  We demonstrate that the ubiquitous laboratory magnetic stirrer provides a
simple passive method of magnetic levitation, in which the so-called `flea'
levitates indefinitely. We study the onset of levitation and quantify the
flea's motion (a combination of vertical oscillation, spinning and "waggling"),
finding excellent agreement with a mechanical analytical model. The waggling
motion drives recirculating flow, producing a centripetal reaction force that
stabilises the flea. Our findings have implications for the locomotion of
artificial swimmers, for the development of bidirectional microfluidic pumps
and provide an alternative to sophisticated commercial levitators.
