Thistles in folklore, history & magic
Lets Talk About Thistles!
Everything from the stems to the seeds on thistles has it's foot in folklore and history! It's be refereed to as "blessed thistle" for its use in countering poisons, ( more notably mushroom poisoning ) and a curer of other common ailments like constipation, indigestion, and liver problems, and is looked to for body cleansing. It is said that burning the seeds of a thistle wards off evil, breaks fairy binds, and disperses elf-locks set on by malicious spirits. It's a strong and bold weed which is related to the common daisy and ragweed, and has been seen as a symbol of strength, and protection, as well as an emblem of independence and honour in medieval heraldry. The beauty of the thistle I find is that it's quite common in most places, it grows wild and if left alone strong, and just about anywhere, if a thistle chooses to grow by your house don't cut it down, I see it as such a good omen, an omen of protection and is one of my favourite ingredients in any protection or warding work. I grow so sad when people regard this strong plant as an "ugly, spiky weed" that is seen as more of a problem, then the blessed plant it used to be seen as.
Some Basic Correspondences
Uses : Warding evil, negativity, & ill will, used for banishment, hex breaking, and purification, protection, strength, love ( was often seen as an aphrodisiac, making men better lovers ) and is also said to be a good omen if grown by your home, as well as protective for one who carries one. ( great for charms )
M/F : Masculine
Planet : Mars
Element : Fire / Earth
Associations : Bravery, independence, luck, honour, protection, love, strength & chivalry.