|
|
Stunninger Inner circle 2818 Posts |
For several years I contemplated buying The Psychic System by Richard Mark, but held off because there were no reviews on the product that I could find. There was an old thread on Penny, but it did not have any reviews.
Sometimes there are no reviews for a product because it either did not sell well, the people who bought it were not happy, or maybe both. Other times I have found there are no (or few) reviews for an item because it's stayed under the radar, and the people who have it are really happy, they are just keeping quiet. What had me really interested in The Psychic System was the description that offered (paraphrasing as the website on which I read this seems to be down) "The gaff is a wonder." "A sell-out at conventions." "Nothing better for readings." So I decided to buy one. When The Psychic System arrived, I set the instructions aside and examined the folio. I could not find any gaff at all. I thought I had a pretty good idea how it might work, but my theory was completely destroyed as I examined The Psychic System, which appeared to not have a gaff. When I read the instructions I smiled. Very clever indeed. Not at all what I expected. And not something I would have ever thought of. With The Psychic System a reader can have the subject write a question on a 3 x 5 inch index card. They can write as little or as much as they want. The index card is completely blank and there are no requirements or restrictions on where the subject can write. Only one card is used. There are no switches. The mind reader can take as much time as they like to read what the sitter has written on the card. No quick peeks or glimpses. Take as much time as you need, with the read deceptively disguised within the scripting outlined for the routine. At the end of the reading, the card may be removed from the folio and given to the subject to keep. Very clever thinking! I am quite happy I picked this up. |
caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Hi Stunninger.
This sounds good. Do you have a link, as I am struggling to find it? All the best, Paul McCaig.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Yeah, I'd be interested also! I've never heard of this before, but Richard Mark's material is wonderful.
|
Stunninger Inner circle 2818 Posts |
Richard's website seems to be down. PM'd you both his email address, as I'm not sure if he would want it posted.
|
Smoking Camel Inner circle UK 1039 Posts |
If you’re doing psychic readings surely you would just ask the question? Not have them write it down I. Secret. Makes no sense.
I no longer smoke camel cigarettes.
|
Stunninger Inner circle 2818 Posts |
This of course is a matter of perspective. The literature is replete with methods and systems used by psychics for secretly obtaining questions written by sitters.
How many has Docc Hilford alone come up with? In fact, he just released a new one, "Black Flame", where he describes going in for a reading and the psychic had him write his question/problem down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKavpLBC9Ow "It's the actual billet technique being used by professional reader's today!" |
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Richard indicated to me that he is currently out of stock. But this sounds terrific for use in readings, so I’d love to grab a copy if it ever reappears. Thanks a bunch for bringing this to our notice, Stunninger!
|
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Great news! Richard contacted me today saying that he found a few of the 6x9 inch Psychic System folders, and that he is leaving for an extended period on Monday 4/30/18 so he will need to mail them out no later than Saturday if folks want them any time soon. He asked me to let folks on the Café know his email address -- mmrimark@gmail.com -- and that the system is $60 postpaid. Please email him before paying, to ensure there are any left (he said there were only a few).
Here is part of his message: " I did take down my web site as I have been occupied with writing and publishing with Marc Salem. The Psychic System was originally exclusive for the PEA so it was not advertised or sent for review. I do not seem to be able to respond to the comments on the Magic Café as my original e-mail is no longer working. If you have the opportunity, could you let them know my email and its temporary availability." He sent me a pdf of the first page of the instructions, which gives a basic blurb for the effect, and I'm sure he will be happy to do the same for anyone else interested. This is outstanding--my order is in, and based on Stunninger's review, I am looking forward to it! If you are interested, email him ASAP... Seth |
Stunninger Inner circle 2818 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 26, 2018, Seth speaks wrote: Great to hear you got one, Seth! Hope you like it as much as I do |
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Thanks—I’m grateful that you decided to share your experience with it, or I’d have never heard of it! I love coming across little-known treasures like this. I’ll definitely post some thoughts after I receive it.
Seth |
robvh Elite user Calgary, AB 440 Posts |
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Seth. I'd love to see some pictures of the item as well.
|
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Okay... after playing with this a bit, here are my thoughts. First, I was not quite as bowled over as our friend Stunninger, but that could be due to a number of things, mainly the fact that this is very clearly a hand-made item and will likely vary a bit from piece to piece. When I opened mine, I immediately noticed the area that had been modified, because it didn't quite fit perfectly. However, my wife did not notice anything, and I doubt most laymen would. I do really like the method, because I enjoy things with methodology similar to this.
That said, I personally don't really feel this is a super strong piece of mentalism right out of the box. I think it could be useful for a reading done with an individual in an informal setting. As a mind-reading demonstration for a group, I think it would come off as less effective and with several people guessing the basic method, though not the mechanics. Example: I did it with my wife (who enjoys good mentalism but finds much of it boring and predictable) and she knew immediately that I had looked at her drawing though she didn't know how I did it. If I was doing it with an individual who didn't know what was up and wasn't expecting the reveal, I think it would be slightly more amazing. The problem, for me (some may disagree), is that the compromise involved is a bit much compared to the impact of the effect. While I disagree with the post above that says nothing should be written down on a card for a psychic reading, I do think that what is done with the card after that in this case may lessen the impact for the spec. I will say that Richard does include about 5 different routines and uses, and some are definitely pretty cool. I will likely end up selling this at a reduced price. However, I like the mechanics involved, and I'm grateful to Stunninger for bringing it to our attention. The main value for me is stimulating my creativity and setting my mind on a track toward exploring the method in forms that fit my personal style a bit more. Hope that helps some. Seth |
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
This subject made me go back into both of my Richard Mark books (Mind Warp and Mind Work), and I have to say, they are just killer. His work is simply outstanding, and required reading for mentalists. While his two marketed effects that I recently purchased haven't totally blown me away, diving into his written methods again was pure joy. Richard's mind and material are absolutely brilliant!!
Seth |
Stunninger Inner circle 2818 Posts |
Seth, I feel the same about Richard's thinking. Very clever indeed. His books have some excellent thinking on Q&A routines.
|
Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
Very true, sir, and he briefly touched on The Psychic System in the section on Q&A in Mind Work though not in any depth. He does point out that Bob Cassidy really liked The Psychic System, and references a photo of the leatherette folio in the last section of Artful Mentalism vol One when Bob discusses a modification he made to it. (Hmmm, I should probably mention that when I put it up for sale...)
Seth |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Mentally Speaking » » Review: The Psychic System by Richard Mark (3 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |