Funny Mutha...

  Shut Yo Mouth!

Last night I accomplished something that I have only talked about doing for years. I tried my hand at stand up comedy in a competition called "Clash of the Comics". It is actually geared toward aspiring professional comics that are already in the scene. I wanted to throw myself in the deep end and either sink or swim. I am happy to report that I "swam" quite nicely. As I mentioned before I have been in a couple of bands so I am not a stranger to performing for crowds, particularly ones lubricated with alcohol. Being a sorcerer though, there was no way I wasn't going to do a little work to add to my chances of success.

I started out the day by feeding my High John Jack Ball (see I am not only the president, I'm also a client). While doing so I also set out a shot of whiskey for Ol' High John, and lit a purple candle in his honor. I thanked him for the help he has given me, and asked him to help me conquer the crowd later that night. While driving around that afternoon, I found myself behind a car with a license plate that read "BRE RABBIT". For those that don't know Brer Rabbit is also trickster character and some of his tales and traits share a similar African lineage with High John. When working with spirits, it's always good to keep an eye out for little signs such as this. It's also best to research that spirit as much as possible to make sure that you would know what kind of symbols and signs they may use to communicate with you.

When it came time to determine what order everyone would perform, we all had to draw cards. I pulled a 9 of spades. If had been thinking strictly in terms of divination and the Tarot, I would have seen this as a bad sign. Seeing as I am a conjurer I know better. The number 9  is a lucky and powerful number in conjure work that often appears in spells for mastery, domination, and commanding. Something you will observe often in conjure work is that what others may consider negative or unlucky, is quite the opposite. Conjure is very antinomian at its core. I  also interpreted he spades or swords to mean that I was going to "kill it", which I did.   Going with your gut when deciphering omens and signs can serve you better then going by the book. As long as you can do it and be honest with yourself as well.

While I waited to take the stage, I took the time to do some energy work and a quick spell of sorts. I was doing some breathing to relax, of course the double of Jack Daniel's was helping with that as well. After a few cycles of breathing I started to tune into the overall vibe and energy of the room and bring it into my center. The vibe of the room was pretty good, It was a small crowd that was relaxed and there to be entertained. Not a single heckler in the bunch. I then directed this energy from my center and into the palm of my right hand forming it into a sphere. Once I could feel this as a strong and real connection to the crowd in the palm of my hand, I thrust my hand into my pocket and put the energy there with the rest of my charms. From then on out as far I was concerned the crowed was in my pocket, I owned that room. There was a brief moment in my 5 minute set that I felt as if I lost them for a bit. With a little bit of NLP style anchoring I put my hand in my pocket for a brief second to remind myself, and I got them right back. With a little tweaking this technique can be applied to any setting where you have to address a group.

Most importantly with any magical act, and performance I made sure to just relax, have fun, and let things flow. I have been invited to come out to some open mics, so I am going to play it by ear, and see where this goes. Remember that "all the world is a stage" blah blah blah. Kick ass, take names, and rock out with your...


"You must have the Devil in you to succeed in the arts." Voltaire
"Don't quote me boy cuz I ain't said shit." Eazy-E