Reiki is traditionally taught in three levels or degrees, each expanding a student's ability and understanding. The path leads from self-healing to treating others to teaching the practice itself.
The first level, often called Reiki I, introduces the student to the practice and opens their ability to channel energy through an attunement. The focus is largely on self-healing and learning the basic hand positions. Students learn to feel and direct energy, usually beginning with treatments on themselves and close family or friends. It is the foundation on which all further practice is built, emphasising personal experience over technique.
The second level, Reiki II, deepens the practice and introduces the traditional symbols. With these, students learn to strengthen the energy, work more directly with mental and emotional healing, and send Reiki across distance. This level is generally considered the point at which a practitioner is ready to treat others more formally. The expanded toolkit allows for more focused and versatile healing work.
The third level, the Master or teacher degree, is for those who wish to deepen their practice fully and to attune others. It includes the master symbol and the knowledge required to pass attunements to new students. Becoming a Reiki Master is traditionally seen as a significant commitment, blending advanced practice with the responsibility of teaching. Not everyone pursues it, since many are content practising at the first or second level.
Reiki works with the body's energy centres. Explore the seven chakras to understand the energy system that healing practices like Reiki aim to balance.
Chakra Guide