The Wisdom of the Hive - by Michelle Cassandra Johnson & Amy Burtaine (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Potent and timely lessons on healing and connection―both individually and collectively―through the wisdom and magic of honeybees.

We've heard the refrain to save the bees, but what if the bees can save us too?

Beloved equity educators, authors, and beekeepers Michelle Cassandra Johnson and Amy Burtaine invite us to contemplate this question deeply. By looking at bees as teachers, the authors draw us into an examination of our relationship with each other and the world at large. Honeybees illustrate communal interdependence, attunement to nature, coexistence with darkness, and so much more―lessons worthy of emulating within our own human world.

In times marked by turmoil and uncertainty, honeybees offer a powerful example of how to turn toward each other, to deeply commit to creating conditions for survival of all beings, and to build a future where all can thrive. As Michelle and Amy write, "We won't survive unless we remember our interconnectedness to all beings and change our ways of being―how we are to ourselves, one another, and the planet."

This beautiful and thought-provoking book offers:

- Insights from beekeeping, Buddhism, and nature-based shamanic practices
- Stories, meditations, reflection questions, and practices to bring the wisdom of the hive to our own lives and bodies
- Encouragement to connect with nature and each other in new ways

With each chapter, we learn more about the life of a honeybee, our own lives, and our relationship to the collective as a part of an ever-changing ecosystem.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

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 six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge.

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.