Magic (illusion)

performing art involving the use of illusion

set of techniques used by mentalists, psychics, fortune-tellers, and mediums

thumb|Theatrical poster for a mind-reading performance, 1900

practice of performing in public places, for gratuities

craft

thumb|right|Harry Houdini (1874–1926), a famous escapologist and magician thumb|250px|Harry Houdini before one of his escapology performances in [[Boston 1908]] Escapology is the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps. Escapologists (also called escape artists) escape from handcuffs, straitjackets, cages, coffins, steel boxes, barrels, bags, burning buildings, fish-tanks, and other perils, often in combination.

Hocus-pocus is a reference to the actions of magicians, often as the stereotypical magic words spoken when bringing about some sort of change. It was once a common term for a magician, juggler, or other similar entertainers. In extended usage, the term is often used (pejoratively) to describe irrational human activities that appear to depend on magic. Examples are given below.

magic performed in an intimate setting

genre of magic performance

REDIRECT Magic (illusion)

category of magic used to promote Christian messages