Reiki practitioners act as channels for the Universal Life Energy, which
through them can enter into the bodies of those who need healing. But to serve
as a channel, Reiki practitioners must become “attuned” to Reiki’s healing
powers. Through a process called attunement, or initiation, practitioners
connect with the Universal Life Energy and gain access to its healing powers.
Attunement is conducted by a Reiki master, who opens the students’ inner
healing channels and teaches them the history of Reiki and the hand positions
used to treat certain conditions. In this stage, known as First Degree, four of
the body’s energy centers, or chakras, are activated. By opening the heart
chakra, throat chakra, third eye and crown chakra, the students develop
unconditional love, trust and communication, intuition and spiritual
consciousness.
After working at the First Degree level for weeks, months or years, students
can attain Second Degree status. There are no criteria for ascending to the
next level, rather, it is up to individuals to decide when they are ready. With
Second Degree status, practitioners can conduct distant healing and treat emotional
and mental problems. They are also granted access to Reiki’s secret symbols and
mantras, which activate the body’s healing channels and help practitioners;
reach a deeper level of healing power.
After working at the First and Second degree levels for one to three years,
students can attain Third Degree status, the highest level, at which time they
become a Reiki Master. To become a Reiki Master, practitioners must be
spiritually mature and willing to devote their entire lives to their Reiki
practice. Reiki Masters have more responsibility than other practitioners,
because not only do they heal, they teach others to heal as well.