Mentalism is one of the most popular branches of magic. Many psychic feats rely on the trickery of the mind, and this is no exception. The psychics of TV and radio are simply trained magicians! In this new chapter, I'll teach you some of the greatest mind-reading feats- that you can do with out a hitch.

What you need: A cube-shaped box with lid and a cube that is slightly smaller than the box. (The material doesn't matter, as long as it is opaque. Cardboard is good enough.)

First, paint the cube-shaped box any color you wish. (It is preferable to match the color with the rest of your props if you can.) Following this, paint the lid the same color. Then, paint the cube white. After this coat of paint dries, use markers (or more paint) to draw a circle of a different color on each side. (Remember- the bigger the difference between that colors, the better!) Now, you are ready to read people's minds!

Effect: A cube is placed into an opaque box with a color, chosen by a spectator, is face up. A lid is placed on top of the box, handed to the magician, who was turned the other way, and the magician still knows what color the spectator chose!

What you need: The Magic Cube and Box

What you need to know: Nothing

Instructions: Hand the box with the cube in it and the lid on top to a spectator. "One of the most intriguing feat of mentalism," you can begin your patter. "Is that of color selection. In that cube, you will find another cube with 6 different colors. When I turn around, select a color, place it face up in the box- so you can see it, place the lid back on, and hand it to me." Turn around. When you receive the box, turn back around so that the box is not seen by anyone (behind you). As you finish turning around, remove the lid and place the lid on a side of the box. Hold the box so that the lid is again on top and the open side is facing away from you. (See Figures 1 and 2) Show the box, keeping the open end out of view from the spectators in front of you. As you explain that it was impossible to see through the box, steal a peek of the color. Place it again behind your back and, as you reveal the color, replace the lid in the correct position.