As with many folklore stories, the setting is way in the past. This story deals with the reigning Irish gods of the time and how even gods, have family problems. Only the gods can let their family feuds affect the whole of humanity though.
Dian Cecht, God of Medicine
In the order of gods, Dian Cecht was the Irish god of medicine and head of the healing order. He had two children, Miach, a son and Airmid, a daughter. Miach was due to inherit the role as head of the order and replace his father in due time.
Miach's skills and reputation or healing began to outshine Dian Cecht's. Whether he was a rebel and just couldn't wait to take his father's place or he was such a grand healer that the thought never occurred to him to not heal someone, problems ensued. Again, whether Dian Cecht was jealous of his son's abilities or whether it was a rebellion from his son that the fellow gods could not allow, he had to act. However, his method of choice is not something the modern world would see as appropriate since gods reacted in much harsher and final ways.
The Death of Miach, Dian Cecht's Son
From jealousy or an effort to maintain order, Dian Cecht struck his own son's head with a sword. To his father's surprise, Miach healed his wound. His father swung a second time, cleaving through the skull. Miach healed himself again. Dian Cecht struck a third time, through the skull and to the brain. Miach healed himself once more. Outraged, his father took one more blow, this time cleaving his son's brain in two. This time, Miach died.
As the blood life of him ran into the Earth, it sprouted forth his knowledge in way of herbs. Miach's knowledge of healing found it's way into the world as 365 herbs sprouted. This can be seen as a final victory for Miach but also that from death, comes life.
It is said that there was a cure for the illnesses associated with the 365 nerves in the human body. Airmid, Miach's sister, gathered the herbs and arranged them in the human shape, according to their denoted nerve and healing properties. This way, the knowledge could be retained to further instruct and help humankind.
Dian Cecht, from jealousy or just determined to stay the only God of medicine, kicked the map Airmid created, scattering all the herbs throughout the world. If not for his actions that day, humans may have had access to the lost astronomical plant classification system.
Herbal Study Quote by Paracelsus
- Paraceisus said: "The physician does not learn everything he must know and master at high college; from time to time he must consult old women, gypsies, magicians, wayfarers, and all manner of peasant folk and random people, and learn from them; for these have more knowledge about such things than all the high colleges... Therefore study each day without respite, investigate and observe diligently; despise nothing, and do not lightly put too much trust in yourself. Do not be arrogant when in fact you are helpless, and do not regard yourself as a master at the outset; for no one can achieve mastery without labor. Also, learn from those who are more experienced than you, for who can pretend to know everything? Who can be everywhere and know where all things lie? Therefore travel and explore everything, and whatever ones your way, take it without scorn and do not be ashamed to do so...For nature is so excellent in its gifts that...it better benefit a man to know one herb in the meadow, but to know it thoroughly, than to see the whole meadow without knowing what grows on it."
Modern Herbs, Uses and Representation
In modern interpretation, the Green Man, also of Irish origin, and the green herbs represent Miach's body. An herbalist must take care and respect because gathering herbs is a dismemberment of the god. When correctly administered, the healer is taking a part of Miach's ancient role of healing. Perhaps in time, the modern world will rediscover the map of Miach's herbs.
Definition of an herb: Any type of plant used for healing, food, scent or flavor is an herb. This includes any part; seeds, roots, stem, leaves, bark, fruits or flowers. They come in a variety such as trees, shrubs, flowers, perennials, annuals and ferns.
Natural Healing and Herbalists
There are many resources and books available for the beginner herbalist to the expert. Make sure to find a book that not only explains the uses of the herbs but also quantity and preparation. Browse through it to make sure the terminology is not too advanced, or beginner, for the associated relevance and experience.
Herbalism is a wonderful to explore. Whether as a side-career or just for home remedies, herbs provide the world with many cures for ailments that doctor's and modern medicine do not without severe side-effects. Herbalism is an ancient art that can be studied and used even today.
For further reading of Irish history, visit articles by the featured writer for the topic in Suite101, Jennifer Young.
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