Aster (or Asterisk)

is an instrument used by the Greeks in the liturgy-resembling a star of precious metal, surmounted by a cross, which is placed on the paten to cover the, host, and support a veil from contact with the eucharist. It recalls the mystic star of the magi, which is commemorated as the priest censes the aster. In modern times the arches are riveted together at the point of intersection, but so loosely as to admit of one arch being turned within the other for convenience of carriage. See Neale, Eastern Church, Introd. p. 350; Daniel, Codex. Liturgicus, 4:336, 390.