Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind your birth flower.

October: Aster
Alternate: Morning Glory

The Aster includes 600 species of star shaped flowering plants. The name is Greek, meaning "star". Most of the species are found in gardens because of their showy flowers and petals. The Aster is unique for its delicate purple color suggesting a manner in which these core aspects of the Self are brought to a very high spiritual level of expression. The Aster can also be found in a variety of other colors including blue and white.

The Aster is known for its well defined physical structure and strong integrative features. Because of this it is thought that the Aster has qualities of strength, immunity and integration. Depending on the exact species, Asters begin growing in the summer and continue growing through the fall.

In order to multiply and continue to grow well, Asters should be transplanted and divided at the room every other year. It is best to do this in early spring, keeping the root wet the day before and after dividing it. Doing this will rejuvenate the plant, help with size control and also give you more of them to add to the garden. Aster's grow best in rich wet soil, and can be grown either in direct sunlight or in the shade.

Fun and interesting fact: Legend has it that burning the Aster leaves will keep away snakes. In French tradition it is said that placing the flowers on the grave of a dead soldier is a tribute to his bravery.

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