Finding/Choosing a Reiki Master

When choosing a Reiki Master/Teacher you may want to consider a few things...

Which type of Reiki do you wish to learn?

There a number of different Reiki disciplines around today - some of them are not traditional and cannot be traced back to Dr Usui's techniques.  Are you looking for a modern take on Usui's traditional healing system?  Or are you looking to learn Reiki in its purest and simplest form (Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki)?

Beware of some 'brands' of Reiki that claim to include Usui's teaching that in fact don't.  Many of these new 'brands' don't use the symbols he taught or use them in addition to a number of other symbols.  Some of these 'brands' of Reiki are blatantly Christianized or conform to another belief system.  This may appeal to some, but it is not the essence of the Reiki system.  Reiki is UNIVERSAL.  It just happens to have a Japanese name.

There are some ‘newer’ Reiki formats that work well in addition the basic Usui Reiki – in particular those that do not use symbols (such as Kundalini and Imara Reiki).  Systems of Reiki that do not use symbols can enhance your Reiki practice and seem to be in-keeping with the advanced Reiki teachings of Dr. Usui (Reiju).  So you may wish to start with traditional Usui Reiki before moving on to other Reiki systems. 

How do you know if the Reiki Master/Teacher is reputable?

This can be difficult and some of it comes down to intuition.  A reputable Reiki Master will be able to provide you with details of their lineage which you can then verify if you feel this is necessary.  Find out if they are a member of an association/organisation that has its own code of ethics and again, if you feel it is necessary you can verify their membership.

I was taught that you are ready to begin teaching Reiki once you have completed the writing of your Reiki manuals.  Check to see if your Reiki Master/Teacher will provide you with manuals - not all of them do. 

Word of mouth is a good way to find a reputable teacher, however, because Reiki isn't a mainstream practice you may have trouble finding a friend/neighbour that's heard of Reiki, let alone learnt it!  But do ask around and find out what other people's experiences with that Reiki Master/Teacher have been.

Be aware that there are people offering free Reiki attunements or attunements for very small donations around.  In these instances, be careful that you know what you are getting and if your Reiki Master received a 'free' attunement, you will need to consider the quality of their own training and experience too. 

At the other end of the scale, there are Reiki Masters that charge hundreds - and occasionally thousands - of pounds for an attunement.  It may be worth asking them why their fees are so high if you are considering learning from someone like this.

I personally feel that there is a middle ground when it comes to fees.  Reiki is a precious gift and an 'exchange' is important (if someone gives you a free car, you don't really expect it will work!).  However, because Reiki is such a precious gift I feel it should be available to everyone, but that those you teach should understand its worth. 

Another consideration is the quality of the training and advice you will receive.  In the case of people offering mass attunements/free attunements, you may not receive the support and training you need.  Being given a manual and an attunement and then being left to your own devices isn't the same as being taught Reiki.

For details of my Reiki lineage, please follow this link…

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“The five Reiki Principals:

Don’t get angry; Don’t worry; Show appreciation;

Work hard (on yourself); Be kind to others”

– Dr. Mikao Usui