There are very few mentions of the herbalist goddess Airmed in Celtic lore. We know from the stories that she is a healer from the Tuatha de Danann, one of the groups of Gods and Goddesses of Pagan Ireland. She comes from a family of healers. Together with her father Dian Cecht (a god of medicine) and her brother Miach ( a god of surgery), she tended a sacred spring that brought the dead back to life. A 15^th century Celtic manuscript (Dindsenchas) tell us:

“The slain and mortally wounded were cast into a healing well over which Dian Cecht, his son Miach and his daughter Airmed sang incantations, and all were restored to full vigor.”

Dian Cécht was the healer for the Tuatha De Danann. He made King Nuada a silver arm which could move and function as a normal arm. Later, Dian Cecht’s son, Miach, replaced the silver arm with an arm of flesh and blood, and Dian Cecht killed him out of envy. Miach’s sister, Airmed, mourned over her brother’s grave. As her tears fell, all the healing herbs of the world grew from the grave. Airmed arranged and catalogued them, but then Dian Cécht again reacted with anger and jealousy and scattered the herbs, destroying his daughter’s work as well as his son’s. For this reason, it is said that no human knows the healing properties of all the herbs. Airmid still remembers the powers of the herbs, and can teach us their secrets.

Through her, we may learn to use and appreciate the sacred power of plants. Her medicinal herbs were powerful, offering cures for every part of the body. Airmid’s herbs continue to have power, whether in seed and root, bud and stem, or flower and leaf. Fresh or dried, the herbs still have effect. She works through nature’s cycles, and through the energy that connects the body’s joints and sinews. Through our work in ritual with Airmid, we can learn to harness the healing powers of herbs and plants, to bring healing to ourselves and those around us.

Looking Deeper with Dian Cecht and Airmid

AIRMID:

• What is your current relationship with the plant world? Do you have a garden? What are your favorite plants? Prepare a space where you can begin planting the herbs and plants that we work with in Old Ways Witchery. Some of them, such as Blackthorn and Mandrake, may need to be obtained online. Call upon Airmid for guidance with planting and tending.
• Begin a study of the medicinal qualities of various herbs and plants. Include in your studies the uses of herbal teas and flower essences.
• Airmid is a compassionate healer. She encourages us to bring healing to others from a place of compassion and knowledge, rather than boastfulness or pride.

DIAN CECHT:

• Lore surrounding Dian Cecht tells us that his symbol are two crossed branches of oak and mistletoe. These are items that can be used to evoke his presence.
• His actions remind us not to compare our gifts with those of others. Let us put aside envy and jealousy, and seek to learn from those who have excelled in their craft.
• Seek his strength after times of trial and struggle. He is a healer of those in battle.

Another interesting thing often mentioned in the old Celtic legends is the working of magic through singing. Various tales have mentioned how healing, joy and rest were bestowed upon others through song or the playing of an instrument. This type of singing seems to be intuitive and inspired, rather than a specific song with words. In the story of Dian Cecht, Airmid and Miach, we see how they incorporated the singing of incantations. It is a powerful thing to experience, intuitively singing while doing healing work. It doesn’t have to be lyrical, just sing as you feel guided, and sense the healing energies flowing from you to the recipient. If you have written a healing chant, practice setting it to music and singing it aloud when doing healing work for others. This is another magical skill that cannot be learned from a book or a physical teacher, one that must be developed and brought out from within, with the help of our spiritual guides and gods.

The Old Ways Are Alive,

Rick