History

The Order Of The Magi, the third magical Society to be formed in England, was founded in Manchester by a group of magicians in 1909.

The Order possesses the record of being the only organisation of its kind which, since its inception, has never missed holding a regular monthly meeting, nor publishing its monthly journal – “The Magi” – a members’ only magazine which is read around the world.

The title of the Society is taken from the followers of the cult of Zoroaster, who were called Magicians or Magi, and practised the art of Magic two thousand years ago.

In 1978, The Supreme Magic Company published “Magi Magoria” – a book containing over 160 pages of Performance Ideas & Magic Tricks, written by members of the Society, along with some fantastic references to the Society’s long history.

Among The Order of The Magi’s members are many amateur and professional performers of repute; who have contributed to the literature on the art of Magic, and unselfishly shared their inventive genius to its furtherance.

In joining the Society, new members not only gain the valuable privilege of admittance to fellowship with such men, but have an obligation to carry on the grand old tradition of the Order, by taking active part in the meetings, whether held in private or open to the general public; by a willingness to undertake any reasonable duties when called upon; by guarding such secrets as may be entrusted to them.

These days only by strictly refraining from exposure of the methods of conjuring can we hope to retain the interest of the public in a unique form of entertainment which has been handed down through the centuries; and, by working continuously towards the ideals set forth in our Objects, we trust to advance the Art of Magic and raise the status of our brother magicians the world over.

Do you have past photos, news or more history relating to The Order of The Magi? We’d love to hear from you!

More about The Order of The Magi’s History from other sites (all links open in new tabs)

Report by The Manchester Evening News on The Society’s Centenary Celebrations

A report by the BBC on The Centenary of The Order of The Magi

Past Presidents

In Memoriam

A Page dedicated to members who have passed away

We have created a set of pages to memorialise members who have sadly departed. This will be an on-going project, with an opportunity for members, colleagues, friends and family to pay tribute and share memories.