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COURTNEY FREED SHARES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CRYSTALS
Talk to Courtney Freed for 10 minutes, and the conversation is likely going to turn to crystals. She’s passionate about the subject—and her enthusiasm is contagious.
So when we decided to highlight Courtney in the B3 Magazine, there was no question of what the topic would be. Read on to get to know Courtney and her passion.
B3 MAGAZINE: Crystals are suddenly everywhere, but you’ve been interested in them for years. What drew you them?
COURTNEY: One of the things I find the most fascinating is that crystals are is in no way a new trend. Ancient cultures used crystals for spiritual purposes, tribal cultures still use them. For thousands of years, people around the world have recognized the power of crystals and revered them.
B3 MAGAZINE: If someone is new to the world of crystals, where should they start?
COURTNEY: I would suggest everyone get a piece of clear quartz or rose quartz. They’re easy to find, and quartz is a balancer of the entire chakra system—something everyone can use. Beyond that, start with some little tumbled stones. They’re usually really inexpensive, so buying a few isn’t a huge commitment. This will give you a chance to explore which stones you’re drawn to.
B3 MAGAZINE: What do you think it means when you’re drawn to a certain stone?
COURTNEY: We’re drawn to things for a reason. I liken it to picking out a piece of art. You might not know why you’re pulled to a specific crystal, but there’s something about it that’s going to serve you. Go with your gut.
B3 MAG: We know a lot of people like to turn to crystals as a way to help with stress and anxiety. Which ones do you like for this?
COURTNEY: Absolutely! Anything purple is related to the spiritual realm and has calming properties. Amethyst is a great one, as is Lepidolite—it has Lithium in it, and it has traditionally been used for people with anxiety. It’s a very calming stone. Other stones with calming energy that I like are Celestite, Angelite, and Selenite. If I’m going on a trip and want to feel less anxious and more grounded, I’ll carry one of those stones in my purse.
Black stones are also thought to be grounding, and dark stones that are black or dark red are associated with calm energy.
B3 MAG: On the other end of the spectrum, what crystals do you like when you want to boost your energy?
COURTNEY: Pyrite (also known as fool’s gold) is a great energizing stone. Tiger’s eye, or anything with a bright color inspires energy, as does Ruby, or anything with fiery colors. Keep these stones in your workplace or exercise space to boost your energy when you need it most.
B3 MAG: Aside from just placing them near you, how else do you use crystals?
COURTNEY: The possibilities are limitless! You can make an essential-oil room spray and drop a crystal in the bottle to add positive energy to your room. Taking a bath with some sea salt and a piece of moonstone helped me relax and feel like a goddess during my pregnancies! Some people add a crystal to their drinking water—this is known as a “gem remedy” and will infuse water with the energy of the stone—but keep in mind that not all crystals are suitable for use in water. Quartz is a great safe option.
B3 MAG: You talk about taking care of your crystals. What do you mean by this?
COURTNEY: I “clear” crystals frequently, as often as monthly. To recharge the energy in your stones, place them in a bowl of salt overnight, and the salt will purify them. You can also leave your stones outside during a full moon to recharge them. Sun and sage can also be used to clear a crystal’s energy.
B3 MAGAZINE: You have a few go-to crystal shops in Portland, but what if you live somewhere without shops like these?
COURTNEY: There are some great online crystal shops, and Etsy can be a good source, too.
So many people have asked Courtney to pick out crystals for them that she finally started selling a Crystal Starter Kit. (Needless to say, the B3 Home Office team has already placed its orders.)
Talk to Courtney Freed for 10 minutes, and the conversation is likely going to turn to crystals. She’s passionate about the subject—and her enthusiasm is contagious.
So when we decided to highlight Courtney in the B3 Magazine, there was no question of what the topic would be. Read on to get to know Courtney and her passion.
B3 MAGAZINE: Crystals are suddenly everywhere, but you’ve been interested in them for years. What drew you them?
COURTNEY: One of the things I find the most fascinating is that crystals are is in no way a new trend. Ancient cultures used crystals for spiritual purposes, tribal cultures still use them. For thousands of years, people around the world have recognized the power of crystals and revered them.
B3 MAGAZINE: If someone is new to the world of crystals, where should they start?
COURTNEY: I would suggest everyone get a piece of clear quartz or rose quartz. They’re easy to find, and quartz is a balancer of the entire chakra system—something everyone can use. Beyond that, start with some little tumbled stones. They’re usually really inexpensive, so buying a few isn’t a huge commitment. This will give you a chance to explore which stones you’re drawn to.
B3 MAGAZINE: What do you think it means when you’re drawn to a certain stone?
COURTNEY: We’re drawn to things for a reason. I liken it to picking out a piece of art. You might not know why you’re pulled to a specific crystal, but there’s something about it that’s going to serve you. Go with your gut.
B3 MAG: We know a lot of people like to turn to crystals as a way to help with stress and anxiety. Which ones do you like for this?
COURTNEY: Absolutely! Anything purple is related to the spiritual realm and has calming properties. Amethyst is a great one, as is Lepidolite—it has Lithium in it, and it has traditionally been used for people with anxiety. It’s a very calming stone. Other stones with calming energy that I like are Celestite, Angelite, and Selenite. If I’m going on a trip and want to feel less anxious and more grounded, I’ll carry one of those stones in my purse.
Black stones are also thought to be grounding, and dark stones that are black or dark red are associated with calm energy.
B3 MAG: On the other end of the spectrum, what crystals do you like when you want to boost your energy?
COURTNEY: Pyrite (also known as fool’s gold) is a great energizing stone. Tiger’s eye, or anything with a bright color inspires energy, as does Ruby, or anything with fiery colors. Keep these stones in your workplace or exercise space to boost your energy when you need it most.
B3 MAG: Aside from just placing them near you, how else do you use crystals?
COURTNEY: The possibilities are limitless! You can make an essential-oil room spray and drop a crystal in the bottle to add positive energy to your room. Taking a bath with some sea salt and a piece of moonstone helped me relax and feel like a goddess during my pregnancies! Some people add a crystal to their drinking water—this is known as a “gem remedy” and will infuse water with the energy of the stone—but keep in mind that not all crystals are suitable for use in water. Quartz is a great safe option.
B3 MAG: You talk about taking care of your crystals. What do you mean by this?
COURTNEY: I “clear” crystals frequently, as often as monthly. To recharge the energy in your stones, place them in a bowl of salt overnight, and the salt will purify them. You can also leave your stones outside during a full moon to recharge them. Sun and sage can also be used to clear a crystal’s energy.
B3 MAGAZINE: You have a few go-to crystal shops in Portland, but what if you live somewhere without shops like these?
COURTNEY: There are some great online crystal shops, and Etsy can be a good source, too.
So many people have asked Courtney to pick out crystals for them that she finally started selling a Crystal Starter Kit. (Needless to say, the B3 Home Office team has already placed its orders.)
