Magic is the art of showcasing tricks that amaze an audience and make them believe the magician has special powers. Magicians wow audiences by performing tricks that appear to go against the laws of science by conjuring objects and making them disappear amongst other illusions.

Magic has been practised in different forms throughout history for hundreds of years. Magicians are a popular choice for entertaining at children’s parties.

Although magician’s routines vary considerably most tricks performed can fit into one of several categories. Here are some brief descriptions of the main categories.

• Levitation tricks have been used to stun crowds for years. There are many variations where magicians make different objects float and sometimes perform tricks such as circling around the room over the crowd. A typical example involves the magician putting an assistant or member of the audience into a trance before levitating them into the air. Audience participation is a key element and they are often asked to verify that the trick is real by passing a hoop over the object or person, indicating that no wires are involved.
• Production tricks are also a classic example of magic. During production tricks the magician will make an object appear apparently from nowhere and then return it at will. A typical example is the rabbit in a hat trick, still used by magicians worldwide.
• Transformation tricks involve the illusion of changing an object before the crowd’s eyes. Like other tricks there are many different variations on all scales. Daring tricks involve the appearance of live animals which is seen as proof of the magicians skill.

The magic circle is the world’s premiere magic authority. Founded in 1905 the magic circle now has over fifteen hundred members. Despite its large membership the magic circle is a select institution with specific entrance requirements.

In order to join the magic circle hopeful magicians need to showcase their skills to existing members of the magic circle. Depending on the strength of the performance magicians will either be accepted or declined. One of the reasons for the selectiveness is the magic circles motto. The magic circles motto is Indocilis Privata Loqui which translates from Latin into not apt to disclose secrets.

This motto is honored as the magic circles golden rule. Defiance results in extreme consequences as any member who shares the circles secrets is expelled. This privacy has however paid off as the circle remains the main authority on performing magic, introducing new generations of magicians to the profession.

Anyone from the age of 18 onwards can become a full member of the magic circle providing they pass initiation. Recently the magic circle has also started to take in young magicians from the age of 10 into the young magicians club. The magic circles headquarters is well equipped with a theatre for practicing routines as well as resources and its own library to help aspiring magicians.

As well as the young magicians club there is also a group of experienced magicians known as the inner circle. This group is very selective as members may only enter by recommendation of the magic circles president and membership is limited to two hundred and fifty places.