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Starting Your Journey

How to Learn Reiki

You have heard about Reiki. You are curious. You want to learn. Where do you start?

The answer is simple: find a teacher. Reiki is taught in person. The teacher gives you an attunement. The attunement opens your energy channel. Then you practice.

To learn Reiki: find a qualified Reiki master offering Level 1 (Shoden) training. Attend the class. Receive your attunement. Learn the history, hand positions, and principles. Practice self-Reiki daily for 21 days. After the 21-day practice period, you can begin treating others. Level 1 is the foundation. Level 2 and Master levels are available for those who want to go deeper. The cost of Level 1 training is typically $150-$300.

Person learning Reiki from a teacher, representing the training process

Fast facts

Find a teacherQualified Reiki master
Level 1 training$150-$300
AttunementOpens your energy channel
Self-practice21 days of daily practice
Next stepsLevel 2 and Master

The Learning Path

How to Learn Reiki Step by Step

Main takeaway
How to Learn Reiki Step by Step

Learning Reiki is simple. You find a teacher. You attend a class. You receive an attunement. You practice. That is the whole thing.

OBSERVEWhat to notice

After the attunement, you practice. You practice self-Reiki daily. You practice on friends and family. The practice builds your connection. The practice is the learning.

The Reiki Learning Path

The steps from beginner to practitioner.

1

Find Teacher

Look for a qualified Reiki master. Ask about training and lineage.

2

Level 1 Training

Learn history, hand positions, principles. Receive attunement.

3

Daily Practice

Practice self-Reiki daily for 21 days. Build your connection.

4

Advanced Levels

Level 2 and Master for deeper learning and teaching.

The First Step

Finding a Qualified Reiki Master

Finding a teacher is the most important step. Look for a qualified Reiki master. Ask about their training and lineage. Read reviews from previous students.

A good teacher will explain the process. They will answer your questions. They will make you feel comfortable.

You can find teachers online, at wellness centers, or through word of mouth. Take your time. Find a teacher you trust.

The Foundation

What You Learn in Level 1

Level 1 is the foundation. You learn the history of Reiki. You learn the five principles. You learn hand positions for self-treatment and treating others.

You receive your attunement. According to Reiki tradition, the attunement opens your energy channel. It connects you to Reiki.

Level 1 is a weekend class. Some teachers offer it over two days. Some offer it over four days. The content is the same.

The Learning

Practice Is the Learning

After the attunement, you practice. You practice self-Reiki daily for 21 days. This integrates the attunement. It builds your connection.

You also practice on friends and family. Start with short sessions. Build your confidence. The more you practice, the stronger your connection.

Practice is the learning. Reading is not enough. The attunement opens the door. Practice walks through it.

Skim first

Key takeaways

The shortest useful version of this page.

  1. Find a qualified Reiki master. Ask about their training and lineage.

  2. Attend Level 1 training. Learn the history, hand positions, and principles.

  3. Receive your attunement. According to Reiki tradition, it opens your energy channel.

  4. Practice self-Reiki daily for 21 days. This builds your connection.

  5. Continue learning with Level 2 and Master levels.

  6. Practice is the learning. Reading is not enough.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to learn Reiki?

Level 1 training is typically a weekend. After that, you practice. The learning never ends. You continue to grow with practice.

Do I need to be attuned to practice Reiki?

According to Reiki tradition, yes. The attunement opens your energy channel. Without it, you cannot practice Reiki.

How much does Reiki training cost?

Level 1 training typically costs $150-$300. Level 2 costs $200-$500. Master level costs $500-$1,500.

Can I learn Reiki online?

Some teachers offer online training. In-person training is traditional. Both are valid if the teacher is qualified.

Do I need to believe in Reiki to learn it?

No. You just need to be open to learning. Reiki works regardless of belief. The practice is the key.

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Sources

  1. Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
  2. Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
  3. Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.