(Kevin Spencer - The Linking Ring - Nov.2007) The Healing of Magic has had a very busy year. We are really excited by the number of I.B.M. members who are becoming involved in the program. Currently, we’ve provided information and resource materials to hundreds of magicians in more than twenty- four countries. We would like to see more individual Rings becoming active in this worthwhile project. So I would like to encourage Rings to participate in this program... (read more...)

Let me begin by stating what Healing of Magic is not. This program is not a free magic show at a local hospital or pediatric ward. It is not performing at a nursing home for patients. And it is not about simply teaching magic tricks to people for fun. All of the above are noble and worthy efforts. The Healing of Magic is magic with a purpose. The program involves teaching a carefully selected group of magic tricks to people who have been the victims of stroke, accident, spinal cord and head injuries, developmental disabilities, and other diagnoses.

Any member of the I.B.M. can become involved, and there are no limitations of any kind. If you believe that you can teach a magic trick, you can have a significant impact on a recovering patient’s life. What are the benefits for Rings or members of the I.B.M.? First, this is a great opportunity for you to share your talents and expertise with a specialized population who can benefit most from your skills. Second, when you help others with your magic, you elevate the art of magic in your community.

Anytime you can do something with your skills that goes beyond entertainment, you help change people’s perceptions about our art. Third, by volunteering your time and efforts to a magic therapy program, you will see and feel the powerful impact that it can have on a person’s life. This program is as much about helping others as it is raising your own self-esteem. Fourth, once your program is established, you can coordinate with the Public Relations Department of the facility to explore what media opportunities might be available.

You can create these opportunities by coordinating a show at the facility with performances by the patients and members of your Ring. Fifth, the recognition you receive in your community and in the surrounding area will raise the level of awareness of your work, your Ring, and create additional profitable opportunities for your business. And sixth, the personal gratification you will receive by helping others is immeasurable There is absolutely no way to put into words the intense satisfaction you will experience when you see the change you have made in someone’s attitude and health.

Since September 2006, we have conducted over a dozen workshops on Healing of Magic from coast to coast. We have also trained therapists in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. I have had the privilege of appearing on numerous local news programs including Good Day Atlanta, Live at Nine in Memphis, and the number one morning cable news program, FOX & Friend.

I am now conducting numerous workshops for magicians and therapists in coordination with our tour schedule. For a workshop in your area, please visit our Web site and click on Tour Information (http://www.spencersmagic.com/).

In June, I had the chance to speak at the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Symposium of Copperfield’s Project Magic and share what the I.B.M. and Healing of Magic are doing around the world. And one of the most exciting accomplishments has been the completion of two research projects – one in Toronto, Canada and the other in Hong Kong. Evan Kwong completed a research project to evaluate a pilot program involving teaching magic tricks to brain injury patients undergoing rehabilitation at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI). His abstract was chosen for presentation on June 15, 2007 at the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation conference held in London, Ontario Canada. His research concluded that incorporating a program of teaching simple magic tricks to patients undergoing rehabilitation appears to be an effective adjunct to their regular program.

In Hong Kong, Ms. Phoebe Siu, Ms. Ming Liu, Ms. P.Y. Chan and Dr. Zarina Lam conducted a two-year study on the therapeutic use of magic for people with mental illness. They concluded there is statistical evidence that the use of magic with this population demonstrates changes in psychosocial, cognitive and motor aspects in many areas. And The Healing of Magic is continuing its collaborative work with Dr. Mario Occhipinti in Rome, Italy using magic in ludotherapy as a means of diffusing anxiety in children in pre- and postoperative treatments. Dr. Occhipinti has had great success with the project and has founded the Center for Infant Psychology in Rome.

We are excited to begin several new research projects in 2007-2008. This is a very brief overview of Healing of Magic over the last few months. If you are interested in more information, we would love to have a chance to help you Share the Magic through this special program. Please visit the Web site,