What to expect from your Reiki I (First Degree) Course
This website is one of several that include information about Reiki
Masters who teach Courses / Workshops.
It is a good idea to contact anyone from whom you may be interested
in learning Reiki and talk with him/her before deciding
whether to proceed with training. Also read any available
literature about the course or workshop you are considering.
This is especially valuable if the person has not been
recommended to you by one of more of his/her students.
Reiki courses are also available at many Schools and Colleges that
offer a range of courses in different therapies. In these cases
it may or may not be possible to speak with the Reiki Master in
advance, though it is usually possible to speak with others such
as his/her previous students.
This page includes general information about the material that
is usually included in Reiki I courses.
It is intended as a starting point for anyone considering such a
course (from any Reiki Master), and may help prospective students
to understand the material offered and so discuss course content
more easily with the Reiki Masters they approach.
Why some people are not sure
what to expect prior to their Reiki I Course /
Training |
| |
Many people find it difficult to describe
and explain Reiki.
One reason for this is that Reiki is an energy
that is more naturally conveyed by experience
than in the form of words, or even pictures.
This does not mean that words, pictures, symbols,
sounds, and other representations are not useful.
All of these have valuable roles to play, although
they may not be the best or easiest way in which
to begin to appreciate Reiki.
People choose to learn Reiki and so receive Reiki
I attunements for a variety of reasons, and with
different amounts of information about what to
expect. For example, some may simply have experienced
Reiki at a "Health and Well-being" Show/Event
and then chosen to learn this themselves - possibly
without the contact information of the person/group
their treatment was received from.
In addition, there is still much confusion about
Reiki, and, unfortunately, mis-information is
in circulation.
|
Typical course content for
a Reiki I Workshop |
| |
The following elements are usually
included in Reiki I courses.
Topic / Component of Course |
Explanations |
| |
Introductory Session |
|
| |
Reiki Master's own Terms
and Conditions of Teaching |
Some Reiki Masters will
teach anyone (without conditions), while
others ask their students to make promises
concerning how they will use Reiki energy
and/or how much money they will charge for
treatments and/or attunements (in the case
of Reiki 3 Courses). |
| |
Introductions of group members
to each other
(if the course is being taught to a group
rather than an individual) |
The individual attention
gained from learning alone, or in a very
small group may be beneficial. Conversely,
learning with others has the benefit of
sharing experiences. The choice is one of
personal preference.
In the case of group courses it is both
polite and helpful to meet the other participants
early in the day, and establish rapport. |
| |
Summary/discussion of what
Reiki is, what participants may expect,
and the timetable and format for the course/workshop |
This is essential because
misunderstandings are possible and it is
easier for all if common understanding is
established as soon as possible. (Even if
everyone is well-informed, the Reiki Master
is likely to wish to confirm this so that
he/she is sure that everyone feels as confident
and at ease as possible.) |
| |
| |
Basic Theory of Reiki |
|
| |
Description of the traditional
version of the Story of the History of Reiki,
that is the story of the re-discovery of
Reiki by Dr Mikao Usui in the late nineteenth
century.
Click here
to read this traditional story.
|
|
It is necessary to be familiar
with this story in order to fully appreciate
what Reiki is, as it is known today.
Knowledge of this is also a reasonable expectation
of anyone who has received training in Reiki.
|
| |
The Five Principles of Reiki
feature in the Traditional Version of the
Reiki Story.
Some Reiki Masters may re-visit these seperately
to emphasize their importance, discuss modern
interpretations and answer any questions
about these. |
The Five Principles of Reiki
feature in all of the literature about this
method of healing so trained practitioners
can reasonably be expected to be familiar
with them. |
| |
Explanation of the method
/ structure by which Reiki is taught.
This may include a summary of the Levels:
I, II, III (Practitioner) and III (Teacher),
what is taught at each stage, and the experience
the Master advises as appropriate between
each of the Levels / sets of Attunements. |
This may be well-known to
some students, but assuming knowledge may
cause the members of the group who do not
already have the information to feel lost,
confused, or irritated (especially if it
appears to themthat that prior study was
expected and they were not advised of this).
This is why some Masters prefer to at least
summarise all the key points to ensure that
no-one feels left-out as the day progresses. |
| |
General questions and discussion
about Reiki before proceeding to the attunements. |
The Reiki Master may wish
to confirm that everyone now understands
what Reiki is and is actively choosing to
receive Reiki I attunements.
This is also a useful stage at which to
include an opportunity for general discussion
and questions.
Popular topics include the participation
of Reiki Guides and how to sense and communicate
with them. Other discussion topics include
channelling Reiki without the receipients
request or knowledge, which may lead on
to discussion of Reiki for animals, plants,
spaces, circumstances and so on ... The
views and explanations given by Reiki Masters
may of course vary according to the individual
and his/her own guidance and experiences. |
| |
| |
Reiki I Attunements |
|
| |
Reiki I attunements (may
be performed in two parts), according to
the form of Reiki being taught, and the
preference of the Reiki Master. |
The Reiki Master will say
something about the attunement process and
explain exactly what he/she would like participants
to do and when.
Attunements may be carried out individually
or in small groups of up to four people. |
| |
Discussion and sharing of
experiences of the attunements |
This may be included in
the case of courses for groups as it may
be a helpful way of demonstrating the variety
of experiences among different members of
the group.
Conversely, some Reiki Masters do not encourage
too much focus on this in case:
(i) anyone who experienced very little is
then disappointed when hearing others' more
elabourate accounts, and/or
(ii) some people prefer not to describe
their experiences initially, but rather
to reflect on and assimilate them personally
in the first instance.
Experiences do vary and there is no "right"
or "wrong". |
| |
Reiki Treatments - either
self-treatments or treating other members
of the group |
There is usually much enthusiasm
to begin as soon as the attunments are completed
and this is to be encouraged. Channeling
Reiki is an essential stage in completing
the attunement process and so generally
takes place as soon afterwards as possible. |
| |
Discussion and sharing of
experiences following initial Reiki Healing
exercise |
This is usually spontaneous
!
It is useful to describe ones experience
of channeling Reiki energy and to hear others'
initial reactions.
This helps students to articulate their
sensations, and the discussion process of
expressing these to others and hearing their
accounts is a valuable way for all members
of the group to validate their experiences
and so feel more confident.
This is important for many reasons, one
of which is that as Reiki Practitioners
students will be asked about their experiences
of channeling this energy. Most people find
it easier to answer such questions when
they also have awareness of how others describe
their experiences. |
| |
| |
Reiki Treatments |
|
| |
Learning the Reiki Hand
positions/sequences for treatments.
The actual positions and sequences may vary
between Reiki Masters. Some courses include
two sequences of hand positions - one for
self-treatments (usually seated), and another
for treating others (usually with the client
in a reclined position, perhaps also turning-over
part-way through). |
The actual hand-positions
and the order in which they are used does
not matter. However, there are many reasons
why it is useful to learn and use such a
sequence, at least initially.
These reasons include:
| * |
The discipline of
following a set sequence of positions
means that new Reiki Practitioners
need not think about choosing where
they are placing their hands or why.
This helps to release all concentration
to focus on the sensations of channeling
this energy, which is most appropriate
and will eventually guide the Reiki
Practitioner to concentrate the energy
as needed, perhaps then spending more
time on some positions than others,
and later just using hand positions
as energetically directed. |
| * |
Managing the timing
of treatments may be a challenge for
new practitioners.
This is simplified when there are
a fixed number of positions, each
to receive the same period of time.
It is then easier to gauge the timing
on each position (with practice during
the course) so that a whole treatment
can then be given, with reasonably
good time keeping, without the practitioner
having to give much concious attention
to this aspect of the treatment. |
| * |
It is important to
do regular self-treatments to build-up
and maintain ones own energy. Channelling
energy to different positions on the
body may give rise to subtly different
sensations. By regularly following
the routine taught during a Reiki
I course new practitioners can ensure
that they experience the widest range
of sensations that are assosiated
with their own energy-balancing needs.
This is helpful for later discussing
others' sensations when clients ask,
describe, or wish to discuss these. |
| * |
It is helpful for
students to learn two routines (perhaps
the first on Day 1 and the other on
Day 2 if the course takes place over
two days).
This is because it is then easier
for the students to adapt treatments
themselves later to accomodate whatever
circumstances they encounter.
For example, some clients may be physically
unable to use a treatment couch and
so may prefer to receive seated treatments.
|
|
| |
Practice and Discussion
of the Hand Position Sequences.
Discussion and sharing of individuals' experiences
of this part of the course. |
Practice, familarisation
and discussion with others are all vital
aspects of the learning process. It is most
helpful for students to do this as a group
and with the benefit of supervision and
advice from the Reiki Master as soon as
possible. |
| |
Discussion and possibly
practice of channeling Hands-On Reiki for
Animals, Plants, Trees and Crystals. |
Reiki Practitioners are
occasionally asked about Reiki treatments
for non-human receipients and so it is useful
to include at least some discussion about
this as part of Reiki I courses.
Including practice of such Reiki Treatments
(where possible) is also useful because
it enables group members to discuss their
experiences. Such discussions often help
people to better appreciate and articulate
their own experiences, to establish further
rapport with other members of the group
(with whom they may wish to stay in touch),
and may also make their initial experiences
more memorable.
However, it may not be possible to include
a practical element to this part of the
course - for example if there are no small
domestic animals (such as willing dogs or
cats) available, or if any member of the
group objects to or is allergic to such
animals.
Alternatively or in addition, the group
may work with plants (if available) or trees
(if available and weather permitting).
It is usually possible to include some simple
work with crystals. |
| |
| |
Other General Topics |
|
| |
Other Useful Information
| * |
Reiki Groups, Associations,
Insurers, and other ways to network
with other Reiki Practitioners |
| * |
Local Events / Reiki
Shares / Healing Groups |
| * |
Related interest groups,
courses, meetings, and similar. |
| * |
Recommended books,
websites, and other resources. |
|
There are many practical
topics to mention about using and continuing
an interest in Reiki.
These include how to meet and stay in touch
with others who share this interest. There
are also the subjects of further training
and insurance (for those interested in treating
other than themselves and their immediate
family and friends).
While information about these is not essential
for a Reiki I course, such topics are often
included towards the end of the session
- either as a planned element of the course,
or in response to questions from students.
|
| |
And at the End ...
Most Reiki Masters present their students
with Certificates stating that they have
received Reiki I Attunements and associated
training.
Most Reiki Masters also provide their students
with handouts and/or a manual to keep and
use to revise any aspects of the course
that they may wish to
re-read later.
|
In many cases, members of Reiki I Course
Groups keep in touch with each other.
The end of the course is an important last
chance to swap contact details with new
friends.
|
It is emphasised that the above is just a summary
of typical components of basic Reiki I courses.
Individual Reiki Masters may include other elements
and/or omit some of the above.
|
Other Elements that may be
included: |
| |
Other topics included in Reiki
I courses may include some or all of the following
- which are closely associated with Reiki:
| |
Space-Clearing Techniques
These may be used in preparation for giving
attunements and/or treatments.
Techniques may include the use of incense,
smudge sticks, tibetan bowls, cymbals, clapping
into the corners of rooms, essential oils,
flower and/or other essences, meditation
or other approaches.
Not all Masters/Practitioners use any of
these, those that do tend to have a preference
for one or two such techniques and may explain
them to to group. |
| |
Basic "Energy Medicine"
may include discussion/demonstrations of
Auras and Chakras.
(Auras have many layers and can have various
colours. There are a series of chakras located
in a vertical line approximately along the
spine, there are colours and other associations
with each of these.) |
| |
Meditation, Visualisations
and Mental Imaging Techniques
are likely to be incorporated into most
Reiki I Courses in some way. |
| |
Sensing and Working with
Spirit Guides
Some Reiki Masters also practise as Mediums
and may include some information about the
spirit guides working with their students.
However, this may or may not be appropriate
in the context of training groups of people
as opposed to individuals. |
|
| Reiki is a wonderful energy to
connect with and channel.
Everyone who learns Reiki is drawn to it at a
time that is right for him/herself, and to the
teacher he/she is meant to develop with at that
particular point in time. We learn in many ways
- formally, informally, and by experience.
Reiki is a wonderful combination of all of these
methods of gaining experience.
Whatever your Reiki I course includes, and however
it is organised, it is right for you at that time. |
|
