A Reiki 1 & 2 degree class is a two-part training that initiates you into the practice of Reiki and prepares you to become a practitioner. While Reiki 1 focuses on self-healing, Reiki 2 expands your abilities to heal others, including from a distance.
Reiki Level 1 (Shoden)
The first level is the initiation into the practice. The primary focus is on self-healing and connecting with the universal life force energy. Key elements of a Level 1 class typically include:
* Reiki Attunement: This is the most crucial part of the class, where a Reiki Master performs a ceremony to open and align your energy channels. This "attunement" allows you to channel Reiki energy for healing.
* History and Principles: You'll learn about the origins of Reiki, its founder Mikao Usui, and the five core principles, such as "Just for today, do not worry."
* Hand Positions: You will be taught a set of specific hand positions to use for self-treatment and to perform a full-body healing session on others.
* Chakras and Aura: The class provides a basic understanding of the human energy system, including the seven main chakras and the aura.
* Practical Application: You will practice giving a full Reiki treatment to yourself and others in the class.
Reiki Level 2 (Okuden)
Building on the foundation of Level 1, the second degree is often considered the practitioner level. It deepens your connection to the energy and provides you with the tools to work with it in more complex ways. Key elements of a Level 2 class include:
* Three Reiki Symbols: You will be attuned to and taught how to use three powerful symbols. These are used to enhance the energy, provide mental and emotional healing, and send healing from a distance.
* Distance Healing: This is a major component of Level 2. You will learn the techniques to send Reiki energy across time and space to a person, place, or situation.
* Advanced Techniques: The course introduces techniques such as Byosen Scanning, which is a method for detecting areas of energetic imbalance in a client's body.
* Mental and Emotional Healing: You will learn how to use the symbols and energy to address psychological and emotional issues, helping to release negative thoughts and patterns.
* Professional Practice: Some courses also cover the ethical and professional considerations of practicing Reiki on the public.