About thIS EVENT:
Join Paulina Stevens and Jezmina Von Thiele, authors of Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, alongside Ylva Mara Radziszewski, author of A Practical Guide for Witches & co-author of The Living Altar Oracle Deck with Kiki Robinson, for an enlightening exploration of Romani art and culture's influence on contemporary literature, art, and new age spirituality. This panel will recontextualize harmful tropes that often overshadow the Romani contributions to modern culture; with a focus on post modern spiritual practices while highlighting invisibilized obstacles faced by minorities within publishing.
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We will examine the deep-rooted connections between popular fortune-telling methods—such as tarot, palmistry, and tea leaf reading—and their origins within the Romani diaspora. Additionally, we will highlight the often-overlooked contributions of the Romani people—commonly misidentified by the derogatory term “Gypsies”—to popular culture. Having faced centuries of persecution within their diaspora from India, the Romani developed various survival trades, including fortune telling, performance art, handicraft, and storytelling which helped preserve their cultural identity.
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This panel discussion will address how Romani traditions have shaped widely recognized divination practices, whose origins are frequently obscured in mainstream narratives. We will also explore the representation and misrepresentation of Romani culture in popular media, challenging stereotypes that contribute to misunderstandings about the Romani people.
This panel aims to empower Romani voices by bringing their contributions to the forefront and addressing the cultural invisibility surrounding their practices. Attendees can expect a dynamic dialogue that fosters a greater appreciation for Romani heritage and its relevance in today's art, spirituality, and media landscapes, encouraging a reevaluation of how we perceive cultural influences.
ABOUT YOUR panelists
Jezmina Von Thiele
Jezmina Von Thiele (they/she) is a writer, editor, educator, podcaster, and fortune teller. They write poetry, fiction, & nonfiction published in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review Online, Narrative Magazine, & elsewhere. Jezmina is of mixed heritage and reads tarot, palms, and tea leaves in her Romani family’s tradition, both online, and in-person. Jezmina specializes in teaching creativity, art, writing, and literature workshops; divination; and other spiritual topics. 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. Jezmina and Paulina authored their debut book, Secrets of RomaniFortune Telling.
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Website: https://linktr.ee/jezminavonthiele
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, 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 coaching with clients. She is the co-host of Romanistan Podcast. 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’s currently studying biotechnology at Miracoasta College. ​
Bimbo Yaga
Ylva Mara Radziszewski (she/they) is Bimbo Yaga, the Trans MILF of your wet dreams. She is a traditional witch and artist of Romani and Eastern European heritage; residing in Bulbancha (New Orleans) the traditional land of the Chitimacha Nation. Their ritual and art practice are interwoven; for them magic is art and art is healing. Founder of the School Of Traditional Magic, author of A Practical Guide for Witches, co-creator of The Living Altar, with writing featured in WITCHCRAFT an anthology of modern magical tradition by TASCHEN, Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling by Jezmina Von Thiele & Paulina Stevens.
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