The Art of Helena Domenic

I am proud to say that the very first copy of the deck was auctioned off at Between the Worlds to benefit the New Alexandrian Library, and was the item with the highest bid at the auction, at $500.

A goal that I had for this deck was that it represent the multicultural world we live in. I wanted to have representations of every kind of person in the deck – large, small, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, old, young, and every shade in between. I feel blessed to have a life that is filled with all kinds of people, and I wanted my deck to reflect that.

I wanted the deck to be fairytale like in the imagery, yet have a modern feel – I have done away with the traditional court card names in favor of the names of the levels granted by medieval guilds and magickal orders. I felt that as an American, the traditional court card names simply would not work for me. I think there may be other people who feel the same way. The Court Cards are more reflective to me of where people are in their lives, levels of experience and wisdom.

I also understand and completely expect that each person who views the images in this deck will develop their own views of what the images and symbols mean for them – even if those views differ a great deal from mine. As a visual artist, I have learned that perception is everything – what has one meaning for one person may have a completely different meaning from another. The meanings I have made of the cards are included here for your guidance – but I do realize, especially with Tarot – and with the visual arts – that nothing is written in stone. Feel free to make what meaning you will of the cards, with my descriptions as a touchstone for your own understanding.

Most of all, have fun with this deck! I hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

About Helena Domenic

Helena Domenic was born in Vicenza, Italy where she developed a love for her craft at a very early age, touring the Sistine Chapel at the age of eighteen months. Helena received her BFA  from Kutztown University and her MA in Education from The U of A  in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her MFA from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She teaches the  History of her craft and many forms of it, such as African, drawing, and Painting at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Helena’s artwork has appeared in publications such as Faerie magazine, Green Egg, Sage Woman, and other publications. In addition to teaching at Cheyney, Helena has taught at The  U of A and Rutgers University, and a variety of conferences and festivals around the country. Helena has organized artwork exhibits for the Cheyney University campus and her work has appeared in  galleries at the UN, Egypt, South Africa, and across the United States.

Helena is also an Elder and High Priestess in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. She is currently High Priestess of the Chalice of the Living Stars coven, which is based in Chester County, PA.