ABOUT THE HOSTS
Paulina and Jez are co-hosts of Romanistan podcast and co-authors of the book, Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling.
How to support us
If you like what we do, you can donate to Romanistan Podcast via Ko-fi to help us keep going. https://ko-fi.com/romanistan. Right now we pay for all of our expenses, editing, site hosting, and equipment out of pocket and through your generous donations. You can also join our Patreon for extra content. Thank you!
​
Check out our blog for extras like our Romani Businesses Directory.
​
About our book
​
​Learn Divination from a Genuinely Authentic Source
​
The Roma, an Indian diasporic ethnic group frequently mislabeled with the slur "Gypsies," have long been associated with fortune telling—a trade they were historically confined to due to relentless persecution in the West. Despite the modern popularity of tarot, palmistry, and tasseomancy, few practitioners recognize these arts' deep Romani origins or the ongoing challenges Roma face, including disproportionate persecution and targeted anti-fortune telling laws in the US.
In Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, Stevens and Von Thiele blend historical insight with personal narratives, providing a how-to guide for divination infused with authenticity and respect. This book offers readers practical tips and a profound understanding of Romani culture and spiritual practices, illuminating the true essence of this time-honored work.
Highlights from the Book
Dream Divination
Interpret dreams to uncover hidden messages and gain deeper insights into your subconscious mind.
The Art of Palmistry
Learn the meaning behind the lines and shapes on your hands.
Tarot Reading
Discover the symbolism and significance of tarot cards.
The Magic of Tasseomancy
Learn how to read the patterns in tea leaves and coffee grounds to gain revelations about your future.
Unique in its approach, this guide is penned by two Romani feminists and enriched with contributions from other Romani fortune tellers, herbalists, writers, and artists. Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling invites readers to learn divination from a genuinely authentic source, providing a rare opportunity to connect with the true spirit of Romani tradition. It celebrates Romani heritage and explores how these cultural practices have shaped some of today's most popular wellness trends.
​
To Purchase
​
Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, our publisher Weiser Books, and at bookstores and libraries all over. You can ask any local book shop or library to order it for you. Shopping local is always nice.
​
PRESS
Podcast appearances
​
Books
KIN: an Anthology of Poetry, Story, and Art by Women from Romani, Traveller, and Nomadic Communities
Wagtail: a Roma Women’s Poetry Anthology
Political Punch: Contemporary Poems on the Politics of Identity
​
Articles, essays, and other writing
LA Times Behind the Scenes of Foretold
LA Times podcast showcases a Romani guitar-playing style that’s ‘doomed’
LA Times Foretold Can a Fortune Teller Change Her Future
LA Times The G-Word, the Slur You Didn't Know
LA Times In Child Custody Cases, What Does Fair Even Mean?
LA Times Paulina's and Bobby's Daughters are Missing...
LA Times What's the Value of Fortune Telling?
LA Times Normal is in the Eye of the Beholder
LA Times Why Was Paulina's Mother in Law That Way?
LA Times I Almost Married the Wrong Person...
LA Times How Kindergarten is an Existential
Jezmina Von thiele
Jezmina Von Thiele (they/she) is a writer, educator, and fortune teller in their mixed Romani tradition. They write poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review Online, Narrative Magazine, and elsewhere (some published as Jessica Reidy). They also offer editing and creative coaching/consulting and services for artists and writers of all types. Jezmina reads tarot, palms, and tea leaves online, and in-person at Deadwick's Ethereal Emporium in Portsmouth, NH. Jezmina also tells fortunes and performs with The Poetry Brothel—Boston. They are co-host of Romanistan, a podcast celebrating Romani culture, alongside co-host Paulina Stevens. They are also owner and operator of the online vintage Etsy shop, Evil Eye Edit.
Paulina Stevens
Paulina Stevens (she/her) was raised within her Muchwaya Romani family’s fortune telling and wellness traditions. She was inspired by the holistic health movement, and in 2018, I earned a wellness coaching certificate, and later began collaborating with nutritionists and herbalists to serve clients. She opened Romani Holistic Healing in Newport Beach, CA, a spiritual shop that also offers readings, house cleansings, and one on one coaching with clients. She is the co-host of Romanistan Podcast, and also featured on the LA Times podcast, Foretold, which tells the story of Paulina’s decision to leave her arranged marriage and community, fight for custody of her children, and start a new life, walking between the Roma world and non-Roma world. She is currently a student of biotechnology at Miracoasta College.
