Also called Dian Cecht, Cainte.
Their story
Dian Cécht was the healer of the Tuatha Dé Danann who, with the smith Credne, made Nuada his silver hand. When his son Miach surpassed him by restoring Nuada's real arm, Dian Cécht struck him four times and killed him. During the Second Battle of Mag Tuired he and his children sang spells over the well of Sláine, and the wounded who were plunged into it came out whole.
Best times to give to them
- Imbolc
- pattern days at holy wells
- when someone is unwell
What they like being given
- clean spring water
- a sprig of a healing herb
- oatcakes
- a ribbon tied at a well, where the site allows it
How to honour them
- Say a short prayer for healing over a glass of water before you drink it.
- Grow or tend a healing herb in his name, and learn what it is truly good for.
- Treat his help as a companion to proper medical care, never a replacement for it.
How they can help you
- health and recovery
- those who work in medicine
- patience during long illness
Symbols
- the well of Sláine
- healing herbs
- the silver hand
His jealousy towards Miach is part of the story, a reminder that the old gods were not simply kindly figures.
Sources
- Cath Maige Tuired
- Lebor Gabála Érenn
More Celtic gods
- The Dagda The good god, father of all
- Lugh Master of all the arts
- Cernunnos The antlered one of the wild
- Manannán mac Lir Lord of the sea and the Otherworld
- Aengus The young god of love
- Nuada The king with the silver hand
- Goibniu Smith of the gods and brewer of the feast
- Credne The bronze-worker of the Tuatha Dé