HELENA VAN EL
Author, educator, mediator
The occult is Helena’s life-long passion; from a young age she has been a student and practitioner of the Mysteries and the esoteric realms. She has a particular affinity for planetary and astrological magick, and has been a working Astrologer for over 20 years. She writes, teaches and presents on the themes of existential meaning, Will, death, and agnostic occult practice and philosophy. Helena is an author with Anathema Publishing; having contributed to several editions of PILLARS, and her book The Serpent Ikons: A Sorcerous Distortion of the Tarot de Marseille Major Arcana (foreword by Gary Lachman) is due to be published in Summer 2022.
Helena is also a specialist in conflict resolution; in this field she has a professional Mediation and Restorative practice, is a university professor, and an author of three books and a psychometric instrument on conflict response roles. She brings to her work with clients profound experience with intra and interpersonal dynamics, as well as a deep empathy and compassion for the human condition.
Helena holds a BA in Religious Studies and an MA in Human Systems Intervention. She has certifications in Trauma Counselling and Support and in Mental Health Counselling Skills.
Helena lives and works in her forest sanctuary known as Allhallows in Ontario, Canada, on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg traditional territory, in the good company of various fauna and non-material beings.
FIND HELENA
The Serpent Ikons: A Sorcerous Distortion of the Tarot de Marseille Major Arcana is a card deck, philosophical commentary, and grimoire; combining at the very heart of its creation primal art, writing, and magickal practice. Forged in the fire of passion for the Mysteries, the Serpent Ikons are an oblation to the Self and its Daemon in the most sacred of experiences – one’s Life as a deliberate, Initiatory journey fashioned by the creativity and will of the magician.
The Serpent Ikons have their roots in the revolt against any religious authority imposing a singular and unilateral relationship with spiritual forces. They embrace the Witch’s way; that torturous path that defies dogma and distorts order. In The Serpent Ikons, the major arcana of the Tarot de Marseille have been subverted to act as a transgression of the Tarot tradition: the Operant needs only the Self for guidance, and prognostications are consciously chosen then brought into being through ritual with one’s Daemon.
Together artist Shandi Azk Bouscatier and author Helena van El have woven a spell of stunning visuals, deep contemplation, and profound magickal practice; and together they invite you to the intimate world of The Serpent Ikons.
PUBLISHED WORK
The Serpent Ikons
