Can someone please give the philosophy behind a Sybil cut and its creation? I would like to know the history of this type of move.

There is a good write up of the history in Troy Hooser's book Destroyers.

Yep,
It can be found in Kenner's 'Out of Control.'
Troy Hooser's version (which was made around the same time as Kenner's) was published in an old magazine called Minotaur, and is also in his great book desTROYers, and his new DVD, Total Destruction.

The Buck Twins have some very good and cool work on Sybil. Cap Casino has some very nice ideas and expansions on Sybil. Brian Tudor has some very cool add-ons to Sybil.
Lee Asher has something called Sibling and Stretch Sybil, but they are only 3 packet cuts (VERY COOL THOUGH) and a bit different than 'Sybil.'

Rumor has it that the incredible flourisher De'Vo has an awesome version of Sybil, with many new ideas never before seen or heard of (possibly, and probably the best).
Knowing that De'vo probably has the best Sybil is not surprising, as all of the stuff I have ever seen clips of De'vo doing is the best. This guy knows what great flourishes should look like. He is really something special with cards and flourishes, I consider him to be a master, and I don't think there are really many masters out there. He is one of the few.

By the way, I have not had the honor of witnessing De'vo's Sybil, but I have heard from many people who have seen it that it is the best... and the guys who have told me DEFINITELY know what they are talking about.
I love Sybil work, and while cuts are currently my specialty with flourishes, there is lots more out there than just Sybil...

Sincerely,
Doug-The Magic Sponge

All I would like to know is: What IS a Sybil cut? This bit of vocabulary seems to pop up as a basic move of some kind, but since I fall in the finger-flinging middle, I have no idea.

If it is not describable, then don't sweat it. I just keep seeing the term, and would really like to know.

Thanks

A Sybil cut starts with a "Z" position. Meaning that the cards are manipulated into the shape of a "Z". Eventually, some packets are rotated, and some are transferred. I believe that Cap Casino had some video clips at http://www.capcasino.com or http://www.expertmagic.com.

And one other point worth mentioning is that Sybil is only the tip of the iceberg for flourishes.

The best URL for the free instructional clips and diplay cut specs is

http://www.capcuts.com

Happy Thanksgiving,

Cap

I like those cuts Cap Casino. Sybils look cool. I didn't know there were sooo many of them. Cool.

Thanks for the link,

Cardjinx,

Having just practiced and gotten down the Sybil Cut as taught in Kenner's "Out of Control" I'll just say one thing. As the Manhattan Transfer song goes:

"Hold On Tight And Don't Let Go"!

I personally find all the Sybil variations boring and un-original.

Well, at least they look good.