From a practical standpoint, Reiki is a form of energy or vibrational healing. Reiki differs from many other energy healing systems because it is non-directional. Reiki goes where it is needed without any direction from the one who is giving reiki. The practitioner is a channel for the healing energy, but the healing is directed by this universal life energy or any other name of your choosing, and the recipient’s body and Higher Self. Reiki connects with the ultimate source of healing at all levels. This means healing occurs at the mind, body, spirit levels. The healing that each of us receives is especially for our needs. For some a complete physical healing can occur. (It is always wise to continue with your conventional medical treatments and use Reiki as a way to support your mind, body, and Spirit through your healing process). Healing occurs on many levels, in many ways, and never more clearly was that demonstrated to me, when a nurse came to me for Reiki. She was in the most advanced stages of cancer, and what she was seeking not a physical cure. She was seeking peace, loving support, and a resolution to a family secret that had fractured her family and separated her from her daughter for years. Following her Reiki session that night she and her daughter were fully reconciled. She made her transition peacefully with her daughter by her side three days later.

Dr. Usui did not really discover this Universal Life Energy. He rediscovered it in the early 1900s, and developed a very simple method of teaching others to channel this energy which he named the Usui Shiki Ryoho method. This Universal Life Force Energy has been called by many other names in many different parts of the world. Some of the names for this energy are Holy Spirit, Prana, Ki, Chi, Elan Vital, Orgone, Bioplasmic Energy, Mana, and Magnetic Energy. Reiki is both a healing system and an enlightenment system. Reiki compliments and supports all spiritual practices, but it is not a religion. Anyone can learn to give or receive Reiki regardless of their beliefs. Dr. Usui taught many students Reiki throughout Japan including Chujiro Hayashi who eventually taught Reiki to a Japanese-American woman named Mrs. Takata in that late 1930s. Mrs. Takata went on to teach many students Reiki in the United States including her granddaughter, Phyllis Furumoto. Phyllis Furumoto later formed the Reiki Alliance and claimed that unless a student of Reiki was taught by her or her graduates, they were not legitimate Reiki practitioners or teachers. Thankfully, over time this assertion has proven to be incorrect because everyone can become a channel unconditional love and universal life energy. Today Reiki is practiced and widely taught in the USA and throughout the world.

The applications for Reiki are unlimited. Reiki compliments and supports allopathic medicine in all forms, and traditional counseling. It goes with other forms of alternative, holistic therapies such hypnotherapy, yoga, meditation, chiropractics, acupuncture, massage (Reiki is not massage), crystal therapy, chakra balancing – just about anything you can think of. Once you have been initiated into Reiki, you can Reiki yourself, loved ones, children, friends, pets, plants, and all other living things. You can reiki your food, your home, workplace, car, the earth, and anything you can think. You can even reiki your checkbook. If you are sending something important by mail, you can reiki that as well. If you have a job interview, a dentist or a doctor appointment, or any other meeting or appointment, you can send Reiki to that place or bring it with you. After all, what you transmitting is the energy of unconditional love and light. I truly believe that Reiki is both transpersonal and transformational.

Western Version of Dr. Mikao Usui’s Five Reiki Principles or Ideals which guide the Reiki Practitioner/Teacher:

Don’t get angry today.
Don’t worry today.
Be grateful today.
Work hard today. (Meditative or spiritual practice)
Be kind to others today.

REIKI DEGREES OR LEVELS AND ATTUNEMENTS

According to the legacy of Dr. Usui, Reiki is taught in three or four degrees or levels depending on the school or the Reiki/Master Teacher. The difference in degrees occurs at the Third Degree. The third can be divided into Third Degree (3a) and Third Degree (3b). Greater detail is given in the Third Degree description. I teach the Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho method. Since Reiki first arrived in the USA different Reiki schools have formed with titles such as Karuna Reiki, Tibetan Reiki, Essene Reiki, Varja Reiki, and Crystal Reiki to name a few and they include additional symbols. Who knows, maybe in time you or I will develop another style of Reiki with our own unique symbols and philosophies, but for now I choose to teach the Traditional USUI SHIKI RYOHO method.

Description of the degrees or levels:

1st Degree – Also called Reiki Level I. You receive class materials which teach you the history of Reiki, the Reiki Principles, the 7 energy centers, hand positions for self-healing, and hand positions for your family and friends, pets, food, liquids, and plants. You will receive four attunements which are conducted in a private and sacred manner. These four attunements will complete your initiation into Level One Reiki. Generally speaking, this level focuses on self-healing and transformation. At the end of the attunement process, your hands will be an open channel for the Reiki Healing Energy. Level I thought to heal on a Physical level while others believe that Reiki heals on all levels. Everyone from the young to the old can benefit greatly by Level I.

2nd Degree – Also called Reiki Level II. The 2nd Degree teaches the three Reiki Symbols and the student is given additional private attunements. These attunements will complete your initiation into Level Two Reiki. Some conceptualize Reiki Level II as being a deepening of the Reiki experience and a greater commitment to Reiki. The 2nd Degree is considered the practitioner’s level and you will be able establish a Reiki practice if you so choose after completing the 2nd Degree. The Power Symbol, Mental/Emotional Healing Symbol and the Distant Symbol are taught, and their meanings and applications. You will be given more information to assist you in incorporating Reiki into other areas of your spiritual practices and healing practices. Level II is thought to heal on an Emotional level, while others believe that Reiki always heals on all levels.

3rd Degree – Also called Reiki Level III. 3rd Degree is the Master/Teacher Level of Reiki. Reiki Level III is thought by some to heal on the Spiritual level. This level deepens your spiritual and meditative practices, and strengthens your Reiki energy.

The Usui Master Symbol (empowerment symbol) is taught and you will receive the Master Level attunement. This attunement will complete your initiation into Level Three Reiki. The Usui Master Symbol completes the other three symbols taught at Level II. A greater commitment on the part of the student is required, and there is a bond forged between student and Master/Teacher. Some believe that the Reiki Master/Teacher transmutes some of student’s karma at this level. You will receive the Master Level attunement and will be taught how to initiate others into Reiki using the attunement process. You are given the opportunity to practice its application, and learn how to teach others. Generally, it is felt that a Reiki Practitioner should be utilizing the Reiki Healing Energy for a period of 6 months to a year before receiving the 3rd Degree Master Level attunement. This is a decision that only the Reiki Master/Teacher and student can make. Once a student has become the Reiki Master/Teacher it is recommended that he/she work with this new energy for a period of one year before initiating others into Reiki. Internal guidance will let the Reiki Master/Teacher and student know when the time is right.

3rd Degree can be divided as follows:

3rd Degree (3a) – At this level you will receive the Master Level attunement and symbol. This level is for students who wish to deepen spiritual and meditative practices, and strengthens the Reiki energy.

3rd Degree (3b) – You will be taught how to initiate others into Reiki using the attunement process. Again, you are given the opportunity to practice its application and how to teach others.