'1!A,e'7uilteAatltd ~J JltiltacttAn updated reprint by popular request.

AL MANN g'.xc/~ AI MannTel.304-947n30P.O. Box 155Great Cacapon, WV 254221

The ~~reshold of Miracle first appeared in print in1968 in Nelson,s Sensational Mentalism part II. It becamean instant hit. It devastates the mind of the uninitiate.The Mentalist is able to divine the name and question of aspectator while the spectator is holding in his hands hisown sealed question which he can open later to hismystification.

In 1978, I discovered the amazing envelope ruse which Icalled the Circean Vessels and which was publlished in TheTesseract. In 1984 while visiting Munich, my friendMentalist Peter Reise showed me t~at Alan Shaxon hadpreceeded me by a year with the amazing principle which hecalled The Third Dimension. No apologies, These things dohappen more often than desired.

The Circean vessels put the finis~ing touch to TheThreshold of Miracle. So proceed with caution and take heedfor the effect is mind crippling.

2THE THRESHOLD OFMIRAC~E':,\

Al Mann

\ Wherein th~ psychic divines~thewritten contents of"t.&.r~ s eafed-envel-,.9.pes.:, The ~es~ag'es having been written on two business cards, 'sealed; 'and~held, by the sitter . The 'envelopes may be locked in ,a metal box or, plac,ed it~'~itterspo,c~~t or poc~etbook~Theen.i,elopes are ~ev~r opened.

, \Si~ce the psychic lknows' 'the s~cret thought and the sitter knows his,query, the're is no need to open the envelope, 1'a there? . ','

I '",

, I

. ',,'

'.'. "'\)

, . \

.,,~This effect was originally illtended for the p'rivate offi'c,e reader but,it can bepe rfoxmed before ,any audience. ;"". 1 .' , I j ,

, The 'Miracle'.i's accomplished by a clever combination 'of litt1~'.~ knowriprincipies o{mentalism, namely;

'1. The principle 'of :twice-written messages.' Iri this ef~ect it'is ,\the sitter's name which is twice-written.

"2. A special flapless-slit~facelessenvelope.3~ Aforc~ ,4'.' A .cl.eve r switch of envelopes so that the sitter ends up with his

two. envelopes s e a Ied and unopened and apparently untouched.The switch is invisible" therefore never suspected. '

/,'i"

Nee'ded: A stack of coin envelopes (21/2" x 41/4"),2 #2 pencil,your own buaines s rc az-ds and'(3) and the special envelope. 't.' \ I: I ,..'. . ' .

'. I '

.: \Prepa~ation: . Cutoff the flap of one envel.cpe , ' Next, with a r az o....~I: blade cut a slit across thevface of the envelope about, 3/4," from the top '.. , and also cut all that section of the face which lies belo';" the, slit~ -Yo u.: now-have an 'envelope v.:hich has' only the back (seamed) section with', bottom flap sti~l glued on and a 3/4',' strip of the face. (See Fig. #1) ~

, 'iWhat you' end up with is a flapless-slitted-faceless 'envelope. A card'inser.ted into this' envelope naturally emerges out the face and is easy.to remo,\!:e. Fig. #2 shows a variation of the special envelope. The

.. ,reader,'may decide which suits him best.

)

, . . i ' , . .Next prepare 3 business c a r ds as follows: .

Card #1. $ee Fig'. #3~ This is the question cardwhi'ch has a placedeatgnatedfor the question and al~o for the sitter's name.

-: Card #2 This card will be used for the sitter to write the force article_ ,,, .andagatn his name. .

, , Card #3 This card is not shown in Fig. #3. Write the following message.':, " \ on its back, HAc cording your birthdate you: are 'gifted with

i " constructive ambition and pars everance. Good fortune awaitsyou. Good hick. H

3. .

" ",Take the stack of envelopes face down in your left hand, .a~suming you~~e ;ight handed, ,Pl~ce the 113 card message-side down into the topenvelope. 'Next; p'l~ce the special enverope on top of the. loaded envefopeand, under its flap, The loaded envelope and the special envelope now .

.appeaz as, one. I ../

\ .

n

. ~ "" .'. .-I i . Curtain Call:

.. ", . '\ I -, " ./ 1\

", Giv~ th~ ~q~estion ca;~'{tf1) to the sitter and tell him to w;-ite theimportant'question in his life that he wishes answered" not: to let you

~ee' it andafao to write his name, and to turn his card question-sidfil'do~ when he finish~s~ I' ".

'. iI,

_ ~'N'eit, ,plillyour favorite 'f;'rce on him, a card, ESP or therwise, .a.wo'rd/ a number of what have you. Give him card #2 to'write.his 'secret'" :. . , . . ~ .. ' . 'I'

.:'chpice on and also" to. indude his name. Handt.he sitter an envelope fromthebottom of the stack and tell him to insert his"'forde card I #2 into it~ .",' I~' ,i', . \ "! and .s eal it. You dernonstr ate how this 'is to be done by picking up the" ."Q':l~stioI?-'card! and Ins e r ting dt message side downLnto the special en-.

1;:ve1

"Tips to the T~ade:"/,

. -, \ \._ -, The envelopes and cards should be of the s~me color material to

.,avord the danger of accidental expos ur e ,"

. The stack of envelopes should be held so that the palm 'of the hand" , )8 facing towards the floor and the flaps of the. envelopes .are pointing>J'.up. The top ends of the e;nvelopes should never poi~t towards the\ ;.'sitter but 90 degrees from' his line of sight (towards the pe+forI'X1er's "

right) . ' This bit of technique 'will avoid exposin'gthe special envelope .. ~ ~., "

Instead of aques rion, the psychic may instruct the sitter ~o writ,e.some secret facts concerning his life, what he had for breakfast, etc.,

PzactfceLs an absolute neces sity for the success of .this effect .. 'I strongly :advise my. reader to practice the sleig~t with the spe'cial

envelope zealously before attempting presentation.', . . .

-- - - -

.... >.:- r- . ~-:~ -

II .

i: ,"

I...

/:: I.',\I

J Iq I~~" ,{

,

-- - - -' -

-,

I . -,, , \

,

IIIv~

""

u

...

I-"v.,

\

'II">

. I

. I

.... _- ---

- ....... -.-:::-I v ,

~ ~lL

THROUGH THE THRESHOLD

AL MANN i8xc/~

IAI MannTel. 304947n30P.O. Box 155Great Cacapon, WV 254225

"The Threshold of Miracle," an effect withenvelopes, was contirbuted by the author for the BobNelson release "Sensational Mentalism, Part II" now soldby Micky Hades. The effect produced much favorable commentfrom the readers. Mentalist J.L. Ornoff (Mr. Zodiac) fromVirginia called in to say that the effect was so strong, itshould have been published as a separate item. Mr. Zodiacadded his own ideas to it and made a masterpiece of it.

In effects ,The spectator is asked to write one ortwo questions on anyone's business cards and to seal thecards in envelopes and place them in his or her pocket orpocketbook. The mentalist divines the questions while theenvelopes are in the spectator's pocket. Days later when thespectator opens the envelopes in his home, he finds thereinthe same card and question that he hinself sealed!

The effect is uncanny to say the least.

The method made use of the flapless envelope switch,plus some advanced mentalism.

For a number of years, this writer stayed clear of theflapless envelope switch simply because the recommended handlinglooked most unnatural to the spectators. There is always somefumbling in trying to find the correct opening to stick thecard into besides the moves needed to cover the switch. Thehonest spectators usually commented, "You did something. Idon't know what." It is obvious to many that some 'trick' hasbeen done in the same fashion that many spectators can spotthe 'invisible' pass with a deck of cards. They don't knowwhat the magician did but they do know he did something notaccording to Hoyle.

The gimmicked envelopes to be described, put the finish-ing touches to many effects that require the use of the flap-less envelope switch. The performer need not regiment himselfto any specific handling. The envelopes can be handled in anyfashion and as natural as it should be. The spectators canwatch as close as they wish and see nothing.

6AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE CIRCEAN VESSELS

For the presentation, the gimmickedset-up is of course placed on a stack of en-velopes. To make the switch after the card isinserted into the flapless envelope, the per- Fig. 18former places the envelopes to his mouth tomoisten the flap and seal it. It is the secondenvelope from the top that is sealed. Afterthe flap is sealed it will hide the false flap which can laterbe disposed of after cutting off the top of the envelope! or

This impressive title will introduce the reader to abeautiful set-up of gimmicked envelpes.

Three coin envelopes, 2! x 4i inches, will be usedto make one set-up. Designate the three envelopes, A, Band C.

Open up the flap of envelope "A" as shown in Fig. 16and cut the top of the envelope off as shown by the dash lines.The cut is made about 1/4 inch below the top of the seamed backof the envelope. Discard the bottom partand also remove what is left of the seamside of the envelope, the 1/4 inch that cut cutis attached to the top part. ~ ~

You will now have a piece thatlooks like Fig. 17. This is the flap ofthe envelope plus a small 'false flap' thatis marked "x." . A

This piece is next cemented to theflap of envelope "B" so that the false flap"x" remains on the outside and covers theopening of envelope "B." See Fig. 18.

Next take the third envelope (not Fig. 16shown) "C" and cut off its flap making thisenvelope a flapless envelope and place itover the "B" envelope making sure that thefalse flap "X" goes into envelope "C." Q

When the two gimmicked envelopes areproperly aligned they will look exactly likeFig. 16, except that the dash lines will nowrepresent the tucked in false flap "x." Fig. 17

You are now holding in your handswhat is the perfect illusion as far as theflapless envelope is concerned. The visibleflap looks like it belongs to the flaplessenvelope and no amount of looking will tellotherwise. A card can now be inserted intothe flapless envelope without need of lookingat it and it will slide smoothly into itguided by the false flap.

7AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE CIRCEAN VESSELS CONT.the envelope is simply burned depending on the effect beingpresented. The reader need not worry even if the gimmickedenvelope "B" is handed to the spectator to take home. The smallhidden "x" false flap will hardly be noticed, it will be gluedto the real flapl of the sealed envelope.

Fig. 19

E

D

slitcut

______ d

MORE VESSELS, Let us now suppose that the performerhas an effect that requires for the top envelope showing ofthe stack"to be signed after a card is sealed in it and thento be openly taken off the top and burned!

To create that effect the following gimmicked enve-lopes are used. On the back of envelope "D"cut a slit about 1/2 inch from the top. Fig. 19.

Next take envelope "E" and cut two smallcuts about 5/8 incn long, one on either side ofthe top of the seam side of the envelope asshown in Fig. 20 to form a short loose flap-insert. The flap-insert of envelope "E" is nowpushed through the slit of envelope "D" and thetwo envelopes are properly aligned seam sides up.

Now anything inserted into envelope "D"will go out the slit and into the second envelope.Envelope "D" which may be loaded with a dummycard is now openly signed, sealed and slowlyremoved off the top and burned. The back ofenvelope "D" can not be shown due to the sliton its back, but it can later be opened bycutting off 1/2 inch from the top!

AS the reader can plainly see thisset up is excellent for the bill or creditcard substitution effects.

When envelope "E" is sealed, it willhide the two small cuts.

The flap of envelope "E" is foldedbackwards for the set-up, or it may be tuckedinto the envelope.

The two envelope set-ups just mentionedcan be used for the INSTANT THOUGHT READINGeffect simply by cutting a window on the faceof the second envelope so that during the handlingthe performer turns the next envelope over andgets the message that was just burned (?).

Fig. 20

8This is a modification of 'The Threshold of Miracle' fromSensational Mentalism, Part II.

In this version, the sealed envelopes with their message cardsare never opened. The VIP can put them in his pocket and take themhome.

We will use three ungimmicked coin envelopes, but ?f course.the Circean Vessels can also be used. For the illustratlons we wllluse the three ungimmicked envelopesz

No.1 Envelopez We'll call this the 'key' envelope.Insert a bridge-size playing card into the envelopeand cement it inside to the address side so that the topof the card is close to the top of the envelope. Thentuck the flap into the envelope and over the card. Nextplace one 'of your own business cards into the envelope.

No.2 Envelopez The 'dummy' envelope. Take another of yourbusiness cards and write out a short 'fortune' messageon its back, likez "Fortune will favor you. Seek it!"Place the card into the dummy envelope BUT do not sealit.

No.3 Envelopez The 'blind' envelope. It remains empty andunsealed.

Now make a stack as follows:1. The key envelope is in front, seam side showing and

flap tucked in.2. The dummy envelope is behind the key envelope. Its

flap is sticking up over the key envelope and foldedin front of it.

3. The blind envelope is next behind, with its flap alsosticking up and over both envelopes.

You now have a stack of three envelopes like in Fig. 2, butthe envelopes are ungimmicked. The playing card takes the place ofthe celluloid gimmick and the blind envelope is unsealed.

THE PRESENTATIONz A test has been announced so take out thestack of three envelopes (from your wallet) and blow on the top ofthe stack (or just open the key envelope) and take out your businesscard from the key envelope. Give the card to the VIP with a penciland tell him to write out a question in secret and to turn the cardwriting side down when finished.

Next, take the card and stick it into the key envelope and pullup and out with the flap of the dummy envelope. Seal the dummy andgive it to the VIP to hold.

"Before we go any further, I am going to write out a message

9_ THRESHOLD THREE ... cont. ..

for you to take with you." Saying this you blow into the envelopesagain and take out another card (his message card) but be carefullnot to show the back of it. Then place it on the blind envelope apdpretend to write out the message but actually you read his questionand remember it. Next seal his card into the blind envelope andgive it to him and tell him to place both sealed envelopes intohis pocket.

"Now~" You say, "I am going to try to read your thoughts whilethe sealed envelopes are in your pocket~"

So you divine his thoughts and answer his question.Whatever happens to the two envelopes in the VIP's pocket is

not your concern. They now belong to the VIP.

A VARIATION: Let's say that you are a bit nervous about havingto take out the VIP's message card out of the envelope. You feelthat the move may giye the secret away. Although it is most unlikely,you still have another way of doing it which will completely throw off

the wise ones.Slit the bottom of the key' envelope!Then after the VIP's card is inserted into it and you have

given him the dummy. Place the two envelopes in your hand a~ th~edge of the table over your lap and squeeze the envelopes a bit andthe VIpos card will fallon your lap unnoticed. So you palm hiscard and make believe you are getting a second card from your walletor from the table's drawer~

.,;,.. The business card will fall by itself usually when the envelope1S held vertically, so you must keep your little finger under thebottom of the envelopes to avoid the card falling out prematurely.

NOTE: There are several excellent mental effects in writingthat use the flapless and window-frame envelopes. However there isalways a bit of fumbling in inserting the card into the correct en-velope and then in trying to open the correct envelope. The use ofthe Circean Vessels' and the celluloid gimmick have now streamlinedthe operation. So you can now perform ~nese effects in a direct andflawless manner. A flawless 'mental' Gem, no less.

A FINE POINT: After you cut off a piece of rectangular celluloidyou will discover that it has two distinct sides. One is concave andthe other is convexed , slightly and not noticeable. If you aque ezethe sides of the piece between your fingers, it will always ben~'orbuckle to the same side. This bit of knowledge will help you place'the celluloid gimmick into the envelope to best advantage, so thatit will always open up the envelope outwards!

and I can sense both.II I wi 11 comment on your pr-esenti-ques-

tion. And, more important, I will giftyou with a piece of advice that will bevitally important to you in the comingmonths."

You carefully write something on an-other card, which you place in an envelopefor the spectator.

"Save this. Itls applicable now. Butit will be particularly important to yousix months from now."

Then, with both envelopes in the spec-tator's pocket and out of sight, you slow-ly, hesitantly, identify and begin to an-swer the spectator's question.

And woven artfully into your answerare the exact words you wrote for thespectator to keep for the future.

You'll need three small manila pay en-(Cont'd on pa~e 1608)

Copyright 1983- Bascom Jones,

)

Destinvs, '

Discio e,', -AI Mann

~ The genius that is Al Mann is his in- tuitive ability to put method and effect

in perspective.'In the process, he tends to distill

each to an irreducible minimum.Mannis trickeries, as a result, have

the straightforward simplicity of a gypsyscam, while they pack the wallop of a car-nival muscleman.

.His is the mentalism of the workingprofessional, rather than the contriv-ances of the "magical" practitioner.

In this one-person reading, which istypical of Mann, you leave the sealedquestion in the spectator's pocket, as amemento. '~

This is the effect. A spectator -,writes an important personal question ona business-size card, seals the card inan e~velope, and puts the envelope in hispocket,

You study the spectator, and appearto concentrate for a moment.

Then, you comment, "Inside, you are~ twisting and turning. Faced by ques-~ tions now. , And more urgent ones in the, immediate future. .

"The known followed by the unknown,Page 1607

vel opes and at least two blank business-size cards.,

. On ~neof the cards, write:, l' IIYou I reienterj ng a peri odof minorproblems and important crossroads. But

remembe~ this; . : .,liThe answers y6u'11 seek lie within~ourse~lf -You must NOT be afraid to look

lnward.;~: .or you wi.ll fail. II ..:: .T.o"!n~.ke handling during the presenta-tl~neasJ~r, one ofthe envelopes must beS11ghtly modified~

i }ns,ert a bri dqe-size play i ng card into!h~envelope, c~menting it to the insideof ~,he addras s side of the 'envelope ..

'"Then,~. tuck. th~ fl ap of the envelope inand:OVER.t~eplaYlng. card. Finally, placethe,~,eJ!lalnl.rig blank business-size card in

the~'en.ije,l op,e .,', "":::'Ypu,~ ll:.f1 n~__ l,~you squee~: __ !he edg.~s I

of t~e envelop~, as you blow into it, the I~plaYlng card w~ll buckle, and the mouth of',the envelope wi l l open., " ,:". .

The tucked-:-in flap:will,cause'thecardto always buckl~ against the addres~~id~of the envelope~" ; .. , '.'

In a se~~nd envelop~, ~lace your an~wer, or adv i ce , card; 'with 'the writingclosest to the address side of the ~nve-lope. . ,

The third envelope is left ~mpt;. "Stack the three envelopes with their

seam sides uppermost. At the top of thestack should be the prepared envelope withthe tucked-in flap. '

. ~eneath it should be the envelope con-t ai rrl nq the "pr-edi ct ion". And, next, theempty envelope. Both the second and thirdenvelopes should have their flaps open.

Now, fold the two extend~d flaps down

over the mouth6f the ~repared envelope.For the pres~ntation,.youmerely pick

up the packet, "extend .the flaps~