Starting Your Reiki Journey
If you’re considering diving into the world of Reiki, there are a few key things you should know before embarking on this spiritual journey. From understanding the importance of teacher selection to the nuances between Western and Traditional styles, this blog aims to equip you with the essential information to make informed choices.
License and Credibility
Unlike many healthcare professions, Reiki is not licensed in Canada and most other countries. That leaves a lot of room for variation in training quality. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to do your own due diligence. One of my students had taken an online course but felt overwhelmed with information and lacked guidance. He found a solution by retaking the course with us, where he received the guidance he needed.
Understanding Training Levels
Reiki training can consist of 3 to 4 stages, often called levels. My training, for example, consists of Levels 1 to 3, plus teacher’s training. Some systems may only offer up to Level 3, so be sure to ask your prospective teacher about the scope of their curriculum.
Traditionally here is what you would learn at each stage.
Reiki Level 1: Learn to heal the SELF.
Reiki Level 2: Learn to heal OTHERS.
Reiki Level 3: Learn to BE the reiki.
Choosing Your Training Mode
Choosing between in-person or online training is crucial. I firmly believe that because Reiki is as much a spiritual practice as it is a physical healing modality, having a guide is invaluable. Why? Experience has shown me that in-person training encourages students to practice and utilize the knowledge they gain. One student even switched to our in-person classes after an unsatisfactory online experience elsewhere.
Comparing Reiki Styles
As Reiki has evolved and spread globally, so too have its teaching styles. Western Reiki often leans heavily on the physical healing aspects, somewhat bypassing the spiritual core that Traditional Reiki maintains. For deeper insight into this, watch this Youtube video from my channel discussing the ‘lost half of Reiki.’
Beyond Reiki: Chakras and Crystals
The choice between a teacher who focuses solely on Reiki or one who also dives into topics like chakras and crystals depends on your personal interests. Remember, chakras and crystals are not inherently part of Reiki—they have their own rich traditions that deserve dedicated study.
To know more about Chakras watch this video to get you started.
The Role of Lineage
While I believe that lineage isn’t crucial, it can offer insights into how the teachings have evolved before reaching you. It helps you appreciate the journey of Reiki through time and space.
Choosing Your Reiki Teacher: The Million-Dollar Question
Your intuition plays a critical role in selecting a Reiki teacher. Pay attention to the vibe you get from them. Ask questions, and gauge whether their answers resonate with you. Another of my students switched to our class after her previous Western-style teacher couldn’t help her feel the Reiki energy. She found what she was looking for in our more traditionally-aligned approach.
Here are some questions you can ask your teacher to be.
- How is your daily Reiki practice? (Does she walk the talk? If she says Reiki must be part of your everyday life, does she practice it in her daily life?)
- Can you explain what Reiki is? (Is she able to answer the question in the way you understand?)
- Where did you learn Reiki? (It doesn’t matter how long she has been teaching Reiki, but her journey of Reiki. She could have been practicing for a long time, she could have learned from someone who has been teaching for a long time.)
- Why did you learn Reiki and why do you want to teach Reiki? (The story helps you get to know the person better.)
Final Thoughts
Reiki is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, one that requires a thoughtful approach to get the most out of it. From selecting the right teacher to understanding the scope of your training, the decisions you make early on can greatly impact your Reiki experience.
Your Next Steps to Mastery
Ready to dive deeper into the world of Reiki? Visit our courses page for upcoming opportunities, or feel free to connect with me directly if you have more questions.
