Magic "Slight of Hand and Twist of fate"
Legendary magician Harry Houdini, in a packing case said to contain six hundred pounds of iron weights, is lowered into New York Bay. He is credited with having escaped in two minutes and fifty-five seconds.
That ole Black Magic has got me in its spell! The word Magic is derived from the Old Persian word Magi. Magicians [also known as Illusionist] first became popular as entertainers in the eighteenth century. I don't know about you, but when I think magician, I see images of the greatest celebrity entertainer of all time [Harry Houdini 1874-1926] squirming and wiggling trying to get those locks and chains off before its too late! 
[If you're not as old as I am and the first thing that pops into your head when you hear magician is Criss Angel, shame on you! Houdini was the son of a Hungarian rabbi. He was genuinely skilled in techniques such as picking locks and escaping straitjackets, but also used all the conjuring techniques, including fake equipment, and collusion with the audience. Houdini's biggest asset was his show business savvy! The Houdini Museum is located in Scranton PA. 
Now days there is an understanding between the magician and the audience, unlike in the past, most performers today don't actually claim to have supernatural powers. It is understood that what is going on is trickery, yet if the magician is skilled, you still can't believe your eyes. You can't believe what just happened. Abracadabra!
Magicians don't reveal the secrets to the audience. One of the reasons for this is the Magician's Oath. "As a magician I promise never to reveal the secret of any illusion to a non-magician, unless that one swears to uphold the magicians oath in turn. I promise never to peform any illusion for any non-magician without first practicing the effect until I can perform it well enough to maintain the illusion of magic." A magician who reveals a secret shall be shunned by his peers, unless it is to help one who is determined to become a magician! If you're considering having a magician come to your childs Birthday Party, try to see them in advance at a public venue. Most Birthday Party magicians perform at malls and other local events. Check out their website and see if it has a schedule of upcoming events. Check the website for references as well.Check to see if they use live animals. If they do, make sure none of your guests are allergic to animals. If they don't use a real rabbit that doesn't mean they won't have a great show! I suggest not using magicians that use illusions that cut off heads or any other body part! Some kids might try this when you're not around As with most things you usually get what you pay for. Most birthday party shows will be 1/2 hour to an hour, and will start around $150.00 and up depending on your location. Beware of $25 shows.Click here to learn magic tricks
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