Reiki
courses: what happens at each level of training
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A note on progression with Reiki
Everyone's Reiki journey is unique.
Please note that there is no need to progress through all the levels of Reiki
unless you feel drawn to do so or wish to become a practitioner. Many
people undertake Level 1 as part of their own self-development and to bring
harmony and healing into their homes and the lives of those around them.
You may find this sufficiently fulfilling and feel no need to progress to higher
levels, or you may wait many years before feeling the time is right to go
further. Progression must be at your own pace and there is no advantage in
rushing quickly through the different levels. On the other hand, for
some people Reiki may feel like 'coming home' and you will naturally be drawn to
progress to Reiki 2 quite quickly.
You may see combined courses advertised where
you can do different levels all together in the same weekend: this may seem an
easy and economical option but I cannot recommend it. In my opinion it is confusing
for students, who inevitably learn less and cannot possibly have sufficient time
to practise what they have learned. It also diminishes the beautiful, gentle
experience of opening to the new energy and letting it work within us, little by
little. Reiki takes us on a wonderful journey and it is worth taking time
to savour it!
Level 1 or first degree (Shoden in Japanese)
For groups this is a two-day training, usually over a weekend. For one
or two people the training can be done in one and a half days. It is
always good to allow a further day for personal study and practice. Cost £195.
No prior qualifications are needed, but it is
helpful to experience a Reiki treatment (or several) yourself before
training.
Training at this level is for self-healing and well-being, and also to use
for your friends and family. You will also learn ways of using Reiki to
benefit animals and plants. The following schedule gives you some idea of what
to expect, although the order of sessions may vary.
Day One: Introductions and opening blessing. The history of Reiki. The Reiki Principles. Guided meditations and energy
exercises. Techniques for cleansing your own energy field. Two or three attunement rituals
to open your crown, heart and palm chakras to the Reiki energy. You will learn
and practise hand positions for
giving a treatment to yourself and others.
Day Two: One or two further attunements to the Reiki energy.
Energy cleansing exercises. Practice treatments on each other.
Ethical and practical guidance for case study treatments. Sharing, question and answer session.
After the course: You will be expected to complete a set of case studies
(usually 9 treatments in all) in the following months, before receiving your Reiki 1
certificate.
Level 2 or second degree (Okuden in Japanese)
This may be a one or two-day training, usually over a weekend. At this level you
learn three Reiki symbols which help to focus the healing energy in particular
ways. Cost £255.
Only those holding a Reiki 1 certificate are
eligible. At least three months' practice is recommended between Reiki 1 and
Reiki 2.
For individuals or a small group of 2 or 3 people the second day is optional, provided
they put aside that day for personal study. Holding a level 2 certificate
allows you to apply for insurance and practise as a Reiki Practitioner for the general public (although
some professional bodies such as the Complementary Therapists' Association may
require members to have level 3).
Day One: Introductions and opening blessing.
Guided meditation and energy exercises. You will receive one
(sometimes two) further attunements. You will learn three powerful Reiki symbols and
ways of using them. In particular you will learn different methods of distant
healing through time and space, including self-healing of yourself at a younger age.
Day Two: If in a couple or group, you are able to exchange a full treatment with another student using
the symbols. There is also an optional short seminar concerning the ethics and
practicalities of setting up your own Reiki practice (though this can be done at a
later date if preferred).
After the course: You will be expected to complete a set of case studies
(both hands-on treatments and distant healings) before receiving your Reiki 2
certificate. A full year of practice is then recommended between Reiki 2 and
Reiki 3.
Level 3 or third degree or Reiki Master Practitioner (Shinpiden in Japanese)
Usually £355 but may vary according to venue.
Only those who have a Reiki 2 certificate and
have been practising at level 2 for at least one year are eligible.
This is a two-day training with me, plus
personal practice time. This level
is for people who have already taken Reiki 1 and 2, have had at least one year
of practice since their Reiki 2 training and are wanting to make a serious commitment to Reiki.
The course contains advanced
teachings, two master attunements (Usui and Tibetan), the master symbols, Reiki
meditation techniques, opportunities for planetary healing, and other optional
energy practices such as using a crystal grid.
Some Reiki teachers combine levels 3 and 4. However, not everyone wants
to teach Reiki, and a Reiki 3 course without the teaching component allows much
more meaningful time to be spent on the student's own spiritual
development. Therefore I believe it is better practice to separate the
two courses, as they are very different in nature.
Level 4 or Reiki Master Teacher
Cost £555
This may be 1 or 2 days followed by self-development and personal preparation
which may take the form of an 'apprenticeship' of 6 months or so. Level 4
is only for those who wish to pass Reiki attunements on to others. You will learn the
secret rituals of the attunements, how to plan training courses and ways of
deepening your own connection to the Reiki energy.
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