Reiki: Ideologies, Treatment, Training & Course Description
by Katharina Wehrli

The Reiki Principles

Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
Just for today I respect the Oneness of All Life.

Reiki Ideologies

The word "Reiki" originates from two Japanese kanji characters.

"Rei" means ghost, or universal spiritual wisdom, the development of human life as a source of guidance that is all knowing.

"Ki" means vapor or life force, the non-physical energy that flows in all things. Reiki is a spiritually guided universal life force energy with intelligence. It is non-physical Healing life force energy that is guided by Higher intelligence. The most important aspect in working with Reiki is intent.

The human body has the innate ability to heal itself on all levels. Reiki provides the chance to restore balance and harmony in the body. This is a healing modality that can also be applied to oneself.

The practitioner is a container and a channel for the pure Reiki energy from the Source of Truth and Healing. For the energy to begin to flow the practitioner simply needs to ask it to do so. It will flow from the source filling up the practitioner's body first. The energy then pools in his/her heart center, flowing down the practitioner's arms, and through the palms into the person receiving Reiki. Sometimes the Reiki energy also flows through a practitioner's legs, exiting through the soles of the feet. As a container the practitioner provides the energy for the receiver so that they may utilize it for their highest good. Since the receiver takes an active role in their own healing process, the practitioner's will or ego are not part of the dynamics. The practitioner's energy centers (chakras) need to be as clear as possible to insure the best channel for the Reiki energy.

Reiki Treatments

Reiki, which is more accurately called the "Usui System of Natural Healing", is a Japanese form of stress reduction and relaxation with many benefits. It is a hands on healing technique thousands of years old. Reiki can be defined as spiritually guided life force energy with intelligence. This means that Reiki is guiding itself with its own wisdom.

It is essential that the client seeking treatment is willing to assume responsibility for his/her own healing process. This includes making a conscious effort to accept the Reiki energy, and adopting a mental attitude of positive thought flow.

During the treatment the Reiki practitioner follows a sequence of hand positions, generally starting at the client's head and ending at the feet. The practitioner may also use certain Reiki symbols to amplify the energy, or to achieve specific effects such as mental or emotional clearing of energy blockage in the client's subtle body system. These symbols carry specific energetic messages, and are usually visualized by the practitioner or drawn in the air above the client's body. Except for shoes the client stays fully dressed. Reiki treatments last approximately an hour to an hour and a half. They are given in a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music, and/or the peaceful sound of trickling water from a genuine indoor fountain. If the client wishes, an Aroma Therapy essential oil in a vaporizer can be used to further enhance the environment.

It is possible to receive Reiki treatments over a distance for people who are too weak to travel or physically too far away for regular treatments. Prior to a distant Reiki session careful planning and specific guidelines are essential.

Reiki Training

Reiki is a special kind of life force that can only be channeled by someone who has been attuned to it. Attunements are given to students during their training by a Reiki Master. Siri Swami Kaur, a Reiki Master will train students individually or in groups. Training levels are Reiki 1, Reiki 2, and Reiki Master, and are taught separately in one day weekend courses.

Reiki 1 Course Description

You will learn to give a full Reiki treatment to yourself and to others. The course will also cover the oral passing on of the history of Reiki.

Reiki 2 Course Description

You will learn how to use the Reiki symbols to amplify treatments. This includes mental and emotional clearing and the application of the symbols for distant healing (time and/or space).

Requirements For Reiki 2 Participation

If you have received Reiki 1 from another Reiki Master, a half hour appointment prior to the course is required. The cost is $32. Please bring Reiki 1 Certificate (or a copy) and your first Reiki Master's lineage to the meeting. It is also possible to arrange for a telephone meeting instead, in which case you would send the above mentioned information prior to the meeting.

Preparing For a Reiki 1 or 2 Training Course

A Reiki course is different from other workshops because of the process of attunement. One week prior to an attunement the teacher as well as the students need to prepare by cleansing and purifying themselves mentally , emotionally and physically. Here are several steps you can take to get ready: Do not eat meat (contains antibiotics and hormones that can throw off your glandular system), reduce or eliminate watching TV, reading newspaper, etc., drink no alcohol or coffee, clear yourself from all negativity including feelings of frustration, anger, fear, envy, etc. Spend quiet time in nature (go for nature walks) contemplating the abundance of the universe by experiencing yourself as part of the whole. Meditate daily for twenty minutes to half an hour, or longer if you wish. Harmonize with the subtle things, and let your intuition guide you.

I realize that these are difficult guidelines for a busy week. Just do your best and become aware that you are about to be initiated into a sacred practice which requires your crystal clear receptivity.

Reiki Master Course Description

You will receive your attunement to the Master symbol, and deepen your treatment skills using all symbols. You will also learn how to pass on attunements for Reiki 1,2 & Master. This includes relaxation techniques and special meditation, Water Ritual and Raku Kei Affirmation.

Requirements For Reiki Master Course Participation

Students who have received Reiki 1 & Reiki 2 from another Reiki Master need to submit a copy of their certificates as well as their Reiki Master's lineage.

Reiki 2 practitioners who have not been trained by

Getting Ready For Your Reiki Master Attunement

Two weeks prior to the attunement prepare yourself by giving yourself daily Reiki treatments. You might also want to exchange treatments with another practitioner if you have the opportunity. Meditate on the five Reiki principles. Be aware of how they relate to your daily life, and become mindful of your actions and behaviors. Here are several steps you can take to further cleanse and purify yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually: Do not eat meat (contains antibiotics and hormones that can throw off your glandular system), reduce or eliminate watching TV, reading newspaper, etc., drink no alcohol or coffee, clear yourself from all negativity including feelings of frustration, anger, fear, envy, etc. Spend quiet time in nature (go for nature walks) contemplating the abundance of the Universe by experiencing yourself as part of the Whole. Harmonize with the subtle things, and let your intuition guide you.

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Katharina Wehrli has been involved in the Healing Arts and Holistic Health since 1977, Katharina is a Registered Polarity Therapist with the American Polarity Therapy Association. Her training in Craniosacral Therapy she received from the Upledger Institute in Florida. Katharina is also a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and a teaching Reiki Master. Presently she is a student of the certification program at the School of Evolutionary Astrology. The use of Astrology and the colors of Aura-Soma accentuate and deepen her work with clients and students on psycho spiritual and body mind levels. Whenever indicated Katharina will use art, music, poetry, drama and role play or movement to guide a client towards a fuller emotional expression and understanding of him/herself.