Becoming a Reiki Practitioner – The Second Degree
You now have been practicing Reiki physical healing on yourself and others and feel that it is time to continue on to the 2nd Level or Degree of Reiki. Since the completion of your 1st level of Reiki, you have probably noticed that the energy flowing through your hands and has become stronger each time you perform Reiki.
Also, during the time since you completed the 1st Reiki Degree you may have been reading up on the 2nd Degree and have found that achieving this level will allow you to focus on the emotional and mental healing of the person you work on. The Attunement in Reiki II enhances and intensifies the effect of your treatments both on yourself and others. Following the 2nd Degree of Reiki, you will also be able to provide healing for someone who is not physically present – a process called Distance Healing.
Moving on to a 2nd Degree of Reiki is not simple decision. Progressing further with this Healing process demonstrates your commitment to pattern your life’s journey in relation to the guiding principles of Reiki. The 2nd Degree impacts emotional and mental patterns which affects the behavioral patterns of the practitioner.
Requirements for 2nd Level Reiki
Although each level of Reiki is a separate class within itself, you must have achieved the basic information and Attunements presented in the 1st Level before you can progress to the 2nd level. This also pertains to the progression to the 3rd Level or Degree. Each level builds upon the previous one, not only in regards to specific information regarding Reiki, but also to the expansion of available Universal Life Energy.
When choosing the Reiki Master Teacher, you may wish to return to your original Instructor since you are already familiar with the teaching methods used by this individual, or you may wish to experience a totally different approach. The choice is yours. When choosing a new Master Teacher, you should either receive a recommendation from a fellow Reiki practitioner or consider interviewing the Master Teacher before signing up. The questions you should ask are discussed in the article “Finding a Reiki Master/Teacher”.
The Reiki Level 2 Class:
Reiki Level 2 is usually presented as a one day program. As it was for Reiki Level 1, it will probably be held on one of the weekend days. You may discover that several of your classmates from the 1st Degree presentation are also present at this session, or you may not know any of your fellow classmates – at least at the beginning of the day.
When you initially registered for this class, you will probably be told to bring your lunch. It is very important and appropriate to bring food and liquids which reflect wholesome nutrients – fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grain breads, nuts, non-caffeine drinks, plenty of fresh water and no processed or fast foods. You and your fellow classmates should represent the picture of healthy living, and therefore your nutritional choices are expected to reflect that philosophy.
The class day will most likely begin with a self introduction by each participant and as well as the Master/Teacher introduction. Be prepared to discuss your experiences that you have encountered with clients. This group discussion is very similar to a Reiki Healing Sharing where challenges and achievements are presented. This process also creates a sense of oneness within the group since all have the common goal of mastering the process in order to expand healing capabilities. This class size may be smaller than the 1st level, as there may be just 4 learners present.
Class Content:
During this 2nd Reiki Degree class you will receive one additional Attunement from the Master Teacher, as well as the initial introduction to the Reiki Symbols. The Master Teacher will discuss and describe the symbols. S/he will draw the Symbols, and describe what they specifically mean and how and when it is appropriate to use them. In past years, it was forbidden for students to actually draw the Symbols and take them home to study. It was expected that the learner spend as much time in class either drawing them in the air or on another learner. This intense practice session allowed the learner the opportunity to actually feel the power, which was then tested by the Master Teacher. Success with the Symbols was expected; otherwise if the student did not succeed, they would not be able to use them.
The Reiki Symbols:
Today’s class presentation differs with each Master Teacher, but the content regarding the description, uses, and drawing of the Symbols remains the same. Today’s students do draw the Symbols on paper so that further understanding will occur after they leave the class. It is not unusual that students may not keep these drawings. If this is the case, a ceremonial burning of the drawings may occur at the end of the class. Regardless of how these drawings are handled, the expectation of dedicating the use and configuration of these symbols to memory continues. It is also expected that the drawing of the Symbols not be shared with others; as those without the receipt of Attunements will have no idea on how to use the Symbols, let alone be knowledgeable of their power.
Controversial Knowledge of Symbols:
A controversy continues regarding the sharing of the Symbols outside of Reiki classes. Reiki traditionalists argue that these Symbols are sacred and must not be shared with non Reiki practitioners. One must remember that the Symbols are of little value to someone who has not received the Attunements from a Master Teacher. A search on the Internet reveals the sharing of Symbols, their meanings, their configuration and uses. Any Library will have texts on Reiki with information on the Symbols. Is this ethical? You have to decide for yourself. Since this article does not include the drawings of the Symbols, you may wish to visit a reputable web site for additional information.
Additional Attunements:
The Attunement that is passed from the Reiki Master Teacher to the student during this 2nd level opens the student’s Chakras for an increase in the flow of additional Universal Life Force. This Attunement also facilitates the student’s ability to use the three Symbols presented in class. These Symbols intensify the Reiki energy given during a treatment.
The intent of this 2nd degree Reiki is to spend the majority of the class time on the drawing and use of these Reiki Symbols. An additional hand position, reflecting the emotional / mental healing will also be presented.
The Symbols – Names and Uses:
The 1st Symbol, called Cho-Ku-Rei, increases power and is used with every healing session. It has also been used with house plants to increase energetic growth and to get traffic jams moving. Its use focuses all the Universal Life Force energy in one location. When this Symbol is drawn in a clockwise direction, the energy is increased. If drawn in a counter-clock-wise direction, the energy power is diminished. This Symbol focuses on the physical aspects of healing.
The 2nd Symbol, called Sei-Hei-Ki is used for emotional healing. Many individuals in CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) consider all health challenges have their basis in the emotions. The use of this Symbol for emotional healing allows the emotional discomfort to surface and be recognized,acknowledged, and resolved . Focusing the drawing of this Symbol on the issues the client may present allows and supports the process of ‘Letting Go’. The letting go of frustration, anger, depression or loneliness is the main goal of this Symbol.
The 3rd Symbol, called Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen, is used for mental healing and is the Symbol used in Distance Healing. This Symbol sends the Reiki energy across great distances to another person or through the concept of time. It is considered to be the most powerful of all the Symbols used in Reiki. The use of this Symbol opens the psychic abilities of the Reiki healer.
All three symbols when drawn represent Japanese art. All Symbols when drawn either above the person or in the mind are to be exact every time they are used and always treated with great respect.
Distance Healing:
Do not be surprised at the reaction of individuals when you mention that you are able to send healing to an individual who is not physically present. In Reiki circles, this is called Distance Healing. Once you master the drawing, the use, and situations in which you use the Symbols is achieved, you will then be introduced to the Concept and Symbol of Distance Healing.
Is Distance Healing really that unusual? What about the congregation members who participate in a Prayer Circle where prayers are sent to a church member or family member of a congregational member? How often have you heard or been asked to send your prayers and condolences to someone who is not present in your particular geographical area? The major difference is that when you send healing from a distance you not only direct the healing to a specific locale but you are also using the Distance Healing Symbol in conjunction with the request. You can send Distance Healing to the Past, Present and Future….think about the requests for healing for the individual who is to have major surgery in the near future. Healing sent to the past helps heal those former situations and when sent to the future, it is saved and used when needed. This is Distance Healing!
Effects of Reiki II
Following the completion of Reiki Level 2, you will become very aware of who you are, as well as becoming very in tune to your surroundings. It is not unusual for you to think and respond to situations differently than in previous times. This process takes whatever amount of time the body needs to integrate the impact that Reiki II has on your body.
In Conclusion:
You have received a magnificent gift that is to be practiced and shared with others. The more you use Reiki, the more proficient you will become in giving the Universal Life Energy to your clients. The more you use Reiki, the more you will be able to recognize and interpret what blockages to Chakras mean; and the impact of these blockages on your client.
Making the decision to continue your pursuit of Reiki healing acknowledges your total acceptance of the power of Reiki that you can share with others.