Reiki is a natural form of energy healing that originates from Japan, and with its continuing success has come an increased interest in learning and gaining Reiki qualifications. Gaining a Reiki qualification is a recognition you have received the knowledge required for that level. However, the true growth only begins when we use that knowledge. Reiki was traditionally taught verbally, through demonstration and personal practice over a period of time. Reiki students in the past were given little written material apart from their certificate and maybe the symbols. Today each level of Reiki is commonly taught over a much condensed time frame. I know that I give more in the accompanying training material for my students than I originally received. Having this in-depth written material allows Reiki to be taught in a more intensive style to fit around the demands of our modern lives.
Reiki has within it 5 major parts which make up the training:
- The development of the spiritual focus and practice
- The quietening of the mind through meditation and breathing techniques. Students may be new to meditation or may be highly sensitive and often the Reiki class has to adapt to this. I teach future Reiki teachers the importance of being accommodating so learning can be enjoyed by all. The need to go with the flow, follow internal guidance and the needs of students rather than stick to a sterile format.
- Hands on healing – Students are taught to heal by placing the hands on the body. I teach students to heal near the client’s body for those intimate areas. Also, many clients do not like their feet being held or hands touching their throats, yet these areas may need healing. Many highly experienced Reiki therapists will mainly heal at a short distance from the body. This skill does tend to develop with time.
- The Reiki symbols – the three Reiki symbols are revealed in Level 2
- The Reiki attunements – there are six in total
The Three Levels of Reiki
In the West Reiki is commonly taught in three levels of qualifications.
Shoden is the first level of Reiki – Reiki Level 1, Reiki Level I or First Degree Reiki – the beginning of the Reiki journey. This is where the student learns about the history of Reiki and the five principles of Reiki. The student receives four Reiki attunements from their Reiki Master teacher. They are taught how to heal themselves, their family and friends. There is time on the Reiki training to become familiar with using the Reiki energy. It is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it grows. Students can feel the energy in different ways. I have had students whose hands tingle, others whose hands change in temperature and a few who feel like a waft of air in front of their hands when placed near the areas of the body that need healing.
This level concentrates on the importance of self healing, as no- one wants to be healed by someone who is not healing themselves. It can be the beginning of the path of self discovery.
Okuden is the second level of Reiki – Reiki Level 2, Reiki Level II or Second Degree Reiki. After the first Reiki qualification most students wait a few months whilst others many years until they have a compelling need to want to learn Reiki 2. We are all on a different path. Therefore, at this training level students often find it useful to refresh their previous learning.
Here the student receives another attunement and the three Reiki symbols are revealed. These symbols are commonly found on the internet. However, I was taught they were deeply sacred and should remain secret. The student explores how these symbols can be used in healing and may be incorporated into daily life. The student now finds out how to heal someone from a distance. This is often called distance, remote or absent healing. It is where the person does not actually have to be present in the room with you for the healing to occur. I was taught and therefore teach at this level how to heal animals. This level is about inner training.
Once you complete Okuden, Reiki Level 2, you are called a Reiki Practioner. It means that, if you wish, you can heal the general public. You would need to research what insurance you might need and any other legal requirements. You have a responsibility for the safety of yourself and your clients whilst they are in your care.
Shinpiden is third level of Reiki – Reiki Level 3, Reiki Level 111 or Reiki Master Practioner. Traditionally there is period of time from when you qualified in Okuden of at least a year. At the third level the Reiki Master Symbol is revealed. You are taught how to do attunements, so in the future if you desire, you can become a Reiki teacher. It is not about the label of being a Master. You are always on a learning journey, developing spiritually and hopefully your skills too. This level is about the mystery of life, about personal practice, training and teaching. The student also receives their final attunement.
Healing yourself in the future
Just because you learn Reiki does not mean in the future you may not need to reach out to others for healing an aspect of you. We all have strengths in different areas. Life is constantly creating opportunities for fear and anger. These emotional feelings over a period of time can create energetic changes around and within the body. Sometimes the person helping you has been through what you are going through and their understanding can give you the strength and the courage to move forward. Having another human soul assisting you can alleviate the perceived pressure you are enduring. That additional support can help dispel the negative emotions, so that the energy more easily releases. This is not a sign of weakness on your part but a sign of inner knowledge and wisdom to reach out. We are all energetically connected
Learning Reiki
If you are wishing to learn Reiki then choosing the right teacher for you is important. We all have different requirements. I have taught Reiki for many years and teach in small teaching groups. I can trace my Reiki teaching heritage back to the original founder of Reiki, Usui, in Japan which is important to some students and clients. I teach all three levels and previous students have travelled from across the North West of England. I think it helps that the training is located near the major motorway links of the M6 and M62. I have been recommended to some students whereas others have come across my website and Facebook and seen the testimonials. I love to teach Reiki and watching the delight in students faces as they experience the Reiki energy and their confidence grows.
My courses are displayed on Facebook and on the Training and Events section of my website. If you have any questions about learning Reiki and need more information then please call me.
Notes
Quite a few of my students have gone on to set up their own private Reiki healing practices. I always recommend that students do not quit their current job thinking they can rely solely on Reiki for income. It usually takes time usually to grow any business so it may start initially as an extra form of additional income until the business expands. I am naturally psychic so this also forms an income for me.
