The Wisdom of the Hive

“This book reads like a woven spell for collective healing. It is a love letter to the honeybee, and how the bees might just help save us in times of uncertainty and ecological collapse. Weaving metaphor, bee biology and behavior, myth, and personal story, the authors gently share pathways back to our truest selves, with bees as our guides.” –Ariella Daly, founder of Honey Bee Wild, beekeeper, and animist

“The Wisdom of the Hive comes when we desperately need strategies and inspiration to heal our planet and strengthen our communities. This book illuminates our disconnection from Earth and allows us to pause, observing the microcosm of all life within the hive. When we receive the honeybee’s divine intelligence, we are led back to remembering the interconnectedness of all things.” –Tracee Stanley, author of Radiant Rest and The Luminous Self

“A ritualistic, one-of-a-kind journey into the wisdom of the master alchemists–the honeybees. This work explores the human condition and honors our original ancestor–Mother Earth. This book is a celebration of wholeness and sweetness. May we learn, grow, and deepen in its teachings.” –Mara Branscombe, author of Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen and Ritual as Remedy

“In The Wisdom of the Hive, authors Michelle Cassandra Johnson and Amy Burtaine call us deeply into the innate wisdom and healing heart of Nature, as expressed by the remarkable honeybee. In a society that has in many ways become unmoored, we long for the way home, to ourselves and to our place in a world that makes sense. This eloquent and timely book is a worthy companion and guide for the journey, sweet with wonder, rich with hope.” –Susannah Ravenswing, Northern Tradition elder and wisdomkeeper

“In a world where we have forgotten to respect the animal world as kin, The Wisdom of the Hive is a much-needed reminder. This book redirects our focus on the powerful presence of the bee and the intricate medicine they weave. If we are going to mend our relationship with the Earth and one another, we need to listen to the wisdom of the words shared here. A potent book for our times.” –Asha Frost, author of You Are the Medicine, Indigenous medicine woman

“In The Wisdom of the Hive, Michelle and Amy skillfully blend personal stories, deep insights, and practical exercises to present apian consciousness as a transformative force for human awakening. The authors invite readers on a journey that encourages stepping outside default ways of being, feeling, and thinking. Drawing parallels between human society and the intricate world of bees, they emphasize the urgent need for renewed intimacy with ourselves and the world around us. The Wisdom of the Hive serves as a call to action–an invitation to awaken our consciousness and actively participate in creating a more compassionate and sustainable world. This inspiring book helps deepen our understanding of honeybees, ourselves, and the complex web of life that envelops us.” –Michael J. Thiele, founder and president, Apis Arborea

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She teaches workshops and leads retreats and transformative experiences nationwide. She is the author of Skill in Action and more.

Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. Her trainings for meaningful social change include work with Google, the DNC, and the ACLU. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator’s Guide for White Affinity Groups.