Introduction to Reiki

Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess

Reiki is an ancient Tibetan system of healing and energy balancing that is done by touch. It was rediscovered in the late 1800’s by a Japanese man, Dr. Mikao Usui, and brought to this country in the 1970’s by a Hawaiian-American woman, Hawayo Takata.

Some believe, only through an alignment to the energy by someone in this direct Usui lineage that one can transmit the specific frequency of energy that Dr. Usui named Reiki. These are the same teachers that will charge up to $10,000.00 for this privilege.

I believe honor should be given to the ancient practice but what happen to the dedicated Healers who spent their life healing for the sake of healing. In this day and age when Mother Earth desperately needs healing, shame on those who would put such a price on it or take the role of the Goddess in deciding who is worthy. I myself paid for all 3 levels of Reiki from a teacher who basically charged for the time it took away from her normal work schedule. I will always be grateful. I have attuned all that have crossed my path seeking Reiki, leaving their path up to them and their higher power.

So now that my opinion is stated, let me share with you the beautiful healing art of Reiki. Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a method of natural healing based on the application of Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize by a laying on of hands. Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, balances the Chakras, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing universal life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body.

Being Reiki

Many come to Reiki as part of their “spirituality”. We chase this up one side of the street and down another; we are “seekers”. We seek union with the Spirit that we have conceptually created for ourselves so that it can save us as we seek our “path”, we seek enlightenment. But I will tell you that this is a trap, for in seeking outside yourself you can never find. Enlightenment is where you are, where else could it be? Usui’s Reiki was one of many, many ways of seeing the truth, and that is healing. This is Reiki. Reiki can heal, can relieve pain, but don’t expect Reiki to do the work of removing the conditionings that veil awakening. Attunements do not equal enlightenment.

Your Reiki will be an expression of you, of your life, your BEing, and it will reflect the oneness and connectedness with all that you are. The more ego there is, the less it will reflect this. It has been said that Reiki works best when ego is least. Do not try to understand how Reiki works. Its explanation will elude you like sand slipping through clutching hands. Just be Reiki.

It is often said that Reiki is driven by “intent”. In being Reiki, our intent is pure. That is, it is untainted by goals, levels of Reiki, attachment to outcome, the need to prove that it works, need for the other to heal. In this our practice is pure, in this we are in the moment, in the now, without judging, comparing, attaching to outcome or measuring our “achievement” in healing. Our intent is pure, free of non-attachment to the process, to the outcome, to technique, or to symbols. Just *be* Reiki, in that moment. If you attach to Reiki as a concept, it is just as separate and as limiting as any belief system.

The Reiki principles are instructions to be mindful, to “be”. They heal, as does the energy. There is a lack of control, of ego, in them. There is a lack of attachment and desire in them. “For today only, anger not, worry not. Be Grateful and Humble. Do your work with appreciation. Be kind to all beings.” Some ask what my opinion of the so-called “add-on” techniques is. There is no right or wrong way, there is only what you do, or do not. You can really only BE Reiki, and in that moment respond to what is in that moment. The rest of this is ego, conditionings and speculation. Why get so involved with these that you argue? Keep in mind that Reiki is Being Reiki. If you are focusing on your conditionings, attachment to outcome, opinions, desires and ego then might I suggest you refocus on simply being Reiki and letting it be as it is, in the moment. Respond in the moment, moment by moment in using Reiki.

Reiki *heals*. Do not get so caught up in all the opinions that you forget this.

Reiki is not so much something we do, it is something we are. In the moment, as the expression of what it, as love, compassion and kindness we reach out, we touch, we heal. In the moment when you stretch out your hand to heal where there is no self, no other, you *are* Reiki.

We can cloud our minds with attachments, things, techniques, endless debates over right and wrong, but we have all been down that road before. We know exactly where it leads. And so in closing, I leave you with this. Simply place your hands together in gassho (prayer position), and say these words.

For today only, anger not, worry not. Be grateful and humble. Be kind to all. Be mindful and live these. Place your hands on self or other and let go. Let go of outcome, of worry, of conditionings, of need, and simply be. The rest takes care of itself.

In discussing attunements we will take a moment and discuss the wisdom of being a healer. True Buddhism considers healing a distraction from the enlightenment path. It is not that healing is considered unimportant, but that it takes years of training towards enlightenment before the skills manifest. Healing always considered secondary to achieving the path – that without addressing the process of the mind and spirit, the body cannot permanently heal. Buddhists feel that the only way healing is achieved is by gaining freedom from the wheel of reincarnation. As a witch we can translate this into lessons learned that empower us and free us from the same lesson in the next life. It is thought that Karma can only be healed while in the body- attachment released – Karma is healed.

The five symbols of Reiki are the five stages to this process. Cho-Ku-Rei (Earth) being the beginning, represents the physical/etheric reflective level. The Sei-He-Ki ( Water) the transformation of the emotional body/ego. The Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen (Fire) is the creation of pure reality and understanding of the pure mind of the mental body. The Dai-Ko-Myo (Air)is the attainment of Master Healer of the spiritual body. The Raku (Spirit) is enlightenment it’s self of the cosmic consciousness- Goddess energy to a Witch. Each of the symbols vibrates in harmony to one of the vibrational bodies and heals on this level.

This being said, Reiki attunements open and expand the Ki ( energy) holding capacity of the Hara line/Kundalini/DNA Double-Helix. Attunements clear and balance the Hara line Chakras and the Chakras on the Etheric double and subtle bodies. During the attunements, Goddess/Universal/Heavenly Ki energy carrying the five Reiki symbols moves from the Crown to the receivers Heart. Goddess/Earthly Ki energy is drawn through the legs and lower centers from the Hara to the Heart as well. Original Ki in the Hara center is replenished and refilled and any blocks to the energy’s full use is removed.

1st degree of attunement- the symbols *CHO KU REI* and *SEI HE KI* are attuned into the aura of the student to “turn the power on and emotionally cleanse” for a main principle of Reiki is “to heal one’s self to be able to heal others”. The student should learn these symbols and allow time for the body to adjust to this attunement. This is a time to study, learn and understand the Chakras. I suggest at least a month or until one feels ready to continue.

2nd degree of attunement- the symbol *HON SHA ZE SHO NEN* is attuned into the aura of the student to grant understanding, to enlighten and to heal karma. The student should learn this symbol and allow time for the body to adjust to this attunement, I suggest 1- 6 months.. With this attunement and knowledge of the Chakras it is time to share the healing with others.

3rd degree of attunement- the symbol * DAI KO MYO* is added to aura and the aura is sealed with the symbol *Raku*. These are the symbols of the Master Teacher.

The Symbols of Reiki

The Reiki symbols are Sanskrit-derived Japanese forms at least 2500 years old. As referenced above, the symbols original use were not for healing but enlighten to help others – five levels of wisdom to culminate enlightenment. Below are given the more traditional Western healing definitions and the Tibetan Buddhist definitions. As a Witch we embrace the wisdom of both. The traditional Western healing approach allows us a “TOOL” to work our healing magick. The tradition Tibetan wisdom allows us empowerment and understanding of self.

Cho Ku Rei

Cho Ku Rei focuses on the physical body in healing. Increases the power to the energy system or the symbol one is using. Focuses energy in a singular area. Goddess energy.

Tibetan-Beginning stage. Places the mandala into the heart. Meditation until there is no difference between the meditation and the world. Emptiness –  non-attachment from the Earth plane. Reiki definition: the light switch.

 

 

Sei He Ki

Sei He Ki focuses on the emotional body or subconscious healing. This symbol brings divinity into human energy patterns and aligns the upper Chakras. Coming together with the Goddess, “as above so below”. All physical dis-ease has an emotional coordinate.

Tibetan-Earth and the incarnate are considered impure.. Impure ground is purified by wisdom. This enlightenment is achieved by realization of emptiness of self. Reiki definition-emotional healing, purification, cleansing, protection.

 

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nei

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nei focuses on the mental body or conscious mind in healing. The mind creates time, space, limitation and delusion. Enlightenment is going beyond the mind to the Goddess within all of us. This symbol allows past life and distant healing.

Tibetan- No past no present no future. Freedom from delusion and karma. When mind is aware there is openness and release, dissolution, understanding all things. Reiki definition: healing past/ present,/future, healing karma, distance healing.

Dai Ko Myo

Dei Ko Myo focuses on all the spirit levels and the healing of the soul. When one becomes enlightened she is one with Goddess and makes the commitment to do the work of the Goddess through teaching.

Tibetan- “Temple of the great beaming light”. When one becomes enlighten, they are freed from incarnation and suffering. In Buddhism this is the only real healing. Reiki definition: Healing the soul.

 

Raku

Raku unites and seals an attunement with the life force we as Witches see as the universal energy that is Goddess. Our work is complete and it returns to cosmic consciousness of Goddess.

Tibetan-completion, achievement of lower nirvana, freedom, enlightenment, total peace. Release from the illusion of the material world, release from the body and incarnation, total healing. In Reiki this symbol is used from crown to feet for grounding and to draw the energy from the universe into the body. Reiki definition: the lighten bolt, completion, grounding.

 

I myself take this one step father in working with the Reiki directed towards the Chakras. Reiki works just by the channeling of energy but it has been my experience that by working with the Chakras, I intuitively know more about what’s going on with the person I am working with. In believing dis-ease is the root of all disease, I want to offer my best and sometimes that means getting them to open up and realize what the problem really is. I will also state that for me, the universal flow of energy that I work with is the Goddess Herself, for to me She is life. What ever you see this energy as, it is real and available to all that seek it. With great respect to all the Healers before me, Reiki is a tool of visualization and ritual of healing.

Before beginning Reiki one should always take time to cleanse their self. Clear your Chakras and let all negativity leave your mental, emotional and physical body. In healing and transferring energy you want to be a clear conductor for your work. Have the person receiving Reiki relax in a sitting position or lie down. Have them close their eyes as not to be disturbed by outside influences.

Standing behind their Crown Chakra, draw the CHO KU REI in both of your palms and place your hands in prayer position. This is a time as the Healer to ask the Goddess to protect you from receiving any negative energy form this session, to let this healing be without ego and for the energy raised to be used for the good of the receiver as the Goddess sees best.

Now open your Chakras to the energy still holding your hands in prayer position till you feel the healing heat fill your hand. Be very open to the guidance that will come and when you are ready place your hands on their Crown Chakra.

Knowing your Chakras is knowing where to place your hands and being open to the guidance is knowing how long to stay at each Chakra and what symbol to use. Exp; CHO KU REI on the Throat Chakra when you feel this person has a hard time speaking their truth – SEI HE KI when they are hurting in the Heart Chakra – HON SHA ZE SHO NEN when you feel past issues clinging. Do not try to work hard at this, be open and pay attention to your intuitiveness. Stay at one Chakras till you fell it opening up then move to the next one.. With experience a blocked Chakra will feel cold, like a knot or really draw energy from you.

Reaching the root Chakra, place your hand above but not touching as this is to private of an area. Advise the receiver before hand that even though they may feel the pressure of the energy, you will not be touching them. Pay very close attention here intuitively as past life fears are held here.

When you are done with the Root Chakra, move to the knees. Place a hand under each knee for this is the place extra Spirit energy is blocked or stored. If is often times the coldest spot on the body from blockage. Stay till you feel the energy move freely here. Sometimes it helps to remove your hands, clearing and reconnecting yourself. Once you have help the energy to flow in this area move down to the feet.

The Chakras you have worked on are the major ones that connect the ethereal body to the physical but there are many more now open up from this healing. It is very important to ground the receiver to Mother Earth before ending this session. Take a foot in each hand, top or bottom , which ever you are lead to hold. Spread your feet about 2 feet apart and draw in Mother Earth, from your feet up to your hands. Envision Her vines wrapping around your legs and traveling up to the receiver of your Reiki. You can become a tree with the receiver your branches. Channel the grounding energy of Mother Earth.

When you have felt the Energy of Mother Earth take over this healing release their feet. Scanning your hands above their body and over their Chakras , be aware of what you feel returning to the to the Crown Chakra. Place your hands upon their Crown Chakra and intuitively “feel” their being. Sometimes Reiki can bring up old issues that a kind word or listening heart can calm. If you are going to take it upon yourself to heal you need to be responsible for the state this session leaves them in. With ego aside let the Goddess lead you, be truthful, honest and advise with the guidance you were intuitively given during this session.