Levels of Practice

Reiki Practitioner vs Reiki Master: What's the Difference?

A Reiki practitioner and a Reiki master both channel Reiki. Both can heal. But their roles are different. A practitioner heals. A master teaches.

Reiki has three levels. Level 1 (Shoden) focuses on self-healing. Level 2 (Okuden) is the practitioner level. Level 3 (Shinpiden) is the master/teacher level.

The main difference is scope of practice. A Reiki Practitioner (Level 2/Okuden) can practice professionally, charge for sessions, use symbols, and do distance healing. A Reiki Master (Level 3/Shinpiden) can do everything a practitioner can do, plus: teach Reiki classes (Levels 1, 2, and Master), give attunements to students, and use the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo). Not every practitioner needs to become a master. Level 2 is sufficient for professional practice. Master level is for those called to teach and attune others. Both are valuable. Neither is 'better.' They are different roles.

Fast facts

Level 1Self-healing, cannot charge

Level 2Practitioner. Can charge, symbols, distance

Level 3Master. Can teach, attunements

Key differenceMaster teaches and attunes

Most practitionersStop at Level 2

The Three Levels

Understanding Reiki Practitioner and Master Roles

Main takeaway

Understanding Reiki Practitioner and Master Roles

Reiki has three traditional levels. Each level adds new abilities and responsibilities.

INSIGHTWhy it matters

Level 1 is for self-healing. Level 2 is for professional practice. Level 3 is for teaching.

OBSERVEWhat to notice

You do not need to become a master to be a good practitioner. Level 2 is sufficient for most practitioners.

Checklist

Comparison: Practitioner vs Master

What each level can and cannot do.

Level 1 (Shoden)
Can: Practice self-Reiki daily. Give Reiki to family and friends (free, not professionally). Learn hand positions and five principles. Cannot: Charge money for sessions. Use symbols. Do distance healing. Call themselves a professional practitioner.
Level 2 (Okuden) - Practitioner
Can: Charge money for sessions. Use the three Level 2 symbols (Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen). Do distance healing. Practice professionally. Cannot: Give attunements to students. Teach Reiki classes. Use the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo). Call themselves a master.
Level 3 (Shinpiden) - Master
Can: Everything a practitioner can do. Give attunements to students (Levels 1, 2, and Master). Teach Reiki classes. Use the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo). Call themselves a Reiki master. Cannot: None. Master level has full scope of practice.

Keep in mind

Before you go further

Not every practitioner needs to become a master. Level 2 is sufficient for professional practice.
Some practitioners call themselves 'master' after Level 2. That is inaccurate. Master level requires Level 3 training.
Being a master does not make you a 'better' healer. It makes you a teacher. Different role, not higher rank.

Reiki Levels Comparison

What each level can do.

1

Level 1 (Shoden)

Self-healing. Family/friends only (free). No symbols. No distance. No charging.

2

Level 2 (Okuden)

Practitioner. Can charge. Use symbols. Distance healing. Professional practice.

3

Level 3 (Shinpiden)

Master. Everything Level 2 can do. Plus: teach classes. Give attunements.

Is Master Level Right for You?

Should You Become a Reiki Master?

Do you want to teach? Master level is for those called to teach Reiki to others. If you do not want to teach, Level 2 is sufficient.

Do you want to give attunements? Only masters can give attunements. If you want to attune others, you need master level.

Do you want the title? The title 'master' is not a rank. It is a role. Do not seek it for ego. Seek it for service.

Do you have the time and resources? Master training costs $500-$2,000 and takes 1-3 days plus practice time. Factor that in.

Most practitioners never become masters. That is fine. Level 2 is a complete professional practice.

What People Get Wrong

Common Confusions About Practitioner vs Master

Myth: 'A master is a better healer.' Truth: Master level is about teaching, not healing skill. A Level 2 practitioner can be an excellent healer.

Myth: 'You need to be a master to practice professionally.' Truth: Level 2 is sufficient for professional practice. Many successful practitioners are Level 2.

Myth: 'Master means you know everything.' Truth: Masters continue learning. The learning never stops. Humility is more important than titles.

Myth: 'Level 1 practitioners cannot give Reiki at all.' Truth: Level 1 practitioners can give Reiki to family and friends for free. They just cannot charge professionally.

What Practitioners and Masters Say

I am a Level 2 practitioner. I have been practicing for 8 years. I have a full client load. I have never felt the need to become a master. I do not want to teach. I want to heal. Level 2 is perfect for me.

I became a master because I felt called to teach. I love seeing my students discover Reiki. It is different from healing. It is rewarding in a different way. But it is not for everyone.

Neither role is 'better.' They are different. A master without healing skill is useless. A practitioner without teaching skill is fine. Choose the path that fits your calling.

Level 1 (Shoden): Self-healing. Cannot charge professionally.
Level 2 (Okuden): Practitioner. Can charge, use symbols, do distance healing.
Level 3 (Shinpiden): Master. Can teach and give attunements.
Most practitioners stop at Level 2. That is sufficient for professional practice.
Master level is for those called to teach and attune others.
Neither role is 'better.' They are different roles.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a master to practice Reiki professionally?

No. Level 2 (Okuden) is sufficient for professional practice. Many successful practitioners are Level 2.

Can a Level 1 practitioner charge for Reiki?

Traditionally, no. Level 1 is for self-healing and informal practice with family/friends. Level 2 is for professional practice.

What is the difference between a Reiki practitioner and a Reiki master?

A practitioner (Level 2) can practice professionally and charge. A master (Level 3) can also teach and give attunements.

Is a Reiki master a better healer?

Not necessarily. Master level is about teaching, not healing skill. A Level 2 practitioner can be an excellent healer.

Can a Reiki master charge more than a practitioner?

Some do. Some charge the same. Master level may command higher prices for teaching, not necessarily for healing sessions.

People also explore

The Permanence QuestionCan a Reiki Attunement Fail?Sensitivity and PerceptionCan a Reiki Master Feel Your Energy?Self-HealingCan I Do Reiki by Myself?Certification RequirementsDo You Need Certification for Energy Healing vs Reiki?Certification Times ComparedHow Long Does It Take to Get Certified in Reiki vs Other Modalities?Origins of the SymbolsAre Reiki Symbols Japanese?

Sources

Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
Traditional Reiki teaching.