Simple Magic: Coin Divination

Simple tricks employed for oneself are the best and most efficient, though nothing impresses others more than complex and symbol-laden rituals.

May those who understand profit.

Here's a nifty trick for children, or adults with younger minds. More precisely, this as a simple divination method. As with any form of the art, this can be modified to suit one's taste, or adjusted for better results. I notice better results from (my taste)ful approaches.

Summary:

Three tosses of one coin to determine a yes or no, either/or question. Three consecutive heads or tails indicate a definite answer, while mixed results may indicate a less definite answer, a state of flux, or the need to wait.

Hard Conditions:

Person flipping coin cannot know question, thus necessitating two parties.

Coin should be of highest value available; gold and silver are not typically found in people's pockets in a typical situation requiring an answer, so a quarter would be ideal if no silver dollars are present.

The "determinant", or person interpreting the answer according to the flip, should have an understanding beforehand of which side of the coin will represent the two options, though heads is generally "yes", "male", "yang", "solar", etc., and tails is the seeming opposite. If no clear distinction into these polarities can be made, then another method should be sought, as this ability to sharply contrast and distinguish the options into opposites is critical to the game.

Soft Conditions:

Anything which disturbs the continuity of the three flips may or may not be seen as inauspicious, e.g., dropping the coin, interruption from outside source, forgetting the result of the last flip.

I once taught this trick to a few young people without going into elaborate theories or explanations. In fact, they think it's just a remarkable parlor trick. Of course, they're astounded at how consistently accurate their answers are, which makes perfect sense to someone who understands how incredibly powerful (yet unfocused) the magical abilities of most kids are.

I really admire those kids' success with what I taught them, and as a tribute to them and the real magic they perform, I won't even bother to expound on this method any further.

Abracadabra,
J.M.