Mastery of any teaching requires a level of expertise that can only be forged in steady dedication, practice, and time. Becoming a Reiki Master is no different. The system of Reiki is taught in three levels. Each level builds upon itself in order to support proper integration of the techniques.
Upon completion of the three levels of Reiki Master training, you will receive a certificate stating you have received the tools and training of a Reiki Master. However, it is the time and dedication that you put into the practice that denotes true mastery.
Through twenty five years of working with Reiki, and fifteen years of teaching, I’ve noticed the successful students are those that put the work into action right away. They trust, feel, and have experienced the profound healing offered through the practice of Reiki, and take that knowledge out to the people in need.
The History of Reiki
Reiki has a long yet somewhat elusive history. The deepest roots of Reiki as we learn and teach currently originate from Japan in the 1920’s. However, via drawings in ancient temples, there is evidence that hands of healing date back to the time of the ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and Mayans.
Due to the lack of historical writings from those times, we refer to Reiki as it was offered from Japan and the father of Reiki, Mikao Usui. Although it is said that Mikao Usui created the structure for Reiki, it is actually his disciple Chujiro Hayashi that is responsible for the organization of the levels of training. Each individual training receives a certificate stating that you have completed the necessary training for the upcoming level.
The Three Training Levels
Level One: Introduces the student to their own energy body. Understanding how energy flows and feels internally is essential. Students are introduced to the five Reiki Principles, the known history of Reiki and the benefits.
Self-treatment hand positions, sending healing to nature, an introduction to the Chakra system (energy body), and the first attunement are offered. Students are given daily protocols and practices to complete prior to attending the level two training.
Level Two: Students learn the first three Reiki symbols for healing the body, mind, and spirit as well as long distance healing. Practices for discerning, protecting and discharging energies are offered. You will learn the hand positions for offering healing to others and practicum hours with your classmates.
Then, the second attunement will be given. Students are asked to begin working with friends and family and deepen their knowledge in the field, as well as continue to protocols from Level One.
Level Three: Students will receive the most powerful Reiki Master symbol as well as one other symbol that is used in attunements. You will learn the technique of working with the Hui Yin points for harnessing energy within the body. The sequence of passing attunements is taught as well as advanced techniques. This is the foundation for passing the knowledge to other students after at least a full year of steady Reiki practice.
What Do You Need To Prepare For The Reiki Training
There is no prerequisite training required for Reiki. Each level is taught one by one to build the knowledge and understanding. Leading up to the training you will be sent a teaching manual as well as book recommendations. One week prior to the training you will be stewarded through a Reiki Cleanse to prepare the body, mind, and spirit for the teachings. This is a beautiful and very gentle experience.
Choosing Your Master Teacher
There should be an energetic draw to your teacher. You feel a connection via their image, biography, and transparency. Although I personally try to be very spacious in this, a Master Teacher should have at least ten years of personal practice. Everyone is different, and many powerful healers come into the practice right away. However, there is nothing that teaches more deeply than working in the field.
Each Reiki Master creates their own curriculum and teaching style. Some are more formal with the specific Usui lineage and others are a blend of Western and Japanese Reiki practices.
The price of a Reiki training does not necessarily indicate that the teacher is better or not as skilled. Be mindful of trainings that are drawn out and have a high price tag. Reiki is a very intuitive practice and everyone is capable of learning this trade because it is already inherent in our bodies.
Your Reiki Master teacher is there to give you the building blocks, knowledge, and support, but it is you that must further the education by practicing regularly.
Legal And Professional Standards
There is currently no governing board for the practice of Reiki. Proper personal ethics are required however and are explained in the Level Two training. Reiki is a holistic healing practice and is not a licensed health care profession in the United States. It is a complimentary practice in addition to the Western Model of Medicine and not meant to replace any protocols put in place by your physician. Check with your state’s regulations and licensing in regards to holistic treatments.
What Insurance Or Liability Coverage Is Required
Students that plan to offer Reiki sessions and trainings professionally should have insurance. This is for their own safety as well as the clients you work with. Alternative Balance and Philadelphia insurance are two examples of places to purchase a policy for energy healing. Studios and spas that offer Reiki will most likely require that their employees carry an insurance policy. Expect to pay about $150- $300 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Reiki Master?
First of all, you are not required to become a Reiki Master. You may feel more called to complete a Level One for yourself, or move on to Level Two to assist others. The Reiki Master training does seal the deepest teachings in and I do recommend it. However, it is important to meet yourself where you are. Everyone is different in their level of trust in themselves as healers. This is what I believe distinguishes a true Reiki Master from others, trusting the practice and your ability to help others.
Can I Become A Reiki Master Online?
Yes, there are online certifications for Reiki. However it is most effective to work with a teacher in person or on a live online training rather than a recording. There is great benefit in working with individuals in person for the healing practice. Many studios and spas prefer to hire students with professional hands-on training. Online Reiki trainings are a great way to learn some techniques or brush up on your skills, but nothing matches working in person or on a live call.
My training became a hybrid during the pandemic and has been a beautiful compliment to the training. Although students will receive a recorded copy of the training, all online students are live with the class and equal participants in sharing and asking questions.
How Much Can Reiki Masters Earn?
This depends upon how you would like to run your own practice. Some practitioners prefer to only offer Reiki as a complimentary or bartering service. Others may ask for donations. Professional Reiki practitioners create their own pricing. This pricing should be indicative of your level of expertise with that said, session rates often range from $90- $222.
In order to make a true career out of Reiki Mastership, most practitioners will offer trainings and retreats in addition to their one on one sessions. Others may be employed by a spa or healing center as a full time practitioner.
Reiki Is A Powerful Ally
Although there is a lack of scientific evidence that holistic practices such as Reiki healing are effective, myself and many other practitioners know it is real and true.
I have personally seen the lives of students and clients shift in profoundly compelling ways. Reiki supports the body, mind, and spirit. These aspects of being are intertwined and do not operate independent from the other. In order to be physically healthy, our mind and spirit must also be tended to.
The medical world is more and more open to the complimentary practice of Reiki. Many of my students work with Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa as Reiki Volunteers, you can likely find hospitals in your area that also offer this. If you have felt the call to receive Reiki or learn about this beautiful ancient healing practice, I encourage you to listen to that inner voice and follow your hearts wisdom.
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