What Kind of Real-Life Magic Should You Learn?

LIFESTYLE

By: Zoe Samuel

6 Min Quiz

Image: Eva Carollo Photography / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

"Magic" or "prestidigitation" or  "legerdemain" — the name hardly matters. The act of performing apparent miracles is as old as the human race, and while the methods and styles of presentation have changed, the essence of the act remains the same. In days of yore, wizards and priests of ancient cults used the tools of magic to convince their followers of the truth of their claims to special authority. Today, magicians treat their acts the way actors treat their roles: when the magician performs, magic is presented as though it is real, but off stage, the magician will readily admit it is all fake.

The contemporary performance style of magic reflects the mysteries that still fascinate modern humans. In a world where every person carries a device in their pocket that is capable of feats one could accurately call miraculous, the nature of magic has evolved, including feats accomplished far from the use of technology and feats that seem impossible because of the existence of technology. Some magicians conjure ancient mysteries with enduring allure, while others embrace more modern superstitions or enigmas. 

In the end, whether magic is about the stars in the sky or accomplishing an impossible transformation, its purpose is to reacquaint audiences with childlike wonder. To do that, the artist must be inspired by something deep within. Discover your talents and inner spark, and you will find your magic!

In the Middle Ages, it was heresy not to believe in magic. Which medieval stories fascinate you the most?

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Which type of magical performance do you like the least?

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What type of urban fantasy stories appeal to you?

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For what unconventional purpose would you like to possess magic skills?

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A great modern catalog of supernatural powers is Marvel's X-Men. Which mutant's powers do you covet?

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Which organization of magicians sounds like the one you would want to join?

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Every culture with monks has ascribed some supernatural power to them. Which culture's monks best reflect the powers you find interesting?

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Some magic employs many methods to do a few things, while other magic is the opposite. What would you like to try?

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Monsters figure prominently in mythology, each with their own powers and symbols. To which of these beasts can you relate?

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If you were performing professionally, you would likely specialize in some type of event. Which of these sounds like something you would enjoy?

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The acquisition of supernatural powers is inseparable from the powers themselves. Which origin story would you rather have?

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Under what circumstances would you prefer to perform?

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Some magic comes from outside the spell-caster. Which of the following would you invoke in casting your spells?

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Magic may look spontaneous, but it's often based on scripts. How well can you memorize scripts?

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A "focus" is a kind of object or ritual used to enact magic. Which of the following would you use in your performance?

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How much time do you need to get a basic sense of someone's character?

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Which of these supernaturally themed television shows embodies the approach to magic you like best?

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How would handle a heckler while performing for a large group of people?

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To which American legend do you relate?

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Some magic gigs involve standing all night. How long do you think you could be on your feet?

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Some who hunt the supernatural happen to wield magic themselves. Which hunter of supernatural creatures do you think is the coolest?

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Some magic requires the magician to make a gimmick by hand. Which of the following art projects could you handle?

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Belief in the supernatural is widespread. Which of the following beliefs do you hold?

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Which of these live performance arts have you attempted?

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Which of the following definitions of sorcery or magic do you like the best?

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Magic may require some dexterity. Which of the following musical instruments could you handle?

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Which biblical magic user do you admire?

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Some magic relies heavily on storytelling, while other magic does not. What characterizes your storytelling style?

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Some view magic as good, others see it as evil, and still others have more nuanced opinions. How do you see it?

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To what extent do you believe in "real magic"?

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