What is Magic

Almost every day I am asked the question what is a mentalist and what Magic is to me. I have decided to start another website dedicated to just mentalism. whatisamentalist.com. I will be posting tons of info on that site very shortly. As to my definition of magic:

Webster's definition is:

Pronunciation: \ˈma-jik\
Function: noun Etymology: Middle English magique, from Middle French, from Latin magice, from Greek magikē, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus, sorcerer, of Iranian origin; akin to Old Persian maguš sorcerer Date: 14th century

1. The use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b: magic rites or incantations
2. an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source b: something that seems to cast a spell : enchantment
3. The art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

Nicholas Tweedy's Definition of Magic:

Magic: Anything that defies what a person believes to be possible. For example the first time a child sees a bird fly this is magic. So is the second, third and hundredth time. It will be magic until someone explains to the child how the feathers and wings work together to defy gravity. Children are truly the lucky ones when it comes to magic, because the are so many times when magic happens from Santa. to the loosing a baby tooth, to the magic of music.

As we grow older magic pops up less frequently, but pops up indeed. The first time you fall in love is definitely magic....I could name countless examples of this. How many stories have you read about people falling in love for the first time doing crazy things because they believe this love to be something that is impossible to exist in another.

I'm not a parent, but know having your first child has to be magic. I'm not saying that you will love the first child any more or less than the second; moreover, just the magic of the new experience is strongest for the first. As adults we rarely get to experience magic, which is why I feel so privileged performing my little miracles for people and seeing a forty-five year father of two eye's light up when his cell phone floats out of his hand.

The how's of the illusions don't matter one little bit, what is important is recognizing the magic in the moment, what is important is smile on his face. This is magic.

August 2008 update

Hello and G'day to everyone. Some exciting things are brewing in Nicholas Tweedyland. On August 31 I will be performing public show at, The Cavern Club on North Terrace in Adelaide's CBD. If you've never been to the Cavern Club, you are in for a treat. It is located across the street from the Casino in the Station Arcade. Their phone number is, 8231 1965 if you need tickets. This will be the first of a series of monthly shows that will be performed on the last Sunday of every month. This show will be my only public performance this month so grab a ticket and see some of the new things I have been working on.