Animal Symbolism – Bumble Bee

By Trish Phillips

I have to admit, bees invoke a fear response in me. When I was 14, I swatted at a bumble bee while mowing the lawn. It was one of the cute, chubby, black-and-yellow striped bees characterized in cartoons and children’s books. It stung me on the pinkie finger of my right hand. Subsequently, my hand swelled up to look like a water balloon and all four fingers were touching even though I was holding my hand out like a five-year-old child demonstrating their age. It was not a pleasant experience or memory, although it makes me chuckle now… the same way that last statement probably made you chuckle.

bumble bee on flowerThe bee symbolizes community, brightness and personal power. Follow the bee to discover your new destination.

History

The ancient Druids saw the bee as symbolising the sun, the Goddess, celebration, and community. At festivals, mead was usually drunk - the main ingredient of which is fermented honey.

In later Christian times, monks lived in beehive-shaped huts, which represented the aim of a harmonious community - whether it included oneself and Spirit or others as well.

Biological Characteristics

Bumblebees usually have fewer individuals in their colonies and store less honey compared with the honeybee. Bumblebees are one of few insects that have the ability to control their body temperature. The queen bee and her workers can shiver their flight muscles to warm themselves in cold weather. This allows them to fly and work at lower temperatures than most other insects. They are also kept warm by their large size and hairy coat.

Symbolism and Power

Some yogi masters are able to slow their heartbeat and adjust their body temperatures when in an altered state. This ability is associated to the ancient initiations of mastering the body, mind and spirit.

Those with this power animal more often than not have strong past life connections to the ancient secrets of longevity and can benefit from yoga. They also make good hypnotherapists.

ALL bees are productive, they stay focused on whatever they are doing and do not get sidetracked from their goal. Their legs are one of their most sensitive organs – they actually use them to taste. We are being reminded by the bee to slow down, to smell the flowers and taste the sweet nectar of life.

Those with this power animal may have hypoglycemia and diabetes. Hence, regular exercise and good nutrition is advisable.
The bumblebee is a highly important pollinator of many plants; they hold the power of service. When landing upon a flower to collect its nectar, pollen also attaches itself to the leg. This is then passed on to other flowers, creating a fertilization process. Their movement from one plant to plant represents the interconnectedness of all living things. The bumblebee is a messenger bringing the secrets of life and service.

If this is your power animal and your energy is scattered, the bumblebee can show you how to become focused again.

If you are stung, the message here is – WAKE UP! Follow the rhythm of your own heartbeat. Listen to your true self, your higher self. Heed your inner voice and wisdom.

If bumblebee finds you, you must follow its lead. If you do this you will come to the destination most suited for your new life awakening.


The lesson of the bumble bee is to become focused. Whether to awaken us into the moment, or to teach us to become fully engaged in our creative endeavors, the key is to focus with intention and be single-minded in purpose. The bee also shows us that all life is interdependent.

Ask for bumble bee help when:

  • You need help communicating with other people.
  • You question if you are aligned with your goals in life.
  • You wish to heed your inner voice and wisdom.

Access bumble bee power by…

  • Extracting the sweetness of life.
  • Being productive while the sun shines
  • Pursuing your dream, no matter how great it seems.

References:

Power Animals: How to Connect with Your Animal Spirit Guide, Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D., pp. 55-59.

Animal Wisdom: the definitive guide, Jessica Dawn Palmer, pp. 63-66.

Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small, Ted Andrews, pp. 339-340.

www.shamanicjourney.com