Song of Increase: Listening to the Wisdom of Honeybees for Kinder Beekeeping and a Better World

by Jacqueline Freeman, Susan Chernak (Forword)

The most joyful emanation produced by a colony of bees is the "song of increase"―declaring that the hive is flourishing and the bees are happy in its abundance. Song of Increase takes us inside the world of the honeybee to glean the wisdom of these fascinating creatures with whom humanity has shared a sacred bond for millennia.

Within these pages is a bee-centric approach to living with honeybees, rather than advice for simply maximizing the products they provide. Jacqueline Freeman takes us beyond traditional beekeeping and offers a way to work in harmony with honeybees for both their good and ours. "Our way is one of kind observation," she explains, "where we create supportive homes and fields for bees to live in, as well as tend the heartfelt relationships we form by being together."

Song of Increase focuses on hidden aspects of apiculture that lead us naturally to more sustainable practices. Freeman illuminates the unity consciousness that guides every action in the colony and how this profound awareness can influence the way we see both the natural world and ourselves. Each chapter presents a wealth of information about the life of bees, including Freeman's personal insights and direct teachings received from the bees themselves.

Contents

I. The Song of How Bees See Themselves, Their Colony, and the World
II. The Song of The Sacred Work of the Queen, Drones, Maidens, and Pips
III. The Song of How Bees Create a Perfect Home
IV. The Song of the The Communion of Bees and Flowers
V. The Song of The Blessings of the Swarm and the Ascension of a New Queen
VI. The Song of The Generosity of Bees
VII. The Song of How We Can Help Our Bee Friends

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Spirituality, Animals, Science, Inspirational, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2014

About the author

Jacqueline Freeman is a biodynamic farmer and natural beekeeper who sees the world from the bees’ perspective. Working in communication with the bee family, she is known for her gentle and understanding ways with Nature. Jacqueline authored the book, “Song of Increase: Listening to the Wisdom of Honeybees for Kinder Beekeeping and a Better World.” Her book is also on Audible.com, in French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Swedish translations.

Jacqueline appears in the honeybee documentary, “Queen of the Sun” and has worked with rural farmers and beekeepers in Dominican Republic using historic methods of respectful beekeeping.

Jacqueline’s website, www.SpiritBee.com, has videos of her working in the midst of thousands of bees, free of protective equipment, celebrating the caring and considerate ways humans and bees can exist in harmony.

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really, REALLY wanted to love this book! &, for the most part, I am quite impressed with Ms. Freeman's observations & understanding of the science of bees. I greatly appreciate her bee-centric approach to beekeeping, she loves bees before she loves the products many beekeepers use them for. She has a grand sense of natural process & evolution. I, too, spend literally hours on a nice day, sitting with my bees & watching them. So I really appreciate the author's love & appreciation for these amazing natural beings!

BUT, what I didn't like was the overly spiritual additions to the book. I don't want to judge someone's personal beliefs, & I think the author has a very special bond with bees. But her idea that the bees are literally speaking to her, using man-made words to describe things, was very hard to swallow. Every chapter, starts out wonderfully with a lot of insight & intelligent observations. She writes fluidly & has a lovely way with prose. I would be carried away with each chapters beginning, enjoying learning & the feeling that I have a cohort in the world in this author. But then the end of the each chapter contains a note "from the bees" - sometimes these notes are interesting & based in logic but often times I felt like I was being told a child's fairy tale. They seemed so disjointed from the beginning of the chapter, it became difficult for me to finish each chapter the further I got. I still did, but I felt sad each time since I do believe the book has so much to offer without the mystical storytelling.

Bees are, on their own, are amazing, fascinating insects, I do not believe there is any need to embellish their spirits by giving them human language and/or feelings. I feel that reduces them from a near perfect super-organism system to the faulty world of us humans.

I give the writer a huge amount of credit for writing this book, it is very unlike any other beekeeping book & I really appreciate the thought & time that went into these pages. She emphasizes the importance of bees & how they are vital to the whole ecosystem!

[CaseyWasCuts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was a profound experience for me as a new beekeeper, but I think I would have felt the same if I didn't keep bees. Ms. Freeman has the gift of a full and joyful awareness of the connectedness of all creatures. She expresses this knowing in warm, beautiful tones that reassure me - that in spite of the chaos in my head and in the world around me, Nature knows what she's doing and it's going to be OK.

Although it is a highly spiritual book, it serves as a practical guide as well. It is in no way a "how-to" book. But it helped me with the most difficult part of beginning as a beekeeper: choosing a philosophy of hive management. So many of us are wrestling with these decisions, knowing deeply that the chemical and industrial techniques which have become the norm are somehow contributing to the troubles the bees face today. The point of view represented in The Song of Increase is one that often gets left behind. What do the bees think about it all?

Whether or not you believe that Ms. Freeman has conversations with bees, what she speaks on their behalf rings true in every word. This book is a Gift.

[Dnicebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite fairy tales as a child was "The White Snake," where a main character becomes able to understand what the animals are saying.

Now I read Ms Freeman's book, and she both tells us her experiences with bees as well as, in English, what she can hear the bees saying.

In the chapter "The Sting," Ms Freeman tells about being stung twice during her time working in a bee booth with a beekeeper who had political ideas opposite her own. After her shift she went home to visit her own bees in hopes of calming herself. "I walked barefoot through the field toward a hive and WHAM! I stepped on a little bee who stung me in the very center of my foot, on the Bubbling Spring acupuncture point--the very first point that forms in the fetus, the one that helps you ground and connect with the earth, the point that roots energy downward.

I sat down on the ground and scraped the stinger out, apologized to the honeybee for stepping on her (and felt terrible that I'd done that). I told the bee her gift wasn't in vain, that I would sit right there and go over my day and let go of whatever crap I was carrying around that was making me bad bee company." (p 241)

In the bee's words: "The sting. I inject myself into you;...my venom cures diseases and purifies the blood by stimulating the cleansing process, but not by removing a substance. No, this cleansing is by transformation. We commingle our matter in a pulsing swelling that rises up like a small hive under your skin. Wild within the small cosmos, it calls your attention. Immerse yourself into this heightened awareness, and feel the helix that is my signature. I die into you that we both may live." p. 242

This is exactly what I need to be able to deepen my relationship with my own three hives, hearing the honeybees speaking and then letting the honeybees be bees--allowing them to live in harmony with their purpose.

[Daniel Luckett · Rating 1 out of 5]

As soon as anyone talks about chakras and position of Venus affecting the way things work on earth they lose me. The "doctor" she keeps referencing throughout the book died in 1925 (Sarcasm: we all should know how much things haven't changed since 1925), and he was a philosopher. He isn't even well known for his beekeeping, he's known for pseudoscience that has been thoroughly debunked in the last century.

Now that I've got the negative aside, you might wonder why I bothered finishing the book. There are pieces of knowledge that is actually rooted in good beekeeping practice throughout the book. Knowledge that I've seen referenced in less detail in other more scientifically grounded sources. Which is why this book frustrated me. If she had just stuck with hippy new age nonsense I could have happily put the book down, but she had to mix the hippy new age nonsense with just enough real information to keep sifting through.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at my local bookstore, a single copy singularly calling out to me! I'm 3/4 through and it's hard to put down. I can't stop talking about it, and I plan to send friends copies (I fantasize about sending Obama a copy). This very enjoyable, readable book goes far beyond what I knew or intuited about bees and their relationship to everything. It makes great senses to me intuitively, and I'm thrilled to know these things.

I'm a 2nd year beekeeper with 3 hives and a successful solo swarm catch. I'm very interested in permaculture, interrelationships, and moving toward more natural beekeeping. What a gift to know, through this book, of all the wonderful things going on in my hives, in our yard, in our neighborhood, in our world, in our cosmos.

I am happy imagining so many things, among them the grid of light, the moving and "speaking" of minerals through plants, and the energizing of the ether. I owe an apology to my bees for the queen excluders and my sometimes hasty ways. I wish everyone would read this book. Just maybe, together, we could help save the planet.

[Brad Charlevoix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to work the honeybees for many years. A friend sent me "Song of Increase" for Christmas. I must say, Jacqueline's book really resonated with me and I enjoyed reading it immensely.
Her book inspired me to start to realize my dream of working with the honeybees and now in just several weeks I am moving towards that dream, rather quickly and I am very excited. I really enjoyed how the book is in "her words" and the "bees words". Being a spiritual person, hearing from the bees, learning about their culture, and opening more my understanding about their very important place in our world gives me more peace and hope. I just love this book!, Thank you Jacqueline!

In Peace and Gratitude,
Brad Charlevoix

[Patti Pitcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Song of Increase. As a beekeeper, I find it fascinating to think of someone being able to fully communicate with bees and understand the world from their point of view. But what I loved most was how true the information feels to me too after my years of working with bees. Plus it is really fun to read. The writing is so personal and approachable. I think non-beekeepers would love this book too. It does a lot to correct the thinking that has led to how out of balance our world has become.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Song of Increase and I was blown away. There are so many valuable lessons! I have already begun implementing some of the practices of the Bees into my daily life and have seen a huge impact. For example, approaching everyday at 100%. Not only am I more productive, but I am happier! Thank you to Jacqueline for sharing your (and the bee's) knowledge of the world. Many lives will be changed by this book.

[Linda Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you live with bees, this book is a must-have. Gentle, life-changing wisdom, brilliant biology, beauty and detail, poetry throughout. We may have a feeling that things are not right in the world, as well as not right with the bees. Ms. Freeman illustrates alternatives that may save the bees, and ourselves. Highly recommended for anyone who seeks truth and a better world for all.

[Camellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It is the most beautifully written book about bees anywhere. Bees are sacred and so is this book.

[Chani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is poetry on so many levels.

[Elizabeth Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a book of magic by a magical person. The authors relationship with the insect world is so gentle and pure. It's the most extraordinary work of bee shamanism. The perspicacity of her insights into the hive are spellbinding, marvellous and poignant. The world needs more books like this, and I feel we should all strive to encounter nature in just this way. Startling and stunning. A must read.

[Delfin Labao · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! Considering they may be gone if the EPA has its way!

[Lauran Lansdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book came to me through a non-bee source; it was highly recommended by the instructor of a spiritually based ecourse having to do with finding your soul's desire for the year ahead.

The book is fascinating, easy to read, and full of both bees and spirituality. I came away with a newfound respect, reverence, and love for these tiny insects. I want to have a hive (which I cannot), grow bee friendly flowers in my yard (which I can do), and just sit with a hive and have a "bee" experience. Every year for about a week a hedge in my garden is full of bees. This year I will place a chair next to the hedge and just sit with them.

I also came away with a new awareness of how the U.S. Is growing food and how the way we're raising bees to support that effort is harming them.

I have to mention the book cover -- it's rich and gorgeous both visually and to the touch. You will not want to keep the book out as a treat for these senses.

Finally, if this book peeks your interest in bees I encourage you to check out the following documentaries: Queen of the Sun and Hive Alive. They are a nice compliment to the information contained in the book.

[Katie J Hurlburt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have made it halfway through this book and don't know if I can stand to continue. =\ It comes as a shock to me, having so many good reviews.

All of this smothering of spiritual references is nauseating. Sure, connect with the spirit of the earth and living things....but this? Total overkill. The portions of the book "in our own words" are better left out completely. It's retelling what has been told. I think part of my irritation comes because I'm reading the audio book and those portions are really hard to get through listening to. The woman sounds like one of those "wow is me" types and her breathiness is driving me batty.

As for the rest of the book thus far, I really feel like this woman is confusing what she has learned from research with the bees telling her the way it is. I believe all life is a collective consciousness, unified, or should be. However, it sounds much more like her brain is putting two and two together from her experience and research, but then she is distorting it and making up her own terms like she's trying to completely reinvent the wheel. So now workers are maidens and larvae are pips. I'm hoping I can make it through the rest just for the bits of information available but I'm afraid this headache will continue to worsen as I listen and it will be more harmful to my progression in beekeeping than it will be of help. I wish they would have gone about telling the story in a different fashion. I'm actually really disappointed in this book compared to what I felt it should have been based on reviews and recommendations. I mean for crying out loud, let's not pretend there isn't such a term as "hive mind" and then write a book like we've discovered something new and different.

Distraught with disappointment.........If I can make it through the last half maybe my review can be edited but it's not looking good for this title.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this gorgeous book, my life will never be the same! I'm new to beekeeping and feel so lucky this is the first book I’ve read on bees and their care. I intuitively feel Jacqueline Freeman has captured the truth of their world and while I'm sure I'll read more books I already know I’ll be comparing whatever follows to what I’ve learned here.

The book is written from both Freeman's perspective and the perspective of the bees, which can take some getting used to, but rings true. Smart, sensitive, thoughtful, insightful, and, at times, funny, I learned a tremendous amount about these beautiful creatures. Freeman shares her own stories of successes and losses, and also brings us inside the hive. I have been interacting with my hive differently these days. I also understand things about their behavior that I didn't pay much attention to before and am far more sensitive to their moods and needs.

Her approach is bee-centric and treatment-free, and after reading this book you'll understand why.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. It took me on a journey into a world where life has a profound meaning that far too many of us have missed. Being human took on a whole new meaning for me as I read this book and through Freeman's words peered into a new, yet old world deep inside the everyday life of bees. The information in "The Song of Increase" needs to be known by everyone alive. We will all be better, as a collective, for Freeman having given this work to us. The world can be a better place and this book gives us insight into that possibility. By coming to the understanding of the harmony of life and living and the impact it has, and the life it offers, we can see roads that lead to being better humans with genuine and positive purpose and meaning.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people, I think, would consider this a "New Age" title, which would be pretty accurate. But the author, who is also an "alternative" bee-keeper, approaches bee-keeping from a natural point-of-view and not from the normal view of raising bees specifically to harvest honey from them, which basically ignores the well-being of the hive.

An interesting read, although some parts do get a bit..."New Age" or woo-woo, but overall rather informative.

[Rebecca Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational book will become the new " 1st book I recommend" to anyone who is feeling the whispers of bees wings, humming stirrings of a new recognition of a higher consciousness calling.

Bees are sentient beings and the author eloquently explains what they are trying to tell us about themselves and our environment. She also explains what we can do to help them

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different from what I expected. She "talks to the bees," and about half the book is their thoughts expressed through her. Pretty New Agey for my taste. Lots of practical insight, as well, but be aware it's written from that standpoint.

[Rebecca Robertson]

Truly breathtaking insight into the consciousness of the Honeybee. The author sheds a gentle light on the depth and breath of the work the honeybee is doing for us human-BEEings and for our planet.
I highly recommend this book to environmentalist ,bee keepers and goddess earth based Beeings.

[Lou Ann Delfino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is a very spiritual journey into the lives of honey bees. I will never look at a honey bee the same again. I hated for the book to end-very worth reading!

[Robin Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book. May make you re-evaluate your place in the cosmos. Unless, of course, you're put off by those who believe in non-verbal communication between species. I, however, am a fan.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely reflections on bees and beekeeping. Many sections of the book are the channeled thoughts of the bees themselves. Just fyi.

[Sabrina Swainson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a life changing book! In it, Jacqueline Freeman shares knowledge given to her by the bees who live with her.
With the growing awareness of how important bees are to our physical survival on a fast changing, much abused planet, this is a good book to help you skip past the damaging practices of traditional beekeeping and learn the truth about bees and how to be in relationship with them.
It's not a spoiler to say that one of the greatest surprises of the book is that the bees may be incredibly important to our spiritual survival as well.
Yet now, at least in the U.S. they are at the mercy of our ignorance and their ability to survive, much less thrive is being limited by our ability to learn fast enough how to save us all.
Jacqueline Freeman is a wonderful tour guide into the marvelous mystery that is the life of bees and their undeniably, important role in the world, as we'd like to see it remain. I was able to take a workshop from her and she is one of the true light holders for showing a new way forward in how we reintegrate ourselves with Nature.

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Freeman has been influenced by Rudolph Steiner and uses the principles of biodynamic farming. She states:
"I believe bees partner closely with the plant spirits..."
The insights she shares from the bees own words is aligned with my own experiences as a natural intuitive and organic gardener.
I found her book both illuminating and practical.
She shares lots of information on the roles of drones, worker bees, the queen, the many properties of propolis, pollen, bee bread...
I loved the information on planting for bees, and hope that these wonderful beings that support us in so many ways, gain more support from the human race as a whole.
I hope to have my own bee colony in the not too distant future, and plan to implement many of the author's suggestions.

[C.L. LaVigne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Elemental Specialist I am very in tune with the thrum of life around me and a friend suggested I read Song of Increase. I was memorized by Jacqueline's narrative of sitting and listening to the bees; and the stories the honeybees shared with her. At times the "message" she received appeared murky and cryptic; but, then again, bees have their own language--it won't be exactly clear. I recommend this book to anyone on a journey of self-discovery (by listening to the bees, you learn a lot about yourself and others in this great big world of ours!). And, this is a must read for those who want to explore the vibrant world around us--you are only one small part.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very weird, but still worth the read. Freeman actually believes she is getting direct messages from the bees and can translate them into English. Each chapter has multiple pages "in our words" about various aspects of life in the hive. Freeman claims they are direct translations of what the bees told her through some sort of mind-meld thing. Yeah, it sounds delusional and probably is, but regardless of the source the information, it is an interesting read and feels educational with some ideas that seem well worth more in-depth consideration. Could be I'm delusional too though - how would you really know if you were truly delusional?

[Wendy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I consider ourselves spiritual beings and lovers of nature; however, we frequently find it challenging to capture with words that which is spiritual in nature. Song of Increase met and surpassed that challenge. As a result, we wound up reading most of the book aloud to each other, finishing a few days ago. Now it's the only book in our home that neither of us wants to put on a shelf -- something we want to keep in view, apparently. So, will your experience be similar? Maybe just read the first few paragraphs of Chapter 1 and then ask yourself that question.

[tonia peckover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very compelling book about natural beekeeping and entering into the connected flow of life and energy that surrounds bees. The most challenging part of the book is where Freeman receives direct communication from her bees which she includes as "In Our Own Words." This was definitely a stretch for me, but I tried to just read without judgement and hear the overall message that was being communicated. Mostly, I came away with the understanding that bees are far more complicated, beautiful and important than I ever understood and I am anxious to interact more with them.