How to Learn Reiki and Become a Reiki Master

Reiki can be defined as a non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” Reiki has been used for healing since the end of the last century but is still growing in popularity today. Its use is not dependent on one’s intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not.

The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind/body which contain negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings and eliminate them.  Listed below are the steps to take if you desire to learn Reiki and become a Reiki Master.

There are three levels of Reiki that must be completed in order to become a Reiki Master. These are the First Degree level, the Second Degree level, and the Third Degree level wich is the Reiki Master (and teacher) level.

First Degree Reiki

In the First Degree level of Reiki, you’ll learn how Reiki works, Reiki’s historical background, and the different types of Reiki systems that exist today. You’ll also be initiated into Reiki and receive your first Reiki energy experience through Reiki Attunement.

Through Reiki Attunement, you’ll learn first-hand how to tune in to Reiki energy and use it for stress management and physical and emotional healing. This initiation usually involves lying on your back or stomach while a Master or practitioner places his or her hands from your head to toes to approximate the traditional chakra locations. The energy flows through the Master’s hands into your body.

Although much training is provided through home courses and online courses, however you should receive your Reiki Attunement through a Reiki Master in person. Once you’ve experienced Reiki for yourself, you’ll start learning how to give others Reiki treatments.

Second Degree Reiki

In the Second Degree level of Reiki, you’ll expand on your initial experiences. You’ll learn how to use second level Reiki symbols and what they mean and you’ll about “distance healing” as well. Distance healing involves channeling Reiki energies to someone in another town or even another country. The energy vibration is different with this type of Reiki. It has a higher proportion of energy from the “source” and a lower proportion of Chi than the First Degree level. Where the First Degree level promotes primarily physical healing, the Second Degree level promotes healing on a mental, spiritual and emotional level.

Reiki Master/Teacher or Third Degree Level

In the Reiki Master/Teacher, or Third Degree level, you’ll learn how to use third level Reiki symbols and what they mean. You’ll also learn how to use various methods of stress management such as crystal healing with crystals. You’ll become familiar with sacred mantras and how the different energies work so you can teach others. You’ll also be able to perform Reiki Attunements.

There are many workshops, online and off-line, to help you learn Reiki but your attunements must be in person with a Reiki Master. There are also places and Reiki practitioners you can go to have a wonderful Reiki experience Wherever you go or whomever you choose to help you along the Reiki journey, make sure to open yourself fully to the Reiki energy so you can experience its true healing power.