“Outta My Way” Powder:

Intent: To remove difficult obstacles caused by other people.

Ingredients:

• Sumac Berries (sub: Vetiver)
• Galangal Root (sub: Cinnamon)
• White Oak Bark
• Sassafras
• Black Sugar
• Cloves

Materials:

• Mortar & Pestle
• Funnel
• Mesh Strainer
• Collection Dish
• Container

IMPORTANT NOTE: There many species of Sumac growing in North America, and it’s important to know the difference if you go out to harvest your berries from the wild.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) or Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) are the ones you want. They have narrow leaves, upright cones of fuzzy red berries, and are relatively harmless. The fruit, which ripens from July through September (search in the fall for dried cones), is edible and can be used to make a pinkish, lemony-flavored drink, or ground to add spice to meat and vegetables.

Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a mimic and is not true sumac. It has white berries, wider leaves, and causes an itchy and highly uncomfortable rash, and should be scrupulously avoided. A general rule of thumb: if you see a plant whose leaves have an oily-looking sheen, DO NOT TOUCH IT. “Leaves that shine, no friend of mine.” Better safe than sorry.

If you cannot obtain wild sumac (or just don’t want to go tramping through the woods), the berries are available for purchase online, or you can substitute Vetiver.

Grind each ingredient separately for several minutes to produce fine powder. Sieve the material through the mesh strainer into the collection dish; this removes the larger ungrindable pieces and gives you cleaner powdered herb. (Pro-Tip: Putting a funnel under the strainer helps reduce lost material.)

For the White Oak Bark, Sassafras, and Galangal Root, retain the leftover large pieces that don’t make it through the strainer. You can use this for loose incense or charm bags later. Remember, witchlings: waste not, want not! (If you don’t have Galangal Root handy, plain cinnamon will suffice.)

Combine the component powders in the collection dish, mix well, and bottle immediately.

Sprinkle where you know the person who is the cause of your problem will be walking. Alternatively, you can write down a list of your grievances, the method by which you want to obstacle removed, and the ideal outcome, then add a few pinches of the powder and folder the paper into a tight packet (use tape on the edges). You can stick this in a jar or keep it tucked away or carry it in your pocket, whichever is more relevant to your situation.

Source: Bree Landwalker

Quote: For more recipes to fill out your potion kit, you can check out Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. (Available on Amazon and in my shop!)

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