Virtual Beelieve University
Interested in Beekeeping?
Learn how to care for honeybees with the guidance of an expert apiculturist and the support of an online community.
Jasmine Joy will be selecting students from the Northern Hemisphere for Cohort 6 of Virtual Beelieve University’s “Intro to Ethical Beekeeping” course (March 5 - June 18, 2026).
Apply between December 1, 2025 - January 26, 2026.
Intro to Ethical Beekeeping
Experience innovative enrichment
Overview A 16-week novice apicultural mentorship course with emphasis on spirit, mind, body, and habitat of the honeybee from ancient times to now. The subject matter focuses on holistic beekeeping in harmony with treatment-free feral genetics, environmental stewardship, and each student’s intuitive attunement to the genus: Apis mellifera.
The Course Hive dive into the fascinating world of apiculture with our immersive program and explore the symbolism, social structure, behavior, anatomy, and ecosystem of bees through a moral lens. The spectrum of ethical to commercial methodology is presented to raise awareness on harmful practices in the field of study. Every cohort is unique because the bees lead the way and orchestrate the learning process. The goal at the end of the course is for each student to have the confidence and capability to care for their own beehive(s).
March - June 2026 Tuition: $2400
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VBU Academic Calendar Spring 2026
8 virtual + 9 in-person meets
*Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha farm is located on the island of O‘ahu at 84-225 Ala Naauao Place, Waianae, HI 96792
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
12-2 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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Superorganism Psyche: Symbolism - Ancient to Now
10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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Hive Mindfulness: Life Cycle of Apis mellifera
10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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Biology & Behavior: Body Parts and Etiquette
10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
1-3 PM Pacific Time
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Harmonious Habitat: A Thriving Environment
10-12 PM Hawaii Standard Time
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10-12 PM HST • Hybrid Hive Demo
12-2 PM HST • Cohort 6 Celebration
Curriculum on Teachable
Filmed and produced by Orig Media as an unscripted reality series of the Beelieve University program featuring Cohort 3.
01
Superorganism Psyche
Symbolism - Ancient to Now
Lectures:
Timeline of Ancient Beekeeping
The Mythical Mother Archetype
Propaganda and a Phenomenon
Hive Demos:
How to Ethically Inspect Hives
Spring Means Swarm Season
Preparing for Nectar Flow
02
Hive Mindfulness
Life Cycle of Apis mellifera
Lectures:
The Fibonacci Sequence of Lineage
Metamorphosis of Maiden Bees
Worldwide Hive Structures
Hive Demos:
Consistent Maintenance
Replacing Old Equipment
How to Build a Langstroth Kit
03
Biology & Behavior
Physical Parts and Etiquette
Lectures:
External Anatomy and Aviation
Internal Anatomy
The Alchemy of Honey
Hive Demos:
How to Catch a Swarm
Acclimating a Rescued Colony
Organic Powdered Sugar Dusting
04
Harmonious Habitat
A Thriving Environment
Lectures:
Scavengers, Parasites, and Pathogens
Solutions to Protect Pollinators
Final (Garden) Project Presentation
Hive Demos:
How to Install an Apiary
Bonding with Your Colony
Summer Is a Celebration
Supplies needed:
Bee suit or jacket & gloves
Journal for note-taking, logs, and art
Mandatory Textbooks:
"Bees" by Rudolf Steiner
“Song of Increase” by Jacqueline Freeman
What’s included?
Festoon Book Club sessions
Destination lessons in Hawaii
Place-based cultural protocol
Interisland hybrid hive demos
1:1 weekly office hours available
Apiary installment consultation
Apicultural community network
Personal development coaching
Hawaiian & biodynamic farming
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
Quarterly quizzes + garden project
Lifetime access to a 16-week course
Student Testimonials
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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 -
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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, PhD
Cohort 1 -
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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 -
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“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 -
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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 -
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BU is amazing. I was able to learn so much about bees. Jasmine is an incredible 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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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Deeply appreciate Jasmine's mentoring style -- caring and patient -- which greatly contributed to my schooling. Thankful for the hybrid experience at Hoa 'Āina O Mākaha farm. Glad I got to kilo (observe) and learn from the ground up. Starting with knowing nothing, all the way to caring for the bees and processing honey. I hope to carry these precious lessons forward as I begin setting up my own ethical beekeeping space surrounded by flowers and tropical fruits for the community.
Selina Chen
Cohort 5 -
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Jasmine is a very passionate kumu. Her deep reverence for the bees allows for an intentional and pono relationship with them. Absolutely loved my whole experience at the apiary. My heart has expanded, leaving an imprint on my life. The land I live on will change because of it as well. A new relationship has been born. Excited to see what the future holds as a bee guardian!
Kristina DaSilva
Cohort 5
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