A curse is a form of negative energy or intention that someone may send towards another person. While curses may seem like something out of a fairytale or superstition, some individuals believe that they do exist and can have an impact on a person's life. If you suspect that you have been cursed, there are several signs that you can look out for. Firstly, a sudden string of bad luck or misfortune can be a sign of a curse. This could include unexpected financial troubles, health problems, or relationship issues. If you notice that these negative events seem to be happening one after another, it may be worth considering the possibility of a curse.
Magic saved my life – and now I use it to inspire others in tackling their mental health and special needs
A young south Warwickshire man who claims magic ‘saved his life,’ is now inspiring others across the nation as an advocate for autism and mental health.
Angus Baskerville wasn’t diagnosed with Asperger’s until he moved back from South Africa to Kenilworth aged 15, by which time he had failed to fit in at 13 schools and suffered chronic low self-esteem.
Now aged 26, he is a successful events magician who has vowed to ‘pay it forward’ by helping others overcome the challenges of neurodiversity through school workshops.
Warwick-born Angus, who also has ADHD, recalls: “School was a major challenge for me. Teachers didn’t understand me because I was behaving very differently to the other students, and I was always known by everyone as the ‘naughty one.’ I spent so much time sitting outside the headteacher’s office.
“Bullying was a major problem all through school, both physical and mental. There were times I would get kicked and punched and boys even tried to strangle me with a rope once. I was always excluded from everything and felt constantly isolated.
“I spent so much time in the naughty corner, at one school the teacher even named it after me!
“Lack of understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome, when everyone thinks you’re being odd or naughty when in actual fact it’s something you can’t help, can be a first-class ticket to serious mental health problems and it’s why I urge people to fight to get their diagnosis as soon as possible.”
Angus delivers a conference speech
It was while holidaying with family and friends aged 17 that Angus was shown a simple card trick and first became fascinated with magic.
“They also taught me how it was done, and I started going around showing everyone I knew. Because it wowed me, I wanted to wow other people. I became more and more interested, and I started learning tricks on YouTube and asking for magic sets for Christmas. I discovered it was massively helping my self-esteem.
“All of a sudden I found myself concentrating and focusing for hours on learning and perfecting a new trick. It wasn’t until I found magic that I was able to make friends for the very first time. My social skills improved a lot.”
Angus wows former professional athlete Mo Farah with one of his tricks.
As a Christmas gift in 2014 Angus’ parents Neil and Kate enrolled him on a magic course at the famous Davenport’s in London, bolstered by which he went on to compete in – and win – his sixth form talent contest. He earned money through his talent for the first time, performing tricks for tips in his local pub.
At 19, Angus joined Leamington and Warwick Magic Society and, in 2020 he was accepted as a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He is now in demand on both the magic and public speaking circuits, performing for the likes of Richard E Grant, Linda Robson, Peter Jones CBE, Sir Mo Farah OBE, Roman Kemp, Melanie Sykes, Patsy Kensit and Frank Bruno MBE.
He also performs at major talent shows, alongside his idol Dynamo, including Autism’s Got Talent and Edinburgh Fringe and has recently been put forward for Britain’s Got Talent.
Angus pictured with actress Linda Robson
Angus, who recently moved to Stratford, is a regular keynote speaker at autism conferences and workshops around the country, and a neurodiversity ambassador for The Institute of Occupational Health.
But his journey has seen him battle some dark times, including a spell of self-harming and suicidal thoughts. Today he is hoping to bring his magic into schools which, he believes, could provide access to help sooner.
“I think if I had been diagnosed earlier things would have been different,” he said. “I just felt like I was a bad person and the whole world was against me. I just didn’t want to be here.
“I felt so much pain on the inside and I thought I’d rather feel it on the outside because sometimes emotional pain is worse than physical pain. I was also attacking myself because I believed I was such a loser. Over the course of the years, I came to realise that you have to find better ways of dealing with it.”
His mental health also suffered a huge setback in April this year when, while waiting for a train at Warwick Parkway Station, Angus was witness to a suicide right in front of him.
This harrowing incident made him even more determined to help others with mental health issues, by sharing some of the mindfulness tools he has developed over time to deal with anxiety and low mood. He also signed up to a course on self-harm and suicide awareness and prevention.
He said: “Anyone can have suicidal thoughts, but to actually witness a suicide in action when someone jumps in front of a train like that, is so awfully traumatic. It frightened the living daylights out of me. When I went to bed that night, I was role playing it repeatedly in my head, thinking, was it my fault? Could I have stopped it?
“People who take their own lives haven’t been able to open up and be honest about their feelings. They appear on the outside to be fine, even to their own family, and it’s completely second nature for them to say ‘yes, I’m fine’ even if they’re far from fine. You’ve always got to check up on those you care about regularly because you could be saving somebody’s life.”
Photo by Jon Mills Home – A1 Creative Photography Angus with Patsy Kensit
As Angus continues to forge a successful career as a magician, he dreams of travelling the world with his show one day. Work is already under way on his first book which he hopes will help educate society on high-functioning autism and neurodiversity, the gifts and challenges and how mental health issues only arise through lack of understanding and not intervening early enough to work on the root of the challenges.
He said: “I’ve never been one to play the victim. It’s all good news in disguise because I would never be able to inspire people if I hadn’t gone through all that. But now I’ve got the ability and knowledge to start working with young people using magic as the medium to build confidence, avoiding years of unnecessary struggles like I had.”
“My story shows that anything is possible. One of my favourite lines is from Winnie the Pooh: ‘You are braver than you believe, you are stronger than you seem, and you are smarter than you think.’ We are not alone. You can achieve anything you set mind to.
“A lot of it is about never giving up. I want to bring it forward and help people by giving them access to something I didn’t have access to, sooner rather than later!
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Публикация участника Angus Baskerville
What a year 2023 has been. It has been a truly remarkable year filled with incredible experiences. Grateful for the opportunities to feature on ITV News, engage in various TV and radio appearances, open new magic schools and summer camps, and participate in prestigious events like Henley Festival and Ventnor Fringe Festival. Additionally, I'm thrilled to have launched a motivational speaking business, delivering talks for esteemed companies like Jaguar Land Rover and the owners network. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey and contributed to the success of 2023. Here's to a new year filled with fresh opportunities and continued growth. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2024. Happy New Year, everyone! 🎥 Brian Irvine (Biopic Photography Ltd) #happynewyear #2024goals #linkedin #magic #CheersTo2024
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Professional Magician/Autism Advocate/Motivational Speaker - Providing magical services for Weddings, Corporate events and Parties 3 нед.
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I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and magic! 🌟 This season, let's reflect on our blessings and spread the spirit of giving. As we celebrate, let's remember those in need, extending kindness and generosity to create a ripple of joy beyond our own festivities. Here's to a festive season of connection, compassion, and shared magic! 🎅🤶 Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! 🎁🎉 #SeasonsGreetings #SpreadJoy #CommunityMagic #merrychristmas
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Professional Magician/Autism Advocate/Motivational Speaker - Providing magical services for Weddings, Corporate events and Parties 3 нед.
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Thrilled to have wrapped up my final performance before Christmas at the Four Alls tonight. Grateful for the tremendous support and assistance from Four Alls throughout the year – it's been a fantastic partnership. Looking forward with anticipation to the opportunities and adventures that 2024 will bring. Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas 🎄 🌟 #Gratitude #YearEndReflections #CheersTo2024 #magic #christmas2023 #merryxmas #Christmas #christmaseve
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Professional Magician/Autism Advocate/Motivational Speaker - Providing magical services for Weddings, Corporate events and Parties 3 нед.
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As we draw the curtains on this year's Magic Schools, I reflect with immense gratitude on the journey we've shared. The privilege of establishing several new magic schools, introducing countless children to the fundamentals of magic, has been truly rewarding. This morning, at Mappleborough School's assembly, I had the honor of performing magic and presenting awards to some of my magic students who have demonstrated exceptional growth from the outset. Witnessing their achievements has been a source of great pride. Congratulations to all my magic students, with special recognition for those who received awards. So proud of them all! Anticipating the new year with enthusiasm, we'll resume our magical journey in January. Wishing each one of you a Very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you to Mappleborough Green Primary School and all those involved in the magic clubs. Here's to a future adorned with even greater achievements. Onwards and upwards! #FestiveSeasonMagic #awardwinning #inspirational #magic #schools #Christmas #christmas2023 #christmasholidays
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Professional Magician/Autism Advocate/Motivational Speaker - Providing magical services for Weddings, Corporate events and Parties 1 мес.
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An exceptional evening unfolded last night at Worcester City Football Club with the Non League Networking Group. A sincere pleasure to be involved again and to connect with each of you. Big shoutout to Ryan Molloy for hosting and to Dolphin Tec Limited for sponsoring. Thanks also to Steve Cook for running all the events this year. Wishing you all a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with success and growth. 🎄✨ Look forward to seeing you all again in 2024. #NonLeagueNetworking #ChristmasParty #FestiveGreetings
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And that's a wrap! Last night we held our second event in two days, but our very first Christmas drinks at new venue Worcester City Football Club. We welcomed a mix of Non League Networking stalwarts as well as new business owners and professionals from the local area. It was a much more relaxed affair with the bar open, alcohol flowing, Christmas nibbles and entertainment in the form of some amazing close up magic from the hugely talented Angus Baskerville. We even ventured into the murky depths of Prosecco Pong (yes it really did happen). Thanks to Ryan Molloy for hosting, as well as Dolphin Tec Limited and SJL Insurance Services for sponsoring the event. And these events are not possible without all of you networkers out there (cheesy sign off) but thanks to everyone that attended last night and to all of our events over the whole year. Much love to you every one of you! David Kelly MAPM Luke Crocker John Moody Peter Francis David Barrett Tracy Ford Dave James Richard Booth CTA Cert CII (MP) Glen McCulloch Claire Hill (Hill HR Consultancy) Graham Ross Adrian Ruddy Martin Blyth-Sweetingham Rochelle Reilly Tom Worthington Andy Done Samantha Sinclair-Day Xero Accountant Clara Griffiths Gemma Edwards Jake Edwards #WorcesterCity #NonLeagueNetworking #DolphinTec #SJLInsurance #Business #NetworkingEvents
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I was bullied and struggled to make friends – until I became a magician
There’s not many people who wouldn’t have a drop of nerves performing complicated magic tricks in front of hundreds of people on stage, but for me, it is one of the easiest parts of my life.
Whether approaching people in the street, working weddings and events, or even just entertaining a few people at the pub, magic has become my go-to happy place, my career, and even a form of therapy to get me through some of the tough times I’ve experienced.
As someone who has had mental health problems, and who struggled for years to manage their autism, that form of therapy is invaluable, even if it just appears to outsiders that I’m simply doing my job.
Working with people, interacting with guests and entertaining them, you would never know that for much of my childhood I suffered from severe separation anxiety, was highly sensitive, and even found it difficult to speak.
Growing up in South Africa, and after moving from England when I was just three, my parents struggled to get me a formal diagnosis for my autism, and I was simply known as a troublesome or even stupid child.
Over the course of 12 years in South Africa, I attended 13 schools, leaving some because I was on the verge of being expelled, and others because I was being bullied.
When we returned to England in 2011 when I was 15, everything changed, and I received a formal diagnosis for autism. While things improved due to the extra support and therapy I got through specialist teaching, I was still struggling with my sensitivity and wasn’t able to socialise.
I’ve interacted with countless guests and even celebrities (Picture: Angus Baskerville)I can’t even describe the change in me now, as I work in front of huge crowds, approach strangers, and have built a network of friends and even fans.
The difference – magic.
In 2014, when I was 18, my life changed when my parents got me a voucher for a three week Beginner’s Magic course at Davenport’s Magic in London for Christmas.
It wasn’t something I’d asked for, but I had shown a bit of interest in some magic tricks a family friend had shown me, so my mum and dad just thought I might enjoy it.
There, I learned basic tricks involving sponge balls and cards, and I was instantly hooked.
At the time, I was attending boarding school in Gloucestershire for sixth form, and when I returned from the course I found myself not only wanting to improve on the skills I had learned, but to show them off to fellow pupils, using the experience not only to build relationships, but to perfect my craft.
When I was younger, I couldn’t imagine having this level of self-esteem, but over the course of the next two years, I got better at both magic and socialising, building a friendship group and being asked to show tricks I’d learned, even winning the school talent show.
As I left school, my confidence not only in myself but in my talent was as high as it had been, and even though I attended university for a few years, I knew that I saw my future in magic.
I started going into local pubs, working for tips. Initially, the manager would ask people if they wanted to see a trick on my behalf, but the more I did it, the better my social skills became.
I combined growing my magic business with a more traditional job at Sainsburys, enjoying the flexibility that work gave me while taking on bookings for conferences, small parties, and even weddings.
Ultimately, I would like to compete on Britain’s Got Talent (Picture: Jodie Horne)In February of 2020, I felt like I was ready to go full-time, to fully commit to this career, and even passed my exams to become a member of the Magic Circle, the world’s most famous society of magicians, which involves an interview and a skills-based test.
Of course, we all know what happened next, and my plans were put on hold during the pandemic.
But still, I managed to try and keep myself busy, not only honing my skills even further but scratching my itch to perform by hosting several successful shows via Zoom.
Since lockdown eased, my career has been on an upward trajectory, and I’m trying to give back more and more, working with schools and hosting workshops to show not only how enjoyable magic is, but to try and help other neurodivergent kids that they are not ‘the naughty child’ but they can realise their value and talents the way that I have.
I truly believe in the power of paying it forward, and I don’t want any child, especially those with autism or Asperger’s, to feel the way I did growing up.
But I can’t pretend that it has all been plain sailing – while I am positive and truly believe that my life was saved by magic, I’ve still battled dark moods, suicidal ideation, and thoughts of self-harm.
My outlook was fundamentally changed by a traumatic experience last year when I was unfortunate to witness someone take their own life.
As I waited at a station, I noticed another man right in front of me and before I knew it this man had killed himself.
It was horrific, and I have experienced flashbacks and do find myself anxious in similar locations, and am much more aware of the people around me.
However, it has made me more enthusiastic about getting my playing cards out to engage others. You never know if that distraction may save a life.
Magic has become my job and my go-to happy place (Picture: Samantha Cook)I opened up about my struggles to my family, and I’ve tried to use all the aspects of my story, both good and bad, to inspire others.
It’s second nature for us all to just say ‘I’m fine’ but so many of us aren’t, and I want to be able to help people communicate.
I want to help people find that medium, whatever it is, whether sport or art or academia, to channel their energy and focus, and overcome what life has thrown at them.
That’s what I used magic for, and that’s how I plan to inspire others, especially young people on the spectrum – who I want to see avoid the unnecessary struggles I went through.
Ultimately, I would like to compete on Britain’s Got Talent, and one day take my show on the road, travelling the world or working on cruise ships to bring joy to as many people as possible.
But no matter how successful I become, I’ll always remember my journey, going from being that sensitive boy in the naughty corner, unable to focus, communicate or build relationships to the career I now enjoy.
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Some people who do workshops like mine like to close with an inspirational quote, whether from a philosopher or political leader.
Personally, my tastes are simpler, and I always live by a line from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – ‘You are braver than you believe, you are stronger than you seem, and you are smarter than you think.’
I never used to believe that – but after magic helped me turn my life around, I know it to be true – and I’m determined to make sure others know it too.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Share your views in the comments below.
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If you notice that these negative events seem to be happening one after another, it may be worth considering the possibility of a curse. Another sign of a curse is experiencing strange or unexplained physical symptoms. This can include chronic pain, insomnia, sudden weight loss or gain, or even changes in appetite.
These symptoms may not have a medical explanation and can seem to appear out of nowhere. If you have ruled out any underlying medical conditions, it might be worth exploring the possibility of a curse. In addition to physical symptoms, curses can also manifest in the form of emotional or mental distress. This can include feelings of extreme fear, anxiety, depression, or anger that seem to be overwhelming and uncontrollable. If you notice a sudden change in your emotional well-being without any apparent cause, a curse could be a potential explanation. Another sign to look out for is a sudden change in relationships or friendships. If you notice that people close to you are acting differently or becoming distant, it may be a result of a curse. Curses can interfere with interpersonal connections and cause conflicts or misunderstandings. Lastly, a sense of a negative or heavy presence around you can also be indicative of a curse. This could manifest as a feeling of being watched, unexplained paranormal activity, or a general feeling of unease in certain locations. Trusting your intuition and paying attention to any intuitive warning signs can be helpful in identifying a curse. It is important to note that these signs can also be attributed to other factors or life circumstances. It is always recommended to approach the situation with an open mind and seek professional help if needed. Consulting an energy healer, psychic, or spiritual practitioner can help determine whether a curse is present and guide you through the process of removing it. Taking steps to protect your energy, such as cleansing rituals or practicing self-care, can also be helpful in preventing or dispelling curses..
Reviews for "Psychological warfare: how curses can manipulate your thoughts and emotions"
1. Samantha - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "How to tell if you have been cursed" to be incredibly misleading and unhelpful. The author claims to provide practical advice and step-by-step instructions, but all I got from this book was a bunch of vague and generalized information. It felt like a waste of time and money. I was really looking for concrete examples and specific techniques to identify if I had been cursed, but this book did not deliver at all. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking genuine guidance on this topic.
2. John - ★★☆☆☆
I was disappointed with "How to tell if you have been cursed" because it lacked depth and substance. The author seemed more interested in sharing personal anecdotes and unnecessary details rather than providing actual useful information. The book was repetitive and lacked a clear structure. I also found the writing style to be confusing and hard to follow. Overall, it felt like a poorly researched work that did not offer any real insights into the topic of curses. I would suggest looking for alternative resources if you're serious about understanding curses and their signs.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "How to tell if you have been cursed," but it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked clarity and failed to provide practical advice that readers could actually apply. The author focused too much on theoretical ideas without addressing the practical steps one could take to determine if they have been cursed. Additionally, the book lacked credibility as it often relied on anecdotal evidence rather than presenting solid facts or scientific research. I would not recommend this book for those looking for comprehensive and practical information on curses.