Wisdom of the Bees: Principles for Biodynamic Beekeeping

by Erik Berrevoets

“The more you investigate these creatures and the manner in which they live, the more you will come to the conclusion that there is a great intelligence in how they work and what they accomplish.” ― Rudolf Steiner While the benefits of Steiner’s research into agriculture and education are increasingly recognized, his research into the nature of bees has had limited impact on beekeeping practices and on our general understanding of nature. Wisdom of the Bees examines Steiner’s insights and research into the nature of bees and their implications for the future of beekeeping. Today, more than eighty years after Rudolf Steiner presented his lectures on bees, we are confronted with a serious decline of honeybees around the world. This fact alone justifies Wisdom of the Bees , a practical and timely introduction to biodynamic beekeeping. Erik Berrevoets revisits those seminal lectures and reexamines Steiner’s observations and insights in the context of today’s dire situation and provides practical advice for modern beekeeping practices. Wisdom of the Bees is an accessible and essential introduction to the urgent subject of holistic beekeeping practices.

152 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2010

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its difficult for me to figure out what I want to write for a review. I wish book reviews came easy to me. Unfortunately not. I had never heard of biodynamic beekeeping before reading about it in Wisdom of bees.

I had two favorite chapters from the book. Hives and hive management and Artificial breeding. In the hives and their management chapter I liked the discussion about wax foundations, queen excluder boards and smokers. I never thought that you might be able to spray water on honey bees or drum the hive instead of using a smoker. I thought that was interesting. In that same chapter I also liked learning about the top bar and warre hives. I am not sure I have heard about the warre beehive before. As for the artificial breeding chapter its always interesting to read about queen bee breeding.

Some of the things in this book did not make sense to me. One would be the influence of the planets on bee hives. I don't know if I have got that right.

So there was some interesting information in Wisdom of the bees and some of the information did not make sense to me.

And the Appendix hive design principles made me wonder if I can design a bee hive. I had never thought of designing a beehive before.

I don't think I have anything more to say about wisdom of the bees. It was worth the time it took me to read it.

[Dan Ditzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!
Great into to thoughts around biodynakic beekeeping and the spiritual aspects of the honeybee. Thoughtful discussion sections at the end of each chapter to sum up the essence of the material. Constantly coming back to this little gem of practical knowledge for working with honeybees

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and well researched guide to biodynamic bee keeping. Interesting examination of the history of bee keeping and issues impacting on maintaining bee colony health. Great information on setting up and maintaining a natural hive and bee colony. If you are thinking of setting up bee hives this is well worth a look.