What Are the Steps to Becoming a Reiki Master?

In order to practice Reiki one must undergo several periods of preparation. This way the individual will be prepared to receive and understand the secrets of working with Ki, the divine force which governs life. Usui, the first Reiki master and the one who established the Reiki healing technique receive all the Reiki energy at once, thus being able to heal himself, and others and at the same time pass his knowledge of Reiki to his followers. Similarly, he passed the power to his students at once. Yet, Dr. Hayashi understood that not all people who want to learn the principles of Reiki are prepared to receive all the attunements at once as they are not able to adapt to the power that runs through them. This is why he broke the empowerment procedure into 3 main levels. At the end of each level, the student receives a new attunement or empowerment, all culminating with receiving the attunement of a Reiki master.

Level one

Focuses on preparing the body for receiving the energy. During these initial preparations, the student is taught how to attract energy, receive it inside their bodies and work with it for their own cleaning. The basic notions of channeling energy are also disclosed in the first-degree sessions. At the end of the preparation period, the student will receive the attunement which enables them to use Reiki for their own sake. From then on the students will need to perform regular sessions to clean themselves and balance the level of energy from their bodies.

Level two

Focuses on others, as the students will be given lessons about the way in which they can use energy to heal others. The sacred symbols are taught now and the emphasis lays now more on the spiritual part of the student rather than on their physical part (which was the object of level one). At the end of this level, which lasts four times more than the first one the student should be able to individuate the part of the body which needs treatment, will be able to give proper care to other people, and will be capable of initiating both hands-on and at distance treatment sessions.

Level three

This is the last attunement. Students who choose to undergo this last level of learning will be taught how to pass their knowledge and power to other people who want to learn about Reiki. At the end of the lessons they become Reiki masters and have the highest rank in the Reiki hierarchy, but they have also more responsible, as they are in charge of their lives as well as of the others’.

Reiki attunements are valid for life, so even if you do not use it for a long period you will still have them and be able to activate your power when needed.