MAGIC WORDS
Tien Ling Ling, Dee Ling Ling, Bien
Meanings: Tien is Chinese for "celestial" or "heavenly." "Ling is the magical
power . . . of uncanny intelligence . . . an attribute of the cosmological
interplay between order and disorder." Dee (or di) means "God" or "Lord
on High". Bien (or bian) can mean "expedient."
Origins: This magic phrase originated in China and may be transcribed
as follows:
In Literature:
• Henning Nelms, Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers (1969)
Time Flies
Common Magician's Applications: Vanishing. For example: "The
spectator puts the watch into the box and closes the drawer. Say the magic
words, 'Time Flies,' and when you open the box the watch has disappeared!"
Time for Supper
Facts: This is a magic phrase recommended by professional magician Karl
Fulves for tricks that awaken or animate an inanimate object.27
25 Stephan Feuchtwang, "Chinese Religions," Religion in the Modern World, edited by
Linda Woodhead (2001)
26 Bob Solari Magic Company
27 Self-Working Paper Magic (1985)