in getting it to bend. When it succeeds, the fork or spoon will bend easily. Contrary to popular belief, the utensil will not just start twisting of its own accord (although this has happened on rare occasions). Rather, the utensil becomes so malleable that it is quite easily bent and twisted with the hands using almost no effort - as if it were made of the softest metal. 
 
Although I've never had any luck with bending spoons or forks (I've always tried it alone and not at a festive party), my wife was able to easily twist several forks into impossible shapes, as the photo on this page shows. 
 
Have fun and don't take this stuff too seriously. 
 
credit to paranormal.about.com

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Top 10 Greatest Magician Of All Time

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Humans have always been obsessed with the supernatural, including magic.  Certain people have been able to use this to make a career for themselves, becoming world famous (and of course super-rich).  Here are the ten greatest magicians of all time. 
 
 
 
10. Soul Mystique 
 
 
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They may be the least known act on this list, but quick-change act Soul Mystique have revived much recognition.  They were named one of the top 10 magicians in the world by Fox Bio Channel in 2008, and were invited to perform as the closing act to the event, “A Tribute to Siegfried and Roy at the London Palladium.”  The duo found fame on the show Australia’s Got Talent, where they finished as Grand Finalists in 2007, and 2nd Runners-Up in 2012. 
 
9. Dante 
 
 
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Harry August Jansen, better known as Dante the Magician, was so influential that his death in 1955 has come to end what historians call the “Golden Age of Magic.”  Dante toured the world performing his magic with a troupe of between 25 and 40 performers, becoming famous uttering the Danish nonsense words “Sim Sala Bim”, taken from a children’s song. He was well-known to be the greatest magician in the world at his time. 
 
 
 
8. Harry Blackstone Sr. 
 
 
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Harry Blackstone Sr. became famous for performing to the USO (United States Organizations Inc.) during World War II.  Many of the tricks that are famous today were made popular through Blackstone Sr.  “Sawing Woman in Half” was arguably his most famous trick.  He would use a saw to cut through a piece of lumber, and then seem to cut through a woman, who would rise up unharmed afterwards.  His son, Harry Blackstone Jr., also became a renowned magician, as he started from an infant in his father’s shows. 
 
7. Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin 
 
 
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19th century French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin is known as the father of the modern style of magic.  Harry Houdini idolized the magician, and chose his stage name in honor of his inspiration.  Robert-Houdin’s most famous trick was called “Second Sight.”  He would walk through the audience, touching random items.  A blindfolded assistant would then describe each item in detail.  Another variation of the trick had his Emile, sip on a glass of water, while an audience member thought of a liquid.  Robert-Houdin would “read” the audience member’s mind, through his son, and reveal the liquid. 
 
6. David Blaine 
 
 
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David Blaine became famous in the late 90′s through his show, “Street Magic.”  His show was unique for showing street magic up-close, as well as Blaine’s ultra-cool style throughout his tricks.  He then made a name for himself as an endurance artist.  Blaine has been buried alive (a stunt his idol Houdini planned on performing before his death in 1926) for a week, frozen in an ice block for 63 hours (a world record at the time), stood on a 100-foot high pillar without any harnesses for 35 hours, gone 44 days in a glass box without any food or nutrients, spun in a gyroscope for 16 hours, hung upside down for 60 hours, and most recently, spent 72 hours with one million volts of electrical discharge aimed at his body. 
 
5. Siegfried and Roy 
 
 
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German magician Siegfried Fishbacher and exotic animal trainer Roy Horn immigrated to the United States and combined their talents to form a unique magic act featuring white tigers and lions.  From 1990 to 2003, they had a show at The Mirage in Las Vegas, which was regarded as the most visited Vegas show.  In 2003, Horn was bitten by one of his tigers on the neck while performing.  He suffered large blood loss and a quarter of his skull was removed as doctors tried to save his life.  He eventually was able to talk and walk again in 2006.  However, The Mirage canceled the show in the meantime, and the duo officially announced their retirement in 2010. 
 
4. Criss Angel 
 
 
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Cristopher Nicholas Sarantakos (no wonder he choose a stage name) is relatively knew to the magic scene.  His show, Criss Angel: Mindfreak premiered on the A&E Network in 2005.  It ran until 2010, with six seasons, and earned the magician worldwide fame.  Some of his most famous stunts were walking between two buildings before a crowd in Las Vegas, cutting himself in half, and walking on water.  Angel was able to gain fame through his edgy personality and numerous levitation tricks.  He also performed in a illusion show in 2008 called Criss Angel: Believe, which was in partnership with Cirque Soleil. 
 
#3. Penn and Teller 
 
 
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Penn Jillete and Raymond Teller became famous as the duo “Penn and Teller” in the late 80′s.  Their humorous magic fascinated audiences for decades.  More recently, the two have moved to a television show where they debunk pseudoscience.  One of the more unique aspects of their shows is when they show a popular trick, like “Cups and Balls” and show the audience how the trick is done.  They then perform a more complex form of the trick, like using transparent cups, to show how the trick is “really done.”  Teller almost never speaks during their tricks, and is usually subjected to violence, like being dropped on spikes, run over by an 18-wheeler, or submerged in a tank of water. 
 
2. Harry Houdini 
 
 
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Harry Houdini, who was active in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s, is most famous for being an escape artist.  He gained fame by touring Europe, asking different police forces to lock him up at every stop.  He would go on to escape a straitjacket while hanging off a skyscraper, a straitjacket from underwater, and being buried alive, which he reportedly barely survived.  There were charges that Houdini’s escapes were faked, but Houdini attacked fake magicians throughout his career.  The circumstances of his death in 1926 are fittingly dramatic, as a popular story says a college student asked Houdini if his stomach could withstand any punch.  Houdini died a few days later from peritonitis, from a ruptured appendix. 
 
1. David Copperfield 
 
 
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David Copperfield’s long, illustrious career has allowed him to become the most successful solo entertainer in history.  At 19, he was headlining a show in a large hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He was approached by ABC in 1977 to produce a magic special.  In his specials, Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear, floated over the Grand Canyon, and walked through the Great Wall of China.  Even at 56, Copperfield still performs over 500 shows a week.  He was one of the first magicians to successfully combine amazing magic tricks with great storytelling. 
 
This list was arranged by terrific-top10.com

Humans have always been obsessed with the supernatural, including magic. Certain people have been able to use this to make a career for ...

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