Ritual for the Bees

This was posted on the Covenant of the Goddess discussion e-list, and I found it while surfing the net. I wanted to share it with everyone

To all Energy Workers, Shamans, Pagans, Faeries, New Age Visionaries, Healers, Lightworkers,Tree-huggers, Bambi-lovers, Gardeners, and other custodians, caretakers and Stewards of Mother Earth:

For any of you who are concerned about the recent flight of a significant percent of the world's honey-bees through the veil and away from our Earth, then please consider joining one of your number in the following ritual to encourage the return of our Beloved Bee-friends -- those joyously industrious pollinators and fertilizers, builders of hive, colony, community, and makers of sweet honey who dance so devotedly to the buzz of their own passionate flight.
To be performed on the Eve of the Summer Solstice
Wednesday, June 20, 2007.

As the longest day fades into night, light a candle. Let the candle be of beeswax. If you don't have a beeswax candle (or prefer not to use one) then dab a bit of honey on the candle of your choice. If you have no honey or beeswax -- or even if you do -- feel free to choose a bright yellow candle, or other candle that reminds you strongly of the energy of Bees. You might like to decorate it with images or symbols that make you think of Bees and the role they play in our lives. You could even prepare a special place for it -- make an altar or a spot on your altar --dedicated to the Bees. Perhaps have some fragrant flowers near by. (These things are not necessary, just good to do if you desire.)

As you light your candle, think of the Bees. At this point, if you are aware of any fear or distrust you have of Bees because of their stings (a purely defensive weapon that carries the heaviest penalty for use), then consciously release it now. Send it into the flame and watch it go up in smoke.

Think of all the good that Bees bring to our planet and to each of our lives through their work of pollinating the plants and flowers. (Do you like almonds? Did you know that bees pollinate 100% of California's almond crop?) Think of their buzzy-hoppy
fertility dance and the determined, hardy fragility of their industrious, interconnected, community-based, hive-minded uniqueness. Think of the taste of honey. Be in appreciation. Let your heart fill with love for our Bee-brothers.

See, sense, feel the Bees flying -- singly, in pairs, in small groups -- through an invisible gateway into the blue sky of earth. Imagine them greeting, and being ecstatically greeted by, the flowers who have longed for their delicate touch, the
encouragement of their voices, and the stimulating buzz of their presence.

See them joyously making their way home, flying eagerly into the doors of hives and colonies that have waited patiently for their return. Welcome the Bees back to their homes, their hives. Make Buzzing sounds. Don't be overly quick or perfunctory about this.

A friend of mine, who teaches shamanic drumming, says "risk boredom"; buzz for at least 3-5 minutes and really get into the feel if it. Dance around. Place a taste of honey on your tongue or in your tea and savor the taste extravagantly. Sensously rub
a salve or ointment containing beeswax into your skin. Do any or all of these things. Thank the Bees for their service to the Earth.

Thank the Melissa, the ancient Greek Bee-Queen, for the labors and blessings of her people to the Earth in any way that feels joyous and true for you.

If you like, you may use this chant:

Bzzzzz Bzzzzzz Bzzzzz Bees!
Bzzzzzz Bzzzzzz Bzzzzz Bees!
We call you home to the Hive.
We call you home to the Hive.
Striving, Thriving,
Striving, Thriving,
We call you home to the Hive.
We Light your Way.

On this longest day we Light your Way
Home to the meadows
Home to the skies,
Home to the Flowers
Home to the Trees.
We light your way Home.
Bzzzzz Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzz Bees!

(If this chant doesn't work for you, feel free to make up your own, or do the ritual without one.)

If it is safely possible, burn the candle down during the night. (Be safety-minded. Do not leave candles insecure or untended). If it isn't possible, then re-light the candle on consecutive nights until it is burned through. If enough of us do this, the bright beacon of our focused Love, Will and Intention will guide the Bees safely back to their homes to the continued health and joy of Mother Earth.

Whether or not you feel drawn to perform this ritual yourself, please forward this to anyone and everyone you know who might remotely be interested. The more people who participate the more powerful it will be. I thank you. The Bees do too.

Bright Blessings to all. Blessed Bee!