"After Miach had been buried by his father, from the joints
and sinews of his body there grew three hundred and sixty-five herbs, one for each joint and sinew. Then his sister Airmed
opened her mantle and separated these herbs according to their
properties."
___ The Second Battle of Moytura, in "Lebor Gabala Erenn"
(Trans. CM)
Each of the healing herbs that grew from the body of the healer Miach (MEE'ak) has its own special properties. The lore surrounding healing herbs has been handed down from healer to healer since earliest times, when herbs were the only medicine anyone had. The way in which this wisdom was originally obtained is a method that we can also use: working with spirit of the plant allows us to discover its uses and properties. Not only can preparations of leaves, flowers, or roots bring cure, but they can also convey the wisdom of the plant's spirit. The most helpful herbs are usually those that are common and plentiful, and it is respectful to the spirits of our own land to seek these out and allow their local and immediate properties to help us.
"Walk in nature, asking to be shown an herb, plant or tree that can bring healing to an ailment that you currently have. Let your attention be drawn only to the plant in question: you will begin to notice that one particular plantalmost waves at you. Go and sit with it, without touching it. Greet the spirit of the plant and intuit from sitting with it what kinds of things it is good for. Ask permission to take a sample from the plant, and take a very small part if this feels all right. In return, sing a song, pull out a hair and leave it nearby, or breathe your blessing upon the plant by way of thanks. Identify your plant, if you do not know what it is. Check your findings in a book of herbal properties. Do not use the herb in any preparations to inget or anoint, however; this is the work of a professional herbalist, whom you can consult. Work only with the spirit of the plant. Visit the spirit of the plant to ask what actions or rituals can help bring healing. Give thanks. "
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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