Hocus Pocus is a smokescreen that is used to dazzle and keep you focused on what isn't relevant while your pocket is being picked.

I know one magic trick - the disappearing quarter. I was introduced to it by my grandfather when I was 5 years old, and just this past weekend I introduced it to my granddaughters. It was grand fun.

Magic ceases to be entertaining when the wool is being pulled over your eyes by other conniving adults.

The grandest parlor trick on earth is for someone to manipulate your beliefs for their personal gain.

For example, it's the stock and trade of some life insurance salesmen who are pitching a product that has a huge profit for them and a big price tag to you. The standard trick that comes out in every conversation, especially to a young couple with children is: "You do want to provide for your family, don't you?"

They use your emotional belief of wanting to take care of your family to line their pockets by presenting an egregiously overpriced product. Most young couples don't know the trick of getting the same coverage for pennies on the dollar, so they are separated from their "quarter."

The same tricks are used by some unscrupulous advertisers, politicians, religious leaders, and other assorted swindlers.

The protective magic is sensing the trick.

This magic works for the gullible and savvy alike.

How do I get me some of that magic? Start paying more attention to your gut. Even people who don't believe in psychics will get more crystal ball moments when they start trusting their sensations.

I cannot begin to tell you the numbers of times I have been mislead when I ignored the ever-present warnings of my gut.

It goes like this: You get an odd feeling and then you rationalize it because what you are feeling couldn't possibly be accurate. Here is what I have found to be the magic rule of thumb: When there is a conflict between a gut feeling and a thought, go with the feeling.

The minute you allow for extended debate, that's when you override your gut and forget to sew up your pockets. Reminds me of a story . . .

When I was in my early 20s, I was telling my step father about this impressive guy I had met. My step father said he knew this man. I was telling him about all the wonderful things this fellow was up to. What I didn't tell him was the strange feeling I got when I was around this man. Then it came out. My step father warned me not to have any dealings with him and I asked why. His words justified my feeling when he said: "He's the kind of guy that would steal the eyes out of your head and tell you that you look better without them."

Everyone owns a gut, we just don't use it often enough.

The magic to protect yourself from "evil spells" is to start paying attention when your body is demanding your attention.

Just begin to notice that you have a gut. Condition yourself to the sensations it produces. Give your gut its proper due every time you feel it. Again, all you have to do is start noticing. It pays huge dividends.

Here is the trick you need to know: Your gut is your personal magician. It knows all the tricks. Study at the feet of this master and you'll sidestep avoidable disaster.

All the best,

John