Anyone have questions about Reiki? [Archive] - MysticWicks Online Pagan Community and Spiritual Sanctuary

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 12:27 PM

What is it? And could you answer that in layman terms, please? :D

Reiki is a form of energy healing that anyone can practise. It is wonderful for healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. You can use it to heal yourself or others (including animals and plants, and it's even been used to start troublesome car engines!) It means 'universal life force' (the word Reiki, pronounced ray-key, is Japanese). It draws on the energy that is infinite and thus abundant in the universe. It's usually practised by placing your hands on yourself or another... but there are also methods for sending energy over a distance (and even to different periods in time).

Reiki isn't a skill that's passed on in a traditional sense. It's passed down to you through what's called an 'attunement'... which, basically, is a short ritual in which a Reiki master draws symbols on and over your body. The attunement may sound simple, but it can be a really powerful experience. (I'll tell you more about that if someone asks). Because it's passed on in this way, it's great to teach small children, and you could even attune your cat. :D Anyway, after the attunement, you have the ability to do Reiki. For me, I was in awe for days afterwards... it felt too good to be true. The attunement opens your crown chakra -- the energy centre at the top of your head -- so that the energy can enter there. It flows in through the top of the head, and out of the hands to whatever you want to heal. Once you're attuned, you'll probably feel tingling or vibration in your hands more often -- that's the energy turning on.

People often experience heat, minty coolness, or vibration... feelings of well-being and relaxation. This is not the energy itself (since the energy doesn't *feel* like anything), but rather, your body's reaction to it. I usually feel a lot of nice, relaxing heat often accompanied by emotions moving around the middle of my body... but it also depends on where I place my hands and what kind of healing I'm doing. It's a great way to get aquainted with your energy centres (chakras).

sincerebliss

November 24th, 2004, 01:03 PM

Temptation

November 24th, 2004, 01:23 PM

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 01:39 PM

Okay...I think I have a question(s). Can't you attune yourself? Can you be considered a reiki practitoner without being attuned by someone who is thought to be a "master" of the practice? Is Reiki a religion or a practice? (Hey, more questions then I thought!)

These are very good questions!

Is Reiki a religion or a practice?

Reiki is very spiritual, but it is not a religion. It can be (and is) practised by people of all faiths and it often enhances that faith and leads to spiritual growth. There are many different types of Reiki, and some of them are probably more suited to people of a certain path. I believe Diane Stein (author of Essential Reiki) has a tradition that is pretty pagan. Some traditions are very New Agey, but you can take from or reject aspects of those traditions as you wish. I believe Pope John Paul II also practises Reiki. So I would say it's a practise, although it's very spiritual in nature.

Can you be considered a reiki practitoner without being attuned by someone who is thought to be a "master" of the practice?

That's a very hard question to answer. Lots of people have healing powers without being attuned to Reiki... but is it the same thing? I don't know. The story of Reiki is that it originated with a Japanese monk, Dr. Usui, to whom the secrets were revealed after fasting 21 days on a mountain. Reiki is all about intent... and I suppose it would be possible, if you truly intended to have Reiki, to attune yourself... but I've never heard of any cases of this. The easiest way is probably to just get the attunement. :)

BUT I do think it is possible to be attuned by a practitioner who is not necessarily a master. Once you are attuned to the Reiki energy, the key is intent. Intent is everything with Reiki. If you intend to attune someone, even if you're not a master, I think it's possible. I was a Level I practitioner when I attuned my mom. I felt a little light and ungrounded after doing it (which is how a lot of people feel after performing attunements), and she felt sort of dazed, which is how people often feel after getting them. She hasn't really done anything with it, though, so I don't know for certain that it worked. I think it did!

I think it may also be possible, once you've received the first attunement, to attune yourself to the higher levels. Just intend to attune yourself, with a ritual (which is important, as it expresses your intent), and maybe it will work.

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 01:54 PM

Ok, my turn. :)
How is Reiki different from traditional healing practices?
My Grandma was a "hands on" pain healer pretty much the way you describe it, but she was never attuned by anybody. It was just something she knew how to do by instinct.The way she did it was by putting her hands on the particular spot on the body where the pain was located. After the healing her own hands and arms would hurt for a while.

I wish I had her gift. She passed a lot of things on to me, but not this one. :awwman:

A lot of people who do hands-on healing are actually using their own energy to heal. So, afterwards, they often feel drained. They may even take on the illnesses or pains of the person they are trying to heal. I don't think every hands-on healer does the same thing, so this may or may not be true of your grandmother.

I think the big difference is that, with Reiki, you aren't using any of your own energy to heal. You are simply a channel through which the energy of the universe passes. This is why it's also possible to heal yourself with Reiki, and when you heal others, the energy flows through you, so you're actually getting a treatment at the same time. With Reiki, when you heal others, you're also healing yourself.

Dr. Usui, the founder of the Reiki tradition, also put certain safeguards into the system to ensure that the energy would only be used for the highest good. So, you can't harm anyone with Reiki, and if it's not for someone's highest good, they simply won't accept it. It has been called a intelligent energy. It 'knows' where to go and what to do.

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 02:02 PM

I already said that I don't think you have to be a master to pass an attunement. We could do a little experiment to see if that's true. So, I'll give one free attunement. They can be sent over a distance, so that works out fine. :)

So, if you want to do it, just ask. It's best if you sent aside a quiet time during the attunement. Just come back here afterwards and tell me your experiences (if anything). I also ask that you pay attention NOW to the sensations in your hands, and what it feels like to place your hands on various parts of your body... so that you can really see the difference. (I didn't, and I wish I had).

mattolsen

November 24th, 2004, 02:57 PM

Where does one go to find a master, and how can you be sure that they are in fact a master?

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 07:24 PM

Where does one go to find a master, and how can you be sure that they are in fact a master?

I don't think there's too much incentive to lie about being a Reiki master (except, online distance healings, where I think there is a bigger risk.) If you are a Reiki master you will get a certificate, and a lineage (which is a list of who passed her attunement, who passed that person's attunement, etc. all the way down to the first Reiki Master, Dr. Usui). Unfortunately there is no official list of Reiki masters you you'll have to just use your best judgement.

The best way to know that a person is a real Reiki master is probably to get a recommendation from a friend or trusted organisation. If I were in doubt, I'd ask the person to talk about their own experience with Reiki, and ask for a sample healing. You could ask if you could sit in on the class even if you aren't 100% sure I was going to get the attunement. There are all different sorts of masters, and not all of them are for everybody. You have to find the one that's right for you.

As for finding a Reiki master, I found mine by asking at a local New Age bookstore. Also, see if there's a local holistic magazine in your area. You'll probably find lots of listings in there. You may find listings of masters at www.reiki.org... I'm not sure... but even if you don't, there is lots of good stuff on that website. :)

Oh, one last thing. Some people charge $300 for an attunement or $1000 for Reiki master. IMO it's not worth it. Higher prices do not equal better quality attunement -- that's just ridiculous. I get my attunements from someone who charges $70. Don't assume you're getting more if you're paying more...

arctic splash

November 24th, 2004, 09:14 PM

I just passed an attunement to Aedrais. I hope it worked. Post here and let us know what you experience.

Reiki is a wonderful gift from the Divine, and a blessing. I hope you enjoy it.

Fall asleep doing Reiki to yourself. It feels SO good. :)

Also, if anyone else is really regretting that they didn't get the attunement, I'll continue do them, in exchange for a donation (of whatever you think it's worth, AFTER I do it). Doing the attunements makes me light-headed... it takes time... and I could use a few extra dollars for my trip to Ireland! I'm not asking anywhere near the $150 that it usually costs. Just... whatever you want to give. And we'll wait to see about Aedrais first. Keep in mind I'm not a Reiki Master, so I'm not going to guarantee success. But no success, no donation. It's that simple.

morningglory

November 24th, 2004, 10:58 PM

I have been experiancing some enormouse changes in my life. All for the better :smile: , But I have had so much stress I felt like I was going to explode. My sister and I took a walk to a childhood spot in the forest where we used to play. It's amazing the magical powers one can feel walking in our forest. I just cant discribe it. We walked into the "Pines" its a family of pines trees that our family planted so long ago. Theres a small stream of water flowing from the creek that is just a little deeper into that forest from where we laid a blanket down on the ground. She brought me a small pillow to lay my head on and a yellow candle to burn because she could see that my 3rd chakra damaged(this is my conection with my spiritualself) . She Brought a geen soap stone to soften the issues, and for gental healing. We lit nag champa insents to call the ascended masters. I laid down took a look around me, saw a beautiful blue sky coloring leaves for the times changing, felt the cool breeze against my face, listened to the water running in the stream. I was for the first time in such a long time in the "NOW" She spoke to me and let me know exactly what each chakra ment. I had some chakras glowing very bright colors, others were so dull, The colors were almost gray. she then laid upon me a rock (just heavey enuff for me to feel it was there) for each chakra, as she was speaking about them. I concentrated on each color and meaning as she spoke to me about them. The negative energy was just pouring out ,allowing me to open up and Not shut down. When she was finished, I laid there and felt each rock as I balanced and felt intune. I opened my eyes and just took in everything around me at that moment and hearing the sounds smelling the smells and feeling the blue rock in my hand as I squeezed tightly knowing that was my weakest chakra. I have been feeling much better and things are continueing to go well for me and my children. ;)

arctic splash

November 25th, 2004, 08:27 AM

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. :)

I haven't been doing this too long, and I could almost fill a book with my Reiki experiences. In fact, I'm thinking of doing just that. Here are some of my most interesting experiences:

My grandmother had been complaining of evening hot flashes, headaches, and a pain in her leg for about two weeks. The first day after I got the attunement, I did a healing on her, and it was amazing. The heat I felt in my hands as I touched her forehead was burning... I felt it in my hand for the rest of the day. Afterwards, her headache and leg pain were gone, and the hot flashes were much better. After another couple healings, she felt pretty much perfect.

Most interesting was when she went to the doctor afterwards. Her entire life, she's had high blood pressure. The last two times she's had her blood pressure taken (both after I started treating her), the blood pressure was completely normal.

I cleansed the house with Reiki energy. Immediately afterwards neighbours stopped in and commented on how nice the house smelled.

One treatment and my aunt's chronic back pain of about two years was gone. I'm not sure if it came back, but it was gone throughout her vacation.

I did a Reiki stack, which is amplified Reiki energy sending it to many people through a proxy. I put myself on the top of the stack so I would feel the most energy. I began healing a piece of paper, using it to represent all those people. After about 15 minutes, I felt a wave of what I can only call erotic warmth come over me. It's a rather intense experience... more intense than I usually experience with a normal self-healing. And this is by healing a piece of paper!

I had an amazing experience in which I felt a point of emotional pain come out of my heart, and get bigger and bigger, until it surrounded me. It was intense, but beautiful... full of intense sadness and joy at the same time. This was about a week after my attunement, when couldn't be skeptical anymore, and I really thought for the first time, "Okay, this works." Afterwards I felt extremely refreshed, as though I had shed an old skin... I haven't yet experienced anything like it, although I do feel the emotional pain welling in my chest sometimes, it never expands to the extent it did here.

Depression is one of the imbalances that is *very* effectively treated with Reiki. One of the reasons, I think, is that when you have Reiki, you don't feel alone. At least I don't. I feel like someone is holding and comforting me, and I'm not afraid to explore painful feelings that I might be afraid to explore without Reiki. Also it's just energising and makes you happier, plain and simple. A few days ago, a wave of unexplainable depression and social anxiety came over me, and I didn't understand it.
I really felt desperate (and even more so when I started thinking, 'what is wrong with me?'). I decided to relax and do a self-healing. I spent about an hour healing and purging, and it was very therapeutic. When I had finished, the depression was pretty much gone, and the social anxiety was much less. I think they would have lasted much longer without the Reiki.

I've had success with distance healing, too.

mattolsen

November 25th, 2004, 08:50 AM

I don't think there's too much incentive to lie about being a Reiki master (except, online distance healings, where I think there is a bigger risk.) If you are a Reiki master you will get a certificate, and a lineage (which is a list of who passed her attunement, who passed that person's attunement, etc. all the way down to the first Reiki Master, Dr. Usui). Unfortunately there is no official list of Reiki masters you you'll have to just use your best judgement.

The best way to know that a person is a real Reiki master is probably to get a recommendation from a friend or trusted organisation. If I were in doubt, I'd ask the person to talk about their own experience with Reiki, and ask for a sample healing. You could ask if you could sit in on the class even if you aren't 100% sure I was going to get the attunement. There are all different sorts of masters, and not all of them are for everybody. You have to find the one that's right for you.

As for finding a Reiki master, I found mine by asking at a local New Age bookstore. Also, see if there's a local holistic magazine in your area. You'll probably find lots of listings in there. You may find listings of masters at www.reiki.org... I'm not sure... but even if you don't, there is lots of good stuff on that website. :)

Oh, one last thing. Some people charge $300 for an attunement or $1000 for Reiki master. IMO it's not worth it. Higher prices do not equal better quality attunement -- that's just ridiculous. I get my attunements from someone who charges $70. Don't assume you're getting more if you're paying more...

Thanks for all the info, thats exactly what I wanted

Temptation

November 25th, 2004, 10:22 AM

This thread has been really informative moonstone-D! Thanx for sharing your knowledge and experience with this. :smile:

arctic splash

November 25th, 2004, 10:32 AM

This thread has been really informative moonstone-D! Thanx for sharing your knowledge and experience with this. :smile:

I'm glad it's been helpful. :hahugh:

arctic splash

November 25th, 2004, 11:00 PM

This is what Aedrais experienced after I sent her the attunement.

Gaaah, sorry I had to leave-- I was in a quiet place by myself from 5:15 to 5:45-ish, though. I don't know how I felt, or if I felt any real physical changes.

However, since sending that last PM (which I sent before this one), I've been holding my hand over various parts of my body, and I feel the same pull and warmth. And now my hand is almost pulsing with warmth and a tingly feeling, even as I type.

I hope you don't mind my sharing your experience here. :) It sounds to me like the attunement worked; I think that's a very typical experience. I experience a pulling sensation in every chakra when I place my hands over them (although it doesn't always happen immediately). The most interesting one, for me, is the one I get in my head when I place my hand over my third eye. My hand in many ways feels like a magnet. So I'm happy you feel this -- it sounds very much like Reiki indeed. :) Any other practitioners care to comment?

Another thing you can do is intend to send energy over a distance to somebody, and pay attention to the sensations that arise. (You might feel pressure or warmth in your third eye, or perhaps a flowing out of your heart). There is a specific symbol you can learn, which helps facilitate distance healing: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen... but you don't necessarily need it for the distance healing to work. (You can learn about the symbols in many books or online).

Aedrais

November 30th, 2004, 06:44 PM

Alright, I'm here to post my experiance.

You asked me if I was 100% sure if it worked-- well, not 100%. I'm not 100% sure of anything, mind, so don't take that to mean much. :lol:

Yes, I feel a pulling sensation when I place my hands over certain areas of my body. Also... whenever I start thinking about Reiki, or someone else mentions it, my left hand starts to pulse and tingle and throb with energy, and I want to use it.

I've noticed-- I don't know if anyone else feels the same-- but I've noticed that my left hand is more sensitive than my right. I'm right handing, but my left's hand is the one that pulses. I've read somewhere, though, that your non-dominate hand is more sensitive to metaphysical things, because your dominant hand does all the mundane things. Sounds kind of plausable, ne?

Anyway-- I've been working a little every night. It's subtle, and sometimes I wonder if I'm making myself believe that something's happening-- but belief is power, and so I've decided just to go with it, and work a little every night, and see how it progresses. I did try a bit of a long-distance energy booster for a friend of a friend, I don't know whether it'll have any affect, though.

So, that's my experiance so far. :D Thankies again!!

sincerebliss

November 30th, 2004, 07:43 PM

Okay..moonstone dreams also sent me attunement energy as well as Aedrais. Let me begin with my experiences. Moonstone Dreams asked me to pay attention to my body and message him at the approximate time I felt anything. Let me start, Okay..I usually meditate for about 10 mins every night at about eight o'clock. Today, I felt a need to meditate a little earlier (which I rarely do). As I was mediating at approximatly 6:30 or so, I felt really tired and somewhat heavy. Heavy in energy. It's hard to describe. Well, I ended up laying on my bedroom floor imagining my chakra colors from my base chakra to my crown chakra (by instinct.. I felt to do this). As I was doing this, I felt a tingling sensation coming mostly from my left hand palm. (Aedrais mentioned that the left palm is more "sensitive" and receptive than the right.) Then a small sensation at my right palm but not as much as my left. It was almost as if I felt energy coming through my left palm into me. I felt a little less tired and less heavy in energy so I got up and headed to the computer. As I was turning on the computer, I noticed my etheric field much stronger than usual in my palms and my hands were very cold. (Remind you, in the past few months I have been able to see the etheric field of individuals in a certain light but not well on myself.) I got on Mystic Wicks...hesitating as to whether I was imagining things. I thought the energy was sent but I wasn't sure. I just messaged moonstone dreams asking if he sent the energy. Turns out...I was right! He was sending the energy about the same time I was meditating and felt the tingling sensation in my left palm! Yay! There's my story! Thanks moonstone dreams!!!!! _happydanc

Ulu

November 30th, 2004, 08:48 PM

arctic splash

December 1st, 2004, 12:26 AM

I am a Reiki Master and I need to tell you that you CAN NOT pass an attunement unless you are a master. It is only with that attunement that you gain the symbols you need to do the attunement ceramony and the ceramony its self. I am doubtful as to wheather you can send an attunement over distance. Some people think so, but I personaly don't.

There are many wonderful healers that have never had an attunement. They are not doing Reiki, you can only do Reiki with the PROPER attunements. The attunement for each degree is different.

moonstone_dreams, you have done a wonderful job on this thread. What degree are you? Are you planning on going farther?

Thank you for your compliments. It means a lot.

I knew that eventually some RM would come in here and tell me that. ;)

I've seen attunement ceremonies that are pretty much the same for each level (except for the intent). I've also seen ceremonies which differ from level to level. There is no single way to pass an attunement.

I don't know why you say with such certainty that you cannot pass an attunement unless you're a Reiki master. Have you tried it? Or... are you simply going by what you've heard... from your own teachers, in your own tradition of Reiki? I'm no traditionalist and I think the possibilities of Reiki are only limited by the limitations we perceive. Sure, I know a lot of Reiki masters *would* scoff at my sending attunements without the master level. But not all. Some do not even like the fact that there are other traditions like Karuna or Shamballa and think we should all be traditionalists. Here, again, I disagree.

Opinions vary. I got the idea that it was possible to pass attunements without the RM from Christopher Penczak, who is a Reiki master. My own teacher does think it is possible, although she never got a chance to test it out for herself. You have a right to your opinion, but it's just an opinion... and I have to value my own experiences. It is my experiences that lead me to disagree with you. My experience so far has been that attunements without the RM are very real indeed. Even over a distance. Whether they are as effective or the same as coming from a RM, I don't know... so I don't guarantee anything when I do them... but I think Reiki is about experience, and I have to trust my own experience. Now, how I'm able to use DKM without being attuned to it, I don't know... but I do know that I've had real experiences with it. I also don't think there's anything *wrong* with experimenting.

I'm all for eliminating all can not's and do not's from the practise of Reiki. I think they only limit us.

I'm also a little wary of hearing things like 'you CANNOT do this' -- forgive me, this isn't personal -- but it seems a little bit like ego. "You CANNOT just give away attunements or charge so little for them." Why not? Hopefully we can all think for ourselves, and decide for ourselves.

I am a Level II Shamballa planning to go for the RM soon...

Ulu

December 1st, 2004, 10:59 AM

Thank you for your compliments. It means a lot.

I knew that eventually some RM would come in here and tell me that. ;)

I've seen attunement ceremonies that are pretty much the same for each level (except for the intent). I've also seen ceremonies which differ from level to level. There is no single way to pass an attunement.
Ummm, I never said that there was only one way to pass an attunement, but each one is different. Without the first degree attunement you can't get to the second. It's like filling a glass of water in a way.

I don't know why you say with such certainty that you cannot pass an attunement unless you're a Reiki master. Have you tried it? Or... are you simply going by what you've heard... from your own teachers, in your own tradition of Reiki?
As a matter of fact I have tried it, thats why I felt I had something to add to this conversation. The ones I did before the master attunement were not as strong as when I did the same people after I had the 3rd attunement. It was much more like a Reiki session than an attunement. The ones a friend and I did before either of us were attuned did not work. There was an energy exchange but once we had the proper attunements there was a vast difference.

You have a right to your opinion, but it's just an opinion... Please see above.

and I have to value my own experiences. It is my experiences that lead me to disagree with you.
Umm, how can you say that unless you have ever passed an attunement as a Reiki master?

I'm all for eliminating all can not's and do not's from the practise of Reiki. I think they only limit us. .
You can elimanate what ever you like. Reiki is what Reiki is. Change too much and you are not doing Reiki.

I'm also a little wary of hearing things like 'you CANNOT do this' -- forgive me, this isn't personal -- but it seems a little bit like ego. .

It's not ego, it's Reiki. Again if you change it too much it's not Reiki.

"You CANNOT just give away attunements or charge so little for them." Why not? Hopefully we can all think for ourselves, and decide for ourselves..

I never said anything about this. My rates are very reasonable, $45.00 for each of the first 2 degrees. The very best gift you can give an ill person is the first degree attunement. The attunement its self is very healing plus they can then do Reiki on themself. Often when people are ill they can not afford the attunement. I have also given them to spouses, partners and friends of ill people.

I still think that you have done a great job on this thread. It was never my intent to say otherwise. I just wanted to clear up that one thing.
Please excuse the edits, it's kinda early in the morning for me.

Faeawyn

December 1st, 2004, 12:33 PM

I must admit, I am also a Reiki Master. I've done extensive research on many different forms of Reiki. And in all of my teachings and research, I've found that you do need the proper attunements, and symbols to unlock the healing energy. It's like trying to bake a cake without the ingredients. If you don't have all the ingredients and tools you need, you can make a mud pie....but not a cake :whatgives:
But I am also very open to learning new things....and if you do indeed find that it is possible to "attune ones self"...then I'd be very interested in hearing about it :)

~Elise~

December 1st, 2004, 12:53 PM

I've been sitting on my hands to NOT answer this thread, but have been keeping an eye on it. Finally, a RM has stepped up and said what I've been itching to say for days now.

MD has been doing a great job answering questions, and that is needed in our times now. His passion is undeniable.

Once you achieve RM level, MD, you'll understand the difference. BUT, please don't rush the process. When I teach, and I know quite a few others who do this, as well, my students need a minimum of 21 days between Levels 1 & 2 and a minimum of 6 months between L2 and L3. Reiki is a very powerful healing modality. You need to give your body and spirit time to get used to the new energy and how to handle it.

Each level also brings up different issues for the person being attuned on diffferent levels. L1--Healing on the physical level. L2-healing on the emotional level and L3--healing on the spiritual level. Each of these should not be rushed. The issues brought forward will need to be worked on and through. You aren't doing yourself OR your patients any favors by rushing the process.

I've seen toooooooooo many people crash and burn out by rushing the process.

JMO and YMMV,

Elise

arctic splash

December 1st, 2004, 02:22 PM

Finally, some controversy on the subject! I knew it was inevitable, and I was wondering where you all were. :)

and I have to value my own experiences. It is my experiences that lead me to disagree with you.

Umm, how can you say that unless you have ever passed an attunement as a Reiki master?

I cannot say what my experience would be if I passed an attunement as a Reiki Master. I am only telling you what I *have* experienced. After I've given attunements, I've noticed healing powers increase in the hands of those I've attuned. I am simply saying that, based on my experiences, I feel that some sort of attunement without RM is possible. Also, I DO think there is a difference (maybe a big difference) between this and an attunement given by a RM. I would definitely recommend anyone getting an attunement this way to also get an 'official' attunement from an actual RM -- if they're really serious. I have no reason to believe that it's the same thing, or anywhere near as powerful as an actual first degree attunement. Which is why I say, I only know what I've experienced. And I have backup from other RM's who don't think I'm totally wrong.

So as much as I'd like to settle this once and for all... and know the truth of it... I can't accept what you say as anything more than opinion. Just as I can't accept what Penczak says as anything more than opinion.

I'll get some other opinions... from people who are RM's... and I'll try to post them here.

I never said anything about this. My rates are very reasonable, $45.00 for each of the first 2 degrees. The very best gift you can give an ill person is the first degree attunement. The attunement its self is very healing plus they can then do Reiki on themself. Often when people are ill they can not afford the attunement. I have also given them to spouses, partners and friends of ill people.

I know you didn't say anything about it. There's no need to defend yourself. I wasn't accusing you of anything. I was just referring to a general impression I've gotten of traditional Usui Reiki. I made sure to say that I didn't mean it personally because I thought, in context, you might take it that way. I really didn't mean to direct it at you.

arctic splash

December 1st, 2004, 02:34 PM

I've been sitting on my hands to NOT answer this thread, but have been keeping an eye on it. Finally, a RM has stepped up and said what I've been itching to say for days now.

Why didn't you answer it? I was fully expecting someone (if not many people) to come forward and tell me this.

I don't know what I've been doing, but if it's not an attunement, I'll call it something else. :)

Once you achieve RM level, MD, you'll understand the difference. BUT, please don't rush the process.

I'm sure there is a difference. I never meant to imply there's not a difference. I simply feel it's best to be open to all possibilities.

Each level also brings up different issues for the person being attuned on diffferent levels. L1--Healing on the physical level. L2-healing on the emotional level and L3--healing on the spiritual level. Each of these should not be rushed. The issues brought forward will need to be worked on and through. You aren't doing yourself OR your patients any favors by rushing the process.

It's probably a little bit different for everyone. My Level I was very emotional in nature.

A lot of people don't think so, but I *know* that emotional healing with Level I is possible, because I've experienced some amazing emotional healing at that level.

Or maybe my differences in experience are due to the fact that I was attuned to Shamballa...

~Elise~

December 1st, 2004, 06:56 PM

I never meant to imply that there wouldn't be other types of healing on the different levels. I've had students experience it differently as well. What I stated above on the levels and what they affect are merely guidelines.

As for yours being different because it's Shamballa, I can't attest to since that is one form of Reiki that I don't do.

As to why I didn't answer sooner...it is because you were already defensive in your posts and I didn't want to be the trigger.

Elise

blindfaith^_^

December 1st, 2004, 07:16 PM

This is a great thread ^_^. I'm glad to see something about reiki up. I'm a reiki level two student and I have to say that reiki had made a huge difference in my life. As far as the controversy between whether or not only a master can give an attunement, I believe that only a reiki master is qualified to give an attunement. A reiki level one or two can certainly send energy and healing to others, but I think a master's training and knowledge is really what makes it possible for them to give an attunement. While neither my teacher nor I use the reiki symbols often as we do not find them useful tools, it is still an important thing to know and learn. In my personal study of reiki I find that colors mean much more to me than symbols, and I incoporate the chakras in my healings. Like my teacher I do my healing and energy work for free, so I do not think that price determines quality in any way....and that's really all I have to say right now, but I'm sure to return with more later ^_^.

arctic splash

December 1st, 2004, 07:27 PM

As to why I didn't answer sooner...it is because you were already defensive in your posts and I didn't want to be the trigger.

I was just a little frustrated, because there are Reiki teachers out there with differing opinions, and when Ulu seemed to portray her opinion as absolute fact (and perhaps I just perceived it this way)... it just made me feel like I was being obliged to go along with it... and that made me uncomfortable. I just think it's unproven one way or the other -- so how do I decide who's right? I can't. And that's frustrating.

Hopefully you realise I'm not disagreeing with anyone (except on what's opinion and what's proven fact).

I hope you don't think I was being defensive in response to your post. :) Not at all. I know that what you say is correct. I just wanted to share that my own experiences didn't necessarily fit the 'norm'.

So, what I really want to know is, if what I've been doing isn't an attunement, what the heck *am* I doing?

~Elise~

December 1st, 2004, 10:58 PM

Ohhh--ya want controversy...here's one for you:

Blindfaith mentioned she doesn't always use the symbols and neither does her teacher.

I don't use them all the time either, BUT this came after YEARS of healing work and teaching. I look at the symbols as training wheels and once you're able to access Reiki without it...you don't need all the time anymore.
MOST of the time I find that just doing my Attitude of Gratitude will be enough to kick in the Reiki flow.

What do others who have been doing this a long time think or feel on the symbols? Always necessary?

JMO and YMMV,

Elise

arctic splash

December 2nd, 2004, 09:58 AM

I don't know what Reiki traditions you were all attuned to, but like I said before, maybe it's a Shamballa thing. Penczak states in his book that he took Shamballa, too, so maybe that's a part of it.

I asked about this on the Shamballa mailing list on Yahoo! I will post all responses I receive (and you can check for yourself on the thread 'passing attunements?') So far, these are the two responses I have received.

Pearls59 -- the second response here relates to your question about using symbols. Personally I use symbols most of the time, but I find that it's not necessary, and often the flow is just as powerful without them. :)

----------------------------

Jason, anything is possible for the pure hearted. As for rules for doing
things just remember the first rule of Shamballa - THERE ARE NO RULES.

Shamballa On!
Love
Neil

---------------------------

Personally, I feel it is possible to pass along the gift of
working the energies.......without the attunements.

That said, I am also of the opinion that one should have all the possible resources available.....meditations, symbols, ect. I say this because I think there are those who need a baseline... something to build off of....... I know, in my personal experience, I feel more
comfortable having some form of reference to look at. I may not agree
with it, or even use it, but I feel it gives me the balance to form
my own opinions..... And balance is probably the most important thing
when working energies, IMO.......

Peace, All....
winterfox

---------------------------

Shamballa is a very 'loose' tradition compared to traditional Usui, from what I've found, and that's what I really like about it. I also have talked to Shamballa masters who said the attunements were much more powerful than their traditional attunements (and one even felt herself going backwards when she took a traditional attunement after Shamballa). Shamballa masters claim the first degree attunement is as powerful as second degree Reiki. I'm not sure if I believe this, and I cannot attest to it, because I was never attuned to traditional Reiki.

Now, I must add, Shamballa isn't strictly Reiki. With Shamballa one gets a Reiki lineage back to Usui as well as a Shamballa lineage (back to John Armitage, founder of the tradition). It's supposed to be Reiki in addition to a 5th dimensional Melchizidek energy, or something like that... (The New Agey aspect of Shamballa is something I don't particularly connect with, but it's interesting).

arctic splash

December 2nd, 2004, 10:14 AM

There is also a very interesting healing modality, which uses the same energy as Shamballa, called the Melchizedek Method. (http://www.melchizedekmethod.com/)

The experience of it, I'm told, is totally different from the experience of Reiki. It's supposed to be really fun. :) I was just wondering if anyone has heard of it.

My only experience with it was my past-life regressionist who used it in the regression. It was very interesting and I may take a class sometime.

Oh, the philosophy of it is also very New Agey (things like Hologram of Love, DNA activation, etc). But that wouldn't stop it from being practical. :)

If anyone is interested, here's a description of the Level I workshop from the website:

During the workshop, Thoth introduces the Holographic Body Computer through time, space and love. Once you have accessed this holographic body computer, the following is some of what you can expect to work with in the four day workshop:

Activating the Hologram of Love 3 Breath Merkaba lightbody

Healing, cleansing rejuvenating the seven outer bodies, nervous system, the heart, blood, immune system, chakras, muscles, bone structure, internal organs, eyes, ears, nose, skin, pineal and pituitary glands and much more

We will also learn and work with pulse diagnosis, flow of chi, meridian points, bad habits, abundance consciousness, origins of thoughtforms and emotions, and techniques for body regeneration and age-reversal.

The new holographic unity conscious mudra

Accessing the time-space continuum through the spine

Instant holographic chakra balance

Holographic bi-location

Encoding the five sacred key languages of Egyptian, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Tibetan & Chinese through the pineal gland

Activating the ancient Egyptian Ankh through the zero point in the body

Solar Plexus holographic manifesting technique

arctic splash

December 2nd, 2004, 10:40 AM

What do you think about changing teachers? In my tradition, at least, you don't get a lineage until master level. So, if I went to one teacher for the first levels, and then went to someone else for the master, would my lineage come from whoever attuned me to master, regardless of who attuned me to the other levels?

Thanks!

~Elise~

December 2nd, 2004, 10:55 AM

I know that, personally, I won't attune someone to Level 3 unless they have taken L2 with me. Now, that said...if they bring the manuals that they used for L1 and L2 and they are comparable to what I've taught, then I will do it.
When I have L2 come in that I didn't train for L1, I have them come in about a half hour early so I can go over the things I teach different in L1 than most teachers here. (there are additional hand positions and I give the Power symbol in L1).
And it isn't the money reason that I do that--it's the difference in training. I'm the least expensive Reiki person in town.

JMO and YMMV,

Elise

Ulu

December 2nd, 2004, 10:10 PM

I'm a little under the weather today or I would have responded earlier.

MD, nothing you have said in this thread or to me has upset me. If it had, IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS!!! SEE THE DIFFERENCE???

In this thread you offered to answer any questions about Reiki, not just your tradition. You also asked for others "answers" and when I gave mine you jump down my throat. I am at the age where I dont pussy foot around. I state my opinion and hopeful the adults will respond with kindness and consideration. I did not find that with you in this thread. You have to remember that the people that come to this forum are often very intuitive and Reiki attunements amplify this. It felt like a trap to me, but I went ahead and gave the answer I had. And sure enough you pounced on me because you didn't like the way I said something. I'm sure other RM's could smell the trap thats why no one jumped in before me. When I tried to share a bit about the way I charge you accuse me of being defencive. Again you had asked anyone who had an answer to share it and when I did you became condescending. You took a very wonderful thread and turned it into something quite different.

In case theres any doubt, this is my humble opinion only.

Wolfscout1

December 2nd, 2004, 10:51 PM

very interesting thread.

I went threw all III levels of Usui Reiki.
Having said that, with my path being based in eclectic shamanic work.
I see how it's so easy for people to take the universalness energy of reiki and form their own methods or change things.
I've healed through shamanic methods for many years. Often using self-draining methods.
I sent healing while going through Reiki II.
Now I am III ( do not like the words teacher or master) .
I do not charge for healings before and do not still. Never have. probably won't.
I give what is already universally there. I just activate it is how I see it.
I awaken what is already there.
I think that is much how many other methods work which use universal energies.

People call things different things; but, I truely beleive that it's terminology that we need to take the biasness out of and look at the essentials.

Symbols or not? well, I think it's whatever you need to get the one who is requesting aid/help to the proper understanding to recieve.
If they need nothing then niether do you.

There are Traditionalists in Reiki as there are in any other thing on this board.
Neither bad nor good. just different. That's why they use the phrase "It's all good."

I 'm sure others will agree or disagree. But that is my experience.
And that is what this thread was supposed to be about right ?

arctic splash

December 3rd, 2004, 07:50 PM

Ulu,

I can only say that I am truly *very* sorry that what I said has made you feel this way. (I edited from 'upset you' because you said it didn't, but I know you sense some tension and negativity here, and I'm sorry about that).

Had I known it was going to cause this sort of tension between us, I would have surely responded more carefully. I was sort of surprised when you said I was accusing you of being defensive, because I honestly did not mean it that way. I actually said 'no need to be defensive' to be nice, not to be antagonistic. (I felt that I may have worded myself in such a way that you -- or anyone in your position -- might take it as a personal attack, and I simply wanted to assure you that you need not take it that way).

You say you state your opinion and hope that responses will be kind and considerate. Just to give you some idea where I was coming from, your first sentence:

I am a Reiki Master and I need to tell you that you CAN NOT pass an attunement unless you are a master.

especially given the capitalisation, to *me*, seemed rather condescending. I'm not saying you meant it that way, but it's how I initially took it.

"I need to tell you" -- sounded to me like a lecture. I'm sure it wasn't meant that way, but I hope you can understand why I saw it as condescending when I first read it.

"that you CAN NOT pass an attunement" -- again, it sounded more like an admonition than a statement of opinion. It made me feel uncomfortable expressing a different opinion. If I was defensive in my response, that's why.

Yes, I didn't like the way you said something. Can you understand why I felt that way? And then, you didn't like the way I said something. We sounded condescending to each other. I think we have to all be careful how we use language around here. I personally think it was a big misunderstanding and I hope it can be fixed with a simple hug. :hugz: I truly do respect your opinion. I just took issue with the way you said it -- and I KNOW you probably didn't mean it the way I took it.

In all honesty, I felt like the one who was trapped. Somebody *needing* to tell me that something CAN NOT be done didn't exactly sound kind and considerate to me. No worries, though. It's not important. I just want us to be able to share our opinions and experiences. It didn't *sound* like a very humble opinion to me. I'm sorry I perceived your statement as condescending.

I'm not exactly why you sensed a trap... if you could explain that to me, and tell me exactly what I said that sounded like a trap, perhaps I could avoid that in the future. I never intended to trap anybody. I'm sorry. Please express as many opinions as you like... but please be a little more careful how you express them. And I will do the same. Kindness and consideration. I think if we both followed that, both of us would have responded differently.

arctic splash

December 3rd, 2004, 07:58 PM

Here is another response on passing attunements from the Shamballa mailing list. I post these because I think it's best to make up our own minds about these things... and there are many traditions you can go to, if you don't like the philosophy of one, find another.

Hallo Jason,

I would say it is definately possible and that you probably have done so. It all depends on the level of connection a person has with the energy, and the clarity of the intention. Some people are already connected to some of the dimensions due to the work they have done on themselves, or because they did not shut down in childhood, or from meditation or other possible sources like contact with angels. It can still be the case that for many people they first need to be 'reconnected' to the energies first. None of these energies are totally unknown to us as they are part of creation as are we.

Its a matter of how much we remember that really....
love Kathleen

arctic splash

December 3rd, 2004, 08:25 PM

Thank you for sharing this Wolfscout1. I also do not like the word master and even when I receive the level III/IV I will never use it. (I've used it in this discussion for the sake of simplicity).

arctic splash

December 3rd, 2004, 08:59 PM

I've gotten many more responses from the Shamballa mailing list, and I said I would post them all, so here they are. Now I am more certain than ever that this is something that differs from tradition to tradition. Everyone in Shamballa seems to agree with me. :P

I also post them because I think they're fascinating and reflect my own opinions towards Shamballa/Reiki. And again, you should go with whatever tradition speaks loudest to you. As you can see, the first rule of Shamballa is there are no rules; traditional Reiki has been comparatively extremely rigid. Whatever floats.... well, I hate that term, so.... you know.

I believe we are not healers; nor do we attune; rather, we facilitate both, they come through us... from a higher source.

And no, this thread isn't just about my tradition -- but it's the one I know most about, so I'm obviously going to write about it.

The first message is from John Armitage, founder of Shamballa, who is busy traveling right now, but had time to respond briefly.

***************************

remember attunements are not freedom and love, we are dont focus on the method be the energy of it yourself;
-- John Armitage (Hari Das Baba)

****************************

Here we go again. I cannot believe that anyone who practices in their freedom
would be able to deny that it could be that easy. To simply say that the energy
will be only passed in a specific way would then negate the ability to co-create
in a person's own reality. On the other hand, it is a human trait to want
structured growth. The need for symbols or the need to be ordained in a
particular field of endeavor. A permission so to speak. But if I understand the
ascended masters and Hari Das, then all possibilities exists. You can do
anything you believe you can create in your freedom. Do we need anyone's
permission? NO. BUT it is nice to be united in one purpose and to focus all our
energy in a concerted effort.

Hit and miss, willy nilly is not a focussed approach as I can see. But who am I to
make that judgment? In unconditional love there are no judments. It is as it is.
If someone has the ability to pass attunements in an unconventional way, I say
more power to them. But I would be remiss and untrue to myself if I limited
myself by saying that it is not possible to pass attunements without the "proper
authority" giving its blessing. WE ALL know that times are a changing, what was
reality a week ago has again shifted. There are great things coming. A new world
of many wonders will occur. We will see the world with new eyes. We will be
able to do all sorts of wondrous things. AND THAT WILL BE THE REALITY OF IT ALL.
I ask that spirit continue to show me the way toward a reality that all mankind
and womenkind can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Show me the way to make all
men and women free. Folks a new world is dawning women will take their righful
place as part of the mother/father source. Not one way but both united in a
final tribute to ascension to the next level of our upward spiral toward the
perfection that is rightfully our due. Shamballa on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maurice Richard Dover, NH
--
Master-Healer- Teacher

**********************************

I agree, anything is possible. It is your intent that makes it so.
I attuned my husband simply by doing enough reiki or shamballa on him, that
he became attuned and could bring in the energy himself when he needed it.
And I only had the basic courses at the time.
Before I did the master level, I did a group attunement in the etheric. Some
received more than others, but they were more ready. One who was just
'there' for the meditation didn't feel any different, she thought everyone
else had gotten it ( attunement) and she was right.
But she later said she was skeptical and had set her intent before the work,
not to receive.
So I think anything is possible - or not - depending on the intent both of
the giver and the receiver. It is the person's choice as to whether or not
s/he wants to be healed or attuned.
And I've never received the teacher level of reiki, yet I can attune those
who want to receive it.
Hope this is helpful.

Rosetta

**********************************

Dear Jason,
Anything is possible. It depends a lot on the readiness and receptivity of
the people involved. The basic formats that have been set up are just
that--basic frameworks that are meant to work for everyone. Also, you may
have received initiation/s yourself of various kinds during your dreamtime,
which would make you capable of carrying the energies to initiate others.
During an initiation the energies you request come through you and into the
other person. If you are capable of channeling the energies, you are; if
you aren't , you aren't. It's pretty simple. If you are capable of
contacting another "long distance" and they are willing and ready, then you
can pass on an attunement that way. What is MISSED in these long-distance
attunements are the clearing meditations and interactions with others,
discussions, and grounding of the energies by working hands-on with others.
This is an important part of Shamballa--it isn't just the initiations, but
also the teachings and clearings that go along with the initiations that are
important. Some can do self-study to overcome these obstacles.

Germain has told us that with 13D there is a transmission that requires the
initiator to have had the initiation and to be in the same room as the one
being initiated. He has not elaborated, so I take it on faith from him as
the being bringing through the energies to us. But 13D Shamballa energies
are way beyond Reiki or even Shamballa 1-4.

In love & light,
Phyllis

****************

Jason,

It is possible to attune and be attuned to any level; It is the intent that
allows this to occur. With ones intent, they can ask Spirit for attunement,
no human required.

It is the same energy but without benefit of classroom instruction. Much as
with long distant attunement, the student generally has the ability to use
the energy but lacks knowledge that comes with the classroom setting.

I have received attunement from Spirit, it was the most beautiful
experience; when done by spirit, it is something one does not easily forget!

Blessings
Love and Light
Vaneta

***************

hi jason,
having been a reiki master and now part of the shamballa family, there is
much clarity. reiki has been very limited in mindset. as you have experienced, the attunements were given. many are still of vocabulary , that we (the person)give the attunement, but it comes from spirit thru us. all is intention.
in light love
irene

*************************

ear Jason,

I believe that anything is possible today .... and I intend to be mindful
about 'ruling something out' just because someone else says it can't be so
.... or it was not the case in the past ....

We are living in unprecedented times .... and new and exciting things are
happening all over the place ............

Check in with your own guidance, your own I AM Presence ..... as well as
that of the others you are working with ........ for your final conclusion.
Check in with Germain as well! :)

It is nice to hear from you ........ your mentioning Christopher's book was
the second mention of it in the same evening ... and until then I was not
aware he had written one.

Christopher, if you're on line here, congratulations ... and keep up the
beautiful work you do!

love, Holly Brown

*********************

Jason, when the student is ready, the magic will happen. I was
attuned to the master's level with a man who had had NO Reiki
previous to this date, but was working Reiki with his magnetic
healing. My teacher decided (apparently after some thought) that the
only way this man would not accidently draw too much out of himself
was to get what training he could for the highest level. He was
already operating there: With the manual (so to speak) he could make
sure he kept the energy working ok.
I was passing attunements after level two; I know for a fact one
person began operating at a much higher level than I was already. I
think it's where you are when you receive the attunment, which
matters.

(playing fast and loose with "the Rules" down here,):-)
Gina

*****************

hi Jason,
I don't think spirit checks out our certificates when we ask for help or
healing or attunements...they work with our intentions.
xx jan oo

arctic splash

December 4th, 2004, 03:33 PM

Christopher Penczak clarified his opinion for me here....

*****************

Dear Jason,

Thanks so much for writing. I know i don't always hold a popular opinion on reiki, magick or witchcraft, but its ok. lol.

I"m not sure if you do or don't need to be a master to pass on the attunement, but I know many people who seem to believe they have, without it. If its an energetic current, depending on the style of initiation you receive, you might get all the symbols and energies in your level one training. I think the proof is in what happens, but i do believe having the training to teach others is an important aspect in passing attunements. Since my travelings and teaching, I've found a variety of attunment processes work, so there can't be only one way to do things.

Blessings,

Christopher

***************

And I definitely agree. It can't hurt to pass on the ability to channel the energy, but it's so much better when it comes with the instruction.... and more fun, too. :)

Nacken

December 10th, 2004, 01:51 AM

[QUOTE=Ulu]I am a Reiki Master and I need to tell you that you CAN NOT pass an attunement unless you are a master. It is only with that attunement that you gain the symbols you need to do the attunement ceramony and the ceramony its self. I am doubtful as to whether you can send an attunement over distance. Some people think so, but I personaly don't.

I'm actually a reiki master although I use the term reiki teacher rather than master. It just seems too grand a title, like calling yourself lord or lady whatsit. I've also been practicing Qigong or Chi Kung for about 20 years. Im not a qigong master and I'm more learned in qigong than in reiki. Id say that I am a qigong adept. The reiki attunement is actually a qigong technique called "qi packing." In yoga it is called "locking". You may not be able to do a reiki attunement without being a reiki master, but it is quite possible to give an attunement which does about the same thing without being a reiki master by using qi packing. Usui (reiki's founder) was the Japanese equivalent of a qigong master and incorporated the qi packing technique. The symbols were added later, I think by one of his successors. I don't believe that he used the reiki symbols in attunements.
I have experimented and done attunements without using the symbols on friends. They were aware in advance that these were experiments. When I got my reiki 3, my teacher taught me the attunement technique, and after I listened to her, I realized that it was just qi packing. I had never tried qi packing on someone else before I got my 3rd, but I imagine that I could have if I had ever thought to do so. There are 2 reasons why attunements are only done by level 3s. The first is that having had three attunements, you have fewer energy bloackages and stronger energy. This means that you have more energy to pack and emit into the candidate. Secondly, the attunement process is generally kept secret so no one tries to do it. But I'd say that some of my qigong friends could give an attunement which would be equivalent to a reiki attunement, without ever getting any reiki training. As I said, it wouldn't be a reiki attunement, but it would have the same effects.
Im not putting down reiki, but it is only one of many energy work disciplines out there. Is is just that it is very popular and widespread now. Likely what I have said is going to cause some flack. I am not saying this because of a big ego or to cause trouble. It is only that I have a wider experience than others and can draw the comparisons. Oh, by the way, Ive done many distant attunements. Distance doesn't seem to make a difference.

arctic splash

December 14th, 2004, 11:35 PM

Thanks, that was really interesting! Qi packing... I've read a couple books on qigong and never heard that term. There are so many disciplines of energy work -- it's all fascinating to me!

RainCeleste

December 14th, 2004, 11:59 PM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

Willow_starr

December 15th, 2004, 12:59 AM

morrigan

December 15th, 2004, 07:23 AM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

i was going to ask something along the same lines..
another thing if you have to be attuned why would someone bother to write a book about how to do reiki in the first place.. surely a reiki master wouldnt just be out to line their pockets..
another question is i have heard you shouldnt practise reiki when your pregnant? is this true? and if it is why?
the 3rd question is if someone says they are practising reiki and they havent been 'attuned' then what sort of healing are they doing?
also what is the basis used to decide if someone passes their attunement?
Blessed Be ~Morrigan~

KEishin

December 15th, 2004, 09:34 AM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

Another Reiki teacher coming out of the woodwork! I'm with someone who mentioned Reiki Master sounds too pretentious. I'm a quasi-trad (Renegade Usui) meaning we have the traditional training, but apply in ways that make the traditionalists cough up hairballs. :geez:

To RainCeleste: yes you can buy books to read about Reiki. I've been told that you can only practice Reiki with the attunement, BUT I've also met people who do energy healing that don't have Reiki, so I need to research that more. I recommend 'Essential Reiki' by Diane Stein and 'Reiki: The Healing Touch" by William D. Rand. Both will give you the foundation you are looking for.

From there, who knows? In the end the energy to heal comes from something above a mere person, so the Gods will attune you in their own ways and in their own time if they choose.

~Elise~

December 15th, 2004, 09:56 AM

~Elise~

December 15th, 2004, 10:29 AM

i was going to ask something along the same lines..
another thing if you have to be attuned why would someone bother to write a book about how to do reiki in the first place.. surely a reiki master wouldnt just be out to line their pockets..
another question is i have heard you shouldnt practise reiki when your pregnant? is this true? and if it is why?
the 3rd question is if someone says they are practising reiki and they havent been 'attuned' then what sort of healing are they doing?
also what is the basis used to decide if someone passes their attunement?
Blessed Be ~Morrigan~

A true RM isn't out to line their pockets...doesn't make any difference if you read the book or not...until you are attuned to the energy flow, it won't stick.

I attuned a pregnant lady and the baby in utero...so the baby was Reiki I before she was ever born. The baby & I have a very close connection to this day. Pregnant women can do Reiki--don't know why you heard that. Reiki can NOT harm.

attunements are NOT pass/fail- they are simply given.

Hope this helps

blindfaith^_^

December 15th, 2004, 11:56 AM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

You can buy a book and learn about reiki. It's an interesting subject, and I like books, but you can not become attuned by readingt he book. It is quite possible that you could learn energy or healing techniques through reading a reiki book. The book would definately give a bettr understanding of reiki, but no one can practice reiki without recieving an attunement. Of course there are many other healing practices equally valid and wonderful, and there are natural healers, but without an attunement it isn't reiki.

If you are looking for more information on reiki, may I suggest www.angelreiki.nu? Its one of my favorite sites, and besides my teacher its one of my greatest resources.

arctic splash

December 15th, 2004, 12:35 PM

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge. A couple of questions:

I received a First Degree attunement a couple of years ago and it was a wonderful experience. Did healing mainly on myself and sometimes my mother and partner but have fallen out of practice. I have also had a lot of hard stuff in that time and am just starting to seriously start to pull myself out it. I'd like to get back to practicing reiki but where/how should I start? I still have my materials from my course so reviewing those is an obvious place but do you have any other suggestions?

Once you receive an attunement is it "good for life" or something you have to work at maintaining? Since it has been almost three years since mine, most of that not practicing at all, if I wish to continue should I recieve another attunement?

Can you suggest a good website that clearly discusses the different Traditions of reiki? moonstone_dreams has done a good job of describing Shamballa but what about others?

You may have stopped feeling the energy after a while, but it's supposed to be with you forever, so if you just practise, in the same way you did when you were first attuned, that's pretty much all you'll need. (It never hurts to get another Level I attunement though, although it's not necessary... it may make your ability to channel Reiki stronger).

Of course, if you keep practising for a while and it still feels like nothing is happening... go with your own experience... it might help you to get the attunement again.

For very basic information on some types of Reiki: http://www.obsidianbutterfly.com/cred/Reiki_types.htm

Lightarian Reiki -- http://www.lightarian.com/reiki.htm

Urevia -- http://www.reikiconnect.com/urevia.htm

Karuna Reiki -- http://www.reiki.org/KarunaReiki/KarunaHomepage.html

Shamballa -- http://www.mahatma.co.uk/p2.htm (it's not a very good site, and it's really not in good shape right now, but you'll probably find something there). Also try the Shamballa MD Healers Yahoo! group. There are lots of files in the group.

Actually, I highly recommend you check out THEPENDULUMFORUM group on Yahoo! It's a wonderful group, and besides, they have many, many files on so many types of Reiki... well worth joining.

arctic splash

December 15th, 2004, 12:50 PM

i was going to ask something along the same lines..
another thing if you have to be attuned why would someone bother to write a book about how to do reiki in the first place.. surely a reiki master wouldnt just be out to line their pockets..

The books don't actually explain how to *do* Reiki (except for information about the attunement process, maybe, and what to expect when you are attuned), but they do explain methods for using the energy after you already *can* do it. A lot of books talk about hand positions, where to place hands for certain maladies, the Reiki symbols, the philosophy and history of Reiki. They talk about many methods (Reiki stacks, crystal grids, chakra balancing, etc) for using the energy... so they are helpful... but as for how to actually channelling the energy, the books just tell you to get an attunement. It's not something you 'learn', it's something you acquire. :)

another question is i have heard you shouldnt practise reiki when your pregnant? is this true? and if it is why?

I highly doubt this is true, but go with your own intuition -- that's so much more important than what anyone else tells you. If you get a gut feeling that you shouldn't use Reiki in a certain situation, maybe you shouldn't. (I have heard that Reiki for diabetes is iffy, simply because you'll need less medicine, and you could end up taking too much.) But I don't know. I only know my own experience. I sent Reiki to someone with diabetes and it seemed to really help.

I tend to disagree with those that say that Reiki always works for the highest good. I don't know whether Reiki energy is 'intelligent' energy, but I think the intelligence is in our bodies, which know how to use the energy, much more than the energy itself. Many Reiki or Shamballa practitioners say that we are not healers; our bodies heal themselves -- we only facilitate it.

Using Reiki to heal a severely broken bone could start the repair process too soon, before a doctor is given a chance to set it. If you've accidentally amputated a finger, and begin sending energy to the finger, it will heal more quickly -- thus making it more difficult to reattach the finger. I think personal experience is very important, and I haven't had any experience with these things, so I couldn't say... however, I can tell you that Reiki has made me very tired when it seemed to be in my best interest to stay awake.

So, I'd say think for yourself. I the vast majority of circumstances, I think Reiki is beneficial. However, more than ever, I'm beginning to think there are times when it may not be.

the 3rd question is if someone says they are practising reiki and they havent been 'attuned' then what sort of healing are they doing?
also what is the basis used to decide if someone passes their attunement?
Blessed Be ~Morrigan~

Words are just labels. There isn't necessarily a word for it. Call it hands-on healing, or healing through visualisation, or something like that. It might well be the same energy used in Reiki, but when people talk about Reiki they're usually referring to a technique passed down through attunements and *generally* with similar techniques and philosophy. I personally don't think Reiki practitioners have sole posession of the energy used in Reiki. That energy is available to all of us. Call it qi or chi, prana, or simply energy.

arctic splash

December 15th, 2004, 01:05 PM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

The thing is, at its very simplest, Reiki is simply about placing your hands on yourself or another, and the energy will flow. You don't have to learn how to do this, it just happens when you're attuned. It's possible that energy will flow if you haven't been attuned. There *are* things you can learn about improving your ability to channel energy, but I don't think you'll find any help in Reiki books. They don't teach you to channel energy, they just explain techniques for using it after you already have the ability. There are probably plenty of other books that can help you learn energy healing, but not Reiki books...

Instead, look to other books about energy visualisation techniques, etc. I think there's a book called Quantum Touch, which is supposed to be good, whether you're attuned to Reiki or not. I also love the books by Ken Cohen (Honoring the Medicine, a book about Native American healing, and The Way of Qigong about Chinese energy healing).

My personal opinion is that Reiki is really a universal energy and you don't necessarily need to be attuned to use that energy. It's available to all of us. You may not be using traditional Reiki techniques (and I think it's the methods and philosophies of Reiki that people are referring to when they say 'Reiki'). Whether it's actually the same thing as Reiki... who knows for sure? But if it works, what does it matter?

Lunacie

December 15th, 2004, 01:20 PM

arctic splash

December 15th, 2004, 01:35 PM

If someone hasn't been 'attuned' they wouldn't be said to be using the Reiki process, but they are still using the same energy as someone who uses a different process to channel the energy.

Wonderfully said.

morrigan

December 15th, 2004, 10:31 PM

ty for clearing those up for me they have been things i have wondered about for a while.. makes alot of sence.. Blessed Be ~Morrigan~

Nacken

December 16th, 2004, 01:20 AM

I think there are many names for the process of using or channeling Universal Energy. If someone hasn't been 'attuned' they wouldn't be said to be using the Reiki process, but they are still using the same energy as someone who uses a different process to channel the energy. I was channeling this energy for many years before I went to a Reiki class and recieved my attunement. I didn't do it so I would be able to use a different energy, I did it so I would have more training in using the energy and so I could reassure people I offered my services to that I had actually been trained in a formal discipline.

I appreciate whoever shared the information about Dr. Usui having training in another form of energy discipline. I had been wondering how he was able to be attuned to Reiki energy when there was no other master to give him his attunement symbols. I think Dr. Usui took what he had learned through many years of study, research and meditation and created a new process (and name) for using the same energy we can all use.

.
As I mentioned before, the reiki attunement is actually a technique called qi packing. It is just that you don't find many of us who know about qi packing, so you think that you have to be a reiki 3 to do it. People tend to mystify the attunement process, but really it is a technique like learning how to throw a basketball or something. I find it interesting that reiki masters are taught to do attunements by rote without knowing the principles of how it works. It isn't your fault though. Likely your teachers were the same. I figured it out, but only because I had the right background. I showed a couple of my qigong friends the attunement ritual written down and both clued in as quickly as I did.
BTW, the energy is actually the same whether you have a reiki attunement or not. At least both follow the same principles of energy work. They may have a different 'vibe' to them is all. If you are interested in reiki history, here are a couple links. Interestingly enough, although Usui mentions reiki symbols once or twice, he didn't use any in attuning his students. It was one of his successors who began using them that way.
http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/home.html

http://www.reikisystem.com/

http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/roots/rootsreiki.html

I should mention that I am trying to make people THINK instead of taking the reiki party line. Reiki is big business now. It has become political because it has become a commercial industry. Many reiki practicianers follow dogma set out by Takata (a former self appointed grand master) in a way reminiscent of xian fundies and televangelists. What it comes down to is that I would like to see reiki as it was taught by Mikao Usui, the founder, rather than the McDonalds fast food version that we see today. I'm being a little subversive today, but I like to be sometimes. ;-)

Wolfscout1

December 16th, 2004, 02:33 AM

Is there any way that you can just buy a book on the subject and learn it or must it be "attuned" to you?

I've read all the replies to this thread on this issue. Guess it needs to be stated that i view Reiki from an eclectic state and see that symbols and such aren't always necessary noris the use limited to traditional methodologies. Many have problems with this. i have to say i'm a non-traditionalist and i think the answers have been onesided.

While Reiki is hands on, it was given to Usui by distance from an unknown source. so even the first attunement was not hands on. therefore it is a viable option.

This link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GrassRootsReiki/ has Reiki masters and non that talk of Reiki for free. No charges involved. it's not for the money though you can find those who charge much for a healing session elsewhere.
http://angelreiki.nu/
http://reiki-do.org/free.htm has Organisations with teachers who share Reiki for free.

There is the book the Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak which is excellent.

Look around the methods and forms of use are all valid IMO.

arctic splash

December 16th, 2004, 12:13 PM

Thank you both for contributing to this discussion -- I think your points of view are much needed ones. _handclapp

Wonderful links.

Aurin

December 16th, 2004, 01:20 PM

Hrm... on the possibility of attuning another before receiving a master level attunement -

I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done - but I would ask myself "In my imperfect understanding, what exactly would I impart?" and "Would they receive the same benefits as if they were attuned by a master?" ...

I am a level 2 Johrei|Vajra + Usui Shiki Ryoho student - I am certainly no master, nor a teacher, but I am far from traditional =P ...

blindfaith^_^

December 16th, 2004, 10:08 PM

I think there are many names for the process of using or channeling Universal Energy. If someone hasn't been 'attuned' they wouldn't be said to be using the Reiki process, but they are still using the same energy as someone who uses a different process to channel the energy. I was channeling this energy for many years before I went to a Reiki class and recieved my attunement. I didn't do it so I would be able to use a different energy, I did it so I would have more training in using the energy and so I could reassure people I offered my services to that I had actually been trained in a formal discipline.

I appreciate whoever shared the information about Dr. Usui having training in another form of energy discipline. I had been wondering how he was able to be attuned to Reiki energy when there was no other master to give him his attunement symbols. I think Dr. Usui took what he had learned through many years of study, research and meditation and created a new process (and name) for using the same energy we can all use.

What I am always interested in hearing is what experience others may have had during or following their attunement? For myself, I could sense several spirits (or guardians) around me during my attunement, and when the teacher finished mine and went on to do my fellow student's attunement, I could 'see' and 'hear' a small Asian man who told me "Well done." I will always believe that it was the spirit of Dr. Usui himself although it could have been one of his students.

I agree with you 100%. It is all the same energy, just a difference process.

My healing experience with reiki has been wonderful. When I first became attuned it fantastic, so many things began to fall into place for me. I am a very intutuve and empathetic person. Throughout my childhood and teen years I had seen things I didn't completely understand, I just accepted it. When I had my attunement I met with my guides and suddenly a lot of things became very clear. It was a very healing and comforting experience for me.

arctic splash

January 1st, 2005, 04:34 PM

I have some questions but didn't want to start a new thread for them...

What are your experiences with sending to situations? Has it been effective for you? Does it feel different for you than a normal session? (I think it tends to feel more 'buzzy' for me...) When you send healing to a situation that you're directly involved in (e.g. a relationship) do you feel changes within you while you're sending?

How long and often do you think energy should be sent to a difficult situation? Is 15 minutes a day good? Thirty? An hour? (I know this question is rather subjective... I just want to hear how you respond to it.)

Oh, and how do you do it?

younghawk

January 2nd, 2005, 01:12 AM

What are your experiences with sending to situations?
Any time I have a situation that I need help with or guidence I always send energy out.

Has it been effective for you?
It has always done great things for myself.

Does it feel different for you than a normal session? (I think it tends to feel more 'buzzy' for me...)
Yeh I get the buzzy thing to, because there's normally alot more energy going out than in a normal session. For most times there are so many things that can relate to just one situation.

When you send healing to a situation that you're directly involved in (e.g. a relationship) do you feel changes within you while you're sending?
No I don't, because anytime I'm doing something for myself or someone I care about, I completely detach myself from the session. So that I do not try to affect the outcome of the situation. I just always leave it up to the hightest and best good of the situation.

How long and often do you think energy should be sent to a difficult situation? Is 15 minutes a day good? Thirty? An hour? (I know this question is rather subjective... I just want to hear how you respond to it.)
I tend to spend about 30 minutes in the morning getting the energy flowing and set it to continuely flow through out my day. Mainly in small amounts during the whole day, so that it doesn't affect my mundane life. And rarely does the energy keep going all day, I normally can tell when it stops flowing, when the amount of energy needed for that day has already flown out. Sometimes I also do sit downs during the day for an hour at a time, just depends on the situation, I always seem to know when and what I need to do.

Sage Rainsong

January 2nd, 2005, 09:45 AM

Okay I have 2 questions.

If someone were say Reiki II and they got a hold of the master symbols, (not so far fetched they are in a couple of books) and used them to attune someone do you think it would work?

Also I have read a method for reiking problems not specific to healing in ones life. For example you would say oh my prosperity is bad or I have no friends ( Not actual problems of mine.) you would write it on a peice of paper and put the distance healing symbol on it an reiki it every day until the problem clears up. Has anyone tried this or heard of it? What were your experiences?

arctic splash

January 20th, 2005, 06:44 PM

Opinions vary (as you can see if you read the previous debate here on the subject). I don't feel there's anything wrong with people seeing the symbols. I have a Cho Ku Rei t-shirt and I'm well aware that some people might think that's wrong. But hey, it's not a religion, although some people seem to treat it that way. I'll gladly point anyone to websites where they can see the symbols; I have no problem with that.

What I heard, from the woman who attuned me to Shamballa, is that the symbols will still work if you have not specifically been attuned to them, but they won't have as much of an effect. I attuned a couple people before getting my Level 3, and I feel the attunements were actually passed. I now have the Level 3, and am able to pass attunements, and I can tell you the way I felt after passing an 'official' attunement was very much the same.

Some traditions make the attunement process much simpler, and emphasise that it's all about intention. I agree that it's all about intention! The process in these traditions is hardly more than stating 'I affirm that the energies of Kundalini Reiki be passed on to ____ for her highest good,' or something like that. Still, I think the more complete attunement is more fun, and more special, because it feels more like an initiation than a simple affirmation.

As for healing situations, I really haven't done much with it. But go for it, since it's about intention, and some people say they've gotten great results. Be creative, do whatever you feel like doing... you don't have to feel restricted by any rules unless you want to be.

arienh

January 20th, 2005, 10:39 PM

What an awesome thread! I have a question, can anybody be attuned or do you have to have some healing abilities to begin with?

KEishin

January 21st, 2005, 08:43 AM

Anyone can be attuned - previous healing ability not required, but a definite plus!

arctic splash

January 21st, 2005, 01:08 PM

What an awesome thread! I have a question, can anybody be attuned or do you have to have some healing abilities to begin with?

I think everyone has healing abilities to begin with, even if we're not aware of it! Anyone can be attuned. Not everyone will feel the energy flowing (and this is especially true for people on pain medications or certain kinds of drugs)... but it does flow for everybody.

Oh, arienh, is that you in the avatar? Beautiful hair, either way. :)

MoonDragn

January 21st, 2005, 02:25 PM

I have some healing ability. When I got attuned for reiki II I did not notice any difference. I was still able to heal like I always did. So either I was already attuned or the masters doing the attunement sucked. I had both attunements done twice by two different people.

arienh

January 21st, 2005, 07:05 PM

Oh yay, so there's hope for me as a Reiki healer. _happydanc I feel I'm about as in touch with energy as a towel.

Moonstone_dreams, I wish it were me in my avatar. It is Tori Amos, musical genius and goddess :)

arctic splash

January 21st, 2005, 09:53 PM

I feel I'm about as in touch with energy as a towel.

That will change, I'm sure! That sounds like me before the attunements... now I feel energy everywhere.... of course, I don't really understand what it means, or why I have certain experiences -- that's the hard part -- but the good thing is that I'm feeling it. Maybe someday I'll understand it!

It is Tori Amos, musical genius and goddess

But do you have red hair (as in your banner)? That counts for something, too. ;)

reiki4life

February 16th, 2005, 04:01 AM

reiki4life

February 16th, 2005, 04:08 AM

I'm afraid that its not possible to attune a person to reiki if the other person is not a master. Atleast from the way i learnt it...there is a need for use of master symbol..which u will need to do the attunements. Its like I'm trying to give lessons to a person for bachelor degree when I have only High school diploma.

arctic splash

February 16th, 2005, 08:44 AM

Is it possible or not? Have you tried it? I have. I passed attunements before getting my level 3. I wasn't as confident about it, and I'm not sure it was quite as effective, but I'm certain it increased ability to channel energy. It still works, it just won't be 'official.' I gave official attunements to everyone who received a non-official attunement from me. I'll have to follow up and see how they're doing.

In my tradition, Shamballa, they're now telling us the 'new' way to pass attunements is with no symbols at all, but with pure intention (because, they say, we are the symbols). I like the attunement rituals and will continue doing them.

I have some healing ability. When I got attuned for reiki II I did not notice any difference. I was still able to heal like I always did. So either I was already attuned or the masters doing the attunement sucked. I had both attunements done twice by two different people.

It takes no skill to pass an attunement, so I highly doubt it had anything to do with them, well, sucking. :)

I also noticed very little difference between Level I and II. Actually, I noticed very little difference between I and III. I think you're given as much as you can handle... and I think I did feel a subtle difference in the quality of the energy from level to level (perhaps it works on more levels), but not a huge difference in the strength of the energy.

blindfaith^_^

February 16th, 2005, 01:54 PM

Immediate disclaimer: Everything I am about to type is all in my own experience and personal opinion. I have no sources to back it up execpt that for me this has been my own truth, and since everyone needs something different I feel that is may be entirely wrong for someone else. Thanks.

I was already very centered in universal energy before I was attuned to reiki, and my first attunement felt like practically nothing. I did feel universal energy going thorugh me, but I didn't feel as if anything momentous of of great import had happened, and nothing for me really changed. Although in my daily life I was already commonly visisted by my guides and angels, I already was very intutive and empathetic, I had always been a person with strong convictions and connections with faith. For me reiki was just the next step in a dance I seemed to be moving my whole life towards.

My teacher had sort of found me. She helped introduce and really put the idea of reincatination and karma into things that I can grasp and understand, both of these ideas have been crucial to my own personal growth, though they have no intrinsic connection to reiki. My teacher helped me refine my own skills, I mainly work woth colors and the direct help from my guides and angels.

It has made a huge impact in my life, and reiki has helped me to better understand what my guides and angels are trying to communicate. Reiki has also helped me come to terms with my purpose this time around on this earth, and it has helped me learn to better help those around me. I've found it easier to let go and accept.

To me, reiki is a tool, one of many I use in combination with my natural talents and other learned techniques. Even though I'm currently only a reiki II I still have learned a lot on my path and have come up with new ideas and concepts, some of which are only things I use, while others are practices that have been picked up by my reiki group and teacher.

hmmm..... I had a point going into this before I just got swept up in what I was saying. I think that it was something to the affect that everyone feels reiki differently and everyone's experiences are different, but they are all beautiful and equally valid, and as a reiki community we should try embrace other's understandings as well as take what knowledge and practices we can from one another. For some people attunement may be something that can only be given out by a master, for others this may not be true. Some people might stick to the letter with reiki traditions others may incoperate chakras, auras, guides and angels, reincarnation, power stars, whatever God(s)/Goddess(es) one believes, saints, and/or belief systems in their practices.

Any how, I was wondering if anyone else had any experiences, lessons or techniques they wanted to share? I always find it interesting to hear how others practice reiki ^_^

Oh, and a quick question if I may, why has this been moved to health and beauty? I thought it fit just fine in the "just pagan" forum

arctic splash

February 17th, 2005, 10:46 AM

I think that it was something to the affect that everyone feels reiki differently and everyone's experiences are different, but they are all beautiful and equally valid, and as a reiki community we should try embrace other's understandings as well as take what knowledge and practices we can from one another. For some people attunement may be something that can only be given out by a master, for others this may not be true. Some people might stick to the letter with reiki traditions others may incoperate chakras, auras, guides and angels, reincarnation, power stars, whatever God(s)/Goddess(es) one believes, saints, and/or belief systems in their practices.

Yes! What I try to get across to people in all my posts about Reiki is that there is no wrong way. We should learn from each other but especially learn to trust ourselves. Imagine a Christian trying to discover the nature of sin. He asks a Methodist minister and is contented when he's given "the answer." Then he talks to a Mormon and is likewise given "the answer" but it's not the same one. He goes to Baptists and Seventh-Day Adventists and Amish and Quakers but for every one of them "the answer" is different. He hasn't even started talking to Jews and Pagans! So he has to learn to take what he can from what everyone's taught him, and in the end, trust himself. That's how I see Reiki.

Any how, I was wondering if anyone else had any experiences, lessons or techniques they wanted to share? I always find it interesting to hear how others practice reiki ^_^

A lot of people don't know about Reiki stacks (http://www.reikishaman.com/reiki-stacks.htm) , which is a technique I've used, and it's given me amazing results (although not quite what the website suggests). Here's a brief description from the website:

"Because of the fact your sending to more than one person there is an amplification to the energy. The factor of amplification grows exponentially with each person as you go higher up the stack. The first person is considered to be on the bottom. So the higher you go up in the stack so does the "relative" amount of energy they receive.... For example, if you make a 50 person stack and put you grandmother on top she's going to get completely blown away."

Also I'm trying to integrate Quantum Touch into my Reiki healing practise. For those wishing to learn energy healing, even if you're not a Reiki practitioner, I highly recommend Richard Gordon's Quantum Touch: The Power to Heal. It is a simple technique and can be used with Reiki or on its own.

LadyWillowHawk

February 22nd, 2005, 03:12 AM

I've read all the replies to this thread on this issue. Guess it needs to be stated that i view Reiki from an eclectic state and see that symbols and such aren't always necessary noris the use limited to traditional methodologies. Many have problems with this. i have to say i'm a non-traditionalist and i think the answers have been onesided.

While Reiki is hands on, it was given to Usui by distance from an unknown source. so even the first attunement was not hands on. therefore it is a viable option.

This link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GrassRootsReiki/ has Reiki masters and non that talk of Reiki for free. No charges involved. it's not for the money though you can find those who charge much for a healing session elsewhere.
http://angelreiki.nu/
http://reiki-do.org/free.htm has Organisations with teachers who share Reiki for free.

There is the book the Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak which is excellent.

Look around the methods and forms of use are all valid IMO.
__________________

_handclapp This has been a very informative thread and I am just now learning and studing Reiki.The group I belong to is the group http://reiki-do.org/free.htm has Organisations with teachers who share Reiki for free.Their way of thinking is why charge for something everyone has already,we are all connected to the same force of universal energy and why should we pay for something we already have! If you charge anything at all,charge for your timewhich takes around 45-60 minutes roughly,not for the Reiki.Reiki in Dr Usui opinion should be for all who seek it,not just for the ones who can afford it.I have 8 lesson to study and when I have studied and undestand the methods of Reiki I will have my first attunment,then I will be rready for Level II and level III which I am looking forward to with great anticipation and excitement. :thumbsup:
BB
LadyWillowHawk

~Elise~

February 22nd, 2005, 08:44 AM

I can tell you that it takes me longer than 45 minutes to teach a Reiki class. L1 takes almost 6 hours...more if I have alot of students. L2 takes about 4 hours and L3 about 2-3hours.

JMO and YMMV--

Elise

arctic splash

February 22nd, 2005, 12:36 PM

i have to say i'm a non-traditionalist and i think the answers have been onesided.

Count me in as a non-traditionalist. I think there was another poster on this thread who said the answers were one-sided. I think it's evened out a bit now. :)

While Reiki is hands on, it was given to Usui by distance from an unknown source. so even the first attunement was not hands on. therefore it is a viable option.

I've heard that some people actually prefer, and have more powerful experiences with distance attunements. I think it's up to the individual to decide.

My teacher believes that an attunement is simply an active affirmation that you are ready to receive the energy. The ritual attunement is important, then, because intention is strengthened by action. If that is true, and if there are spirit guides helping us with the energy (as I tend to believe), then it would seem that attunement without an attuner would be possible. I think it is, and I have in mind a way to make it work... I have a quite scientific/spiritual approach to Reiki and I love experimentation!

This isn't the method of self-attunement I've been thinking about, but here's something else that just came to mind. There are many Reiki practitioners in the world, and there's a good chance that at least one of them has sent a distance attunement to "whoever needs it and is ready to accept it." Therefore, with the right strength of intention, would it be possible to accept an attunement from this person (or spirit) simply by intending and affirming that you are ready to receive the energy? When I need some extra energy, I ask to receive energy of those who are sending to 'whoever needs it...'

There is the book the Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak which is excellent.

Great book, great man. I agree with his 'philosophy' of Reiki.

Look around the methods and forms of use are all valid IMO.

I have worked with Reiki non-traditionally and without all the dogma, and I can tell you it works. I have worked with it in creative, non-traditional ways, and it works. Whatever a person wants to believe about Reiki, it doesn't matter, because it still works. Experimentation is a good thing, IMO.

If you charge anything at all,charge for your timewhich takes around 45-60 minutes roughly,not for the Reiki.

I wish we were all healers and spent our days healing each other. How wonderful would that be! I think it should be available to all... especially people struggling in third-world countries.

The length of classes varies. Most of my classes were around 3 or 4 hours simply because there were so many interesting things to talk about, so many questions... so many ways to get off topic. We could have gotten through the manual in about an hour, probably... Level 1 was the longest because there was lots of discussion about various uses of the symbols, history and such. From what I've heard, a lot of the time in traditional Reiki classes is spend learning the hand positions, and I personally find that a waste of time, because they're so easy!