If you try to pull Thistle with your bare hands, it's stubborn, prickly, and can cause a rash. When used in a spell, it counters all those negative aspects: it will lift depression, remove unwanted influences, motivate you, bring out creative inspiration, and call upon helpful spirits. When you use Thistle for protection, it can work either way- to break a hex against you, or cast a hex towards another. Thistles' prickly, stubborn aspect is attributed to Mars and can bring on an aggressive protectiveness. Because of its duel qualities, it is a very versatile and easy herb to get a hold of (just check your yard in the summer).