b 15 Breakfast In Literature: • "The magic word 'Breakfast' came simultaneously from them." -- H.G. Wells, The Research Magnificent (1915) Mystique: "'While there's breath, there's life,' we say; and ever since Old Testament days it has seemed that the breath we inhale and exhale must in some way be the agent or carrier of life itself -- a dollop of lifeless clay being transformed into a living being when the Divine Creator infuses the Breath of Life into its nostrils." We can easily imagine that magicians have used puffs of breath to initiate magical effects since time immemorial. Modern- day magicians almost universally include a puff of breath to make magic happen, especially during silent performances. Such a breath acts as a silent magic word. The concept of breath as a creative force or divine spiritual energy is common to a great many religions and spiritual traditions. A puff of breath can be used to send energy "with a gentle power from within, rather like a kiss." 7 Facts: "[T]hroughout the history of global magical practice, shamans employed their healing methods through the techniques of 'sucking' and 'blowing' air on and around patients. In the East, the control of one's personal flow of air is a central practice in the disciplines of yoga and tantric magic." 8 "Throughout the world, ancient tales talk of the Witches' Breath. More predominant in old Gaelic folklore, the breath of witches or wise- women was said to have magical properties. She could heal a wound with her breath. She could breathe life into a newly-born babe and take breath from the dying to ease their journey to the Summerlands." 9 Common Magician's Applications: Breath is used as a magical trigger in a variety of tricks, including: • Card effects "Addressing the spectator you say, 'Have you a magic breath? Well I will show you how to find out. If you have you can send your card to whatever position you please merely by breathing gently on the cards. Will you choose a number? Nine? Then just blow on the pack and think intently 6 Stephen Toulmin and June Goodfield, The Architecture of Matter (1962) 7 Ann Moura/Aoumiel, Green Magic: The Sacred Connection to Nature (200 ) 8 Timothy Roderick, Wicca: A Year and a Day (2005) 9 Janet Thompson, Magical Hearth: Home for the Modern Pagan (1995)