Description
We are proud to offer the most comprehensive certification available globally in the field of biodynamic beekeeping. The Spikenard Biodynamic Beekeeping Training (SBBT) is our signature educational program, which includes all four seasonal modules listed below (attended in any order) as well as monthly support, live webinars and certification.
Graduates of SBBT also enjoy significant alumni discounts on continuing education. Payment plans and scholarships to our trainings are an option for all in need.
This course is taught in four stand-alone in-person learning modules, which repeat annually and do not have to be attended in order. Participants can choose the sequence and timing that work best for their life and schedule.
- Spring Module: 3-Day Beekeeping Workshop
- Summer Module: 5-Day Beekeeping & Learning Immersion
- Autumn Module: 3-Day Beekeeping Workshop
- Winter Module: 5-Day Beekeeping & Learning Immersion
All in-person modules are held on the grounds of the Spikenard Sanctuary.
The course also includes optional on-line learning and support.
Upcoming Spring Module Dates:
- 2026: May 7-9
- 2027: May TBD
Upcoming Summer Module Dates:
- 2026: June 29 – July 3
- 2027: July TBD
Upcoming Autumn Module Dates:
- 2026: August 6-8
- 2027: August TBD
Upcoming Winter Module Dates:
- 2026: February 24-28
- 2027: TBD
Monthly Live Online Webinars for 2026:
(all webinars are at 5:30 PM EST)
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Wednesday, March 25, 2026
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- Wednesday, August 26 ,2026
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Our Spring Workshop is focused on natural queen reproduction and swarming, which we celebrate at Spikenard. Be immersed in hands-on demonstrations of our practices working directly with swarms, as well as in-depth study of natural queens, honeybee anatomy and physiology. Exploration of the spiritual foundations of biodynamic beekeeping, meditative experiences and art are all part of this richly
transformative learning opportunity.
The Summer Immersion is a delight to the senses as our gardens are in full bloom, and alongside beekeeping, we spend five days learning all about the other important members of a sanctuary: plants and forage, native pollinators of all sorts, as well as our relationship to animals and the sanctuary as a whole being. We explore biodynamic agriculture, the carrying capacity of the land, pollinator forage, native pollinators, and the role of formic acid in nature. Studies also include honeybee anatomy and physiology and Goethean observation.
The Fall Workshop is all about hive health and how to support the bees to make it through winter. Hands-on beekeeping experience encompasses hive checks and consolidation, hive feeding, and insulating for winter. It also includes detailed instructions on our very successful biodynamic approach to varroa and other “pests” and ensuring a healthy hive biome.
The Winter Immersion is our inward and outward preparation for the following season. Our hands-on experience is centered around exploring hive types and weaving a sun hive together. We get to dive into the forms and substances of the beehives, the path and medicinal properties of propolis, wax, and honey and how to work with these. Winter also gives an opportunity to deepen our inner and meditative connection with the bees.
