Most Mentalists predict futures, words, drawings, and a plethora of other information, but most of the time the phenomena of precognition is not observed with proper care.
What is our subtext during the performance of a precognitive experience?
How am I adding beautiful artifacts so the experience goes beyond trickery?
What is the meaning of this particular prophetic moment?
Cassandra, in greek mythology, was a daughter of Priam, the King of Troy. Struck by her beauty, Apollo provided her with the gift of prophecy, but when Cassandra refused Apollo's romantic advances, he placed a curse ensuring that nobody would believe her warnings. Cassandra was left with the knowledge of future events, but could neither alter these events nor convince others of the validity of her predictions.
Most Mentalists are falling into the Cassandra complex.
We just show a piece of paper, or an envelope, or a big box onstage. Some randoms thoughts are named, and TADA...
Is that it?
Of course not! That is only the beginning.
Predictions can be SO much more. The metaphoric mystery goes beyond the mere demonstration of an apparent psychic ability.
The common advice is to be "credible", and I agree to a certain point, but if I want summarize the key of going beyond Cassandra in one word, that would be:
Meaning
If we are able to understand our piece in such a way that becomes not just a performance but a meaningful perfomance, we can get out of the "Cassandra complex" and focus the attention not just in what happened, but WHY happens.
Lets see a simple example: In "Anywhere Predictions" you will find several methods to predict different thoughts without gimmicks or complicated props.
Now, these are just methods, they are not enough to create an interesting and enchanting mental mystery. Of course, you need to practice and rehearse all movements so they become natural, but again, that is only the beginning!
Now explore your own curiosity and add emotional relevant themes so you can create an interesting and meaningful conversation. Only in that way the interaction with your participant and audience will be the prime focus, while the phenomena of precognition infuses this fascinating moment.
It is not about the prediction, is what you DO with the excuse of predicting something.
Dont try to "convince" your participant of your apparent skills, just play and allow your participant to experience the moment as he/she wants.
Study the subtext of the moment so you can be congruent with your own subtext as Mentalist.
This sounds like heavy work and long-winded boring performances, but that is a complete misunderstanding! You can perform quick and casual pieces, and still be aware of the meaning and symbols of your performance.
Do you want to learn more?
Check our "Online Services" and "Mentalism Course", in there you will find the essential principles that then you can apply to your own exploration.
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