361: Astrology and Shakespeare (with Kelly Downes)

Did you know that Shakespeare was really into astrology? We sure didn’t, which is why we’re joined by Kelly Downes, who gives us a great discussion to bookend our Supernatural Shakespeare series!    Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, assassination, religious persecution, suicide, sex, fire, poisoning, war and battle.    Guest Kelly Downes (she/her) is a theatre maker from Syracuse, NY, with strong ties to Boston, MA, currently living in Birmingham UK. She earned a BFA in Theatre & Performance from Emerson College, and a Masters in Shakespeare & Creativity from the Shakespeare Institute at University of Birmingham. Kelly is currently working to increase accessibility to arts and culture in Birmingham as a fundraiser at Midlands Arts Centre. She would love to connect with more like minded creatives on both sides of the Atlantic. If you are interested in queer Shakespeare; using storytelling to reconnect with the natural world; and devising new work inspired by classics, say hello!   Housekeeping - Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends audiobooks! From Libby.  - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at https://spiritspodcast.com/books - Call to Action: Check out Games and Feelings!   Sponsors - Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen box for artisanal bread. For a limited time, you can get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/Spirits to start your subscription. - Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles, available in your local game store or on Amazon today! - BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/spirits   Find Us Online - Website & Transcripts: https://spiritspodcast.com - Patreon: https://patreon.com/spiritspodcast - Merch: https://spiritspodcast.com/merch - Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritspodcast - Twitter: https://twitter.com/spiritspodcast - Tumblr: https://spiritspodcast.tumblr.com - Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/group/show/205387   Cast & Crew - Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin - Editor: Bren Frederick - Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod - Artwork: Allyson Wakeman - Multitude: https://multitude.productions   About Us Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.