Virtual Beelieve University
Interested in Beekeeping?
Learn how to holistically care for honey bees with the support of an online community and the guidance of an expert apiarist.
Jasmine Joy will be selecting students from the Northern Hemisphere for Cohort 5 of Virtual Beelieve University’s “Intro to Ethical Beekeeping” course by January 25, 2025.
January 18, 2025 is the deadline to submit an application.
Intro to Ethical Beekeeping
Orientation and Hive Demos for Cohort 5 will take place Thursdays from March 6 to June 26, 2025 at 10-12 pm HST on Zoom.
VBU Description: a novice 16-week apicultural mentorship course with emphasis on spirit, mind, body, and habitat of the honey bee from ancient times to now.
VBU 2025 Tuition = $2400
What’s included?
Festoon (book club) sessions
Place-based cultural protocol
Live hive demonstrations weekly
Office hours: 12-1 pm | Thursdays
Quarterly quizzes + final project
Apiary installment consultation
Apicultural community network
Hawaiian & biodynamic farming
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
Lifetime access to 16-week course
The Curriculum
01
Superorganism Psyche
Symbolism - Ancient to Now:
Timeline of Ancient Beekeeping
The Mythical Mother Archetype
Propaganda and a Phenomenon
Sensory Formula & Efficient Inspections
02
Hive Mindfulness
Life Cycle of Apis mellifera:
The Fibonacci Sequence of Lineage
Metamorphosis of Maiden Bees
Worldwide Hive Structures
Build a Complete Hive Kit
03
Biology & Behavior
Physical Parts & Etiquette:
How to Catch a Swarm
External Anatomy & Communication
Internal Anatomy & Cognition
The Alchemy of Honey
04
Harmonious Habitat
A Thriving Environment:
How to Install an Apiary
Scavengers, Parasites, Pathogens
Solutions to Protect Pollinators
Final Garden Project Presentation
Supplies needed:
Bee suit or jacket & gloves
Small journal
Suggested reads:
“Song of Increase” by Jacqueline Freeman
"Bees" by Rudolf Steiner
Apprentice Love
“I knew after the first time I held a frame I was going to be a lifetime beekeeper. Jasmine not only taught me the basics of beekeeping, but ensured I had the confidence to leave the farm and create my own apiary. She taught me that bees are not just insects, but teachers as well. They teach their students (us) lessons such as patience, humility, and compassion.
If anyone is interested in learning to be a beekeeper or just interested in gaining a better understanding of these beautiful creatures, I could not recommend Jasmine enough. Her mentorship and friendship will forever be my foundation and I hope one day I will be able to provide the same quality mentorship to someone else.”
Austen Mundell @boots.to.prairieroots
Ready to get started?
