About Me

Persephonic is led by me, Maria Elena Pakulis (she/her)

A desert witch, first and foremost, I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and currently make my home in the outskirts of town - surrounded by the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.

My journey with the cards began when I was a young teen and has lasted half my life already. My continued study of these mysterious archetypes has been a guiding light throughout chronic illness, mental health challenges, and the general stress of being an unconventional young person trying to forge a unique path in the world. 

In 2019, I began offering my services as a consulting Tarot reader. In 2021, I began to teach classes on Tarot card reading. And recently, in 2025, I launched my first podcast - Past Present Futurecast - where I interview a wide variety of creative people about their work through the framework of a Tarot reading.

My journey with Tarot has led me to a number of other interests and skills. In 2018, I received my Bachelor’s degree in gender and sexuality studies. In 2021, I began studying two different forms of energy healing and in 2023, I became licensed as a massage therapist in the state of Arizona — embarking on yet another lifelong study of the healing arts. 

My service offerings are currently on pause but you can always reach me at persephonichealing@gmail.com.