The Powwow Guy

In the early days of the Pennsylvania Germans, the idea that evil (and thus, the Devil) could influence our lives for the negative was quite prevalent. One method of combating and preventing the influence of the Devil was a charm pouch of Deivel's dreck, which is a Pennsylvania Dutch word meaning "Devil's Dung" or, in the common tongue, Asafoetida. Asafoetida is a foul-smelling Middle Eastern spice that, when cooked, adds a very mild onion flavor to the food. However, it's uncooked raw smell is so strong as to be nearly impossible to handle without the stench permeating into the very wood of your home!

Because of it's strong and unpleasant aroma, asafoetida is used in charms to keep evil at bay. Called "Devil's Dung" by the Pennsylvania Dutch, it's believed to keep evil away, protect from illness, banish witches, and even discourage enemies from coming after you. A pinch or two in a muslin bag, worn round the neck, will cure most illnesses and prevent many others. It will also banish a witchery cast upon you (a curse).

You can also cast a pinch or two of Deivel's Dreck across your threshold to keep enemies from entering your home. If anyone with ill-intent steps over the Deivel's Dreck, their power is instantly eliminated. Thus, you can host even the most heinous of witches in your home and the Deivel's Dreck renders them powerless!

Asafoetida can be purchased as a powder at nearly any grocery store, just look in the International aisle. Please handle it carefully as the smell is so overpowering it can make you sick. I recommend putting the container in a sealable plastic bag, then putting that inside a plastic or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Only a tiny spoonful is needed for a pouch to keep evil at bay.