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Reiki
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki is a spiritual system of holistic healing. It utilizes the Universal Life Force also known as prana (India), elan vital (Europe), Chi (China), and Ki (Japan) to name a few. This system was reintroduced by Mikaomi (Mikao) Usui. He received his spiritual attunement, or initiation, while on a 21 day retreat on Mt. Kurama from an entity not of this world. Reiki simply involves the channeling of this energy, which permeates all things, in a concentrated or focused fashion. Its origins stem from Buddhist and Shinto practices. Reiki utilizes the same energy that many other healing systems have used throughout the history of humankind. The main difference between Reiki and the other systems is that the Reiki practitioner becomes an open channel for this energy so that it simply flows through them. Other systems normally require the conscious control of the energy to make it flow toward the recipient.
IS REIKI A RELIGION?
No! Reiki is not a religion, sect, cult, or belief system of any kind. It is simply a system of harnessing the spiritual energies that has permeated the Universe since its creation. There is no philosophy or religious ideologies attached to it, since it is pure energy. To be a Reiki practitioner you do not have to change your existing belief system. These energies are part of Creation!
IS REIKI BETTER THAN MEDICINE?
Reiki does not replace orthodox or mainstream medical practices!
Reiki does work side-by-side with the established medical systems. In fact, Reiki is considered an alternative or complimentary healing system, like therapeutic touch or healing touch, among others. A good Reiki practitioner will always caution you to continue seeking professional medical assistance. A Reiki healing session does not, in any way, interfere with any current medical treatment you may be on at the time. In fact, it will enhance your ability to heal, thereby allowing medicines to work faster. Reiki addresses healing issues that go beyond the anatomical and physiological aspects of a disease.
CAN REIKI HEAL EVERYTHING?
There are no magic bullets known to humankind at this time!
However, miracles do happen but that is up to the Creator. Reiki has the potential to restore harmony to the human body and, as such, any disease could be defeated. However, there are numerous nuances regarding each individual and his or her disease state. No Reiki practitioner should ever claim that Reiki can cure everything - if someone tells you this, walk away and find someone else! In my Reiki practice I have seen a wide range of results, from almost nothing to the truly amazing. Keep in mind that there are many factors involved, the greatest one being you. When an individual truly wants to heal (not an intellectual statement but a heartfelt and soul-felt desire, then the door is opened for the miraculous to occur. At the very least, Reiki will strengthen your system by restoring the vital energy flows throughout your body. Remember that the effects are quite varied so anything is possible!
HOW DOES REIKI WORK?
Reiki works by reestablishing energy balance associated with the human energy system (chakras, nadis, meridians, etc...). It cleanses the subtle energy circuits by removing stagnant energies or blocks. Once the proper flow of energy is established, balance is returned. Since the energy permeates all aspects of one's being, it can heal at multiple levels.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR REIKI TO WORK?
When the time is right, a complete healing can occur in one session. However, this depends on the situation. Simple ailments take less time while complex ones take longer. I strive to obtain the best possible results with the first session. However, it often takes several sessions for complex conditions. Chronic problems can take several weeks at a rate of two sessions per week. Like all holistic healing methods the results may take a little longer than people are accustomed to and it requires an active participation by the individual. This is unusual since most orthodox healing practices require very little involvement beyond the taking of medications.
HOW LONG IS A REIKI SESSION?
This varies from case to case and from practitioner to practitioner. You will read and hear that a full Reiki session will take approximately one hour. In my practice, I strive to do the most I can for you, especially with the first session. I utilize various alternative healing methods along with Reiki which could include; Chakra balancing, auric cleansing, and crystal healing. I also include spiritual counseling as an integral component of my healing approach.
HOW IS REIKI USED?
Reiki can be used for anything since the energy channeled already permeates all things. It can be used to treat physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues, to reduce stress, and induce relaxation. Reiki can be used to heal oneself, as well as others, along with orthodox medicine and other alternative or complimentary healing modalities. Reiki can be given to the very young (even during pregnancy), the very old, the sick, and the healthy. In addition, Reiki can be given to plants and animals with amazing results! Lastly, Reiki can also be given to non-living things! Reiki can be given for all conditions, to all living and non-living things, at anytime, and in any place.
WHAT DOES A PERSON EXPERIENCE DURING A REIKI SESSION?
This depends on the person's sensitivity to energy and their Awareness of bodily sensations. Typically, the person will feel heat, a tingling sensation, pulsations, or even mild and pleasant electrical-like impulses. Individuals can also experience a profound relaxation and an almost euphoric state resulting from the increased energy levels. Some people also experience various things; such as, seeing colors, lights, and visions, as well as hearing sounds. Many have various types of spiritual experiences, some of which are profound for the person. The experiences felt depends upon the individual's sensitivity! Some, in fact, may not experience anything but will still receive the benefits of the Reiki session, since its effects are not dependent upon the experience of the person.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN REIKI?
Reiki is taught in 3 or 4 degrees depending on the system of Reiki being taught. Normally, it takes several weekends to complete the course for an individual wanting to take the entire course at once. Others choose to take Reiki I and Reiki II only - this is a matter of individual choice. Undoubtedly you will have either read or will have been told that you must wait a prescribed period of time between Reiki attunements (some say 21 days and others longer). The truth of the matter is that there are no fast and hard rules to dictate the length of time to wait between attunements. In fact, there are no esoteric, metaphysical, or spiritual reasons or laws regarding this matter. These waiting periods are imposed by the individual practitioners and it is based solely on their personal beliefs or the way they were taught. I do not impose a waiting period. However, should the need arise I will advise individual students on whether they should wait or not. This advise is given to the individual based on their spiritual/esoteric background, knowledge, and experience. The person will know, after their first attunement, whether they want to wait or not. It basically depends upon the individual's ability to readjust to the new energy flows and how much personal cleansing is necessary during the process. I will make recommendations based on my knowledge and experience, but the final choice is personal.
WHO CAN LEARN REIKI?
Anyone can learn Reiki regardless of his or her background, age, color,nationality, or belief system. I do ask that those taking my classes review their true motives for taking Reiki before making that decision. Reiki is not a game or a fad and it is not a money making solution. Reiki is a serious spiritual healing discipline that should be treated with utmost respect. Ultimately, however, it is up to the individual and his/her path.
HOW CAN I FIND A GOOD TEACHER?
Take your time searching - there is no rush! And look at the following:
CURRICULUM: Look at what the class covers. Will you receive a
manual? Will you be able to practice?
CLASS LENGTH AND CONTENT: How long is the class? A good class
generally lasts from 5 to 8 hours due to the materials being
covered (and some may be even longer). If you think that this
is too much then Reiki may not be for you.
TEACHER'S BACKGROUND: This is important, since you want a
teacher that will be able to answer your questions correctly
and/or be able to direct you toward the answers you seek.
MEET AND TALK TO THE TEACHER: Make every effort possible to
actually meet and talk to the instructor in person. If this is
not possible then at least talk to him or her on the telephone.
Pay close attention to your feelings and to your intuition
during the conversation. Have a list of questions written down
to ask the individual. A good teacher will not mind the
questions and will answer them fully.
INTUITION: Pay close attention to your intuition and take your time!
Waiting a few extra days or weeks will not matter. Reading books on
Reiki beforehand is good but remember that a book will not give you
the answers you seek when looking fora good teacher.
WHY ARE THERE SUCH DIFFERENCES AS TO CLASS COSTS?
This is a personal matter. I have kept my class prices reasonable in an effort to make them affordable for as many people as possible. After all, this is what Dr. Usui wanted all along. You will hear talk about the concept of "the exchange of energy." Know that an exchange of energy does not necessarily entail money; and if it does, it has nothing to do with the quantity. For example, if a class is offered to you free, at a discount, or at a lower price than the norm, graciously accept it and thank the Universe, provided you picked the class for the right reasons. The price of the class should not influence your decision because it has nothing to do with its contents, the quality of the Reiki being taught, or the efficacy of the teacher! Follow your intuition and base your decision upon the curriculum and the quality of the teacher. Excellent classes are offered with various price tags, from free to those that are $10,000 or $20,000! Ironically, the free class may actually be better than the one with the high price tag. Please do not be fooled by the myth that you get what you pay for! Unfortunately, this myth is propagated by the very same people that charge exorbitant prices for whatever they sell. Remember, part of our spiritual growth entails handling our human ego, which may tell you that your Reiki is "better" and more "powerful" than someone else's because you paid more for it!
IS ONE FORM OF REIKI BETTER THAN ANOTHER?
What you have read or heard about one form of Reiki being better than another is human nature at work when the ego is involved. Reiki is what it is - energy! All Reiki schools should include the "traditional" Reiki symbols in their initiations or attunements, and there are variations of these symbols - all of which work equally well. The main differences are found in approach, attunement methods, and other symbols added. In fact, in Japan, where Reiki was rediscovered, there are various schools of Reiki. In addition, there are no Grand Masters or Lineage Bearers in Japan! Reiki is not a static practice - it is evolving along with everything else - especially in this day and age. The Reiki symbols known are not the only healing symbols known in existence. Therefore, I can expect Reiki to grow and evolve over time. These spurts of growth can come from any individual who can open himself or herself to the Universe!
The important thing is that the traditional attuning symbols are present, for these are the ones that allow the process to occur regardless of the other symbols being used. When investigating, ask about the Reiki being taught, how it was developed, how it evolved, how it differs from the others, its effects, and, of course, about
the teacher. For instance, I teach Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki which traces its origins back to Usui Pay attention to your intuition. Ask other Reiki practitioners about the style of Reiki and read. Research the matter and learn to discern.
ARE ALL REIKI TEACHERS THE SAME?
No - just as the fact that no two teachers are the same even if they both went to the same school and had the same teachers. There are good and bad Reiki teachers. Many seem to think that because they have obtained their Reiki III or Master's/Teachers Level that they are all of a sudden qualified to teach. The real good teachers I find are those individuals that were born teachers and these are the ones that stand out from the crowd. Much also depends on the teacher's own background, knowledge, and experience (not necessarily length of time), personality, and other characteristics.
WILL TAKING REIKI MAKE ME A GREAT HEALER OR GIVE ENLIGHTENMENT?
Not necessarily. Again, this depends on the individual. It will, however, if allowed bring you harmony, greater health, and a reconnection with the Self and the Universe. When actively pursued along with other practices and philosophies; such as meditation, yoga, Buddhism, etc... It will bring about profound changes in your consciousness. Remember that Reiki is simply the channeling of Ki or Prana and nothing more.
WILL TAKING THE REIKI ATTUNEMENTS HEAL ME?
Reiki attunements are powerful and can be very healing and part of the post-attunement process is one of cleansing and healing. This is one of the reasons why some people choose to wait between attunements. At the very least, it will give you a greater energy flow and therefore improved health. Always remember that there is much more to health than just energy - if this was the case, no one would ever be sick!
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Reiki I & II (Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm) $300
Reiki III/Master (Saturday & Sundday 10am - 5pm) $550
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Reiki Traditions and Types
There are many traditions or schools (types of Reiki teachings) currently in use. Some trace only to Dr. Mikao Usui; others reach back to earlier roots in Tibet and/or Egypt, and and/or India
Traditional Usui Reiki - This basic traditional Reiki is derived from the work of Dr. Mikao Usui and his lineage. He re-discovered and taught Reiki to a number of people, including Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who taught, among others, Hawayo K. Takata, the first woman to become a Reiki Master. This is known as Traditional Usui Reiki, which also uses the terms - Usui Shiki Ryoho and The Usui System of Natural Healing. Lineage and certification are essential, as is teaching without manuals or diagrams. There are specific periods of time to wait between attunements.
Non-Traditional Usui Reiki - This form of Reiki, first taught by Diane Stein RM, uses some new symbols, as well as the traditional ones, and does not depend as much on lineage. Many in this system can trace their lineage in the traditional manner, anyway. This system has come to accept distant attunements, as well as those done in person. It also is open to newer ways of using Reiki, both inperson, and distantly. Much of the teaching done on the Web is by Non-Traditional Reiki Masters, who will attune distantly, as well as in person.
Usui/Tibetan Reiki is a Reiki system which uses several additional symbols beyond the Usui system. William Rand RM refers to his Reiki I, II, and RM this way. Mr. Rand was influenced by both Seichim and Tera-Mai® in his creation of this system. It should not be confused with Tibetan Reiki, which is another system. Other Reiki Masters have also used the term "Usui/Tibetan" and the set of symbols, or sets of symbols which include most of them. In fact, some Reiki Masters tend to refer to any Reiki tradition which is not Traditional Usui Reiki this way.
Usui/Tibetan Kwan Yin Reiki - an Usui/Tibetan system which includes a focus on Kwan Yin, the Chinese goddess as a spirit guide, known in Tibet as Tara, having roots in India as well. There are meditative practices focusing on Kwan Yin as a specific spirit guide, as well as the Usui/Tibetan symbols and procedures. This may be closer to Tibetan Reiki than Usui/Tibetan Reiki, since it focuses on Kwan Yin [Tara in Tibet].
Karuna Reiki® is an outgrowth of Usui/Tibetan Reiki, developed by William Rand RM. There are many additional symbols and procedures which are used. It is taught to those at the Reiki Master level in two levels. It is considered to be a higher level of energy than Traditional Usui Reiki. To use the term in teaching, one must be registered with The International Center for Reiki Training, and use their procedures and manual(s). The Center also registers and licenses Karuna Reiki® Masters and practitioners. There also have been Independant Karuna Reiki Masters attuned with the symbols and procedures of Karuna Reiki® by Karuna Reiki® Masters who choose to attune this way, without Center certification. Others provide the same level of energy and symbols teaching systems known as Karuna-Ki and Prema Reiki, which do not impose restrictions on teaching or certification.
Prema Reiki - Prema Reiki is a Reiki system developed by Ismail I. Ishaq RM which uses most of the symbols of Karuna Reiki® along with additional symbols. It attunes one to the higher levels of energy provided by Tera Mai® and Karuna®. It is a non-commercial system, without trademarking, registering, licensing, or purchases required. The system is very new, hence manuals and procedures are still being refined. It is taught primarily to Reiki Masters. [Prema Reiki is in no way affiliated with Karuna Reiki®, the International Center for Reiki Studies® or WIlliam Rand.]
Karuna Ki - Karuna Ki is a Reiki-like energy system for healing, founded by Vinny Amador. It uses most of the Karuna Reiki® symbols and energy. It is available to all those who have been attuned to that level of Reiki energy, including Independent Karuna Reiki Masters. It does not require registration and is not trademarked.[Karuna Ki and Karuna Ki Do is/are in no way affiliated with Karuna Reiki®, the International Center for Reiki Studies® or WIlliam Rand.]
Vajra Reiki - A Reiki system from Japan, now thriving in Indonesia as Johrei Reiki. It arose from Raku Kei Reiki, [which was created by Iris Ishikuro, a student of Takata], and originally included several symbols which are now used by the Johrei religion [Johrei's founder, Mokichi Okada, was a student of Usui]. Vajra [Johrei] Reiki does not now have, nor has it ever had, any ties to the Johrei religion or Johrei religious practices. It is a fiery, hard, balanced, grounded energy with additional symbols added to those of Traditional Usui Reiki. Since the Johrei religion has trademarked the name "Johrei", many Reiki Masters, including myself, now call this tradition Vajra Reiki.
Lightarian Reiki® - A Reiki system recently evolved by Jeanine Marie Jelm in 1997. It consists of 6 additional levels of Mastery beyond Usui Reiki Master and Karuna Reiki® Master. [Usui and Karuna® each provide one level Lightarian provides even higher levels of energy vibration.] Symbols are not used, and intent is essential. The system is involved in healing and in raising human consciousness and global awareness. It is taught in Reiki Master levels I - VI [ attunements - I+II, III, IV, V+VI].
Seichim Reiki - a Reiki system developed by Patrick Ziegler RM, using additional symbols and procedures, which he re-discovered in Egypt. The tradition includes multiple levels and symbols, and personal growth work. The system tends to produce offshoots of itself, and newer channelled symbols as each RM discovers the energy working internally. Mr. Zeigler has since moved on to create the SKHM energy system, which is one which uses meditation and reflection to access the energy, under the guidance of a SKHM Master. This energy is the core energy of the original Seichim Reiki system developed by Mr. Ziegler. The recent history of Reiki shows that both Tera Mai® and Karuna® forms of Reiki flowed from this system.
This is not a complete description of all Reiki traditions and schools, and it is based on my understanding at this point of each tradition.
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