Vervain should be picked during the dark moon at the rising of the Dog Star, just before it flowers. It is cut with a golden sickle and raised high with the left hand. After saying a prayer of thanks, leave a gift of honey, milk, or cider on the earth for her sacrifice. When gathering Vervain recite the following traditional rhyme from Lancashire. Hallowed be thou, Vervain, As thou growest on the ground.
