Staff Spotlight: Courtney
Courtney brings so much soul to White Willow! Her title is Assistant to the Herbalist- but she’s much more than that! She beautifies the crystal displays, is the brains (and nose) behind many of our house-made aromatherapy perfumes, and she keeps us organized. Courtney loves sharing her magical knowledge. She writes our crystal blog, which, if you haven’t read it, goes so deep into the metaphysical properties of the stones that you can be pulled into the energy just from her words.
We interviewed Courtney so you can get to know her a little better:
What’s brings you joy?
Discovering new ways to be creative with magic and self care
What do you like most about your work?
I get to learn so much about so many different magical topics and healing modalities — I learn new things literally every day.
If you were a mythical creature, who would you be?
Phoenix! I feel like I’m in a constant state of rebirth.
What crystal are you currently vibing with?
Celestite (as she’s holding one) because it feels comforting. Especially now that we’re in shadow season, it makes me feel cozy and held.
What herb are you currently vibing with?
Hibiscus — it feels cooling and cleansing.
What subject do you know a lot about?
Rocks! Fire magic, glamour magic, and working with animal spirit guides.
Which element do you most embody?
Fire — I feel passionate and determined.
What’s your signature dish?
Giant, juicy steaks.
What’s your favorite scent?
Patchouli — I put it in everything.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I want to visit the beaches in Australia.
What’s your favorite White Willow product?
Venusian Goddess oil, but I love the hair oil too. Wait, no it’s definitely Wild Hair Oil. I use it every week and it makes my hair feel so thick and healthy and luscious.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love to write. I’ve been writing poetry ever since I can remember and I write the crystal blogs for the shop!
So next time you’re in, bring your crystal and glamour magic questions for Courtney!
Staff Spotlight: April
If you’ve stepped foot in White Willow, you know April! She’s the ray of sunshine who greets everyone as they come in. And she’s been with us since we first moved to Old Vine over five years ago! She’s so famous around town that people call out “White Willow!” when they see her.
Not only does she manage the Emporium, April is also a beautifully talented Intuitive Oracle reader, Reiki Energyworker, and Candle Magic practitioner. People come to see her again and again for her insights and healing touch.
We interviewed April with some fun questions so you can get to know her a little better:
What brings you joy?
Being in nature, vibing with the earth – hiking, being in the water.
What do you like most about your work?
I love making authentic connections and supporting the people of my community as they come into the Emporium and through energy work. I love helping people remember they’re magic.
If you were a mythical creature, who would you be?
I would be a mermaid! Or a mermicorn!
What crystal are you currently vibing with?
Garnet and pyrite
What herb are you currently vibing with?
Damiana. I’ve been working with it, making incense, and I feel really connected to it. Damiana feels mysterious and smells amazing.
What subject do you know a lot about?
Crystals! Candle magic and candle making.
Which element do you most embody?
Earth and water. I’m practical in the material world but a feeler at heart.
What’s your signature dish?
Medicine Soup! It’s a coconut, turmeric, and ginger based soup that makes you feel better.
What’s your favorite scent?
Lately I love cardamom, rose, cinnamon, and black pepper. I like spicy.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I want to go to Egypt, Ireland, and Hawaii an get off the beaten path.
What’s your favorite White Willow product?
I love the Venusian Goddess Oil. I use it every day and it feels special every time.
What’s a fun fact about you?
My laugh makes other people laugh!
If you’d like to book an intuitive oracle reading, reiki, or order candle magic with April, click here to get on her schedule!
Smoky Quartz // Guide to the Underworld
The days are darkening.
As potent transformational energy releases into the air this shadow season, powerful magic should manifest with ease. This energy is incredibly malleable, and the veil between the worlds – the seen and unseen – is at its thinnest. The energies are aligned: we shouldn’t have to work so hard to create the things we desire at this time. They should magnetize to us effortlessly. It should take nothing more than the thought, “I want” for our hearts’ deepest longings to show up in our lives.
But we are painfully and blissfully human.
So of course we have our complications.
We are plagued with limiting beliefs and uncertainty. We worry whether things will work out, if our wishes, hopes, and dreams are being heard. We worry whether our healing is working – if the medicine is taking.
It is in these moments that we come to Smoky Quartz. We decide it is time to journey into the depths of our selves: the complicated workings of our psyches, the truths of uncomfortable emotions, and the mysteries of our shadows – little creatures in our minds that are in no way evil, but have a habit of blocking our paths to a thriving existence. We long for clarity and it is the kind of clarity that only this dark crystal can reveal. We may feel hesitant at first, or even nervous, unsure of what we might see when we peer within, but we hold the stone to our hearts:
It whispers the calming magic of loyalty and reassurance to our souls. It
promises protection through and through.
We receive this and know that no matter where this journey takes us, Smoky Quartz will remain by our sides, serving as our guide to the underworld from the moment we enter to the time we leave with arms full of treasures found in the shadowy depths.
A Window to the Soul
Smoky Quartz is a variation of quartz that has been altered by natural underground radiation, resulting in its otherworldly smokey appearance and a unique connection to the earth. Its color ranges from an ever so slightly shaded clear quartz to a dusty brown desert horizon to a dark earthy black, reminiscent of the darkness within the earth’s caves. This crystal is best known for its protective, grounding, and calming qualities, qualities that together serve as a crucial foundation for the deeply transformative work it inspires and aids.
This stone holds the cool energy of descent into the underworld, offering the constant reassurance that as we journey, we are undoubtedly safe. It is as if Hades himself emanates from its shadowed surface, extending a steady hand, ready to guide us into the depths of his realm as soon as we are ready to trust him and embark.
When we invite Smoky Quartz into our healing work, it immediately begins to share its power of calm with us. This is a powerful and sedative calm that washes over the entire body, permeating through to every worry in the mind, every fear, every area of stress and tension, melting them all away with its thorough cleansing.
This crystal is truly a window to the soul, and it is through its calming effects that it is able to claim this title. As the shadowy stone soothes us to our core, we release fear. More importantly, we release judgement.
In the absence of judgement, we are able to be fully present with ourselves. We see every aspect of who we are with no resistance or shame clouding our view. We hold acceptance for all of our darkness and appreciation for all of our light. We know that we are all of both; we are everything that exists within us. Nothing is irrelevant, and at the same time, nothing is so overwhelming that we cannot sit with it.
In this relaxed and regulated state, it is euphoric to be a witness to and for ourselves – to be an observer, simply noticing ourselves. Seeing what’s here within us – what needs to be embodied, what needs to be released, and what needs to be loved into integration.
As we sink fully into this state, Smoky Quartz is proud and elated that we can finally see ourselves the way it (and the universe!) sees us: pure soul. Through this embodied cosmic presence the stone of the shadows teaches us, we can begin the processes of shadow work from a place of light and ease.
Purification & Transmutation
As we move through the gritty processes of shadow work, we almost always discover unwanted energy within us – old coping mechanisms that aren’t necessary anymore, habits and behaviors we have outgrown and are no longer proud to exhibit, and frustrating patterns that are still playing out, born from wounds that have long since healed.
Whenever we notice these unwanted energies, we open ourselves to two powerful abilities that swim within the shimmering shadows of Smoky Quartz: purification and transmutation.
The crystal reaches deep into our energetic and emotional bodies, collecting sticky, stagnant energy that does not serve who we want to be. As we invite it to aid us in the process of releasing and changing those energies, it obliges us, moving to bring the unwanted into the light.
Smoky Quartz is an expert at purification, pulling the unwanted up to the surface and blasting it with light until it is reduced to ash and vanishes with the breath. It may also wash the unwanted away, break it up into nothingness, or set it
ablaze in a cleansing inferno. Its methods vary greatly, as this stone is connected to the elements of earth and air just as much as it summons fire and water. This crystal is ancient and flexible, and enjoys playing with energies in many different ways, like an immortal with all the time in the world to create and destroy.
The transmutation powers of this dark crystal may be even more impressive. This stone has the ability to pull energy into itself, work it like clay, changing it, alchemizing it into a totally different energy, making it a valuable ally for healing, glamour, and even baneful work. One can call on Smoky Quartz to pull fearful energy from an area in the body and transform it into well being. One could also ask for the crystal to absorb threatening energy, transforming it into fierce protection for its holder. It could even be intended that the stone pull joy and confidence from someone whom, for whatever reason, the user believes does not deserve those feelings, and transmute them into energies that would benefit the user instead.
Smoky Quartz is a loyal stone. It is here to guide and offer assistance; it is not here to judge our intentions.
Smoky Quartz is often described as a transmuter of negative energy specifically, absorbing the negative and transforming it into positive energy. While it is true that this stone is an alchemist, it is always urging us to look at the bigger picture, and reminds us that positive and negative are deeply subjective concepts – what is considered negative energy to one person could be a source of powerful radiance for someone else, and these views are completely true and valid for both of them.
Note that this crystal does not work in absolutes:
It is an intimate healer, and its power grows with the strength of the bond it has with its user. It is a brilliantly creative crystal that fuels from practice and cultivates unique methods of energy work for each and every person that uses it.
Because of its personal nature, it is best to let the stone lead the way. Hold the desire to be purified, or the intention to transmute one energy into another, then sit back and sink in as Smoky Quartz takes creative liberty with the way it will achieve these purposes for you.
The Shedding of the Snake
The influence of Scorpio energy is alive and wild in Smoky Quartz. The stone
of the shadows represents all of the decadent darkness held in the 8th house of astrology: sex, death, shadow work, taboos, magic, and transformation.
We can look at shadow work as the process of a snake shedding its skin. We notice ourselves, peel back the layers, look deep within, realize unwanted aspects, and purify and transmute them with the help of Smoky Quartz, emerging changed. Each time we do this, we summon change in profound ways, and if we do it often, we are guaranteed to find ourselves in an endless state of transformation.
As we work through our shadows, shedding our skin again and again, we often become nostalgic for simpler times when we did not know so much. We crave the innocence we held long ago. Smoky Quartz hold us tight through these raw feelings, having empathy for the complexities of humanity, and supports us with emotional nurturing while, still a stickler for the bigger picture, reminding us that we cannot shed and become less.
Smoky Quartz’s most bittersweet message is this:
You cannot go back to a version of yourself that has experienced less. Each time you shed, you become more. The wholeness that you are in this
moment would never fit in that old body. So let it go. Be who you are now: stronger than ever and full of grace and love for all aspects of yourself. This you is the best version yet.
If the darkness feels too heavy this shadow season, turn to Smoky Quartz as a precious friend. Allow yourself to take solace in its cool smokey shade, and know that you are protected when you align your intentions with this crystal from the depths of the earth. Remember that no place within you is too dark for energy to reach; no place is too hidden.
Smoky Quartz finds a way every time. And with its calming alchemy on your side, there is nothing you cannot heal – Nothing you cannot be.
© 2025 Courtney Covey. This content may not be reproduced without permission.
Malachite // Alchemist of the Soul
In the darkest moments of our lives, we all call out for universal assistance. Maybe we are dealing with an injury, hurting tremendously and begging our bodies for relief. Maybe we are sick, praying for the illness to pass so we can finally get on with our lives. Maybe we are in a pit of unimaginable grief, feeling alone and wondering if anyone else has ever felt this same pain. Maybe it’s chaos descending around us quickly like thick black clouds, and we don’t believe in a religion or a deity, but we must believe in something, because we find ourselves silently, desperately urging to find a way out to the light again.
We don’t always realize what we are asking for. But we are asking.
The answer comes when everything falls away for a moment. Pain hits its peak, sleep takes us, or emotions complete their movement and suddenly disappear, leaving little trace. From these moments when the momentum stops, a light appears: hope.
Welcome to the soul-renewing world of Malachite, the stone of transformation, home to some of the deepest energetic cleansing and richest metamorphosis that can be experienced. This vibrant and powerful stone plunges us deep into the earth and the core of our beings, fiercely rooting us in unwavering protection so that we can grow, expand, and live to our greatest potential. When we are truly grounded and trusting in life, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Nothing we cannot heal.
There is no depth within us that the transformative medicine of Malachite cannot reach.
Rooting Deep & Purging Poisons —
Malachite correlates to the root and heart chakras, acting as a powerful grounding stone and healer for the heart. It is known for its swirling patterns of vibrant greens stretched over velvety textures and smooth bubbling or harshly jagged formations. Every piece of Malachite differs wildly from the last, each specimen presenting one of a kind patterns and structures; one who loves this crystal may find they can never have enough of it because of the physical and energetic uniqueness of each stone.
Its energy feels like the cool depths of the earth’s caves where the air is clean, the darkness feels like home, and the silence carries the essence of ancient elemental power.
Working with Malachite brings a sense of grounding deeper than what we’re used to; this stone does not bring surface-level calm. Its energy thrusts into our beings and grabs us by our core, holding us in deeper connection to the earth with its incredible emotional gravity. It shows us that if we are firmly rooted in the earth, our home, we can find a lifelong companion in her that never lets us go hungry. The earth promises protection no matter where we are or what we are doing; our energetic roots run deep into its core and our connection to this nourishing planet can never be completely broken.
Malachite offers a new way of looking at Gaia: the most reliable lover one could come to know.
As we embrace this unbreakable bond with the earth, we open to the detoxifying qualities of Malachite. When we are grounded, we are safe, and when we are safe, we can endure change without feeling threat to our nervous systems. Malachite is a deep cleanser and a master of purging energies, permeating deep into our bodies to pull out anything that does not belong to us or is no longer welcome. This stone can be used to dive into the unconscious, getting to the root of emotional battles, unhealthy patterns, negative beliefs, and addictions, breaking down the walls we put up around ourselves and fiercely fighting by our sides so that we can emerge victorious in our lives again and again.
Breaking Open & Filling with Gold —
Malachite carries the heart-wrenching energy of the Three of Swords tarot card. This card represents the concept of the wound as the place where the light enters; pain and heartache can act as portals for immense healing, growth, and transformation. This energy is crucial for the way the crystal assists in shadow work, the process of unearthing patterns ingrained in our subconscious minds and bringing them to light so that we may be deliberate creators of our lives rather than live on autopilot, ruled by past traumas and hurts.
Malachite teaches us the unmatched power of emotional alchemy — pain can turn to pleasure, numbness to glorious sensuality, neglect to unwavering independence, and trauma to a sense of autonomy that fosters incredible strength, showing us that we are the masters of our own bodies, emotions, and lives.
The processes of shadow work are often grueling and painful, but they are necessary if we want to reach our total potential. Malachite holds us through them and reminds us that if we are to heal, we must have grace and patience for ourselves.
There is a Japanese art form called Kintsugi in which broken pottery is repaired and given new life by filling the cracks with gold. This beautiful practice represents the idea that we should not pretend we have never been broken or hurt; our pain is a part of who we are and makes up our history both collectively and individually. Rather than being defined by what we have been through and identifying with it, we can use the lessons we have learned to enhance our existence. We can become merciful, graceful, soft, confident, independent, empowered, beautiful, loving, and anything else we dream of being — not in spite of what happened, but because of it. Malachite teaches us there is power in this; there is power in being changed. This is the alchemy it knows and is ready to share with us as soon as we are ready to open and learn.
A Gentle Guide to the New Self —
Malachite is often suggested as a gentler substitution for Moldavite, an incredibly potent stone of transformation known for turning lives upside down in the process of great spiritual and emotional shifts. Where Moldavite’s otherworldly wisdom would shove us off a cliff with no warning, knowing the transformation waiting for us at the bottom is what we truly want and ultimately need, Malachite takes a more nurturing approach.
It is merciful, and understands what it feels like to be human; it knows the difficulty we have in trusting what we cannot see.
Malachite has empathy for us. It holds our hands, guiding us down the path every step of the way, staying by our sides while revealing hidden divinity in our lives, shedding light on past lessons, present struggles, and future unfoldings. We cannot get off our path – we will always end up where we are meant to be no matter what – but we can ease the journey by consciously choosing tools that act as supportive allies along the way.
Malachite is a reliable anchor and lifeline during periods of intense transformation. It offers itself as a holding point, gifting us strength and courage as we move through these overwhelming times.
It is always reminding us that we will make it through, we will emerge stronger, and we will thrive once we are on the other side.
The gifts of Malachite may seem intense, but in reality it is life that is intense, and perhaps it is both a blessing and a curse that there is no getting away from it. Crystals are helpers, aiding us in moving through and alchemizing the energies already at play in our lives; remember that while crystals are deeply powerful tools of frequency and spirituality, they do not hold the power to make things go wrong for you, nor would they if ever given the chance. They are here to be utilized, not feared.
Malachite wants us to know that the elements are on our side, and the universe longs for healing and fulfillment for each and every one of us.
Working with this crystal’s medicine and receiving its wisdom helps solidify these beliefs. If you are in need of healing, trust, and lasting change, Malachite may be calling to you. Take it from a long-time devotee of this transformative stone: you will not regret answering.
© 2025 Courtney Covey. This content may not be reproduced without permission.
Celestite // A Gift from the Cosmos
Imagine you are floating blissfully in an endless night sky, your body cool, comfortable, and light, no worries lingering in your relaxed mind as you drift off to sleep. The air is fresh, clean, and cool on your face, and the cosmos is breathing for you, whispering gentle words of reassurance that hold you so tenderly. They are the most tranquil messages you’ve ever received: you are on the right path, there are no wrong choices, and your worries are so much smaller than you think. It’s all going to work out, and it’s going to work out beautifully. More beautifully than you could ever imagine. You can fully feel the resonance in this surrendered state; you notice that the world looks so small from up here. You understand from this new perspective that your worries could be small as well. The universe is holding you. It is fully supporting you — you can feel it with every fiber of your being.
This is the energy cool calm Celestite brings to every one of us. It is the clean refreshing air in the middle of the night when the sky is black and life is quiet, the soothing movement of breath and stillness of meditation, and the unwavering support of sacred space when the world feels like it’s crashing down around you. Whatever troubles you, trust that Celestite can soothe it; it seems to have been gifted to us for this purpose.
Connecting with the Cosmos –
Celestite’s name is derived from the Latin word “caelestis” meaning celestial or heavenly, and this choice of name couldn’t have been more perfect. The soft glittering blues and shimmering white clusters of this magical crystal make it hard to believe it didn’t float down from the heavens, and its otherworldly energy feels the same way. Celestite works with the third eye and crown chakras, encouraging intuition, enhancing psychic abilities, promoting vivid dreams and deep spiritual messages within them, and helping us cultivate deep connections with the universe we live in.
The answers to our problems cannot always be found through thinking about them. We can be so intelligent and have so much information, and still be left with no idea how to handle the situations life throws our way. The conscious mind can only take us so far. There are times that we need cosmic guidance. Celestite helps us to better receive it by carrying us out of our own way, calming our minds to complete silence so that nothing, not even our own thoughts, can stand between us and the universe that only wants to help our lives unfold in the most peaceful and liberating ways. This crystal helps us receive spiritual messages in our sleeping state as well as in meditation: sleeping with Celestite can feel like breathing in the stars, and its light calming vibrations can help you float up into the atmosphere, falling asleep in total peace, free from racing thoughts and overactivity of the mind at night. Trust that the dreams that come to you while Celestite is under your pillow are messages from the divine, and use this as a way of calling up the cosmos for assistance just like calling a trusted friend for advice. This crystal can aid you in connecting and communicating with spirit guides of all kinds, as well as help you cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine within yourself, whether you call that your inner being, your higher self, your heart, your soul, or by any other name. As you work with this stone, you will find yourself in deeper and deeper harmony with both self and Source, as well as more accepting of the idea that you are a spiritual being having a human experience – not the other way around.
Tempering Emotional Storms –
One of the sacred protections of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion and mercy, comes to mind when considering Celestite’s powerful ability to keep us calm even through life’s most chaotic storms. It is the Deliverance from Dangers of Falling, which protects our minds and emotions from negative spirals and the urge to give up when facing moments that threaten to take everything away. When working with this protection, “you may experience the nudge, but not the plummet.” This is a quality that shines in Celestite. When heavy emotional storms hit, threatening us with feelings of total loss and lack, this heavenly crystal calls to be held, ready to provide comfort and healing. It immediately brings a cooling sensation to the body, gifting healthier movement to the breath as emotions move through, and offering incredibly strong vibrations of universal love. It is an extremely compassionate crystal, working as a vessel for spiritual messages of solace as well as new love-filled ways to move through pain and heal emotional wounds. It is this way of comforting, rather than absorbing negative energy into itself or shielding us from the things we don’t want to feel, that makes Celestite so gifted in its unique nurturing. Because it remains an observer and doesn’t absorb outside energies, you may find that its energy always remains light — an endless well of celestial healing you can drink and drink from, yet it never empties. This stone is a giver until the end.
Celestite gently reminds us that nothing is guaranteed in life except for the love of the universe and holds us steady through overwhelming change. It is a wonderful companion when dealing with any kind of grief or loss. Some say that grief is love with nowhere to go — Celestite is a messenger of the divine and will gladly carry that love to the stars for you, relieving you of its weight along with any heavy or complex emotions that may be attached to it. And through becoming lighter, you will begin to realize one of Celestite’s most precious lessons: although everything is temporary in this life on earth, no love is ever wasted.
Clarifying Your Path –
Celestite can help us see the bigger picture, aiding us in finding peace in our lives and building important connections with our purpose and those around us. Taking time to meditate with this celestial crystal offers glimmers of greater potential and clarity on your path. As Celestite helps you connect to yourself and gain deeper understanding of who you are and why you’re here, you will find that same understanding slowly spreading over your entire existence. Because of its high frequency correlating with the crown chakra, it connects you to higher purpose, clarifying exactly what you are meant to do in this life, unveiling hidden passions for it that in hindsight may have been clear since childhood, and gifting you the divine inspiration to begin. Celestite teaches that we have all the time in the world, and there are so many beautiful things we can do with it. It shows us where we are gifted and which of these beautiful things are out there with our names on them, patiently waiting for us, ready to be claimed and embodied.
If you’re dealing with grief, heartache, loss, stagnancy, confusion, or lack of purpose, know you can always find a heavy dose of universal love and deep nurturance in Celestite’s cool radiance. Whatever the darkness took, this stone is prepared to return to you in the form of bright cosmic light and gentle yet powerful alchemical healing that’s sure to last a lifetime. Even the tiniest piece of Celestite holds the energy of the entire universe. No shard is too small; no pain is too deep. This master healer knows how to soothe the human experience like no other.
© 2025 Courtney Covey. This content may not be reproduced without permission.
Carnelian // The Artist’s Stone of Fire
The deep relaxation that washes over you during a massage, nourishing your muscles and helping you recover from a long week. The warm hands filled with reiki helping dissolve energetic blockages, freeing your life force to flow effortlessly. The spark of inspiration that seems to come from out of nowhere, urging you to create in a brand new way. The fire of motivation drawing you in, speaking of the dream life you can have if you will only take another step forward. The satisfaction in your belly after eating a delicious meal. The sensuality of touch. The wholeness of pleasure. The freedom of authenticity. The joy of play. The liberation of mustering your courage and breaking free from chains that bound you for so long. The ecstasy of accepting and living the raw truth of who you really are. The ultimate peace of finally feeling like yourself again.
These are some of the expansive, sensual, soulful experiences offered by the artist’s stone and the stone of fire: Carnelian. From warm body nourishment to a spark of motivation to the all-consuming flames of pleasure and creation, this stone offers all things warm. If you’re in need of fiery energy, Carnelian has you covered as the crystal queen of all things heat.
Activating the Flesh –
Carnelian’s gorgeous name comes from the Latin word “carnis” which means flesh, perfectly matching its appearance of deep reds and oranges with patterns often resembling organs and blood vessels. You could take one look at Carnelian and intuitively know it rules the body and the blood without any prior knowledge of this crystal. It is correlated with the root and sacral chakras, which fiercely hold the body’s needs for safety, stability, vitality, movement, pleasure, and connection. It encourages physical vitality and stamina, innate sexual energy, and pure primal essence, connecting you to your body and your self as a natural creature. It is known to ignite motivation and zest for life, working as the explosive fire to break you out of stagnant periods of low energy. Carnelian increases libido, helping you tune into your sexuality as well as awakening sensuality, warming and stimulating your cells so that you can grow more and more attuned to sensations and receptive of the feelings in your body that can act as fuel for big magic, guidance for somatic healing, and juice for archetypal embodiment. It interacts with kundalini energy and sparks desire and attraction, making it a wonderful tool to use in sex magik. This stone acts a guide to help you find, access, and work with your inner fire.
Carnelian is especially powerful in feminine embodiment work as it is the stone of the womb and carries its warmth and nourishment within its seas of vibrant reds. Carnelian is a dear friend to the Wild Woman and offers its services to anyone in need of transformational fire, maternal love, or even just an outlet for primal rage and release. This crystal can hold the things that feel too heavy for us – it lets us know we can use it as a vessel. Pain, secrets, trauma, illness, betrayal, revenge, grief. If it’s too dirty to talk about openly in our society, Carnelian loves it and wants a taste; it will be happy to hold it so you don’t have to. On the lighter side of this, it can be used to warm and relax the sacral chakra and the womb, showing them safety and nurturance, bringing you into deeper alignment with your feminine energy and allowing you to surrender to cycles of the body and cycles of life. Working with its energy devotedly can even help to restore balance in this area of the body physically, easing menstrual cramps and inflammation, as well as improving fertility and overall reproductive health.
Awakening Creativity –
One of Carnelian’s nicknames is The Artist’s Stone, chosen for the way it inspires creativity. Since this crystal is associated with the sacral chakra, it aids in all forms of creation, gifting us new ideas and techniques in order to create. Its fiery inspiration can launch you out of creative blocks and encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to artistic projects. This stone scoffs at the idea that the sky is the limit and would rather declare there is no limit at all in this magical creative life. Working with Carnelian can pull you into new realms of artistry you never would have explored before, as well as encourage you to express yourself in new ways. Carnelian wants us all to be creators, whether we attract fame and fortune for great masterpieces or simply dress and express the way we want to. It’s a great ally for artists of all kinds, along with anyone who finds themselves in need of some extra creative juice.
We can’t talk about Carnelian’s creative power without also talking about the unique way it ignites manifestation. This crystal is one of the experts in getting what you want out of life, and working with it for manifestation brings results quicker and more intensely than working with other crystals for the same purpose. Carnelian teaches that the secret to having it all is knowing you already do: everything you want is something you already have the awareness of. You know what it would feel like to have it. You’re familiar with the feelings it brings. You want to experience those feelings firsthand, so you chase after wild (and attainable!) dreams in search of them. Carnelian assures us that there is no lack in our experience; there is only the illusion of lack. The reality is abundance much more often than we think. It works with us to show us the endless bounty our inner world can provide if we tune in and take good care of it. Nothing comes from outside: if we shift our focus onto the things we want more than the things we don’t, release the shame and limited thinking that tell us we can’t have it all, and decide to pursue our dreams with our entire being, we will always have the life we are after. Look at the manifestation power of fiery people you know that always relentlessly go after what they want until they get it. This is not luck. This is the secret to life. This is the power Carnelian shares with us.
Aligning with Authenticity –
A form of creating we often gloss over is the creation of our selves. This is some of the most important work we can do in our lives, and Carnelian lends a strong activating hand. The Stone of Fire strengthens authenticity within us, pushing us to express more and more of our real, raw selves — the selves that may not be accepted by everyone. It sparks a fire deep in the core of who we are that grows whether we accept it or not, awakening us to our soul truths and burning hotter and hotter until we find ourselves suddenly unable to continue repeating patterns and holding onto relationships, jobs, and situations that don’t truly align with us. It heats up our hands when we are holding onto things we know aren’t serving us, urging us to let go in the spirit of our highest unfolding. Don’t be afraid of this, because while Carnelian is intense, it is not a merciless healer: as it does this, it also gifts us the courage and independence to let go of others’ opinions about what we should or shouldn’t do with our lives, helping us cultivate deep lasting confidence that burns within us so we no longer need to rely on external validation. Carnelian inspires the relentless passion we desperately need if we are to go after what we really want. It encourages authentic soul expression, helping us become everything we have ever wanted to be, do everything we have ever wanted to do, and have everything we have ever wanted to have.
Carnelian’s energy is loud and proud. There is no room for the stories we tell ourselves about not being good enough once we start working with this powerful fire crystal. This stone is an awakener through and through, revitalizing us in every possible way so that we can be warriors of authenticity, believers in free will and pleasure, and masters of manifestation. If Carnelian’s fire is calling to you, follow it. Nothing that is truly meant to be will burn up in its divine flames.
© 2025 Courtney Covey. This content may not be reproduced without permission.
Magical Spring Cleaning
Happy Springtime, friends! The days are longer and flowers are blooming. Hello, sunshine! Time to open up the windows, let the breeze in, and do some spring cleaning!
SPRING CLEANING FOR THE HOME
If you’d like to work with planetary energy, do your spring cleaning during the New Moon to set intentions for the month to come, on Saturday if you’d like to draw from the energy of Saturn, the taskmaster, or on Sunday if you’d like to bring in light, joy, & warmth of the Sun.
To start, open your curtains and let the sunshine in. We like to clean our windows with hot water with a wee bit of white vinegar and lemon essential oil. You’ll smell the vinegar while you’re using it, but the smell will dissipate, leaving only a bright and fresh lemon aroma behind. Lemon carries beautiful energy for a fresh start, good luck, positive outlook, and attracts healthy relationships.
Recipe:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 5-10 drops lemon essential oil
Lemon or other citrus can be used all around your house to bring sunshine back in. To freshen up your garbage disposal, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside along with the remains of a juiced lemon, and then pour in some hot water. When you start your disposal, this concoction will break down and scrub away solidified gunk.
Next, open all of your windows and let some fresh air in. Sweep all of your floors with the intention of sweeping out any stagnant energy leftover from winter. Put your intention toward cleaning out anything in your life that you don’t want to carry into the next season. Sweep the dirt out your back door, or into the trash, which should be taken outside as soon as you’re finished cleaning.
INCORPORATE MAGICAL HERBS
Now it’s time to smoke cleanse! White sage is great for cleaning up the energy in your home. Start on the bottom floor of your house and fan the sage smoke out of your windows. If you’re not into sage, there are lots of other cleansing herbs, including cedar, rosemary, and mugwort. Natural incense or aromatherapy sprays can also be used to move the energy in your home.
If you’d like to incorporate magical herbs, now’s a good time to sprinkle these around the perimeter of your house. Agrimony has been used historically for protection by returning hexes back to the hexer. Angelica can be used to summon the protection of archangels. Wood betony and yarrow are also great herbs for protection. Plant rosemary by your front door to ward off thieves, drive away negative entities, and to purify the energy coming into your home. While it’s not an herb, sea salt is the easy to obtain and has been used in cultures all over the world to ward off negative energies or entities around your home and is often thought of as a first line of defense. Blow cinnamon into your front door on the first of the month to welcome in prosperity.
CRYSTALS TO RAISE YOUR VIBRATION
Now that your house is sparkly clean, both physically and energetically, it’s a good time to place some crystals for energetic protection, cleansing, and to raise your energetic vibration. Using crystals for energy work is all about setting the right intention and the power of symbolism. Smoke cleanse your stones and ask them to work for you, keeping the energy clear and protected in your home.
If you’re looking to invite romantic love & passion into your home, rose quartz, carnelian, and aventurine are good choices. To increase financial abundance, use citrine & pyrite. For easier sleep and nicer dreams, try placing howlite, smoky quartz, and amethyst next to your bed. Clear quartz is used to amplify energy, so be sure the energy you’re increasing is good energy. Blue apatite is helpful for strengthening communication. Celestite is a great stone for connecting with guardian angels and spirit guides, perfect for a meditation space. For protection, look to black tourmaline or shungite. You can place these by doors or next to your bed. We like to use selenite and black tourmaline above the front and back doors. This sets the tone for keeping negative energies from coming inside your house while keeping the energy clear.
COME SEE US!
Shameless self promotion: we carry all of the magical items mentioned above in our Emporium! And lots more!
Happy New Year!
Hello again, dear friends. We’re glad to see you on this side of 2020. Since we reopened in our new location this October, business has been great! We have all of you to thank for that. Your continued support of us and other small businesses is a big part of what makes Lexington a great place to call home.
If you haven’t kept up with us on social media, we have exciting news to announce. We’ve added two new licensed massage therapists to our team!
MEET CHELSEA AND ELLA!
Chelsea Klinksiek and Ella Rutledge both offer Swedish massage, deep tissue, and fire cupping. Ella specializes in Reiki and energy work, while Chelsea enjoys working with other equestrians (like her!) to help them bring balance into their bodies and riding postures. Both Chelsea and Ella do excellent work and are taking new clients for massage therapy now.
Read more about them and schedule your appointment here.
Get Healthy in the New Year
-a note from Charley, the Herbalist-
Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to regret all the rich and hearty roasts, cakes, and bourbons you consumed. Just kidding! We’re not about that life here at White Willow.
The holidays are for merrymaking, and it’s only natural to put on a few extra pounds during the winter months. There are actually a few reasons for winter weight gain. One is that our bodies produce more melatonin during the darker days of winter. Melatonin suppresses the thyroid (don’t worry, it may sound scary, but there’s an important biological reason for this) which causes our bodies to hold extra insulating fat through the cold months. It’s natural and normal. So eat, drink, and be merry! Remember that we’re all surviving a pandemic and this is no time to be stressing ourselves further with harsh diets and skipping meals.
If you’re feeling unwell…
Herbal wellness consultations are available. I am trained in Western Herbalism and Southern Folk Medicine. I treat chronic ailments such as autoimmune conditions, fertility and hormonal issues, anxiety, and more! Herbal consultations are available on a sliding scale. If you have questions, please read more about wellness consultations here or reply to this email.
Pictured here are some medicinal herbs we harvested this year. Goldenrod is most often used to treat the respiratory system (allergies) and urinary system. Red clover can also treat allergies, but in a way that’s different from goldenrod (ah, the magic of herbalism). Red clover is an estrogenic moistening lymphatic (a fluid-moving herb that contains estrogen), which makes it an invaluable medicine for women.
A note about COVID-19
We’ve had a lot of question about when we’ll resume our Metaphysics Monthly classes. We’re sorry to say that we have no plans to hold gatherings until things simmer down out there in the world. Rest assured that we are taking every measure to keep our staff, clients, and customers healthy. We are sanitizing surfaces and wearing masks. Someday soon, we’ll gather in classes again, learn new things, and share stories. Soon. The good news is that the masks are working! Here at White Willow, we’ve all stayed healthy and feel comfortable offering massage therapy sessions with our current sanitization procedures. So come see us!
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon!
Of Course Your Body is Weird- You Should Still Get a Massage
Hey friends, Breanna Kinman here. As massage therapists, we hear from people who want massage all the time, but say they’re too self-conscious. Here’s my rebuttal to the most common body anxieties:
I have stretch marks/ scars/ acne/ body hair /ugly feet
So does everyone. No, really. It’s honestly so unusual to work on someone who doesn’t have any of these perceived “flaws” that I’m more surprised to see someone who doesn’t. To your massage therapist, these don’t register as flaws- it’s just what you look like. We don’t have the emotional energy to judge everyone for having scars or hairy backs or weird feet. We’ve got other, more important things to think about- for instance, solving the puzzle that is your body. And to everyone who is worried about their feet specifically: all feet are weird. Dust the sock lint off your toes and chill.
This person seems happy and free- hairy legs and all. Assuming we can guess their emotional state just from their feet, of course.
I’m too fat
You’re probably not. My table has a weight limit of 500lbs, and while some people may surpass that, most will not. Body fat is usually soft and easy to work through. Weight problems used to be seen as a sign of laziness or overindulgence, but we know now that most weight gain is caused by hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, incorrect nutritional education, depression, stress, or just gosh darn genetics. None of these things are reasons you can’t enjoy a massage. Massage can actually aid in weight loss, if that’s your goal, as it boosts happy hormones, reduces stress, and helps reconnect people with their bodies. And, as stated earlier, we don’t have the energy or inclination to be judging people.
I have acne on my body and it’s embarrassing
So do most people. Even many of my clients with no facial acne have acne on their backs, and some people have a bit of acne all over. You’re probably in the minority if you don’t have some acne on your booty. If you tend to have cystic acne (large, painful blemishes) you may want to wait until it calms down to get a massage, or tell your therapist where the more painful bumps are so they can avoid them.
I have hair growing out of my hair follicles
That is quite a shame. Just kidding, we’re mammals! I only notice that my clients have stubble after they apologize for it, which boggles my mind a little. Your hairs are your hairs- shave them, wax them, grow them out, braid them- it’s up to you and there is no need to explain yourself. Yes, even if you’re unusually hairy, even if you have dark hair, blah blah blah. Commercials for razors and Nair may say otherwise, but you’re a valid human no matter what.
I can’t be naked in front of someone, even if I’m under a sheet
Some of my clients leave their underwear on during massages while other clients remove them. Some people are uncomfortable or modest and prefer to wear some clothing. If this has been keeping you away, you can always change into a comfy, easy to work around outfit, like gym shorts and a tank top. I have had plenty of clients who have a certain outfit they liked to wear to feel comfortable. And don’t worry, we would never have you lying totally naked. You’ll be covered completely by a sheet, undraped only in the area being worked on. I would never want you to feel uncomfortable during your massage, so whatever level of disrobing is comfy for you in fine with me.
I don’t like being touched
This can be a problem, but it’s actually easier to work around than you might think. Some people are more uncomfortable with unannounced touch, such as random hugs from coworkers, and have an easier time with massage because it’s planned and on straightforward terms. Some people never really get comfy with touch, but need bodywork to feel better and undo the physical stress of their jobs. For these clients, I am happy to offer half hour sessions, working only on the area that needs it the most. You may become more comfortable as time goes on, or you might be happiest with shorter, targeted massages.
I have a rare skin problem or health problem
This requires a little thought, as some health problems will not be helped by massage. If your doctor says you aren’t contagious and that massage is safe for you, just explain any issues to your massage therapist, such as if you need lighter pressure or certain areas avoided. Kentucky licensed massage therapist have studied pathology and are prepared to work with a number of health concerns. If you struggle with something uncommon, we may not know all about it, but we’re equipped to learn.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to talk about/ I’m uncomfortable with silence
We take our cues from you, so if you want to zone out and be quiet, that is totally fine, and if you need to vent about your day to decompress, thats fine too. Probably about half of my clients like to talk and half doze off, while other clients are chatty one session and quiet the next. It’s your time, so you can decide if you want to talk or not.
So to sum things up- If you are feeling uncomfortable in your body for any reason, take that as a reason to get a massage, not to avoid it. If you’ve struggled with feelings of shame about your body, massage can be a great way to reconnect and see your body for what it is: your oldest and most important friend.
This could be you. Getting a massage. Feeling better. Come on now, make that appointment.
Winter Solstice, New Year’s Resolutions, and Manifesting with the Moon
Winter Solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year, is on December 21st. On this dark day, observed by people all over the world, we celebrate light. We remind ourselves that, in times of darkness, we can be the light in our lives.
How can you invite light into your life?
For thousands of years, Midwinter has been a time for jovial celebration; people have been getting together, sharing feasts, singing songs, exchanging gifts, and, yes, probably drinking too much alcohol. Now-a-days, people pretty much celebrate in the same way. We light candles, sing carols, and decorate trees, all while setting goals for the new year.
The only difference between now and then is intention. As a whole, our society is not very intentional or ceremonial. Because of the daily hustle and bustle, we don’t often make time to check in with ourselves.
Setting intentions doesn’t have to be a big to-do; you can start by changing your internal dialogue. For example, before attending holiday engagements, you might try using a mantra (AKA a phrase said over and over- silently is fine) to help set the tone. “I invite laughter and joy into my life.”
Instead of attending an office Christmas party that feels more like an obligation than your idea of fun, you can attend that same party, but change your feelings about it. Make it a goal to connect with your coworkers, do some networking, and invite new energy into your career. Try this mantra: “This event is opening doors to great opportunities.“ When you chose a mantra, be sure to use positive words and the present tense.
The point here is that YOU can change your own mind. Otherwise, if possible, forego the event altogether. It’s important to honor your own boundaries and, let’s be honest, no one wants to host a Grinch. (See our previous blog post about setting healthy boundaries during the holidays).
Have you had troubles with sticking to New Year resolutions? Here’s what you can do this year…
There are a TON of tips out there about how you can stick to your New Year resolutions and there are a lot of ways to set your intentions. We find that checking in with your goals every month makes you more likely to stay focused, on track, and realistic (remember, we’re all human). When you do your monthly check-ins, ask yourself what’s working and what’s not. You can even get creative with your resolutions and create a dream board that you walk by every day. Being able to see your goals on a daily basis helps you stay on track as well!
Set your intentions with a New Moon Ceremony
Have you ever heard of New Moon rituals? If you’re picturing a group of scantily clad women dancing around a fire under the light of a full moon, that does sound like our idea of a party, but, that’s not what we’re talking about here. The New Moon, also called the Dark Moon, is traditionally seen as a time to set intentions and plan for the month to come. You can even spark energy into your intentions with fire! This can be done in a couple of different ways, but when it comes to working with the moon, it’s always best to use your intuition and do what feels right.
How to set Intentions...
- On the night of the New Moon (happening January 5th), make a fire outside. Take a seat by the fire and start writing your goals on a piece of paper. You can speak your intentions aloud, then toss your list into the fire, sending your prayers up to the heavens.
- You can use candles similarly. Prayer candles come in a variety of colors, each symbolizing a different idea. For example, use a pink candle to invite more love into you life. Use a green candle for physical healing or emotional growth. Some people like to anoint the candles with herbs and oils for an extra kick. Ultimately, the key here is intention. The more time and effort you spend, the more powerful your prayers will be. Rather than burning your goal list like you would with a fire ceremony, you can fold the paper and place it under the candle.
Being Grateful: a Full Moon Ceremony Tip
A big part of realizing your goals is being thankful for your gifts and achievements. After all, you wouldn’t accept a gift from a loved one without showing your appreciation, would you? The Full Moon is not a time to ask for what you want, but to show gratitude for what you have. Mark your gratitude calendar: the next Full Moon comes to us on December 22nd! How do you show your gratitude? You might consider giving back to the earth, to the critters who live outside, or to any person in need. If your New Moon prayers were about paying all of your bills on time, during the Full Moon cycle, you might say a prayer of gratitude for the money and comforts that you do have, and give back by paying it forward, even if it’s just a couple of dollars or some cans of food/blankets.
The Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction tells us that our words are very important. Not only the ones we say aloud- even our thoughts set the tone for how our life plays out. When you express your gratitude and share your intentions, always use positive and present-tense words. For example, if you don’t want to catch the cold that’s going around, rather than saying “Please don’t let me get sick” you might say “I’m thankful for my health and my strong immune system.” Trust us… your body is listening!
We’d love to hear from you! What are some intentions you’d like to set for the New Year? Leave a comment below!