Genus: Aster: Novi-belgii

Meaning: Farewell,

So named because it bloomed around St Michaels day, a festival celebrated on 29^th September. Although now a Christian festival it has it roots firmly in ancient Pagan practices.

It is one of the 4 quarter days, because it falls near the equinox, it is associated with the beginning of Autumn, the shortening of days - the others being Christmas, Lady Day and St John the Baptist day. These holidays were communally celebrated during the "age of faith" - reassigned from already established astrologically based pagan festivals.

There are many different verities within the Aster family, coming in colours of white, pink, blue, lilac and purple, and they have a long history of mythological importance, medicinal value and religious significance.

Astor means *Star* and in pagan England it was often known as *starwort* [wort meaning, "root"] signifying plants with healing properties.

Its meaning "Farewell" is thought to come from the fact that you are saying goodbye to summer as we celebrate the fruits of our labour during the harvest festival, giving thanks for what we have received, in order to move forward into Autumn.

As we go forward on our life path, there are many things and people that we will have to say farewell to in order that we learn and grow through our experiences, and hopefully gain wisdom as we do so.

Farewells of course are often difficult, whether it's letting go of friends and loved ones for various reasons, or having to except changes in our lives, or having to let go of old ideas that no longer serve a purpose.

Human beings tend to hang on to people and things for far longer than is good for us, especially when change doesn't look all that great.

Although the Michaelmas daisy is actually considered a weed by the gardening purists, I'm happy to say the English cottage gardens are full of them [plus many other beautiful weeds??], and with its gorgeous deep lilac colour, I think it was a lovely choice of flower for St Michael, the Angel of protection, honour, strength and healing.

 

SAYING FAREWELL TO SUMMER

Once again it is that time of year

When I have to say farewell to the sun.

The leaves are changing

As the trees now cloak themselves

In red, yellow and gold.

True sentinels of Mother Earth

Showing their allegiance to the Creator,

By the colours they adorn.

Winds grow colder

Blowing away the cobwebs in my thoughts,

Leaving me my dreams to nurture and protect.

The time is drawing near for me to retreat,

As winter lets me know she is just round the corner.

Yet summer in her defiance,

Brings me a bright sunny evening

Kissing my cheeks with her warmth,

As I say my prayers of thanks,

Upon a hillside bathed in gold.

It is that time when I reflect upon the year,

And all the people that I have met

Who left their footprints upon my path.

Some kind and gentle, who drew a smile from my soul,

Some deceitful and unkind whose lies drew

Tears of blood from my heart.

But I still give thanks to all I have known,

For each in their way,

Strengthened my resolve

In that my heart will remain open,

To greet with trust and love, both new and old.

And as the autumn shadows bring in the night,

I ask the Great Spirit up above

To hold my soul safely in arms divine

Till the morning keep,

Thus giving me strength and healing

To greet a new day with renewed grace and hope.

© Ali C

 

By Ali Clarke

Wisdom and Healing of Flowers

“How do I live in the Magic? Be asked… Well… I find a cup of tea works wonders {{chuckle}}, as no matter what the weather, or what time of day or night it is, when the stresses of life threaten to overwhelm, I make a cuppa and join the fairy folk in the garden.

For those few precious minutes, my mind switches off while I stand and listen to nature.

Hence my mantra 'while there's tea, there's Hope.’  Not to mention of course that tea leaves sprinkled around roses help stop 'black spot'

My Grandmother always told me 'Keep things Simple’ and the older I've become, the more I understand how right she was.”

Ali spent more years than she cares to remember as a qualified alternative health practitioner, but now leaves the rushing around for the younger generation, and has moved into absent healing via meditation and prayers.

Four years ago she took up painting again after more than thirty years since she’d last held a paintbrush, wanting pictures to go with her many prayers, blessings and poems. One day she hopes it will all go into a book to raise money for charity, whilst bringing healing, hope, pleasure and uplift to yet more people that need it, through colour and the spoken word.

“It is important to have a dream, even if the goal is never reached, as you just never know how many lives you can touch in a positive way, without actually knowing it.

Healing Blessings”

Ali has been a member of Enchanted Folk since September 2007

members.enchantedfolk.com/www.sacred-echoes-art