Virtual Beelieve University

 
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Interested in Beekeeping?

Learn how to holistically care for honey bees with the guidance of an expert apiculturist and the support of an online community.

Jasmine Joy will be selecting students from North America for Cohort 5 of Virtual Beelieve University’s “Intro to Ethical Beekeeping” course by February 6, 2025.

February 5, 2025 is the deadline to submit an application.

Apply Now
 
 

Intro to Ethical Beekeeping

Orientation and live Hive Demos for Cohort 5 will take place on scheduled Thursdays from March 6 to June 26, 2025 at 10-12 pm HST on Zoom and sometimes in-person at Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha.

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

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What’s included?

  • 1:1 coaching hours available

  • Festoon (book club) sessions

  • Place-based cultural protocol

  • Lifetime access to 16-week course

  • Biweekly live hive demonstrations

  • Quarterly quizzes + final project

  • Apicultural community network

  • Hawaiian & biodynamic farming

  • Apiary installment consultation

  • Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

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

Student Testimonials

  • As I began my bee journey, I was hoping and praying for a “teacher or mentor” but I never quite found what I was looking for. Jasmine is so much more than a teacher, mentor, or kumu. She is a friend and sister too. I am so thankful for her, Beelieve University, my new bee family, and bee sisters. Bee school has made me love bees even more. I have learned and grown so much as a friend to bees and I am eternally grateful for all the knowledge and love she shared with us.

    Darla Simeona
    Cohort 1

  • Not knowing much about the bees… I have to say, the sequence and timing of the classes was spot on with what we experienced in the natural flow of the nature of bees. Jasmine’s acquaintance with the bees definitely shows as we got the science and encountered some magical times in this course. BU provides both a scientific and supernatural perspective for ethical beekeeping. The reading material felt very opposite - one cerebral and the other spiritual.

    Dora Nakafuji, Ph.D
    Cohort 1

  • Jasmine teaches Beelieve University classes from a spirit driven approach that is very well suited to anyone who wants to build upon (or already has) a spiritual orientation to the magic of bees! Her classes center the bee-experience and help students to operate with a love for beekeeping in a holistic way. The unintended benefits of being a part of the Beelieve University cohort was in the sisterhood bond that emerged as a result of the co-culture set by Jasmine.

    Shayna Mora
    Cohort 1

  • “Intro to Ethical Beekeeping” is a life changing course. Natural and ethical beekeeping are philosophies that explore resilience and balance. A treasure of inspiration awaits in this program to weave into the story of our own lives. Being pono is not easy but the fellowship gained through these classes has inspired me in countless ways beyond beekeeping. Jasmine has a way of guiding students through complex topics with a contagious joy that makes beekeeping feel so approachable and enjoyable. Mahalo nui Beelieve Hawaii!

    Erica Brenner
    Cohort 2

  • Jasmine brings the Joy of beekeeping to both mākua and keiki in her apiary. Enshrined in her hives, the wisdom distilled from generations of apiculture is transmitted through a rigorous curriculum. The time honored methods of oli, focused breath, and creative expression alongside academic research brings an unparalleled social commentary between the cohorts. The classes provide a smorgasbord of sensory connections to the ‘āina that helps students develop a personal relationship with our bee brethren. Bee the change you want to see like Beelieve Hawaii!

    Virginia Keanu
    Cohort 3

  • BU is amazing. I was able to learn so much about bees. Jasmine is an amazing kumu who always kept us engaged. I loved learning the ethical approach to beekeeping because since this course, I have learned other processes that I can thoughtfully dismiss as not for me and my bees. I have used all the knowledge I gained through working with Jasmine to teach my kids and connect with myself as well as my ancestors. I now work as a beekeeper and also have my own bees, I do rescues and educational eco tours. I highly recommend this course if you have any interest in beekeeping.

    Emerald Ann Ring
    Cohort 3

  • Jasmine’s mentoring style was a harmonious balance of hands-on experience, theory, group discussions, reading assignments, and bonding! I loved how the class quarters were structured by topic which helped to absorb the wealth of information we received in 4 months. Her sweet aura created a welcoming atmosphere for us students to connect and support each other in becoming bee guardians. I wanted to keep bees for a long time but was too intimidated to get started on my own. Jasmine’s slow intro to the bees and her confidence in us made me feel comfortable and now I feel empowered to care for my own bees independently.

    Natalie Wohner
    Cohort 4

  • Coming into this course, I knew I wanted to learn more about bees and caring for them. However, the spiritual connection was something I didnʻt know I needed but ended up being the most important part. I was able to be more grounded in all areas of my life, not just when I was with the bees. It reinforced for me how being present builds in such a rich level of experience for even the most mundane tasks. The skills and knowledge I gained through Jasmineʻs principles permeated throughout every part of my life, not just in being a bee guardian. I have been impacted on such a deep and authentic level, moving forward the steps I take will be guided by her teachings.

    Cris Wagner
    Cohort 4

  • I absolutely loved being in cohort 4. I learned a tremendous amount about bees and beekeeping, and I was able to do something completely different from normal day to day tasks. I enjoyed having Jasmine as my teacher and I loved the curriculum, the books, the hands-on time in the hive, and how spirituality was interwoven throughout each class. This gave me the opportunity to try to do things on my own, but if I needed guidance or was doing something out of my comfort zone, I could always get Jasmine’s advice. I would definitely be interested in joining another cohort if there was another course.

    Whitney Mahani
    Cohort 4

Ready to get started?

 
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