Post by *Gypsy* on Jan 8, 2008 23:43:38 GMT -5
What to expect from your Reiki I (First Degree) Course
It is a good idea to contact SisterSkyLove from whom you may be interested in learning Reiki and talk with her before deciding whether to proceed with training. Also read any available literature she suggest about the course or workshop you are considering.
This page includes general information about the material that is usually included in Reiki I courses.
It is intended as a starting point for anyone considering such a course (from any Reiki Master), and may help prospective students to understand the material offered and so discuss course content more easily with the Reiki Master.
Why some people are not sure what to expect prior to their Reiki I Course / Training
Many people find it difficult to describe and explain Reiki.
One reason for this is that Reiki is an energy that is more naturally conveyed by experience than in the form of words, or even pictures.
This does not mean that words, pictures, symbols, sounds, and other representations are not useful. All of these have valuable roles to play, although they may not be the best or easiest way in which to begin to appreciate Reiki.
People choose to learn Reiki and so receive Reiki I attunements for a variety of reasons, and with different amounts of information about what to expect. For example, some may simply have experienced Reiki at a "Health and Well-being" Show/Event and then chosen to learn this themselves - possibly without the contact information of the person/group their treatment was received from.
In addition, there is still much confusion about Reiki, and, unfortunately, mis-information is in circulation.
Typical course content for a Reiki I Workshop
The following elements are usually included in Reiki I courses.
Topic / Component of Course Explanations
Introductory Session
Reiki Master's own Terms and Conditions of Teaching
Some Reiki Masters will teach anyone (without conditions), while others ask their students to make promises concerning how they will use Reiki energy .
Introductions of group members to each other
(if the course is being taught to a group rather than an individual)
The individual attention gained from learning alone, or in a very small group may be beneficial. Conversely, learning with others has the benefit of sharing experiences. The choice is one of personal preference.
In the case of group courses it is both polite and helpful to meet the other participants, and establish rapport.
Summary/discussion of what Reiki is, what participants may expect, and the timetable and format for the course/workshop
This is essential because misunderstandings are possible and it is easier for all if common understanding is established as soon as possible. (Even if everyone is well-informed, the Reiki Master is likely to wish to confirm this so that he/she is sure that everyone feels as confident and at ease as possible.)
Basic Theory of Reiki
Description of the traditional version of the Story of the History of Reiki, that is the story of the re-discovery of Reiki by Dr Mikao Usui in the late nineteenth century.
It is necessary to be familiar with this story in order to fully appreciate what Reiki is, as it is known today.
Knowledge of this is also a reasonable expectation of anyone who has received training in Reiki.
The Five Principles of Reiki feature in the Traditional Version of the Reiki Story.
The Reiki Masters may re-visit these seperately to emphasize their importance, discuss modern interpretations and answer any questions about these.
The Five Principles of Reiki feature in all of the literature about this method of healing so trained practitioners can reasonably be expected to be familiar with them.
Explanation of the method / structure by which Reiki is taught.
This may include a summary of the Levels:
I, II, III (Practitioner) and III (Teacher),
what is taught at each stage, and the experience the Master advises as appropriate between each of the Levels / sets of Attunements.
This may be well-known to some students, but assuming knowledge may cause the members of the group who do not already have the information to feel lost, confused, or irritated (especially if it appears to themthat that prior study was expected and they were not advised of this).
This is why some Masters prefer to at least summarise all the key points to ensure that no-one feels left-out as the Class progresses.
General questions and discussion about Reiki before proceeding to the attunements.
The Reiki Master may wish to confirm that everyone now understands what Reiki is and is actively choosing to receive Reiki I attunements.
This is also a useful stage at which to include an opportunity for general discussion and questions.
Popular topics include the participation of Reiki Guides and how to sense and communicate with them. Other discussion topics include channelling Reiki without the receipients request or knowledge, which may lead on to discussion of Reiki for animals, plants, spaces, circumstances and so on ... The views and explanations given by Reiki Masters may of course vary according to the individual and his/her own guidance and experiences.
Reiki I Attunements
Reiki I attunements (may be performed in two parts), according to the form of Reiki being taught, and the preference of the Reiki Master.
The Reiki Master will say something about the attunement process and explain exactly what he/she would like participants to do and when.
Attunements may be carried out individually or in small groups of up to four people.
Discussion and sharing of experiences of the attunements
This may be included in the case of courses for groups as it may be a helpful way of demonstrating the variety of experiences among different members of the group.
Conversely, some Reiki Masters do not encourage too much focus on this in case:
(i) anyone who experienced very little is then disappointed when hearing others' more elabourate accounts, and/or
(ii) some people prefer not to describe their experiences initially, but rather to reflect on and assimilate them personally in the first instance.
Experiences do vary and there is no "right" or "wrong".
Reiki Treatments - either self-treatments or treating other members of the group
There is usually much enthusiasm to begin as soon as the attunments are completed and this is to be encouraged. Channeling Reiki is an essential stage in completing the attunement process and so generally takes place as soon afterwards as possible.
Discussion and sharing of experiences following initial Reiki Healing exercise
This is usually spontaneous !
It is useful to describe ones experience of channeling Reiki energy and to hear others' initial reactions.
This helps students to articulate their sensations, and the discussion process of expressing these to others and hearing their accounts is a valuable way for all members of the group to validate their experiences and so feel more confident.
This is important for many reasons, one of which is that as Reiki Practitioners students will be asked about their experiences of channeling this energy. Most people find it easier to answer such questions when they also have awareness of how others describe their experiences.
Reiki Treatments
Learning the Reiki Hand positions/sequences for treatments.
The actual positions and sequences may vary between Reiki Masters. Some courses include two sequences of hand positions - one for self-treatments (usually seated), and another for treating others (usually with the client in a reclined position, perhaps also turning-over part-way through).
The actual hand-positions and the order in which they are used does not matter. However, there are many reasons why it is useful to learn and use such a sequence, at least initially.
These reasons include:
The discipline of following a set sequence of positions means that new Reiki Practitioners need not think about choosing where they are placing their hands or why. This helps to release all concentration to focus on the sensations of channeling this energy, which is most appropriate and will eventually guide the Reiki Practitioner to concentrate the energy as needed, perhaps then spending more time on some positions than others, and later just using hand positions as energetically directed.
Managing the timing of treatments may be a challenge for new practitioners.
This is simplified when there are a fixed number of positions, each to receive the same period of time. It is then easier to gauge the timing on each position (with practice during the course) so that a whole treatment can then be given, with reasonably good time keeping, without the practitioner having to give much concious attention to this aspect of the treatment.
It is important to do regular self-treatments to build-up and maintain ones own energy. Channelling energy to different positions on the body may give rise to subtly different sensations. By regularly following the routine taught during a Reiki I course new practitioners can ensure that they experience the widest range of sensations that are assosiated with their own energy-balancing needs. This is helpful for later discussing others' sensations when clients ask, describe, or wish to discuss these.
It is helpful for students to learn two routines.
This is because it is then easier for the students to adapt treatments themselves later to accomodate whatever circumstances they encounter.
Practice and Discussion of the Hand Position Sequences.
Discussion and sharing of individuals' experiences of this part of the course.
Practice, familarisation and discussion with others are all vital aspects of the learning process. It is most helpful for students to do this as a group and with the benefit of supervision and advice from the Reiki Master as soon as possible.
Discussion and possibly practice of channeling Hands-On Reiki for Animals, Plants, Trees and Crystals.
Reiki Practitioners are occasionally asked about Reiki treatments for non-human receipients and so it is useful to include at least some discussion about this as part of Reiki I courses.
Including practice of such Reiki Treatments (where possible) is also useful because it enables group members to discuss their experiences. Such discussions often help people to better appreciate and articulate their own experiences, to establish further rapport with other members of the group (with whom they may wish to stay in touch), and may also make their initial experiences more memorable.
However, it may not be possible to include a practical element to this part of the course - for example if there are no small domestic animals (such as willing dogs or cats) available, or if any member of the group objects to or is allergic to such animals.
Alternatively or in addition, the group may work with plants (if available) or trees (if available and weather permitting).
It is usually possible to include some simple work with crystals.
Students,Please remember SisterSkylove has volunteered to teach this course,we will be sending out certificates at the end of the course so please take it seriously.
please sign up here for the Wed Night Reiki Classes.
Please give us you email adress so your teacher can reach you.
The Staff
The classes are open to everyone.
Every Wed Night in Jan 08
Wednesday at 7pm. ....LIVE CHAT
Central Time will be 9 -12 PM
Eastern Time is 7-10 PM
UK Time will be 1 am
See her Myspace profile here:
www.myspace.com/sisterskylove
** To enter the chat room :**
On the opening page you will see a white box at the top of the page it says *NICK NAME* in it,just type in a name that you want to be called in the chat room and click login.
Becoming a Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is traditionally taught in three levels. Levels I and II are typically taught in 2 hour classes (10 hours total online tiime) Level III is generally a more intensive course of study and will take a longer commitment. Class time involves an initiation ritual called an attunement and learning the hand placements for self treatments as well as treating others.
Each certificate will be free,we will start taking donations to cover the cost. The value is about $15.00 with shipping.
Each one will come with your name and date in a nice envelope with some magic dust thrown in for good luck!
detailes will be posted later on this.
These certificates are designed to be given to students by their Reiki Masters upon the successful completion of each level of Reiki. Printed on rich parchment paper, these handsome documents the student's name, Reiki level, the date, and your Reiki Masters name. Comes with a personalize embossed seal.
Measuring 8 1/2 X 11 inches, these documents fit perfectly in traditional certificate frames (or even a simple photo frame!).