The Magi's Garden : Aster

Description: The aster is a perennial which prefers moist meadows and marshes throughout the United states and southern Canada. They may produce a leafy, upright stem, weakly erect stems growing from a creeping stem, or form a clump. The simple leaves alternate. They may be smooth or toothed along the margins. The flowers vary from very small to two inches across with white, yellow, lavender, blue, or pink petals. The blooms appear in late fall in branching clusters or sprays at the top of a stem or in the upper leaf axils. The seeds have barbed hairs.

Effects: gentle
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Associated Deities: Venus

Traditions:
The aster is sacred to all Greek gods and was habitually placed on their altars.

Magic:
Asters are suitable for love sachets. They may also be carried or grown in the garden for the same purpose.
Aster may also be used protectively. When burned, the aster is said to ward off evil spirits and snakes.

Known Combinations:
none noted

Medical Indications: Parts Used: none noted

Nutrition: none noted

Mercantile Uses:
The flowers are often placed in potpourris.