outoftheshadows.myfreeforum.org

There are a few topics that come under this subject, and it would be good to get opinions from any Reiki practitioners, therapists and anyone else for that matter!

Firstly I would like to talk about Reiki symbols, these are taught in Reiki II and Reiki III/Master.  Traditionally, these symbols were to be kept secret within the Reiki community, passed down from Master to student and not shown to people outside the Reiki community.  This taboo was broken when Diane Stein published the symbols in her book Essential Reiki, which caused a bit of a stir at the time.  Since there are some traditionalists who say the symbols should be kept secret, while on the other hand, by having them in published material it ensures that the symbols can be referenced in a concrete, unchanging form and will not be forgotten.  I have seen the Reiki symbols in several books now, even on TV and various websites.  

What are people's thoughts on this, I guess it can be compared to a book of shadows, some saying it should be private, others that it should be shared and maybe possibly compared to 'closed' and 'open' covens.

Secondly, I would like to talk about teaching/learning Reiki.  I am of a firm belief that the student should meet the Reiki master in person, and learning and attunements should be face to face.  I don't believe Reiki can be taught purely by correspondence, yet there are many adverts for Reiki Masters who do 'distance attunements' and correspondence courses for learning Reiki, you can even buy Reiki attunements on E-Bay!  On the other hand there are even those who teach all three levels/degrees over one weekend, just attuning the students but providing no further support or guidance.  

I know that Reiki practitioners do distant/absent healing, were Reiki is sent from a distance, but to learn Reiki I think you need to be with the Reiki Master in the room, to get a feel for the energy, learn how to do a treatment and be corrected/recieve guidance etc and to continue to recieve guidance afterwards using slower, but more indepth teaching methods.  Also by visiting the Reiki Master, you can see their certificates and proof of their lineage from Mikao Usui.

So what are your thoughts on this, learning in person with a Reiki Master over a certain period of time / through a correspondence course with distance attunements / quick unsupported method covering 2 or 3 levels over a weekend.

Gassho,

M

forgot to mention, if anyone wants to add any other thoughts or topics to this thread, feel free!

Gassho,

M

I don't pop onto the forum too often, but saw this and thought I would like to respond.

I am a level II Reiki and these are a few of my personal thoughts on your post:
- I believe that the attunement is better in person, though the energy work can be done at a distance I feel the effectiveness may dissipate a bit when not performed face to face.
- Multiple level sessions seems to me a generally bad idea.  The whole reason for taking the steps is so that there is time for the practitioner to become accustomed to the attunement, also there is a chance to practice the new found abilities.  (You know, crawl before you walk.)

Personally I haven't an issue with the symbols being made public, but that is just my opinion.

I would love to see what others think about these controversies as well.

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