Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling

Jezmina Von Thiele (they/she) is a writer, educator, performer, and fortune-teller in their mixed Sinti Romani tradition. Their poetry, fiction, and nonfiction has been published in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review, Narrative Magazine, and elsewhere under the name Jessica Reidy. Jezmina reads tarot, palms, and tea leaves. They teach classes and workshops on divination, spiritual wellness, and the creative arts. Jezmina is the owner and operator of the online vintage shop Evil Eye Edit. They are based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.Paulina Stevens grew up in an insular Romani-American family, destined to leave school, marry young, and become a fortune-teller. By age seventeen, her fate was sealed—until she decided to leave her community and redefine her identity. Paulina is the subject of the podcast Foretold. Hosted by Los Angeles Times reporter Faith Pinho, the podcast follows Paulina as she navigates the consequences of her decision. Paulina is based in Los Angeles.

“Potent and revelatory, Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling is a groundbreaking book that illuminates the often overlooked history, diversity, and resilience of the Romani diaspora and Romani divinatory practices.”—Kristen J. Sollée, author of Witches, Sluts, Feminists “Jezmina and Paulina have written a thorough, insightful, and conversational guide to fortune-telling, yes—but more importantly, to the Romani psyche. Most of us grow up straddling two cultures, and it effects how we think, how we perceive, and how we move through space. Readers will gain a solid grounding in Romani divination practices and Romani spirituality. While much of our culture remains closed to outsiders, Jezmina and Paulina continue their mission of building bridges between the Romani and other cultures and helping others appreciate our beautiful, diverse traditions. Laćhi buti, phenja! (Good work, sisters!)”—Caren Gussoff Sumption, author of So Quick Bright Things Come to Confusion and Three Songs for Roxy“Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling is a beautifully written guide for anyone wanting to practice the art of divination, but it’s so much more. Authors Jezmina and Paulina pull back the curtain, inviting us into their hearts and homes, and share a little slice of magic born out of centuries of resilience.”—Paige Vanderbeck, host of The Fat Feminist Witch podcast and author of Witchcraft for Emotional Wisdom“Jezmina and Paulina have created a beautiful portrait of Romani life and culture highlighting historical aspects, members of the community, and personal narratives while giving everyday advice to keep your mind, body, and spirit balanced and healthy. Thoughtful and inclusive, Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling is a comprehensive guide to tarot, palmistry, dream work, tasseography, and spiritual health with an emphasis on reverence and respect to the community, one’s elders, and ancestors. This book is a love letter to Romani culture and an invitation into understanding more about it.”—Katelan Foisy, artist for The Hoodoo Tarot and Sibyls Oraculum: Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa