Sometimes it is easy to find a good metaphorical context for a magic trick. The “cut and restore rope trick” deals clearly with the archetype of restoration. “Cups and Balls” involve all the basic magic effects (appearance, vanish, transposition and penetration) and may be used to tell a number of stories. “Sawing a woman in half trick” has to do with the power of the magician over Life and Death.

Other tricks are very difficult to be presented within a meaningful context – particularly the ones closer to jugglery and physical feats. What about the famous “Twisting Arm Illusion”, in which a magician twists his arm a full 360 degrees? (see here Dana Scully performing the trick) Is it just a physical curiosity, good for a night in a pub?

Looking for a meaningful context takes time. I have found the perfect place last Saturday in Istanbul (Turkey), inside one of the world’s largest cathedral, the epitome of Byzantine architecture: Hagia Sophia (see it on a map).

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Turkey), 537 AD.

In the northern corner of the church there is a pillar known as the “weeping column”. A number of legends surround it. Originally from the pagan Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, the column is made of white marble with a bronze belt that circles its lower part. There is a hole in the column that water drops come out of – as if it was weeping. Visitors stick their finger in the hole and try to twist their arm a full 360 degrees, praying for a miracle. Only a complete rotation makes your wishes come true. A good story, isn’t it?

The weeping column on the left, with a queue of pilgrims waiting for their turn.

After a queue, I performed the “Twisting Arm Illusion” feat in front of a number of surprised pilgrims in its most natural context, without having to announce that I was a magician and just putting magic in the place where it should always be: real life.

Twisting Arm Illusion in Istanbul (Turkey), 15 December 2012.
Thanks to Pιnar Güner for the photo.