The Effect
A pencil rests on a table while the magician announces that they will concentrate and make it rise.
One hand grips the opposite wrist as the open hand is lowered over the pencil. When the hand rises, the pencil appears to float upward with it.
The hand and pencil are lowered again, apparently leaving no explanation for the levitation.
The Audience’s View
From the correct position, spectators see the pencil rising beneath an apparently open hand. The secret support remains hidden behind the hand.
What You’ll Need
✏️ Main Pencil
A standard wooden pencil is light and easy to control.
⌚ Optional Watch
A watch or secure wrist strap is used for the alternative method.
✏️ Optional Second Pencil
This becomes a concealed support beneath the watch strap.
Use the Hidden Index Finger
Place the pencil on a table and grip your opposite wrist naturally.
As the open hand moves over the pencil, secretly extend the index finger of the gripping hand.
Position that finger behind the pencil so it can hold the pencil against the palm while remaining hidden from the audience.
Raise the Pencil Slowly
Keep the open hand relaxed and lift it smoothly from the table.
The hidden finger carries the pencil upward, creating the appearance that it is attached to or floating beneath the hand.
Avoid sudden movements that might expose the supporting finger.
Lower and Release
Bring the hand and pencil back to the table.
Once the pencil touches the surface, quietly retract the hidden finger and return to an ordinary wrist grip.
Move away naturally rather than immediately displaying the hands.
Use a Watch-Strap Support
Secretly slide a second pencil beneath a secure watch strap so part of it extends across the palm.
Place the visible pencil across this concealed support.
Raise the hand while keeping the support hidden behind the wrist and fingers. This method can make the hand appear more open.
Viewing Angles
Perform for someone looking slightly down toward the top of your hand.
Keep spectators in front of you and avoid low side views, which can expose the supporting finger or second pencil.
Practise in a mirror or record yourself from the audience’s position before performing the trick.
Performance Tips
Act as though the levitation requires intense concentration.
Begin with the pencil genuinely resting on the table so the setup looks fair.
Lift the hand slowly enough for the audience to appreciate the effect, but not so slowly that they begin studying the wrist.
Keep the supporting hand relaxed. A tense grip attracts attention to the secret.
🎩 Magic Tip
Look at the pencil rather than at your supporting hand. Spectators tend to follow your eyes and focus on the apparent levitation.
Common Mistakes
Do not perform for spectators standing below hand level.
Avoid spreading the fingers so widely that the support becomes visible.
Do not squeeze the wrist unnaturally tightly.
Keep the pencil balanced before beginning the lift.
End naturally rather than challenging spectators to inspect the method.
Practice Plan
First practise forming the hidden finger position without a pencil.
Add the pencil and rehearse lifting it only a few centimetres.
Record the trick from front, side and slightly elevated angles.
Add your concentration presentation after the mechanics are smooth.