The Gypsy's Choice
by William L. Bowman, Jr. (AKA "William the Conjurer")

William L. bowman Jr. ("Bill" to friends and enemies alike) performs out of Ottumwa, Iowa as "William the Conjurer". Starting in magic at the age of 8, he performs for birthday parties, schools, company parties, restaurants and bars, and recently was a features performer (and only magician) at the grand opening of the new events center in Ottumwa.

Effect: With the help of a set of Tarot cards and Gypsy artifacts, a spectator discovers her heretofore unknown royal Gypsy heritage.

Performance: "Pardon me, young lady, but do you have any Gypsy ancestry? I only ask because you bear a striking resemblance to Esmerelda, the famed Gypsy queen.

"You don't know? Would you like to find out? You see, I was, for many years, a personal associate of Esmerelda, the only Gadjo allowed in her presence when she delved the deepest, darkest depths of the netherworld in ancient rituals to fortell the future. One night, Esmerelda, while in a deep trance, told me that I would one day meet one of the Gypsy race who, though descended from powerful Gypsy seers would be unaware of her heritage...or her powers. I believe that day has come and you are she of whom Esmerelda spoke. Would you like to find out?

"Esmerelda gave me the tools to test to test the blood of this lost Gypsy princess. Five antique boxes, each containing a powerful talisman and her very own deck of Tarot cards. First, clear your mind as I ahuffle the cards, you tell me when to stop. Good. Now, you must touch the cards only once, allow your Gypsy spirit to guide your hand as you divide the cards into two piles. Well done.

"Now, I shall have you choose one of the boxes. Well, done, let us set that one aside, here next to the deck of cards and look into each of the others. You could have chosen the box representing the Two of Wands, the Four of Cups, the Ace of Pentacles, or...Death. But you did not. Would you open the box you chose, please and show everyone what it contains...the Three of Swords, a very auspicious choice, though you may at this moment, or very soon be experienceing loss or separation due to a misunderstanding, stay your course and keep your chin up, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Now, we shall see if your Rom blood is as powerful as Esmerelda hinted it would be on that fateful night she predicted our meeting, would you please turn over the card you cut to in the deck? Ahh...the Three of Swords, identical to the box you chose, your Gypsy forbearers would be proud, their power remains strong in you."

A couple of personal notes, even though it does not necessarily have a negative connotation, I never force the Death card. I feel the momentary reaction to it may disrupt the flow of the trick, which is written to be a positive experience for the spectator. As for forcing the box, I always position the boxes so that the one to be chosen is in the same position. I open the unchosen boxes, but allow the spectator to open and show the chosen one, this not only adds to the impact, but creates a perfect moment of misdirection for removing the top half of the deck to complete the force of the card. Finally, I always choose a woman, it just seems to work into the story better.

Working: As you can probably tell from the script, this effect uses a false shuffle, maintaining the top (force) card in its position, a cross-cut force, and a magician's choice force for the box. Three simple maneuvers and the scripting allow for a very effective moment of magic for the spectator.

Set-Up: The boxes came unfinished from a craft store and I finished them to look old and lined them with red or black felt to contrast with the contents. The items inside, I manufactured or purchased in craft and gift shops. Of course, I always choose the most positive reading for the force card.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at bowmansharp@lisco.com.

William L. Bowman, Jr.