THE BEE WOMEN
In Myth, Ancient History & Direct Revelation
3-MONTH PROGRAM
Registration now open for 2024.
Please note this course is open by application only.
Drawing on research and fieldwork for Gabriela's dissertation The Bee Cult in Greek Myth and Ancient History, this course will explore the existence of pre-Hellenic priestesses known as the Melissae in Bronze Age Greece. Each class will uncover their socio-religious roles, tasks and activities, while seeking to gain more insight into women's religious practice in ancient Europe as a whole.
This program is open to women and to anyone who identifies with the inner womb space.
The next cohort begins on September 13th. See below for module details, course dates and fees.
MODULE I
A PRE-HELLENIC PRIESTESSHOOD
The Bee Priestesses, their Cosmology and their Socio-Religious Roles and Tasks
This introductory class will look at the archaeological records, literary sources and myths that document the existence of priestesses associated with bees.
INITIATORY RITES
The Eleusinian Mysteries, Demeter & Persephone and Female Initiation
Because the priestesses of Demeter were called Melissae, we will study the myth of Demeter and Persephone along with the rites at Eleusis in order to gain further insight into the initiatory rites of these ancient women.
MODULE II
MODULE III
SEERSHIP
With Guest Teacher Chelsy Arber
Seer
A discussion about the sometimes controversial methods of oracles throughout time and the role of the imagination in healing and divination, as well as some practices to help recognise and hone your seeing and clairvoyance.
PROPHECY
The Thriai, the “Delphic Bee” and the Cave of the Nymphs
Beginning by contextualising the importance of prophecy in the ancient world, we will then go on to explore its association with bees and honey, and its particular function in maintaining balance and harmony both within the individual and collective spheres.
MODULE IV
MODULE V
BULL-BEGOTTEN BEES
Myth and astrology will provide the grounds to further understand these ancient women. We will explore the significance of the Bull totem through the Myth of the Minotaur, the Constellation of Taurus and “the Heart of the Bull” in order to gain more insight into the tasks of the Bee Priestesses within ritual and ceremony.
Altered States, Dismemberment and the Mystery Cult of Dionysus
The Myth of Dionysus will hold the fort of this module - or rather, give it a good shake! - as we continue to work with the totem of the Bull. Here we will examine the role that ecstasy played in the praxis of the Melissae through Dionysus, the myth of his dismemberment and the wilderness pilgrimages and vision quests of his female devotees, the Mineads.
MODULE VI
MODULE VII
BEING BORN TWICE WHEN YOU’RE HALF-WAY HOME
With Guest Teacher Ben Cox
Storyteller & Bard
Why do we fall apart after the ordeal? When do we begin to re-member? Together we will discover what can happen when we return from the underworld and dismemberment by exploring the many turns of the Odyssey.
INCUBATION
Regeneration, Integration, Sharing & Questions
For this class, you will set up your very own incubation chamber akin to those of the ancient world, with the intention of integrating the work and, as such, being reintegrated into the Great Dreaming once again.
MODULE VIII
LIVE CLASSES
Classes take place once a fortnight on Wednesdays for 2.5 hours on Zoom, from 8-10:30pm UK.
FEE: 720 GBP
This includes live classes, lectures by guest teachers, an extensive reading list and practices to undertake at your own time and leisure.
Open to women or anyone who identifies with the inner womb space.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR FEBRUARY 2024
ATTENDANCE VIA RECORDING
If you cannot make the scheduled times, there is the option to attend via recording. A background in altered states is required. Please be in touch if unsure.
“The flower doesn't dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.”
- Mark Nepo
Gabriela is a rare find and an exquisite teacher. She is a unique combination of scholarly astuteness and mystical wisdom and is careful in guiding the way the teachings land in your body. I had the privilege of attending a number of her classes and gatherings and my God I always leave with a part of my mind blown. Thank you Gabriela for rehabilitating my spirit through your classes and mentoring sessions, I live now with more gentleness and honeyed ways of being. I cannot thank you enough! If you are like me you like the combination of geeky research and embodied knowledge, she is the teacher for you!
Ian Jin Yap | Traditional Healer | Malaysia
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The amount of work and study and dedication that went into this (Gabriela is doing a master's degree and diving deep into history and magic in ways I've never seen)... I appreciate the academic side of things interwoven with the work. I like data as well as dreaming. Gabriela is a scholar, so if THAT is your kind of learning or like, she's great for it. I know only a handful of people with this particular way and it's so so interesting.
Chelsy Arber | Seer | New Hampshire, US
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I have taken many courses with Gabriela, and learned so much, but this is nothing else than an extraordinary journey of the heart, opening up so much beautiful knowledge and wisdom of the matriarchal ancestors who came before us. Gabriela is a generous and inspirational teacher in the truest sense, because she expands and enriches the inner lives of those she teaches. I would recommend anyone to work with her with my entire being.
Lucy Coats | Writer & Mythographer | UK
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This course offered so much insight. I loved the various ways of learning / knowing that you shared with us, Gabriela! I highly recommend to anyone considering it!
Hannah Fultron | Beekeeper | Portland, US
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This course connected me with an ancient time period of women who seemingly have been a part of me all along, waiting to be remembered. Gabriela's teachings and transmissions of the bee women encouraged my own mystical openings, expanded my relationship intimacy with my own inner wild, and revealed a new way of experiencing the sacred in the mundanity of everyday life. This class helped open a portal to a deep longing living in my soul.
Shannon Nelson| Psychotherapist | New Jersey, US