Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens
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. She is based in Los Angeles.
Romani Perspectives on How to Read Tarot
Two Romani fortune tellers offer context for the history of Tarot as we know it,…