Blessed thistle is an annual that seeds readily. Like many other species in the thistle family, it grows in poor and rocky soil conditions and is considered a weed. But in some parts of the world, Blessed Thistle is cultivated for its medical properties. In the past, its been thought that Blessed thistle can cure the plague, as well as improving circulation and memory. From a modern-day homeopathy perspective, Blessed thistle is used to relieve menstrual symptoms, and liver cleansing.
Parts Used: seeds, fruit, leaves, stems
Latin: Carbenia benedicta
Common names: Holy thistle, St. Benedict's Thistle (do not confuse with milk thistle), LADY'S THISTLE, MARY THISTLE, WILD ARTICHOKE
Using in rituals
I've always had blessed thistle on hand, but further research seems to show that its not that popular an herb (magickally speaking, that is).
Blessed thistle is used in rituals for protection and cleansing. It can also be used to remove hexes or curses, or any magick to turn negative energy back towards the sender.
Growing blessed thistle outside your house will keep theives from your door.
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Milk thistle is found in pastures and wastelands. Its leaves are large and gray, with silver-white veins and prickly edges. The herb's purple flowers are large surrounded by spines. It is believed that milk thistle received its medicinal powers and the name marianum because a drop of milk from the Virgin Mary's breast milk fell on the plant as she cut thistle fodder for her donkey. For centuries, milk thistle has been used to aid all manner of problems associated with the liver. It enhances liver detoxification with its active ingredient, silymarin, which binds to membranes, preventing damage from toxic chemicals and free radicals. Milk thistle increases milk production in lactating women.
When working properly, the liver processes and releases bile to break and digest our food. This destructive process is necessary for a healthy body. When we hold on to primitive negative emotions, they get stored in the liver. Anger corrodes the vessel that contains it. In our society, anger in most forms is not acceptable emotion for people, especially women, to express. Anger can when it is managed. Yet we often run from this emotion, keeping busy, overeating, drinking, and other addictions to avoid facing the feeling.This serves only to separate ourselves from our emotions, perpetuating the anger because are buying into the fear and belief in the unworthiness of "ugly" emotion. When we allow angry feelings to control us in this way, we are out ( homeostasis or balance. Homeostasis is often thought to come about when forces are in equal proportion; but in fact, it exists when contrary state work in harmony. The next time you are feeling exceptionally angry, try meditation. The milk thistle in it cleanses hate and supports love.
1/4 cup milk thistle seeds to 2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Steep 15 minutes. take the herbs from the tea.( straining it.)
Light on 1 white candle and begin to sip the tea. "Write down everything you are
angry about. Circle the words that trigger the strongest reaction. Make a list of
words. For each word, ask yourself what are the benefits and rewards for
on to this state of being. Recognize the damage caused by holding on to
hurtful feelings.
write down all the circled trigger words on a separate piece of paper.Take and place a small pinch of milk thistle seeds on the paper. Fold the paper up and put away Write, I no longer attract these hurtful feelings into my life.
*it's okay to be angry. It can activate change, but once change has been motivated, let go of the anger. You have drawn every experience and person into your life for the highest good, not your human comfort. Fold the paper up again and write:
I no longer see these things as hurtful feelings in my life.
*When you choose to act from a place of true power and birthright to receive love, you do not need anger to protect you. Turn the paper so that when you fold it again, you fold it away from you. Fold it again and write in red marker or dragon's blood:
I see only love, I attract only love, I am only love.
*keep the paper on your altar , then burn safely and bury the ashes.