The dragonfly, a symbol of transformation, adaptability, and spiritual insight, held profound significance in ancient Irish tradition. It was seen as a creature that could move freely between worlds. They are thought to embody the Tuatha Dé Danann, ancestors of the Irish and a legendary race of deities and mystical beings who were deeply connected to the natural and supernatural realms.
The Tuatha Dé Danann were known as the "People of the Goddess Danu," a powerful race that came to Ireland from the heavens, bringing with them extraordinary knowledge and magical abilities. They were warriors as well as skilled healers and masters of the land, embodying a perfect harmony with nature. The dragonfly, with its delicate wings and iridescent beauty, mirrored the Tuatha Dé Danann's own ethereal nature and their ability to transcend ordinary human limitations.
In Irish mythology, dragonflies were believed to be the souls of the ancestors, returning to visit the living or guiding them through times of change. Their ability to swiftly dart between water, land, and sky made them symbols of agility and resilience, reflecting the Tuatha Dé Danann's mastery over the elements and their ability to navigate both the physical and spiritual worlds.
At Spiral Herbal Remedies, we draw inspiration from these ancient symbols and traditions. Donna Troy Cleary, Clinical Herbalist, Former Registered Nurse and our founder has come to embody the spirit of the Dragonfly. She carries the legacy of Irish herbalism, a tradition deeply intertwined with the beliefs of the Tuatha Dé Danann and blends it with the knowledge of Modern Biomedicine. Her discovery of her ancestral roots—descendants of prominent herbalism families in Ireland—has guided her path in reclaiming and preserving this ancient knowledge.
Donna's paternal family, a Hereditary Herbalism Family dating back to the 11th Century in Ireland, established a renowned Herbal Medical School that flourished from 1400 to 1700. Her maternal lineage, too, was a Hereditary Herbalism Family for centuries, contributing to significant publications on herbal knowledge in the 1500s. These families, much like the Tuatha Dé Danann, maintained a sacred connection to the land and its healing properties, even as their practices were suppressed under British occupation.
Herbalism, as practiced by Donna, is not just about healing the body but also about restoring a connection to the earth and the ancient wisdom that our ancestors held dear. The dragonfly, as a symbol of this connection, represents the delicate balance between past and present, reminding us of the importance of embracing our roots while adapting to the ever-changing world around us.
At Spiral Herbal Remedies, we continue the work of our ancestors, blending ancient Irish herbal practices with modern techniques to create remedies that are both effective and deeply respectful of the natural world. They are also Organic and are made with love by Donna. Just as the Tuatha Dé Danann revered the dragonfly as a messenger of transformation, we honor this tradition by crafting products that aim to transform your health and well-being.
The image of the dragonfly in this post was taken today. It sits on the door of our shop, watching over us. They show up constantly for Herbalist Donna as a reminder to look both backward and forward in our journey to health.
Explore more about the rich history of Irish herbalism in our other blog posts. Discover how these ancient practices continue to influence our work today and how you can incorporate this wisdom into your own life.
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