Magic Tricks

A Mentalism Book That Actually Feels Like an Experience
Orpheus by Phedon Bilek isn’t just a collection of clever routines. It’s a layered, emotional, philosophical exploration of what mind reading could be when you care more about connection than cleverness.

Right from page one, this isn’t about fooling someone. It’s about moving them.

One second, a disclaimer should be put here...

Disclaimer: I should not forget that I have gotten to know Phedon about ten years ago in Newcastle (UK) at a Minds convention...we talked since about Motorbikes, life and lots of other stuff. He is a role model in life to me, especially as a business owner and a dad. So yeah, I am biased

...now that that is said...

Back to my review:

If you’ve ever wanted to make your mentalism feel like something pulled from a dream or memory—this is your book.

The Cartesian Q&A—Yes, It Uses a Calculator. (As some have mentioned, and also whined about in their comments.)

- No, That’s Not a Problem.

Let’s talk about the Cartesian Q&A.

Yes, there’s a calculator involved. And no, that doesn’t make it “less propless.” It makes it more human.

Let me tell you why:

Phedon uses this tiny interruption—this deliberate break in the flow—to create a deeper hypnotic moment. It’s the same idea hypnotists use all the time: reinduction. Pull someone out for a second, then drop them back in deeper. The number feels personal. The moment feels charged.

Some routines get remembered. This one gets felt.

***

Let me get to another part of the book...numerology and numbers... and since I am not the biggest fan of numerology, let me call this part of my review:

"Cognitive Dissonance, Number Mysticism & the Ghost of Robert Anton Wilson"

Let’s face it: People love numbers. Not just for math — but for meaning.

Give someone a number and tell them it’s theirs, and their brain will start doing the work for you. Suddenly, they’re seeing patterns, attaching memories, creating significance.

Robert Anton Wilson played with this beautifully in The Illuminatus! Trilogy—constantly referencing 23, 5, and the patterns in between.

It’s not about numerology.

It’s about psychology.

It’s about showing people a mirror and letting them see something in it.

Phedon knows how to do this. Subtly. Powerfully. Repeatedly. And he shows you how, in Orpheus.

Let me come to another part I really like, something Phedon calls:

"The Master Dream Reveal"

On page 131, there’s a moment in a chapter called The Master Dream Reveal that honestly just blew me away.

It features a contribution by Dr. Bill Cushman and brings in ideas from Gestalt psychology, performance, and dream logic. The kind of thing that turns a routine into something soft, surreal, and deeply moving.

You don’t “do a reading” in this routine. You walk them through a dream. And when done well, it feels as real to them as it does to you.

Wanna know what secret and subtle idea Dr Cushman contributed? Then get the book.

***

And now let us talk about one of my favorite things about magic books...essays. Essays are always a great way into a magicians brain, and unfortunately, not too many people have em. Phedon does, so here a few words on my favorite essays:

Plato Goes to Hollywood — A Bonus Essay Worth the Price Alone

Orpheus doesn’t just give you routines—it gives you ideas. One of the most fascinating parts of the book is a paired set of essays titled Plato Goes to Hollywood.

The first essay is by Phedon Bilek. The second is a “counter” (or rather, companion) piece by Dr. Bill Cushman. Together, they dive into the emotional experience of story, cinema, and music—and how those same emotional levers can be pulled during performance.

If you’re a hypnotist or storyteller—or you want to be—this is worth re-reading. This is the kind of material that opens doors in your head you didn’t even know were locked.

And to end this review, let me state some facts:

Who This Book Is Not For

If you want quick tricks and cookie-cutter methods—don’t buy this book.

If you’re looking for “pick a card”-style material that you can throw into your set with zero effort—this isn’t it.

If you’re not willing to think, feel, or put in the work to get good—walk away. Seriously.

Orpheus is simple, but not easy. It requires emotional intelligence, a love for human interaction, and a desire to actually give your participants something meaningful. If you’re ready for that… you’ve just found gold. If you want another card trick, head to a different section.