Finally, Crowley invoked the powers of concealment. The magician, visualising a shroud about his or her body, should gradually and partially turn invisible...or so they said. The key to the illusion was neither optical nor physical, since the magician never truly disappeared. However, he did take advantage of distraction, one of the oldest principles of sleight of hand: The invisible magician affected about himself an aura which made his presence ordinary, subliminal, almost chameleon-like. When Crowley saw his reflection begin to flicker like a motion picture, he knew he was onto something. He considered himself successful when he was able to stroll through Mexico City in a golden crown and scarlet robe without attracting any attention.
PERDURABO: The Life of Aleister Crowley