What if I told you that death could be as sacred as birth?

Birth and death—two sacred portals that all living beings must cross. These gates, timeless and transformative, mark the rhythm of life itself. As we approach Samhain, the Celtic festival celebrating the thinning veil between life and death, it feels right to reflect on the deep connection between these mysteries and the honey bees who have guided my path.


 


Hello, I’m Titanilla—a holistic beekeeper, ceremonialist, historian, and death doula based in Scotland. In this blog, I want to explore the often-taboo subject of death through the ancient wisdom of the bees. If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me for a special online retreat during Samhain or for a free Q&A event to deepen this conversation.



Do you have any memories of your birth? 

Last year, I participated in a powerful rebirth ceremony. It was led by a birth doula, with other women reflecting on their own experiences. For me, the ceremony took me back to the womb, where I felt the raw emotions of entering this world: upset, fear, and the heartbreak of leaving the safety of the womb.


This rebirth changed me profoundly. Three months later, the bees entered my life, and with them came a deeper transformation. I became a bee woman—a guardian of Gaia and the sacred ways of the hive. The bees showed me the ancient teachings of Earth, trusting me with their medicines of honey, propolis, and venom.

Among all the lessons they’ve offered, the most profound has been about death.




The Gift of Witnessing Birth and Death

In beekeeping, birth and death are daily occurrences. Witnessing both is a great honour. Around 2,000 baby bees hatch each day, their tiny grey, fuzzy bodies greeted by their sister bees who feed and groom them with love. It’s one of the most joyful experiences I’ve had in the hive.


But just as new life begins, old bees die—about 1,500 each day. When I come across a dying bee, I stop and hold space for it. These moments have taught me to embrace the beauty in death, even in its finality. The bees led me to become a death doula, showing me how to hold space for life’s final journey, just as they do for their own. 


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 The Sacred Role of Bees as Psychopomps

In many cultures, bees are seen as psychopomps, guides who lead souls through the threshold of death. They have long been revered as keepers of the mysteries of life and death, bridging the two worlds. Honey bees, in their final moments, will leave the hive to die alone. They cling to a blade of grass or flower to spare their sisters the burden of carrying their bodies. Sometimes, they even gather with other dying bees, facing death together in peace.This practice, small and humble, contains an ancient wisdom that speaks to the human experience of death—how it’s not just an ending but part of a greater cycle.


 

 The Healing Hum of Bees

The soothing hum of bees, created by their wing vibrations, offers a powerful therapeutic effect. In the presence of bees, this hum creates a natural soundscape that calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation. I have found that it resonates with the body and spirit, offering a sense of peace, especially when approaching life’s transitions.In palliative care, the healing hum of bees can create a serene environment, helping individuals ease into acceptance. It’s no wonder that ancient cultures saw bees as companions in life’s final moments.

 Journey with the Bees this Samhain

If these reflections resonate with you, I invite you to join us in a unique 2-day online retreat, Honey of the Underworld on Samhain, where we will explore the profound connection between honey bees and the sacred portal of death. Together, we will engage with the wisdom of the bees, guided by their hum and ancient roles as psychopomps.

Join us for a free Q&A to explore these mysteries before the retreat.





 Free Q&A Event 🐝

Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 8PM (UK) / 9PM (CET)
Location: Zoom
Bonus: Attendees will receive a gift 

Agenda:

-Introduction
-Grounding Ritual
-Astrology, tarot & death 
-Bees as Psychopomps: Their Role in Guiding Souls
-Open Conversation: Reflecting on Death
-Q&A



 
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Thank you on BEEhalf of the bees!








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