Book Review-Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling: Divining with Tarot, Palmistry, Tea Leaves & More by Paulina Stevens & Jezmina Von Thiele

Book Review

Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling: Divining with Tarot, Palmistry, Tea Leaves & More 

By Paulina Sevens & Jezmina Von Thiele

Publisher: Weiser Books

202 Page E-Book

Release Date: October 7th, 2024

Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling is a an authentic, down to earth look at Romani traditions, culture, and divination styles. Cultural issues like the oppression of the Romani people (often referred to as gypsy, a derogatory and racist term), and other interesting tidbits of Romani culture are included, as well as appropriate ways to honor those traditions if you yourself don’t hail from that lineage. Ancestral wisdom graces the pages of this book from one of the author’s grandmothers, which is a nice added touch for those like myself who appreciate the ancestral ways.

I’ve been reading Tarot, Palms and Coffee/Tea Leaves for over a decade at this point, and have done so professionally as well (and still offer those services for those who wish to). Little did I know in the beginning, that part of my ancestry is in fact, Romani! I appreciate the authors’ advice, notes and easy to understand writing on the subjects and even moreso appreciated the Romani touches, like your clothing choices, opening rituals, techniques and even ethical and moral concerns! This is truly a book for someone looking to embody their own inner mystic or seer, Romani or not!

I chose to review this book for two reasons: first, as mentioned, I have Romani in my ancestry, and second, because I am also a diviner and have been practicing these arts for more than 10 years, a vast majority of my magickal, spiritual and pagan journey thus far. I really can’t speak enough praise on this much needed, modern and non-appropriating book; it should have a place on your shelf if you read tarot, palms, coffee or tea leaves, or even just have a desire to learn some new techniques from real Romani readers! I have zero critiques of this book, and give it a 5/5 pentagram rating!

Jezmina Von Thiele is a writer, educator performer and fortune-teller in their mixed Sinti Romani tradition. They teach classes, reads tarot, palms and tea leaves. Their poetry, fiction, and nonfiction has been featured in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review, Narrative Magazine and others. They are the co-host of Romanistan, a podcast celebrating Romani culture, spiritual wellness and the creative arts. Jezmina is also the owner 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, and was destined to leave school, marry young, and become a fortune-teller. By age 17, her fate was sealed-until she decided to leave it all behind. Paulina is the subject of the podcast Foretold. Hosted by Los Angeles Times report Faith Pinho, the podcast follows Paulina as she navigates the consequences of her decision to leave her community and redefine her identity. The co-host of Romanistan, a podcast celebrating Romani culture, Paulina is based in Los Angeles.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place, even Saints, Angels and Demons! He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism, Ceremonial Magick and Occultism, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!