Paris, 1812. "The King's Conjurer" Louis Comte astonished his audience by pulling a rabbit from a hat. It had never been done before. London, 1921. Illusionist PT Selbit sawed a woman in half. It was not real, but it made history.

Magicians do not like to disclose their secrets. The elite Magic Circle throws out members who let slip their mysterious methods.¹ But, psychologists have discovered a link between magic and mental health.

The study at Aberystwyth University measured the psychotic traits of 195 magicians.² This sample of card experts, mentalists, close-up and big-stage performers were less anxious than the general population. And they had fewer distorted thoughts and hallucinations.

This is unusual for a creative group. Evidence shows mental health problems are more common among comedians, actors, poets and writers.³ Lead researcher Gil Greengross says these results show that the creative mind is "more complex than previously thought".⁴

In fact, the magician's brain has more in common with those of mathematicians and scientists. So what is going on, and could doing magic make us happy?

Psychologist Lucy Foulkes cautions against using the medical language of anxiety and depressionLow mood that affects someone's daily life, and can last for weeks or months. to talk about everyday feelings of being happy and sad.⁵ Mental health is a "messy spectrum", and simplistic explanations and treatments can do more harm than good.

And it is unclear which is the cause and which is the effect. Greengross speculates that aspiring magicians with psychotic traits may struggle with the levels of discipline, consistency and secrecy involved in the trade.

But magician Sara Crasson believes the profession has a positive impact.⁶ It helps young performers "overcome" a lack of social skills and build confidence. Paul Daniels, "The Godfather of Magic", suffered from low self-esteem in his early years.⁷

Writer and magic fan Peter Ormerod thinks the art of illusion is special because it combines a "deep sense of wonder" with a "firm grasp on reality".⁸ More than most, magicians know their limitations. But they play with our desire to believe and be deceived.

"Honest dishonesty," Ormerod calls magic. And many magicians have sought to expose mystics who claim to have supernatural powers. The famous escape artist Harry Houdini debunked psychics and spirit mediumsPeople who claim to be able to communicate with the dead. that took advantage of the gullible.

Pickpockets and con artists use the same magic skills of misdirection and sleight of hand to make people unhappy. Neuroscientist Susana Martinez-Conde maintains we laugh at magic because it feels threatening, but we know it is harmless.⁹

Is magic real? Mentalist Kieron Kirkland says magic exists in "someone's mind".¹⁰ A trick takes attention away from negative thoughts to focus on moments of awe, humour and happiness. This makes Kirkland and his audience happy.

On stage, magicians are physically active, mastering new skills to pay attention to the moment, connect with others and bring others joy. So could they teach us how to live?

Yes: Everyone wants to believe in magic. As a magician, you get the satisfaction of making magic happen, just for a moment. It is a gift and a skill that comes from a deep understanding of reality.

No: Magic is all about deception. The audience gets to enjoy the illusion but it has no lasting meaning after the show. The magician knows how it is done and must repeat the trick night after night.

Or... Good mental health is not about being happy or sad. A magician has a strong sense of reality and the distinction between the possible and the impossible. A life skill more important than being happy.