Tonight at 10pm, on zoom, I'm doing my Midsummer Honeysweet Ritual for Virtual Fire Proto-Grove. We'll be honoring Bees and Apollo.
The working is a Gratitude Jar and starting to fill it with good things that can sustain you through your dark times and/or SAD, as sweet nourishing honey sustains bees through the cold months.
For it you'll need:
-A jar, a little box, an envelope, or crochet a hive or a hive cell pouch. This will be your Gratitude Hive to store your honeysweets.
-Paper
-Something to write with
-Draw a Hexagon–6 sided shape–a hive cell. Make it large enough to write or draw inside of it.
-Start thinking about things that bring you joy, healing, hope, courage, strength, and peace. Things the can nourish and heal you.
-If it helps, ask yourselves and/or divination:
-What am I grateful for?
-What sweetness is in my life?
-How can I gather this sweetness?
-What does this sweetness offer me?
You can write out sentence or even make a sigil, bindrune, or stave--whatever your thing to put inside of your cell and Gratitude Hive.
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After a few more hours of work and research and backing it up, the ritual script is finished. I just need to rehearse.
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Midsummer Honeysweet
August 4, 2026
Virtual Fire Proto-Grove High Day Ritual / General Hearth Culture
By Foxlyn Wren
Many rituals this time of the year may be asking about what you've planted, what's growing, or what you're harvesting, be it good or bad. For this ritual, I'm going to be asking what's stored in your hives? Like bees, are you prepared for the harsh cold darkness of winter? The work we're going to be doing today is to help sustain us through the dark part of the year. I want you to close your eyes and take a few breaths at your pace."
Let them breathe.
"In the darkness, you hear soft buzzing. A buzzing that grows louder and louder. It stops. There's a bee in front of you. Take note of its shape and color. Is it large, small? Or perhaps She's taken a human form or an anthropomorphic form? Whatever Her form, know that this is a Melissae–a Bee Priestess of the Shining Ones. A Liminal Being. Psychopomp. She is a message carrier. I want you to whisper to Her your fears, worries, concerns, and grief. Whisper to Her and know that She'll hold them. Some will be released to the Underworld. Some will be returned to you to be worked through.
And breathe.
Open your eyes.
In honor of the Wyrd Sanctuary (where Honeysweet was born), during the course of the ritual, if any of you hear the Kindreds speak, comment, offer wisdom, I invite you to type Their words in the chat. In many rituals of the Wyrd Sanctuary, many of us were Seers and Conduits, and those who were moved, often typed what we were hearing, seeing, and sensing in chat.
Let's begin!"
Purification: "To purify this space, I'll be tapping my bell topped Spirit Stick. Because sound is iffy on Zoom, I also invite you to purify your space, if you feel the desire."
Wait a moment if needed.
Hold Alum between legs, with both hands: "With Alum, I purify this space. 3 Taps to Ground. 3 Taps to Clear. 3 Taps to Connect." 9 taps. "This space is cleared, connected, and protected!"
Calling the Hearth Mothers and Spirits: "Hearth Kindred and Spirits, we honor you. Bring Your presence of the Living Flame into our homes. Bless us with your gifts of light and warmth (5).
Hearth Kindred and Spirits, accept this offering."
Light candle and sprinkle offerings of pantry herbs into the flame.
Now it is time to anchor ourselves between Earth and Sun:
"To begin, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Then turn your attention to your heart center—the electromagnetic center of your body. From there, visualize your energy extending down your body and into the earth. This could look like tree roots growing from your feet, an electrical cord plugging into the earth or any other form of energetic connection that makes sense to you.
Really feel the energetic connection. Dig those roots or cord deep into the earth. As you exhale, release any tension in your body—let it slide down the cord, from your body and into the earth. As you inhale, breath in the new energy from the earth. Do this a few times.
When you're ready, keep that connection in place as you turn your attention back to your heart center. From here, do the same thing, but this time, up into the heavens to our Sun.
Grow your tree branches or electrical cord or energy column up into the Sun and anchor up there. With every exhale, release the thoughts that no longer serve you to be swept away into the atmosphere and renewed. As you breathe in, notice the fresh air energy as it enters your energetic body. Do this a few times.
When you're ready, keep that upper connection in place and return your attention to your heart center. You are anchored above and below, and now it's time to anchor in this middle world.
This time, visualize your energy extending from your heart center around your body, perhaps in an egg or circular shape around you about the distance of your arms. This is a sphere—you are completely protected within this energetic boundary you are creating. As you breathe in, draw energy from both above and below. As you exhale, see that energy go into the protective sphere around you. Do this a few times, until you feel your energetic container is strong.
After you've established your three-world anchor, open your eyes" (9).
Who calls the Earth Mother: "We call to the Earth Mother. Earth Mother, She from whom we have emerged and to whom we shall return. We ask that you hold and protect us during this Midsummer Honeysweet Rite.
Earth Mother, accept this offering!"
Offering of herbs.
Who calls for Inspiration: "Melissae, we call to you! Bee Psychopomps, Priestesses, Dancers, Nymphs, Handmaidens, Oracles. Come Dance and Waggle and Buzz and show us the way. Honey our words, sweeten our moods. Mix your magiks with ours.
Melissae, accept this offering!"
Give mead.
Open the Gates: "We call now to Gatekeeper Bee! Guardian between our world and the Other. Bee, Accept this offering and be welcomed in this rite!
Bee accept this offering!”
Give offerings of water.
"Gatekeeper Bee, I ask that you guide and protect us, join your magiks with ours, and help us open the Gates!"
(Touch Elen's blade to the Flame) Sacred Fire of the Heavens and Gods, You are the spark of inspiration, the flame of transformation, Burning within us, igniting our spirits with purpose.
May this candle flame become the cosmic fire.
Sacred Fire, burn bright within us! (10)
(Touch Elen's blade to the Well) Sacred Well, cauldron of the Underworld and the Chthonic Ones, Portal to the Ancestors, deep and ancient, Flowing from the womb of the Earth Mother.
May this cup of water become the cosmic well.
Sacred Well, flow deep within us! (10)
(Touch Elen’s blade to the River Stone) Sacred Mountain, Portal to all worlds, you are the embodiment of strength and endurance.
May this River Stone Become the Sacred Mountain.
Sacred Mountain stand strong within us!
Bee! Let the Gates be Opened!”
Open hands up.
Now we welcome the Kindreds Three. Who Calls for the Ancestors?
“Ancestors of blood and spirit, culture and place, I invite you to this rite.
Ancestors, accept this offering.”
Give Cornmeal.
Who calls for the Nature Spirits?
“I do! Nature Spirits of land and air, fire and water, I invite you to this rite.
Nature Spirits, accept this offering.”
Everyone: Nature Spirits, accept this offering!
Give Cornmeal.
Who calls for the Shining Ones?
“I do! Deities, I invite you to this rite.
Shining Ones, accept this offering.”
Everyone: Shining Ones, accept this offering!
Give Cornmeal.
Allow attendees to invite their kindreds, if they feel moved. "Speak aloud or type in chat your kindreds." Wait for others to finish.
"The Minoan Ariadne of the Sacred Dance;
Nantosuelta (Nun-taw-swel-taa)–a "Goddess of Rivers, fertility, ravens, and beekeeping";
the Lithuanian Bee Goddess Austėja (aw-stay-ah);
The Ephesian Artemis;
the Norse Beyla–servant of Frey and Goddess of Agriculture and Bee Keeping;
and the many Others Known and Unknown, With and Without Shrines in our Homes.
We welcome the Industrious Insects themselves, Pollinators of the World.
Welcome and be honored at this rite."
Bee Entities and Critters, accept this offering!"
Give Mead.
Beings of the Occasion: “When I contacted The Melissae for this year's ritual, from the rich golden honey came the sun, and from the sun came Apollo. Son of Leto, the twin brother of Artemis. A Solar God associated with Inspiration, Music, Healing, and Prophecy. A God of Oracles, famously associated with the Oracles of Delphi and the slaying of the python.
Who's Delphic Oracles are also associated with Bees, sometimes called Delphic Bees. Prophetic Bee Maidens. Associated with the three Bee Nymphs, the Thriae ("thry-ee"), who grant Hermes some prophetic abilities.
Apollo is also the father of Aristaeus, God of cheesemaking, hunting, olive-growing, and bees. A God who taught the Nymphs the art of Bee Keeping and the Medicinal Properties of Honey. A Foster Father of Dionysus, a God of grapes and wine.
Hermes, Apollon, Aristaeus, Thriae, and the Oracles, accept this offering of honey and be welcomed at our hearths.
Omen: "As Honey is associated with many prophetic deities and spirits–Hermes, Apollon, Aristaeus, the Thriae, and the Delphic Oracles–I ask for Their blessings over this honey. May it provide me with clear sight and ease of translation from the Gods to the human audience."
Eat Honey.
"Who gives this omen?"
“Do you offer messages, blessings, or both?
_________, what is your message/blessings for us during this season of Midsummer?"
Bee Tarot.
_________
Do we accept these omens?
Thank you, ________.
Hallowing the Waters: Hold the Drinking Horn. “We ask the Kindreds to bless these waters. May they fill our cups with Their ________; and whatever else They feel we're in need of!
See the omens fill these waters.
Behold the Waters of Life!
Drink deep and know we are blessed.”
The Working: Gratitude Hive and the first cell of honey.
"At the beginning of tonight's ritual, I had yall draw a hexagon on a piece of paper, and some questions to ask yourselves, if necessary. Now I want you to write or draw that which brings sweetness into your lives. These can be quotes, words of wisdom, goals, titles, a memory, colors, a favorite animal or deity, a piece of art, something funny a family member did–a sigil, stave, or bindune–whatever brings you joy, encouragement, and confidence. A little sweetness that can help bring some light into your dark world, something that can sustain you through dark times."
Give 5 minutes.
"When you're all ready, hold your honeycomb to your heart center. Close your eyes and breathe at your own pace. I'll read Bee Prayer by Travis Bowman:"
Bee Prayer
by Travis Bowman
Winged Spirit of Sweetness,
I call on you.
Teach us the ways of
Transformation and Fertilization,
The path from pollen to sweetest honey.
Teach us to taste the essence
Of each place we light,
Carrying that essence with us
To continue creation’s cycle.
Teach us the ways of hope,
Reminding us that what seems impossible
May yet be achieved.
Flitting tears of the Gods,
Draw us ever closer to the wisdom
Hidden within beauty.
Give us flight and sunlight,
Passion and productivity,
Cooperation with those around us
And sharpened strength to defend our homes
May we ever spiral out from our hearts,
Searching for What we need,
And return there once again
To turn those lessons into nourishment.
Bee Spirit, I call to you! (4)
Hear our joys!
Bless our hives!
"You may open your eyes and relax"
Thanking the Kindreds: “Melissae, Bees, Kindreds and Spirits All! We thank you for attending this rite and lending us some love, inspiration, protection, and guidance. Hail and Farewell!”
Closing the Gates: “Gatekeeper Bee! Thank you for guiding us and mixing your magiks with ours. Help us now to close the gates!
(Touching Elen’s blade to Mountain) May the Mountain be but a river stone.
(Touching Elen’s blade to the Well) May this cosmic well be but a cup.
(Touching Elen’s blade to the Flame) May this cosmic fire be but a candle flame.
May the Gates be closed!” Close hands.
Thanking the Earth Mother: “Earth Mother we thank you for your support this day and every day. Our thanks and blessings. Hail and farewell, Earth Mother.”
Thanking the Hearth Entities: “Hearth Entities, We thank you for attending this rite, and helping to light the way with inspiration, warmth, and love.” Blow out the candle.
"Please close your eyes and breathe at your own pace. Call to the Melissae who holds your burdens. For some She may return, for others She may release. Thank the Priestess. Open your eyes when you're ready."
"If you'd like to do your own rituals for Bees and Pollinators, May 20th is World Bee Day and this month, National Honey Bee Day is the 3rd Saturday of August. This year it's on the 15th. It honors Honey Bees and Bee Keepers.
You can celebrate by spreading awareness, planting pollinator friendly local plants and flowers, making plans for next year's gardens, using natural pest control, setting out little dishes of water or mineral water for bees (Don't give them honey water because it can actually make bees sick), support bee keepers, learn about bee keeping, buy local honey, and so much more.
Spiritually, you can research entities associated with bees and work with Bee/Pollinator Spirits.
A couple of books to check out:
- Meeting the Melissae: The Ancient Greet Bee Priestesses of Demeter by Elizabeth Ashely
- The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore by Hilda M. Ransome
Be wary of: The Shamanic Way of the Bee by Simon Buxton because it has a lot of controversy concerning plagiarism and other problems.
If you're into music, while writing this ritual, I listened to Giesmes Austejai by Kulgrinda, which is an album honoring the Baltic Bee Goddess Austėja.
You can also check out my Resource page at the end of this ritual script."
Closing the Rite: “This Honeysweet rite has ended. One last piece of wisdom from Austėja: 'Be not afraid. Bees thrive in darkness together. As can all of you. Bee strong'.”
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Resources
- Academia. The Bees in the Homeric Hymn to Hermes. https://www.academia.edu/126560907/The_Bees_in_the_Homeric_Hymn_to_Hermes
- Ar nDraiocht Fein: Our Own Druidry. 2024. https://www.adf.org/about
- Ashley, Elizabeth. Meeting the Melissae: The Ancient Greek Bee Priestesses of Demeter. O-Books. 2023
- Bowman, Travis. Bee Prayer.
- Franklin, Anna. The Hearth Witch's Year. Llewellyn Publications. 2020. Page 22.
- Hunt, Will. Pioneer Works: Telling the Bees. January 19, 2023. https://pioneerworks.org/broadcast/will-hunt-telling-the-bees
- Perry, Laura. Substack: Laura Perry: Exploring the Minoan Pantheon. 9 January 2025. https://lauraidaeja.substack.com/p/exploring-the-minoan-pantheon
- Ransom, Hilda M. The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore. Dover Publications. 1937.
- Reiter, Hawth. Wyrd Sanctuary. Embodied Intuition: Grounding & Centering. 2022. https://wyrdsanctuary.org/wyrd-musings/embodied-intuition-grounding-amp-centering
- Stone Creek Grove, ADF. Standard Liturgy. 22 November 2021. https://stonecreed.org/rituals/standard-liturgy/
- Theoi. Apollon. https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Apollon.html
- Theoi. Aristaios. https://www.theoi.com/Georgikos/Aristaios.html
- Theoi. Thriai. https://www.theoi.com/Nymphe/NymphaiThriai.html
- Three Cranes Grove, ADF. Ritual Scripts. https://threecranes.org/category/ritual-scripts/
- Wikipedia. Bees in Mythology. 26 June 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bees_in_mythology
- Wikipedia. Thriae. 15 May 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriae
- Wyrd, Serendipity. Wyrd Sanctuary: Summoning Sweetness, celebrating Honeysweet. 2021. https://serendipitywyrd.com/wyrd-musings/summoning-sweetness
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Thanks for the support!
Face to the Sun.
Trust in Joy.
Follow the Flows of Honey and the Buzzing of Bees...
- Priestess Foxlyn