It’s time to close out the StaarCon 5 spotlight series. And what better way than to focus on the remaining headliner?
It’s been a fun journey of writing and talking. I’ve spoken to Cardsy B, the conference’s other headliner. I’ve touched base with some other folks along the way, too, like Mitchell Osborn, Katrina Wynne, and Lisa Papez! And I was sure to check in with the conference’s host, Christiana Gaudet. Now is the time to go back and review some of those very. interesting people
If you haven’t heard about StaarCon yet, then let me just tell you that it’s a divination-themed conference. You can attend in-person or online. Either way, it’ll be filled with tons of awesome workshops from great presenters.
But I digress. Let me introduce you to Siddharth Ramakrishnan.
Siddharth Ramakrishnan, PhD
Siddharth Ramakrishnan, PhD is a neuroscientist, artist, and educator. He is the Chair of Neuroscience and Professor of Biology at the University of Puget Sound and a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award. His research spans developmental biology, neuroendocrinology, and neuroethics. A Fellow of the UCLA Art|Sci Center, his collaborations with artists have led to exhibitions and documentaries that blend the worlds of art and science, highlighting topics like Hox genes, animal umwelts, and biomimicry. He was also a Fellow at the Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit at Montreal (2019). He has had exhibits at MOCA Taipei (2013), the New School of Design (2012), Microwave New Media Festival (2011) and Symposium on Human-Dog Coevolution (2011).
An avid Tarot reader, he designed and created the NeuroTarot deck, based on the major arcana of Tarot and infused with neuroscience. He was the keynote speaker at NWTS 2023 and a panelist at the Masters of Tarot workshop (2023) with Mary K. Greer at Omega, Rhinebeck, NY. His book, “The Neuroscience of Tarot,” was published in 2024 with Llewelyn Worldwide.
Alright, you know how these spotlight articles work, right? I ask some questions, people answer, we all read and get to know them a little better and the world becomes a slightly more magickal place. Let’s get to it.
Q&A
What’s the quick story of who you are, what divination methods you specialize in, and how you got started on your spiritual path?
I am a scientist and an artist. I am also a teacher and author. You can usually find me looking at snail brains or those of other creatures wondering how they came to be the way they are. In some ways that is divination via hypothesis you might say. I primarily use tarot in my divination practice, especially when I am answering questions for others. I lean to astrology when planning for the longer term and also to vision forward. Growing up, I was raised a Hindu, and still consider myself to follow the path of sanatana Dharma.
The spirit of inquiry and questioning was instilled deep, along with the belief in that the divine rests all around us and within us. This has led me to believe in a cosmic plan and spiritual guidance - but is closely intertwined with a sense of self- belief. Though we prayed at home, I was sent to an Ango-Vedic school where self-realization was the core concept of moral philosophy. In some ways, this is what led me to Tarot as well. My sister gave me a deck about 25 years back and it has helped me gain so much clarity and reflect back on my own choices and actions.
Can you give me a teaser of what you’ll be teaching at StaarCon 5?
In most divination sessions, there is a querent and a reader. It is a transactional reading between two minds. So how does it work? Divination sessions are by nature fascinating explorations into social cognition - we have the capacity to look at someone in front of us and create mental images of them, their desires, aspirations and finally how they would act. How does the brain create that imagery? When the diviner interprets the symbols, the querent brain in turn hears what it wants and parses it to fit within their own framework and what fits their inner narrative. This back and forth is the story of a divination reading. At StaarCon we will explore these brain circuits and workshop how we navigate the social brain during a Tarot reading.
Are there any resources (including your own works) you would recommend so that people can be more prepared for your workshop(s)?
My recent book "The Neuroscience of Tarot" (available from Llewelyn and now on Amazon) has a chapter on social cognition - which I will draw from heavily. Other than that I would ask people to come with an open mind.
What’s your most memorable experience at a festival?
My first time at NWTS 2022, I randomly sat next to Mary Greer at a table. As a scientist foraying into the Tarot world, I, to put it simply, had no idea who she was. Over the session, I learnt so much from her, both about her knowledge and her humility - and later found her stature in the community. I am still in awe looking back.
Who has been highly influential in your own spiritual growth?
mm. Difficult question. A lot of my inquiry comes from within. My sister, as I mentioned, gave me my first deck of cards, so in a way gave me direction. My parents raised me Hindu and sent me to a reformist Hindu school rooted in sciences. My friend Victoria Vesna pushed me out of the sciences again and gave me the freedom to explore art and other aspects of myself. I am evolving.
Aside from your own, what workshop are you most looking forward to attending at StaarCon 5?
I am intrigued by the poetry talk that Christiana has, and Jennifer Steidly's talk on Martial Arts (fascinating!)
What’s the best place for people to find out more about you?
My website is www.brainmystic.com, I am also on Facebook and Instagram (@siddbits)
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to thank the community for being so welcoming to someone from the outside. And I look forward to making more friends and learning more.
But wait, there’s more!
Want to see more about what Siddharth will be presenting this year at StaarCon? Click on the banner below…
More about StaarCon 5
StaarCon 5 is a multi-track hybrid tarot, divination, and metaphysics conference that will take place on January 24, 25, and 26, 2025.
The conference will be held in person at Palm Beach County’s newest hotel, Delta by Marriott at Palm Beach International Airport, and online on the Accelevents Events Management Platform.
This upcoming StaarCon will be my first. I’m thrilled to not only attend, but also to be able to give a couple of workshops myself!
If you’re interested in learning more about the event, be sure to check it out on the Facebook group, StaarCon Community, as well.
Aerik Arkadian 
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