Spring: The Bees Awaken
Written by J. Willow
One of the things that makes the Bee Oracle so special to me is… the Bees. I love our little Sisters so much and have committed myself to their service as a protector, educator, and naturalist. Barring the unforeseen, I will earn my Master Beekeeper certificate from Cornell University later this summer, as will the Cluster’s own Jackie and our mutual friend, Janna. Luna, Janna, and I apprenticed together in the same woman-led, Spirit-centered program Tracy later attended, and it’s where I met Jackie, who supported our apprenticeship with her deep knowledge of the plants and helped to initiate our class into the Priestesshood of the Melissae. Our little Sisters brought us together, and our shared devotion to the Bees’ magic has deepened our connection to each other and our Sisters in the Cluster over time.
So I was delighted when Evelyne asked me to contribute a quarterly post that reflects each phase of the year and weaves together the magic of the season with the activities of the Bees themselves. I live with my bees in northern Michigan, so my words will reflect what’s happening here; you can adjust for your climate and season wherever you are.
The Light Returns
Through the darkest days of Winter, the Bees huddle close together in darkness, in a vibrating ball that creates enough heat to keep the queen warm. Not coincidental to what we call ourselves, this is known as the cluster. Outside, cruel winds may blow as darkness grips the land, but inside the Hive, the cluster is 80-90° F. Put your ear to the hive, hear the low Hum of the Bees vibrating their bodies in chorus, for the good of All.
This work is done by winter Bees, created by their Sisters the prior Autumn to be heavier, live longer, and to store the same brown fat humans have on their bodies. By March, though, these intrepid Sisters are worn out. The Queen has already begun to lay for summer building. Beekeepresses must watch their hives closely at this time. Sadly, many colonies survive the harsh Winter only to be met in their weakened state by unpredictable Spring weather, surging Varroa mite populations, excess moisture in the Hive, and starvation. As their protectors, we help as we can with wind barriers, oxalic vapor, dry straw, feed, and kind words. But we are not in control.
Winter finally softens into Spring, and the Beekeepress’ heart sings when she sees her Bees filling the air, diving and soaring around their Hive as they orient themselves to forage for the nectar and pollen that are suddenly everywhere. By May, Queen is laying up to 2,000 eggs every day, and the colony is growing quickly. The Beekeepress can support by watching for predators, keeping mites and other pests under control, and adding hive boxes to create space. Once the Bees are thriving, she can step back and let the little Sisters do their work unhindered.
Bee Sisterhood Oracle cards for Spring
Our 48 cards reflect the spectrum of honeybee life and its magic, and most of the cards don’t belong to just one season. A few cards, though, are extra special this time of year. They are about beginnings, potential, emerging, and self-discovery.
No. 8 - Egg
Great beginnings, All is potential. Your destiny is unknown, but unlimited. (Artist: Teya DeJager)
No. 9 - Pearl
A time of gestation. You are soft and malleable, with no hard edges. A time of preparing and becoming. (Artist: Heather LaBrecque)
No. 16 - Mating Flight
Taking risks and going outside of your comfort zone. The risk might be great but so are the rewards. This is a time of courage and the opportunity to fulfill your destiny. (Artist: Kelly Crandall)
No. 17 - Orientation Flight
The discovering and understanding of your place in the world. Explore and discover. Spread your wings and fly! (Artist: Amy Levert)
No. 30 - Spring Equinox (Ostara)
Day and night are equal; tomorrow there will be more light than darkness (Artist: Jackie Rushton)
Reading for Spring
This is a broad reading adapted from the Daily Meditation three-card layout found in the Bee Sisterhood Oracle divination guide. Use it to help you clarify your intention for the season. How do you want to emerge? What do you want to discover? Spring is a time of possibilities, let the sky be the limit.
Select a card from the deck that speaks to you about your wildest desires - grand or small - for this Spring. You can use one of those shown above or choose your own. Place it in the center, with the others to its left and right.
Draw Order
The card you’ve selected to represent Spring
What you can look forward to - how will your intention play out?
What you should avoid - potential barriers and obstacles to be aware of
Layout Order: 3 1 2