The genius of magic, Juan Tamariz, referred to this effect in his beautiful book The Magic Rainbow as “The King of All Card Magic.” And without question, it truly is. In my humble opinion, I can do nothing but nod in grateful agreement with the master’s words. My love for this effect is such that it is difficult for me to offer an opinion uncolored by my personal connection to the trick.
On one hand, I spent years working through different versions and methods until arriving at my own approach, which, to me, achieves the synthesis and economy that define my style of magic. On the other—and even more importantly—the presentation idea itself deeply connects with my artistic style, both theoretically and philosophically. For this reason, The Rising Card is, for me, my signature routine—the one through which I feel I can express my relationship with magic the best.
I have no doubt about the strength of this version, and I consider it, without fear of sounding immodest, a unique piece of magic. It is possible that all of my ideas are complete rubbish, but Resonancia certainly is not. As Borges said: “Even the worst writer has at least one worthwhile page.” If I have ever written one, this is it: my version of The Rising Card.
Effect
In complete silence, I bring out two glasses, clink them gently together, and set them on the table. I produce a small antique bottle filled with water and pour its contents into one of the glasses. I then bring out a deck of cards and approach the audience. A spectator shuffles and freely selects a card. It is shown to the rest of the audience, and the same spectator returns it to the deck.