An idea for using the mysterious force of fear for magic:

“Ladies and gentleman. Fear is a mysterious force. It sabotages our ability to think clearly and can drive us to blind panic, yet it can also give us superhuman speed, strength, and powers of perception. Personally I am particular terrified of spiders. But I have discovered that when I see a spider I can do the most extraordinary things. In this box I have large spider. I will have to first force myself to look at the spider before I can show you what I mean.”

The magician then looks at the big spider in the box and proceeds to do something superhuman.


Might be some ideas in this book as what might fit the bill

Extreme Fear: The Science of Your Mind in Danger (MacSci)
By Jeff Wise

http://astore.amazon.com/sociforhumape-20/detail/0230614396

Another good book on fear... Gavin de Becker's "Gift of Fear".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gift_of_Fear

Nice presentation idea for my "Spider Box" on my web site.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

Feel the Fear and do it anyway...

Fearin’ Love

Don’t think much on bein’ afraid,
least wise since I met up wich you.
Cain’t figger if loads of lovin
kinda balances ‘gainst bein’ sceered;
or if thinkin’ loads on love stuff
leaves no room for fearin’ much.
Don’t matter a whit, I’s guessin’,
long as I gets more of the one
than lonely ‘tuther.