Learning Reiki: A Guide to Attunements, Training & Mastery

Why Would I Want To Learn Reiki?

The decision to learn Reiki can be driven by many reasons, leading toward personal empowerment, balance, and self-care. Whether you’re grappling with health challenges or simply yearning for a harmonious rhythm in your daily routine, Reiki serves as an accessible tool for self-care.

Becoming a consistent Reiki practitioner can help restore equilibrium in your life, alleviate stress, and rekindle your sense of wellness, creating a nurturing ritual for your soul. It offers respite from pain, anxiety, and stress throughout the day, empowering those burdened with these conditions.

Reiki’s energy healing touch is not confined to humans alone; it also extends to our furry friends, enhancing your bond with your pets. Whether in the pink of health or dealing with chronic health issues, Reiki allows you to fortify your daily well-being.

Financially, learning Reiki can be a wise investment. The cost of training often pales compared to the expense of regular sessions. Reiki’s healing energy can become a shared practice in times of family illness, enabling family members to care for each other.

From a career perspective, Reiki opens up new horizons in wellness and healing. Reiki provides a rewarding and fulfilling pathway, whether you make it your primary profession or an addition to your existing healing repertoire. Check out our blog on Reiki salary for insights into earnings. As you learn Reiki, you equip yourself with a versatile skill that can benefit both yourself and others around you.

How Can I Learn Reiki?

Learning Reiki is unique from other healing modalities. The knowledge and power of Reiki are transferred from a master to the student through an attunement process. This sacred connection opens the crown, heart, and palm chakras, enabling the universal life force energy to flow freely.

The bond formed between the student and the teacher during this process is lifelong. Once you’ve received a Reiki attunement, you can use Reiki for the rest of your life. It’s a gift that doesn’t “wear off” and can never be lost.

Unlike many skills, learning Reiki does not depend on intellectual capacity, individual talent, or acquired ability. It is accessible to anyone with the desire to learn it. This inclusivity makes it a universally appealing practice that transcends age, background, and expertise.

The authentic path to learning Reiki is guided by a master who has reached the third degree or teaching level of Reiki practice. Their wisdom and connection to the tradition create a profound learning experience. They guide you through the principles and techniques of Reiki, providing hands-on training and sharing their insights and experiences. This traditional method of learning preserves the integrity of Reiki and helps maintain its efficacy as a healing modality.

What Is A Reiki Attunement?

A Reiki attunement, also known as initiation or Reiju (pronounced Ray-joo), is a sacred process that opens your energy field and transforms you into a conduit for the healing Reiki energy. The primary purpose of an attunement is to elevate your energy levels, reconnect you with your inner self, and strengthen your connection to spiritual universal energy.

In the Usui/Holy Fire Reiki tradition, the attunement process involves empowering Reiki symbols through a Placement. When students receive this Placement, these symbols amplify the healing energy, forging a profound connection to the source of Reiki.

These Reiki healing symbols are typically referred to by their intention, where each symbolic name encapsulates its purpose. In Usui Reiki, five symbols are used: Power, Harmony, Distance, Usui Master, and Holy Fire. Each symbol resonates with a unique aspect of healing and spiritual connection.

The experience of a Reiki attunement is deeply personal and transformative. Students often describe sensations of lightening and tingling as the Reiki energy pathways open, connecting them to a universal source of love and healing.

An attunement transcends merely opening the Reiki channel and enhances other energetic healing pathways. It acts as a catalyst for growth, sparking increased intuitive awareness and amplifying innate psychic sensitivity. This transformative process marks a significant step in your journey toward becoming a Reiki professional, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to bring healing, balance, and well-being.

What Are The Three Degrees Of Reiki Training?

Reiki is a journey of personal growth and healing that begins with an attunement. There are three levels or degrees of Reiki training, each building upon the previous one and outlining a unique and specific scope of practice. Some teachers may delineate four levels, but traditionally, there are three.

First Degree

The first degree of Reiki is a foundational level that typically involves 8-12 hours of instruction. This stage prepares students to give themselves daily Reiki for the rest of their lives. It lays the groundwork for self-care and connection, equipping students with the knowledge of hand placements necessary to share Reiki with family or friends.

The first degree is more than just a learning experience; it’s a personal healing journey. As students undergo their first attunement, they become conduits for the Reiki energy. They learn to channel this energy through their hands, promoting healing and balance in their own lives and those of others.

During this stage, students develop an understanding of how Reiki works, its history, principles, and the potential benefits it can offer. It’s a transformative process that marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Reiki, paving the way for personal growth and spiritual development.

Second Degree

The second degree of Reiki introduces the concept of distant healing. This practice allows students to connect mentally and offer healing without the necessity of physical touch. This adds a remarkable new dimension to the Reiki practitioner, enhancing hands-on and distant reiki treatment techniques.

In the second degree, students learn three specific symbols that help them focus their intention and energy during a Reiki session. These symbols enable them to transcend spatial and temporal boundaries, healing individuals who may not be physically present.

This level expands the scope of the student’s practice beyond personal self-care. As they master the skills taught at this level, students can become Reiki professionals within their communities as practitioners or volunteers. This broadens the reach and impact of Reiki, allowing its benefits to be shared more widely.

By becoming a certified Reiki practitioner, students not only deepen their understanding and connection with Reiki but also contribute to the well-being of others. It is an enriching journey that combines personal growth with community service, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Third Degree or Reiki Master

The third degree, also known as the Reiki Master level, is reserved for accomplished students and is traditionally offered by invitation. This level signifies a deep commitment to practicing and spreading this healing art.

Becoming one involves an extended apprenticeship with a Master. This apprenticeship is a time of intense personal growth and spiritual development. It’s a period where students deepen their understanding of Reiki energy, refine their skills, and prepare themselves to pass on the teachings of Reiki to others.

At this level, students receive the Master symbol and learn how to perform attunements, which are the processes that open a person’s channels to receive and channel Reiki energy. As Masters, they become teachers, capable of initiating new students into the practice of Reiki.

However, becoming a Master is not just about reiki teaching; it’s about embracing a lifestyle dedicated to healing and personal growth. It’s about embodying the principles of Reiki in all aspects of life and committing to use this healing art to bring balance, harmony, and well-being to oneself and others. This journey towards becoming a Reiki Master is a transformative process that enhances personal wisdom and promotes a deeper connection with the universal life force energy.

How Can I Find A Reiki Master?

Finding a qualified Reiki Master for your training requires careful consideration and research. Since Reiki is not a standardized practice, the background and experience of each Master can vary greatly. A credible Master will welcome your inquiries, as transparency and trust are fundamental to this relationship.

Many Reiki Masters provide information about their training, experience, and reiki classes online or in brochures. Websites such as IARP or The Reiki Association offer directories to help you find Masters in your area. Community bulletin boards in yoga studios, health food stores, and new-age bookstores are good places to find information about local Reiki Masters.

If this information is not readily available, don’t hesitate to talk with the potential Master and ask questions. Inquire about their qualifications, their experience, and their approach to teaching. Remember, it’s not just about finding a qualified Master but also someone with whom you feel connected and who aligns with your values and aspirations.

Building a successful relationship with your Master is crucial for your journey. So, take your time, research, and trust your intuition. The right Master will guide you through your Master training. However, they will also support you as you deepen your understanding and commitment to this healing art.

What Should I Look For In A Reiki School?

Choosing the right Reiki school is crucial for your journey into Reiki healing. Here are some factors you should consider:

• Qualified and Responsive Reiki Master: Look for a school led by a qualified, responsive Reiki master who practices daily self-treatment. They should have a clear lineage and substantial experience. Their commitment to their practice and their student’s learning indicates their dedication to the art of Reiki.
• Teacher’s Presence and Rapport: The teacher’s presence and rapport are essential. Is the teacher welcoming, professional, and someone you feel connected to? Your relationship with your teacher can greatly influence your learning experience.
• First-Degree Reiki Class: If you’re just starting your training, choose a First-degree Reiki class that focuses on basic hands-on practice and emphasizes daily self-treatment. The class should include the four First-degree initiations, teach protocols for self-treatment, and offer informal guidance on sharing Reiki with others.
• Accurate Overview of Reiki’s History: The class should provide an accurate overview of Reiki’s history, starting with its founder, Mikao Usui. Understanding the origins of Reiki will deepen your appreciation of the practice.
• Emphasis on Hands-On Practice: Opt for a First-degree Reiki session that emphasizes hands-on practice self-treatment and includes ample in-class practice time. The goal should be to leave the class comfortable with continuing daily self-treatment at home.
• Class Setting: Look for a class setting that resonates with you. Some people prefer in-person reiki classes with small groups, while others prefer live online classes. Each has its unique benefits, so consider what works best for you.
• Class Time, Location, and Fee: Consider the practical aspects such as class time, location accessibility, and fee. Reflect on what aligns with your needs, values, and lifestyle.

Remember, choosing the right Reiki school is a personal decision. Take your time, do your research, and trust your intuition. Your journey into Reiki should be an enriching experience.

What Questions Should I Ask My Reiki Teacher?

Choosing the right Reiki teacher is a crucial step in your journey. Here are some important questions you should ask to ensure you’re making an informed decision:

What topics and techniques will be covered in the classes?

This can help you understand what you’ll learn and if it aligns with your goals and expectations.

How many hours of class time are there, and how is that time divided between instructional learning and hands-on practice?

Knowing this can help you plan your schedule and set appropriate expectations for the course.

Will this training initiate or progress you within the Usui Reiki lineage?

It’s important to know if the training aligns with traditional Reiki teachings.

What should you expect from an attunement?

Understanding the process and purpose of attunements can help you prepare for this important part of Reiki training.

How long should you wait between levels of Reiki training?

Different teachers may have different recommendations, and knowing this can help you plan your Reiki practitioner journey.

What is the availability for support from the Master or others after the training?

Post-training support can be invaluable as you apply what you’ve learned.

Is there a Reiki support group in your area, or can the Master help you establish one?

A support group can offer additional learning opportunities and give a great a sense of community.

Does the teacher respond in a loving manner that is supportive and empowering for you?

A positive and supportive teaching style can greatly enhance your learning experience.

Does the teacher practice hands-on self-reiki every day?

Daily self-practice indicates a teacher’s commitment to their own Reiki journey, and such a teacher will likely have a deeper understanding of Reiki practice.

These questions are meant to guide your decision-making process. Use them as a starting point, and don’t hesitate to ask any other questions that come to mind. Your Reiki teacher should be someone you trust and feel comfortable learning from.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Reiki Master?

Choosing to become a Reiki practitioner and progress to mastery is a transformative decision. While there are no standardized guidelines for Reiki education, it is typically taught in person in small groups by a qualified and responsive Reiki master. This small group approach fosters a supportive learning environment, allowing students to practice on one another and form lasting connections with fellow Reiki practitioners.

Costs for Reiki training can vary significantly depending on the level of training, the teacher’s experience, and the location. On average, Reiki Level 1 in-person training typically costs between $200 and $400. Reiki Level 2 in-person training ranges from $200 to $600, while Reiki Level 3 or master level in-person training costs between $375 and $1000. Therefore, the total journey to become a Reiki master through in-person training may cost anywhere from $775 to $2000, depending on the teacher and location.

As Raven Keyes, a renowned Reiki master, stated, “A Reiki master is carrying the energy of the universe. We are changing physical matter. When we are giving Reiki, all the cells are vibrating at the frequency of divinity”.

Along with the cost of training, it’s important to get Reiki insurance to protect your practice. It covers potential risks, so you can focus on your growth and mastery in the healing art.

It’s important to remember that becoming a Reiki master is not just about the financial investment but also the time, energy, and commitment you bring to your practice.