Hands of Light

There are two schools of thought about Reiki symbols. The first says that Reiki symbols are sacred and not to be shared with those who are not initiated into Reiki. It is thought the Reiki symbols will not work, and will be diluted if they are shared with someone who has no knowledge of how to use them. The second school of thought is sharing the Reiki symbols with everyone is really what the energy of Reiki is all about – UNIVERSAL life force. And thus, it should be available to all to share. Seems there is no right or wrong here, just which school of thought you subscribe to, or what your Reiki training has been.

There are still some old Reiki masters who will tell you right off the bat that the Reiki symbols are not to be shared with just anyone, as it takes away from the power of them. There may be sense in this argument if you stop to think about the Reiki symbols themselves. They don't mean anything to someone who has no idea what they are or what they can achieve with them. On the other hand, there are so many self-help books on the subject of Reiki and using the Reiki symbols that you might think you can learn how to do Reiki through using a book and teaching yourself.

If the books dealing with Reiki symbols are to be believed, you should not only be able to learn the symbols, but attune yourself and become whatever level of practitioner you wish. While this sounds simple, there really is a whole lot more to it than just reading a book. Particularly when you get more advanced in levels.

Without getting into too much about the symbols, as in drawing them, we can certainly tell you the names of the symbols used for the lower levels of Reiki energy channeling. If you are just starting, the first level of Reiki requires no symbols to work. It does however need an attunement from the Reiki master who is training you. Level 2 symbols need to be given to you by the Reiki master along with an attunement to the second level. Self-help books indicate you can do attunements yourself. That is still a highly controversial level and a word of caution here. Do energy work with respect and caution.

But, back to the Level 2 symbols. There are three of them – the Power symbol, the Mental/Emotional Symbol and the Distance Symbol. The Power symbol means "by Imperial decree, put all the power of the universe here". The Mental/Emotional Symbol means "God and humanity become one, to create a new habit". The Distance Symbol means "May the Buddha (enlightened one) in me connect with the Buddha in you to promote peace and dignity."

There are two schools of thought about Reiki symbols. The first says that Reiki symbols are sacred and not to be shared with those who are not initiated into Reiki. It is thought the Reiki symbols will not work, and will be diluted if they are shared with someone who has no knowledge of how to use them. The second school of thought is sharing the Reiki symbols with everyone is really what the energy of Reiki is all about – UNIVERSAL life force. And thus, it should be available to all to share. Seems there is no right or wrong here, just which school of thought you subscribe to, or what your Reiki training has been.

There are still some old Reiki masters who will tell you right off the bat that the Reiki symbols are not to be shared with just anyone, as it takes away from the power of them. There may be sense in this argument if you stop to think about the Reiki symbols themselves. They don't mean anything to someone who has no idea what they are or what they can achieve with them. On the other hand, there are so many self-help books on the subject of Reiki and using the Reiki symbols that you might think you can learn how to do Reiki through using a book and teaching yourself.

If the books dealing with Reiki symbols are to be believed, you should not only be able to learn the symbols, but attune yourself and become whatever level of practitioner you wish. While this sounds simple, there really is a whole lot more to it than just reading a book. Particularly when you get more advanced in levels.

Without getting into too much about the symbols, as in drawing them, we can certainly tell you the names of the symbols used for the lower levels of Reiki energy channeling. If you are just starting, the first level of Reiki requires no symbols to work. It does however need an attunement from the Reiki master who is training you. Level 2 symbols need to be given to you by the Reiki master along with an attunement to the second level. Self-help books indicate you can do attunements yourself. That is still a highly controversial level and a word of caution here. Do energy work with respect and caution.

But, back to the Level 2 symbols. There are three of them – the Power symbol, the Mental/Emotional Symbol and the Distance Symbol. The Power symbol means "by Imperial decree, put all the power of the universe here". The Mental/Emotional Symbol means "God and humanity become one, to create a new habit". The Distance Symbol means "May the Buddha (enlightened one) in me connect with the Buddha in you to promote peace and dignity."

If you have the fair interest in knowing Reiki and how it is practiced, the best thing to start with is that of getting familiar with the healing procedure. Reiki imparts the knowledge on how the present life can be lived to the fullest and to let go of all the worries and stress. It is necessary to put away the concerns that bother the mind, the spirit, and the body because it is the only way on how a full life can be enjoyed. Reiki healing employs the force that opens the doors in our lives towards the most unexpected and positive things that can occur. As soon as we allow our hearts, minds, and spirits to open up to the wonders of its healing procedure, we can start to live in harmony with the rest of our brothers and sisters.

The Healing and the Healer
As per the believers of Reiki, they manifest the techniques as they abide by the Divine consecration and the sacred covenant that they share with the Creator. Others even have the faith that the ability to heal themselves and others by means of using Reiki is innate. The technique is both a therapy and a way of allowing one to live the present day at a given moment. The healing ability is empowered as the person decides to accept his responsibility in getting attuned to it. Apart from acting as a form of treatment, it is also a lifestyle that encourages an individual to do good deeds in their entire lifetime.

The Early Beginnings
The methods of healing through Reiki is said to have been rooted from the age old Tibet and was actually rediscovered by no less than a Japanese man by the name Mikao Usui in the latter part of the 1800s. When Mikao Usui died, his loyal followers took over the responsibility and continued the practice. They established clubs and alliances which still exist to this day to teach the variations of the Reiki method. The teaching is basically based on the learner's level of spiritual maturity. In the early times, the club was exclusively for the Japanese so the foreigners were never allowed to partake in the course. However, one Japanese woman by the name Hawayo Takata introduced the same teachings in the western world in the 1970s. Nowadays, the knowledge on Reiki is known to all parts of the world.

Using Reiki Methodology
If there are some people who question the efficacy of Reiki, it is but necessary to believe that it truly works. The person has to be simply open to accept the healing energy which is always around. You don't necessarily have to feel anything during the healing process. If one fails to receive the energy, it means that the process is obstructed by the imbalanced chakras. In order to fully enjoy its effect, it has to be rebalanced. It may take a while but with the help of other Reiki healers, the process of recovery can be made faster.

It is but important to do the Reiki healing procedure with all of your heart and mind. Your action has to be driven by your greatest emotion called love. It is by opening yourself up to the whole process that you will only be able to receive its rewarding effect. Good deeds are also going to be returned to you.

The Purpose of Reiki Healing

Reiki healing has been in continuing practice for several years now. It is recognized to be a great tool that is aimed at personal treatment and growth. Reiki energy is rooted from an optimal spiritual source which never fails to come up with the best results. The healing applies for the spirit, the mind, and the body which has to serve as the guide in an individual's journey called life. Reiki likewise aids in the enhancement of the personal talents. Of course, all of these can only materialize if you prefer to get attuned to this sacred practice. There exists a sacred covenant that has to be maintained and nurtured for always.

Learning the Program of Self-Healing

For you to be able to acquire the depth of the knowledge on Reiki's self-healing process, you must develop a sensible time for practice. You need to master different techniques. The way on how you execute it will move you forward near your goal or pull you away from your desired aim. In the course of self-healing, the appropriate technique must be used and thus should be learned by you. If you are qualified enough to do so, you may choose to develop your own healing system which will work to your advantage. If you have your spirit, mind, and heart into Reiki, you will surely succeed.

The Allotted Time for Self-Healing

The Reiki system of self-healing is best done by regularly allotting at least 30 minutes to yourself. It is time that you realize how important it is to value yourself and therefore spend some time for your complete healing. You may use either the scanning or hand positions as your technique. Your focus should be on those regions that require healing the most. As the session begins, you will be carefully guided as to where your hands should go and which body part should you touch. You have to feel everything that you are doing. Let the energy flow and feel it vibrating. While the session is going on, ponder on your daily activities and where your life is heading. It is by means of thinking over your practice in life will your quest for self-healing produce a great impact. This is a kind of technique that promotes the development of a healthy attitude. More so, this self-reflection technique will similarly give you more room for the generation of very creative ideas and ways on how it will be best to handle your own troubles.

Self-Healing in Groups

Again, Reiki treatment can be administered to yourself or to others. Hence, you may form a special group with the rest of the Reiki self-healers whom you know and do the session altogether. This practice is a lot more effective because you don't only get to heal yourself but the rest of your group mates as well. A daily practice can do wonders. You will heal each other faster. The complete healing is also sure to materialize. The secret to it is the sharing of energy and support as the group gets on with the session.

Being in a group will give you the opportunity to discuss among yourselves the things that you want to get healed with. A once a week meeting will generate a more serious focus and a deeper purpose in each and every one of you. Let the prayers guide you through as you convene in the Reiki healing practice.

For more information about Reiki Healing go to http://reikiforhealing.org/ .

I just graduated from a massage school in Minnesota and I was wondering if there are any of you that practice in this state. I'm interested in your experiences with starting out: hopes, dreams, fears, etc.

Also I'm considering moving to California but I heard the job market for massage therapists is slim and you are treated more like a criminal that a professional. Any comments would be very appreciated.

Hello everyone! Just thought I'd introduce myself ^.^

Name: Lauren

State or Country where you live: Texas

Do you presently do body-work full or part-time or are you in school, about to attend etc ? I start massage school on October 23, 2006

How many years practicing ? 0

Does your area require licensing or certification? (if so, number of hours) yes, my area requires 300 hours to obtain a license

What kind of body-worker do you consider yourself (general title) ? a student ;)

Degrees, Certifications, License if any ? none yet

Member of any organizations ? nope

Modalities used:

Name of school(s) (if applicable)? Kekino Massage Academy

Types of body-work you are interested in learning about? Swedish Massage, Reiki, Polarity therapy, accupressure

Do you now or are you interested in billing Insurance ? O.o I'm not there yet

What drew you to body-work? a flame of passion from the thin air when I was 15

Where do you do your work ie. private homes, your home, medical office/health center, spa, other ? Hopefully I'll ultimately work at private homes or in an office

Do you consider your work's focus more on healing injuries, relaxation/pampering, emotional, or spiritual work ? healing injuries and spiritual work

Do you use tools, crystals, stones, water, aromatherapy, bach flower essenses etc ? none yet, but all of the above interest me

Other areas of interest/hobbies : bellydance, herbology, music, Wicca

Any other comments, tidbits about yourself or questions that you think might be added here ? I'm a young student at 18, but I'm very eager to learn. Throughout massage school I'll be eager to post what I learn here as well as ask questions to people with much more experience than me!

Bright Blessings,
Lauren

What are folks thoughts/opinions/experiences with the "Healing Crisis"? A friend and I have been discussing it (I'm a student of Reiki, and she is reiki and chiropractic) and the ways that the Universe seems to throw curveballs at you when you are working with a new concept. Not only health related, but also basic interactions (both of us shortly after we received our Reiki attunements underwent massive life changes). I'm curious where others stand on the matter.

I am Sharan, and I am a clinical hypnotherapist, reiki master and also use the advanced soundwave energy system (an ancient Egyptian technique). Initially I was started out in the working world as a clinical scientist working in the field of genetics after having obtained an MSc in Human Genetics. However, as time went by, my interest in the holistic healing system increased due to personal circumstances. That was how I got into what I do now, which I completely enjoy.

I like to incoporate the advanced soundwave energy into my hypnotherapy work as I feel that it allows me to have the holistic approach to the therapy session. The advanced soundwave energy works on the whole energy system and continues to do so for three weeks after. That is why I feel that giving the client this treatment along with the hypnotherapy caters for both mind and all energy bodies.

I'm new to LiveJournal, and I will do my best to continue writing in my blog and to this community and to allow those who read to go into more detail of the experiences and new learnings that I receieve from my patients and the world around me - it's not only them receiving from me, but me receiving from them too. So I look forward to sharing what I experience and learn.

Till then, Namaste.

I'm contemplating starting over with reiki. In the years since I was first attuned, I've learned so much that contradicts what I was taught, that I'm almost uncomfortable practicing as I am now. Too, it's been a long time since I've really been able to work on anyone else, that I feel like I'm more than a bit rusty.

Something to think about, I guess.

I just joined this group and as a way of introducing myself, I'll fill out this little diddy right here! :)

Name: Inali

State or Country where you live: Florida :)

Do you presently do body-work full or part-time or are you in school, about to attend etc ?
That's hard to answer. Is full time putting in 8-5? ;) I do body work whenever I or someone or something needs it. :)

How many years practicing? I have been practicing Reiki all of my life but if we're going to get technical, I just got my Reiki Master Practitioner and Reiki Master Teacher certification this past Sunday.

Does your area require licensing or certification? (if so, number of hours) As for the number of hours, I am not sure. My teacher never said anything about a number of hours but Florida does require that all Reiki practitioners be certified to legally practice.

What kind of body-worker do you consider yourself (general title) ? Reiki Practitioner.

Degrees, Certifications, License if any ? Reiki Master Practitioner and Reiki Master Teacher (RMP & RMT).

Member of any organizations ? PETA.

Modalities used: Usui Reiki and my own little snazzy technique I came up with. Chakra work. I also use Quantum Touch.

Name of school(s) (if applicable)? My school had a name? Bah.. it's on my certification but I'm not going to go grab it and look. :P I always called it "I'm going to go see Barbara now!" and out the door I'd go.

Types of body-work you are interested in learning about? Possibly Karuna. Definately Hana. Z-Point. TAT. Herbology. Acupressure.

Do you now or are you interested in billing Insurance ? For what?

What drew you to body-work? I stated my purpose of being a "healer" when I was 3. I only put "healer" in quotations because Spirit is healing, the healee is the healer, I am simply the channel. I take no credit for anything.

Where do you do your work ie. private homes, your home, medical office/health center, spa, other ? I work from home as a Medical Transcriptionist and a freelance artist. Basically I do Reiki on people whenever the opportunity presents itself. Usually a friend will come up to me and go "I HAVE A HEADACHE! FIX IT!" or I'll do Reiki on my parents, cat, fish, trees, whatever I can or myself. I am going to be volunteering at a health center soon.

Do you consider your work's focus more on healing injuries, relaxation/pampering, emotional, or spiritual work ? All.

Do you use tools, crystals, stones, water, aromatherapy, bach flower essenses etc ? Whatever the client wishes. Personally, I love using all of them! It really helps me get my groove on plus I love using the Usui and Karuna symbols!

Other areas of interest/hobbies : Astronomy, animal rights, civil rights, women's rights, vegetarianism, herbology, furry, art, painting, I'm writing a novel series and illustrating it, sculpting... I really have far too many interests to list them. :)

Any other comments, tidbits about yourself or questions that you think might be added here ? Lessee. I'm a 24 year old female living in Florida. My mother has been bedridden with Lupus since I was a small child which may be part of my drive to help heal others. I absolutely LOVE doing Reiki on plants. I'm an animal communicator... sometimes. :) I'm a tree hugging, barefoot, vegetarian, overly-spiritual-according-to-her-friends, creative, artist hippy that was born 20 years too late!

So, that's me. :)