Magic Trick Spirit Circle Under Test Conditions. The medium and sitters in a séance are tightly bound to a board by copper wire, creating an unbreakable circle around a table. After the lights go out, mysterious phenomena occur—objects move, sounds are heard, and other “spirits” make their presence known. When the lights return, everyone is still securely bound in the circle, appearing to have been in place the entire time.
Magic Trick Spirit Circle Under Test Conditions
Props Needed
- Board: The size of a table, this board has eyelets evenly arranged around it, with two for each sitter—one for the left wrist and one for the right wrist.
- Copper Wire: A flexible wire that is long enough to be threaded around the sitters and through each eyelet, creating an interconnected circle.
- False Sleeves: The medium wears fake shirt sleeves that can be slipped off easily, allowing freedom of movement when needed.
- Sealing Materials: Paper, wax, and thread for sealing the joint where the two ends of the wire meet, adding a secure finish that reassures the audience of the sitters’ restraint.
Preparation and Setup
- Setting Up the Board:
- Place the board on a table or another stable surface at the center of the circle of sitters. Ensure each eyelet is firmly attached to the board and spaced for each person to have one eyelet on their left side and one on their right side.
- Binding the Sitters:
- Begin with the copper wire at any starting point in the circle. Pass it around the wrist of the first sitter, through the left eyelet, then around the other wrist, passing through the right eyelet. Move on to the next sitter and repeat, binding each person to the board and to the others on either side.
- Once all sitters are bound in place, bring the two ends of the wire together, tying them securely to form a closed loop.
- Sealing the Wire:
- Cover the joint of the wire with paper and wax, then sew or tie it securely, ensuring the seal appears tamper-proof. You can add a personalized wax seal or have a volunteer from the audience add a seal to confirm its authenticity.
Steps to Perform the Trick
- Setting the Scene:
- With all sitters, including the medium, now connected by the wire, the performer (or medium) reassures the audience that no one can move without disrupting the entire circle.
- The performer may invite audience members to inspect the setup to confirm that each person is thoroughly bound.
- Extinguishing the Lights:
- Once everything is in place, the lights are turned off, creating an atmosphere ripe for mysterious manifestations.
- The Secret Movement:
- As soon as the lights go out, the medium discreetly slips his arms out of the fake sleeves, freeing himself from the copper wire without disturbing the circle.
- With his hands now free, he can create “spirit” phenomena—such as tapping noises, gentle touches on the sitters, or moving objects around the room—to heighten the illusion of ghostly activity.
- Restoring the Illusion:
- Once the manifestations have concluded, the medium carefully slips his arms back into the false sleeves, assuming his original bound position.
- He then calls for the lights to be turned back on.
- Final Examination:
- With the lights restored, the medium invites a member of the audience to inspect the setup, confirming that all participants appear to be just as tightly bound as they were before.
- The sealed wire loop is intact, leaving no evidence that anyone could have moved during the séance.
Explanation of the Mechanics
The Spirit Circle Under Test Conditions trick hinges on a clever use of false sleeves and strategic misdirection:
- False Sleeves: The medium’s removable shirt sleeves allow him to slip out of the wire restraints without disturbing the rest of the setup. This simple addition gives him the freedom to perform “spiritual” actions undetected.
- Wire Sealing: By sealing the wire loop in a visible way with paper and wax, it appears tamper-proof, giving the audience confidence that the medium and sitters are genuinely restrained.
- Control of Lighting: The lights being extinguished hides the medium’s actions and maintains an eerie atmosphere, enhancing the illusion of supernatural involvement.
Tips for Success
- Practice Timing: The medium’s movements need to be smooth and quick to avoid detection. Practice slipping in and out of the false sleeves quietly.
- Sound Effects: Consider adding light tapping, knocking, or whispered sounds to deepen the eerie atmosphere.
- Audience Inspection: Allow the audience to inspect the setup beforehand to increase their belief in the security of the circle.
Conclusion
The Spirit Circle Under Test Conditions is a powerful and suspenseful trick that combines psychological misdirection with the simplicity of a fake sleeve. By creating an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery, you can leave the audience thoroughly convinced that they have just witnessed a genuine séance.
