Ravenhawk's Herb of the Month: Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle

About the Plant: Blessed Thistle Cnicus benedictus[Common Names; St. Benedict’s thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle, spotted thistle.

Blessed Thistle is an annual plant growing to 60 cm tall, with leathery, hairy leaves up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, with small spines on the margins. The flowers are yellow, produced in a dense flowerhead (capitulum) 3–4 cm diameter, surrounded by numerous spiny basal bracts. Blessed thistle blooms mid-summer to early fall. Blessed thistle is a prickly plant with pale yellow flowers that grows in sunny and stony places. It has been used for centuries as a medicine, a magic herb, and a weather predictor.

Blessed thistle has a bitter taste that stimulates the appetite and digestion. It can also help with liver and gallbladder problems, lower cholesterol levels, improve skin conditions, prevent bone loss, and boost the immune system. It is often brewed as a tea or taken as a supplement.

Blessed thistle is associated with Mars, Aries, fire, and the Mother Goddess. It is a powerful herb for protection, purification, hex-breaking, vitality, and abundance. It can also bring clarity to anger and resentment, and help cope with challenges.

Some of the ways to use blessed thistle in magick are: Carry the flower heads in your pocket or wear them as a charm to ward off evil and attract courage. Burn the dried leaves or flowers in a fire or as incense to cleanse the area, break curses, and repel thieves. Make a wand or a broom from the stems to direct energy and cast spells. Add the leaves or flowers to a bath or a spray to purify yourself and your surroundings. Place a bowl of blessed thistle in a room to bring strength and joy.

Blessed thistle is a wonderful herb to have in your garden or your pantry. It can heal your body, protect your home, and enhance your magic.

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