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Contents Reiki history Reiki principles Reiki pillars Chakras Symbols Dry bathing Jackiri Raku Tools for clearing Reiki on self and others Pendulum dowsing Hand Positions Setting up a reiki practise Attunement Integration process Lineage Ethics Many than

Reiki practitioners History of Mikao Usui Reiki Mikao Usui or Usui Sensei as he is called by Reiki students in Japan, was born August 15, 1865 in the village of Taniai in the Yamagata district of Gifu prefecture, which is located near present-day Nagoya, Japan. He had an avid interest in learning and worked hard at his studies. As he grew older, he travelled to Europe and China to further his education. His curriculum included medicine, psychology and religion as well as the art of divination, which Asians have long considered to be a worthy skill. Usui Sensei also became a member of the Rei Jyutu Ka, a metaphysical group dedicated to developing psychic abilities. He had many jobs including civil servant, company employee and journalist, and he helped rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually he became the secretary to Shinpei Goto, head of the department of health and welfare who later became the mayor of Tokyo. The connections Usui Sensei made at this job helped him to also become a successful businessman. The depth and breadth of his experiences inspired him to direct his attention toward discovering the purpose of life. In his search he came across the description of a special state of consciousness that once achieved would not only provide an understanding of one`s life 1

Reiki practitioners purpose, but would also guide one to achieve it. This special state is called An-shin Ritus-mei (pronounced on sheen dit sue may). In this special state, one is always at peace regardless of what is taking place in the outer world. And it is from this place of peace that one completes one`s life purpose. One of the special features of this state is that it maintains itself without any effort on the part of the individual; the experience of peace simply wells up spontaneously from within and is a type of enlightenment. Usui Sensei understood this concept on an intellectual level and dedicated his life to achieving it; this is considered to be an important step on his spiritual path. He discovered that one path to An-shin Ritsu-mei is through the practice of Zazen meditation. So he found a Zen teacher who accepted him as a student. After three years practice, he had not been successful and sought further guidance. His teacher suggested a more severe practice in which the student must be willing to die in order to achieve An-shin Ritsu- meiwhich. So with this in mind he prepared for death and in February, 1922, he went to Mt. Kurama to fast and meditate until he passed to the next world. In addition, we know there is a small waterfall on Mt. Kurama where even today people go to meditate. This meditation involves standing under the waterfall and allowing the water to strike and flow over the top of the head, a practice that is said to activate the crown chakra. Japanese Reiki Masters 2

Reiki practitioners think that Usui may have used this meditation as part of his practice. In any case as time passed he became weaker and weaker. It was now March, 1922 and at midnight of the twenty-first day, a powerful light suddenly entered his mind through the top of his head and he felt as if he had been struck by lightning; this caused him to fall unconscious. As the sun rose, he awoke and realised that whereas before he had felt very weak and near death, he was now filled with an extremely enjoyable state of vitality that he had never experienced before; a miraculous type of high frequency spiritual energy had displaced his normal consciousness and replaced it with an amazingly new level of awareness. He experienced himself as being the energy and consciousness of the Universe and that the special state of enlightenment he had sought had been given to him as a gift. He was overjoyed by this realisation. When this happened, he was filled with excitement and went running down the mountain. On his way down he stubbed his toe on a rock and fell down. And in the same way anyone would do, he placed his hands over the toe, which was in pain. As he did this, healing energy began flowing from his hands all by itself. The pain in his toe went away and the toe was healed. Usui Sensei was amazed by this. He realized that in addition to the illuminating experience he had received, he had also received the gift of healing. 3

Reiki practitioners Usui Sensei practiced this new ability with his family and developed his healing system through experimentation and by using skills and information based on his previous study of religious practices, philosophy and spiritual disciplines. He called his system of healing Shin-Shin Kai-Zen Usui Reiki Ryo-Ho (Usui Reiki Healing Method for Improvement of Body and Mind) or in its simplified form Usui Reiki Ryoho (Usui Reiki Healing Method). It is important to know that Usui Sensei didn`t create Reiki as there were other methods of Reiki healing in Japan prior to Usui Sensei creating his method and in fact one was called Reiki Ryoho. In April 1922, he moved to Tokyo and started a healing society that he named Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Society). He also opened a Reiki clinic in Harajuku, Aoyama,Tokyo. There he taught classes and gave treatments. In 1923, the great Kanto earthquake devastated Tokyo. More than 140,000 people died and over half of the houses and buildings were shaken down or burned. An overwhelming number of people were left homeless, injured, sick and grieving. Usui Sensei felt great compassion for the people and began treating as many as he could with Reiki. This was a tremendous amount of work, and it was at this time that he began training other Shihan (teachers) so that they could help him more quickly train others to be Reiki practitioners and help the sick and injured. Demand for 4

Reiki practitioners Reiki became so great that he outgrew his clinic, so in 1925 he built a bigger one in Nakano, Tokyo. Because of this, Usui Sensei`s reputation as a healer spread all over Japan. He began to travel so he could teach and treat more people. During his travels across Japan he directly taught more than 2,000 students and initiated twenty Shihan each being given the same understanding of Reiki and approved to teach and give Reiju in the same way he did. The Japanese government issued him a Kun San To award for doing honourable work to help others. While travelling to Fukuyama to teach, he suffered a stroke and died March 9, 1926. His grave is at Saihoji Temple, in Suginami, Tokyo, although some claim that his ashes are located elsewhere • Just for today, do not be angry • Just for today, do not worry • Just for today, be grateful • Just for today, work hard • Just for today, be kind to others. 5

Reiki practitioners Pillars Of Reiki The three pillars of Reiki are Gassho (Gash-Show), Reiji-Ho (Ray-Gee-Hoe), and Chiryo (Chi-Rye- Oh). Gassho Gassho means “two hands coming together.” Gassho helps to hold the intention of gratitude, respect, focus, balance and connection to collective consciousness. The Gassho hand position help focus and quiet the mind during meditation. Place the hands in prayer position with eyes close and bring awareness to the tip of the middle fingers. If the mind wanders, gently press the middle fingers together and refocus. In a seated position, place your hands in gassho position Focus on where your two middle fingers meet Let your thoughts fall away Recite the 5 Reiki principles out loud or in your mind When finished, send the intention of gratitude If you find this meditation beneficial, it is recommended that you perform it in the morning and evening for 15- 30 minutes ideally for one month. You may find it useful 6

Reiki practitioners to make notes of your experiences as you meditate as well as how your life situation changes over time. Reiji-Ho Reiji means “indication of the Reiki power.” Ho means “methods.” Reiji-Ho consists of three short rituals that can be performed before each Reiki session. Raise your hands, in Gassho position, in front of your heart. With eyes closed, ask for the Reiki energy to flow through you. Ask for the healing and wellbeing of the recipient. Raise your hands to your third eye and ask to be guided to where the Reiki energy is needed. Allow your hands to be guided. Detach from any desires you may have regarding the outcome of the session and trust the Reiki energy and your intuition. Chiryo Chiryo means “treatment.” Chiryo is performed by the practitioner holding their dominant hand above the client’s crown chakra and waiting until there is a signal to move, which the hand follows. The Reiki practitioner continues to use their intuition with regard to hand placement until they are called to end the session. The body and consciousness are connected by breath. We breathe in oxygen for physical survival and universal life force to nourish and cleanse our spirit. 7

Reiki practitioners Joshin Kokyu-ho is a helpful breathing method for reducing your stress and purifying your mind and body. It is also a great meditation for both cleansing and healing. Begin in a comfortable standing or sitting position with hands in Gassho position. Close the eyes and breathe slowly, through your nose. Let go of any tension. Hold your hands up as high as possible, and visualize the light (Reiki) showering into the whole of the body. As you breathe out, visualize that the light filling your body is spreading out in all directions and beyond. Performing this meditation regularly will strengthen your connection to Reiki. Some also find it will increase their intuitive abilities as well. Dan Tian The Dan Tian is located in the abdomen between the navel and pubic bone. The Dan Tian holds a reservoir of energy. By taking time to connect with this energy point, you can increase your vitality and ensure you are a clear channel for Reiki energy. Bring your mind to Dan Tian and listen to your breathing. While you are breathing in, visualize that white light (Reiki) is filling your head and down the center of your body into the Dan Tian. Between each inhale and 8

Reiki practitioners exhale, the light spreads to all parts of your body. Feel that the healing process is happening. As you exhale, visualize that the light filling your body is spreading out in all directions and beyond 9

Reiki practitioners The Chakra System Chakras represent specific aspects of the conscious being and their main functions and characteristics are as follows: • Root chakra • Color: Red • Body Parts: Adrenal glands, kidneys, spinal column, leg bones 10

Reiki practitioners • Function: Grounds you physically. • Imbalance: Afraid of life, feel victimized, selfishness, prone to violence; low back, feet, and leg pain • Sacral chakra • Color: Orange • Body parts: Gonads, prostate gland, reproductive system, spleen, bladder • Function: Deals with creativity, sexuality, and emotions • Imbalance: Overuse of food, sex, or alcohol; sexual or reproductive disorders; confusion, jealousy, and self-esteem issues. • Solar plexus chakra • Color: Yellow • Body parts: Pancreas, liver, digestive tract, stomach, spleen, gall bladder, autonomic nervous system • Function: Intellect and is known as the seat of personal power • Imbalance: Insecurity about financial matters; need to control others; digestive disorders 11

Reiki practitioners • Heart chakra • Color: Green • Body parts: Thymus gland, heart, lower lungs, circulatory system, skin, hands • Function: Bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds; center of emotional well-being and love • Imbalance: Sad feelings, fear, anger, and can lead to heart disease • Throat chakra • Color: Blue • Body parts: Thyroid gland, throat and jaw areas, lungs, vocal cords, digestive tract • Function: Communication and mental creativity • Imbalance: Communication breakdowns, overindulgences in eating and drinking to keep from speaking the truth; respiratory diseases, dental problems, and low self-esteem as well as anger, hostility, and resentment • Third-eye chakra • Color: Indigo 12

Reiki practitioners • Body parts: Pituitary gland, lower brain, left eye, ears, nose, central nervous system • Function: Intuition and clairvoyance; ability to visualize and manifest • Imbalance: Fear of dreams, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and depression • Crown chakra • Color: Violet • Body parts: Pineal gland, upper brain, right eye • Function: Direct connection to spirit • Imbalance: Loneliness, need to compare ourselves to others, fear of death • By placing the hands over the corresponding seven major chakra centers that are experiencing any of the imbalances mentioned and performing Reiki, these centers can be rebalanced leading to better health 13

Reiki practitioners Distant Reiki Session Enkaku Chiryo (absentee treatment) has all of the benefits of an actual hands on Reiki session. It allows you to experience Reiki while being in your own home, office, or any other location. Reiki energy is not limited by time or distance. Gyoshi It is one of the japanese Reiki techniques of sending the loving Universal Life Force Energy through eyes. It is derived from the word Gyoshi which means to gaze and Ho means method or technique. In this technique attitude, facial expression, and energy behind the intention plays a significant role in healing. Interactive behaviour between the giver and receiver is very important in this method as there is a fine difference between gazing and staring. Therefore this technique involves gazing with defocused eyes. How to Practice Start with any ritual, preferred. Invoke the Reiki. Connect with the Distant Symbol to the person being healed. At this point I always say in my mind with deep feel that “God in me greets God in you.” I have noticed 14

Reiki practitioners that this instantly develops soft compassionate feeling towards the person receiving Reiki. With relaxed eyes bring your awareness to the Reiki flow; gaze softly, compassionately and send the energy visually by concentrating on an area which requires healing. Use of the symbols purely depends on the healer’s choice. Depending on the power of your visualisation you can use coloured symbols and colours as well. Think Reiki is flowing, radiating from your eyes and healing the area and filling it with divine love and light. Visualise the area is being healed. Seal and protect it with the Power Symbol or Master Symbol (if attuned 15

Reiki practitioners Sei He Ki Sei He Ki Symbol is used for harmony and balance. It represents two opposite energies combining harmoniously. The symbol is used to heal the mental and emotional body. The following are the different ways to use the symbol: 1.To find misplaced objects/ items/things Draw Sei He Ki symbol over your head and say the affirmation “I allow and give myself permission to remember _____________ (whatever that you are trying to find) in ways that are for my highest good. 2.Balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain To balance the left and right hemisphere, draw symbols 1+2+1 (Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Cho Ku Rei) on the temples and give Reiki for about 10-15 minutes every day. Anchor the energy there by saying stabilize, stabilize, stabilize. Affirmation: My left and right hemispheres are completely balanced and work harmoniously with each other 16

Reiki practitioners 3.Toimprove memory /concentration and intuition To improve memory, concentration and intuition, draw symbols 1+2+1 (Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Cho Ku Rei) on the ‘3rd Eye Chakra’ and give Reiki for about 10-15 minutes every day. Anchor the energy there by saying stabilize, stabilize, stabilize. Affirmation: My memory, concentration and intuition is increasing more and more everyday. 4. For relationships Draw Sei He Ki over the couple and say “ May this relationship be healed in ways that are for their highest goods and in the best possible way”. (x3) 5. To heal addiction and Emotions To heal any kind of emotional blockages arising due to addictions draw 1+2+1 symbols (Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Cho Ku Rei) on the ‘Heart Chakra’ and give Reiki for about 10-15 minutes every day. Anchor the energy there by saying stabilize, stabilize, stabilize. Affirmation: I heal, resolve and release all my negative behavior and addictions to the divine for my highest good.(x3) 6. For better memorization 17

Reiki practitioners Hold whatever content that you want to memorize between your hands and draw Sei He Ki over it and over yourself and affirm “I give myself the permission to absorb and understand all the information that I am reading from ________ (whatever that you are reading) and I allow myself to access this information whenever I feel necessary”. (x3) 7. For Recalling information Draw Sei He Ki symbol above your head and say “I give myself permission to recall the contents of ________ (title of the book) in the next 5 minutes”. (x3) 18

Reiki practitioners Cho Ku Rei Cho Ku Rei, which is considered one of the first symbols used in Usui Reiki essentially means “Placing all the powers of the universe here”. The Reiki power symbol basically works as a “switch” that helps to instantly increase Reiki practitioner’s ability to channel the energies. The main purpose of using it is to enhance the power of Reiki and draw the energy around and concentrate it on the required purpose. Helps in Spot Treatment Drawing Cho Ku Rei on a specific part of the body helps in focusing the Reiki energies on that particular spot, helping cure or heal especially acute injuries, but also chronic conditions that have localized effects in the body. Clears Negative Energies Using this symbol mentally is useful in clearing all the stagnated energies during a Reiki session. Similarly, drawing it on the walls of a room clears the negative energy in the room, and drawing it in the atmosphere around a physical space aids in cleansing the area. Drawing can be physical, such as with paint or a pen, or symbolic with the hand in the air. 19

Reiki practitioners Provide Protection Drawing a large Power Symbol in front of a person or on each of their chakras works as a shield and protects the person from negative energies. Reiki works on different levels (physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually) and Cho Ku Rei will naturally provide protection on all levels. 20

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Reiki practitioners Dry Bathing Kenyoku This is a Japanese Reiki Technique for purification. In Japan, before one enters a temple or sacred place, usually there is a place near the entrance with running water which is used for ritual cleansing to purify oneself before entering. Kenyoku means “dry bathing” and is a technique for ritual purification using energy rather than water.This is a good technique to use before and after giving a Reiki treatments. It can also be used at various times through the day or anytime one feels the need to release negative energy. Do a short Gassho meditation. Place your right hand on your left shoulder. Stroke down your chest, across your stomach and end at the right hip. Do the same on the other side. Repeat step #2. Extend your left arm. Place our right hand on your left shoulder. Stroke down your arm all the way to the hand and finger tips. Then fling your right hand out into the air as though you are throwing away any negative energy. 23

Reiki practitioners Do the same with the right arm. Repeat the stroke down the left arm again. You can also add a short Gassho at the end. 24

Reiki practitioners Jakikiri Use Jakikiri Joka ho to remove strong negative energy and vibrations from an object by purifying it with Reiki energy and replacing it with positive energy. It can, for example be used to cleanse-transform the vibrational patterns of secondhand goods or clothing, or perhaps to 'freshen' therapy-couches, or even hotel beds. The 'jaki' part of the name refers to negative energy and the 'kiri' part signifies cutting. Due to the energetically 'harsh' nature of this technique, it is commonly taught that Jakikiri Joka Ho should not be used on living beings (people, other animal species, or even plants). [Jakikiri Joka Ho seems to be derived from a more 'potent' Japanese spiritual practice known as the 'Ki Barai', which considered something best left to those with a great many years experience in the reiryoku no michi disciplines] To perform Jakakiri Joka Ho: 'Hara-centre' yourself: focus your awareness on your seika tanden - an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone. 25

Reiki practitioners Inhale, being conscious of Reiki pouring in through your crown and flowing down to flood your seika tanden as you do so. If the object is small: Holding the object in one hand, with the other hand perform what is possibly best described as three 'Karate chops' - palm facing down, fingers straight - in rapid succession in the air a couple of inches above the object. The motion of each kiri (cut) should be swift and come to an abrupt stop. If the object is too large to hold: [Just as you may do in performing distant healing] hold something to symbolise the object, or perhaps visualise the object in one hand, while performing the kiri (cut) with the other hand. You can use this on crystals, charms, or any object, regardless of size. If the object does not fit in your hand, perform the technique on selected points or visualize a miniature version of the object in the palm of your hand, and then perform the technique as instructed. 26

Reiki practitioners Raku The symbol is drawn from head to the ground, allowing the body and the chakras to receive and adjust the newly received energy and so that it stays there. It is said to represent the Chi or the Life Force Energy that runs down the spine through the chakras. Pronounced Ra-Koo Known as the lightening bolt Used for attunements Some use it for grounding a patient after healing. 27

Reiki practitioners Tools For Clearing and Cleansing If it is your own private healing space that you are working on, you may burn sages and incenses prior to the following procedure and light a candle. We begin by standing in the centre of the room facing east. Put a power symbol into your palms and place your hands in Gassho. When you feel connected begin the construction of the sacred space by drawing a power symbol into a corner of the room, ideally the most easterly, then tracing our hands along the walls in an anticlockwise direction we draw energy to the next corner of the room where we place another power symbol. We then continue to the next corner repeating all the way around the room until we are back at the original corner where we started and seal our intent with a further placement of the power symbol. We then stand in the centre of the room facing the east and tracing from above, place the distant healing symbol, the emotional mental symbol and the power symbol down into the room. I like to view this construction as a four sided pyramid. Most rooms are four sided and so it fits nicely. Then place your hands in Gassho, invoke your helpers and ask for the highest good of all concerned who enter this space. proceed with Gassho Meiso to manifest energy and feel it building up within you and expanding out to fill the space. This may be 28

Reiki practitioners accompanied by visualisations of light expanding from your heart and filling the space you are working in. Tools : Sage Incense Aromatherapy Crystals Using Symbols Self Treatment Giving yourself healing is a very important aspect of Reiki. We very strongly advise that you perform self healing regularly, preferably daily. As well as improving your health, it will balance and center your mind/ body/ spirit system, thereby allowing for a dramatically increased flow of Reiki energy during healing sessions. Most importantly, it will definitely increase your inner guidance, helping you to pilot everyday situations more successfully, and provide guidance for your growth when appropriate. The basic self treatment hand positions are as follows: 1. Hands overlapping on the top of the head 29

Reiki practitioners 2. One hand on the forehead, the other hand on the back of the head midway between the crown of the head and the base of the skull 3. Hands resting on the eyes 4. Hands resting on the ears 5. One hand on the upper chest and the other on the solar plexus (where the ribs come together) 6. Hands on the hip area Relax in each position 2-5 minutes. Practice these positions until they are familiar and you have some confidence. Gradually let your hands be guided by your intuition. As you practice and have a little patience you will gain experience and begin to trust your inner guidance. You cannot really make a mistake. Your healing sessions are always watched over by the Divine to ensure that your efforts will always be rewarded. Be intuitive and remember as long as the hands cover the same areas as the full treatment, it will be a full treatment. Begin a self-treatment with the same respect and reverence you would when giving Reiki to someone else. Bring your hands into \"Namaste\" Position at the heart and bow gently. Silently ask for the Reiki to Flow into and through you. You may also ask for your Reiki Guides, and Reiki Angels, Our One Creator to be present, and direct the Reiki treatment. 30

Reiki practitioners After you have practiced the self healing procedure until it becomes natural and comfortable, you may begin working with others. Be confident in your abilities, and have Faith that Reiki will be looking after the procedure and ensuring its success. You may like to start with willing family members and friends. Even if there’s nothing physically wrong with them, they will receive relaxation from the process and will gain more harmony and other non-physical benefits. It is not appropriate for you to promise any specific results from the sessions, as the healing process is always unique and unpredictable. You can however promise the Reiki definitely provides benefits for everyone who receives it. Both the healer and the receiver simultaneously benefit from the healing session. The more Reiki sessions you give, the more natural harmony you will experience in you own life. You can even give Reiki sessions to plants and animals. During the healing, both you and the receiver may feel sensations of heat, cold, vibration, tingling, etc. Sometimes the healer and the receiver experience opposites, e.g. the healer may experience feelings of heat while the receiver experiences cold. Also the sensations may not be felt immediately- they may only be noticed later in the day or may even surface during the following week. Other times there will be no experiences at all. Whether or not any obvious sensations are 31

Reiki practitioners experienced, you can rest assured that the energy has flowed correctly and effectively. Due to Reiki’s intelligence you can always be sure that the session has been a very beneficial gift for the receiver. You will find this yourself through practice. Don’t be disappointed if your healing produces no noticeable effect at first. Ultimately the healing process relies on the receiver forgiving past hurts and letting go of repressed negativity, either at a conscious or unconscious level. The Reiki healing sessions will always be working automatically towards resolving these deeper problems. Meanwhile the external symptoms will usually be reduced, but sometimes this takes longer and is not an indication that Reiki’s inner transformation work is ineffective. Everybody’s healing process is unique. The Reiki treatment is a most rewarding experience for both the practitioner and the healee. It's always different and no description can truly represent the awe that the experience can inspire. It's a joy to both give and receive a Reiki treatment. The more you work with Reiki the deeper it gets and the more it flows. 32

Reiki practitioners Balancing chakras with a pendulum Using a pendulum can prove quite valuable. You can use this powerful tool to check the chakras or energy centers of others. The pendulum will give you feedback about the location of each chakra and its movement, so that the process of clearing chakras will be much easier. Knowing where your chakra imbalance lies is the first step in being able to treat it, so checking chakras is a wonderful way to help someone start their healing process. The great news is that anyone can learn to use a pendulum, but it does take some practice and patience to use it correctly and accurately. Like with any new skill or instrument, you get better with more use and practice. Before using the pendulum on another, make sure you are very familiar with where the chakras are located. Here are your chakra locations: 33

Reiki practitioners o Your First Chakra is located at the base of the spine. o Your Second Chakra is located halfway between the first chakra and the waist. o Your Third Chakra is located halfway between the naval and the breastbone. o Your Fourth Chakra is located in the center of the chest. o Your Fifth Chakra is located in the center of the throat. o Your Sixth Chakra is located between the eyebrows. o Your Seventh Chakra is located at the top of the head. Have your subject lie down on their back on a surface that is tall enough for you to have a comfortable position and not be leaning into them. You do not want to create a push, where you are pushing your own energy onto theirs. Start by holding the cord of the pendulum between your thumb and forefinger about 4- 6 inches (or 10-15 cm) above each chakra. When the pendulum moves, notice its direction and movement. This movement is what you will analyze in order to check the chakras: 34

Reiki practitioners 1. HEAD (stand at top of their head) Crown (top of the head) Eyes Ears Under the head Jaw Neck Upper chest 2. ARMS (right side then left) Shoulders Elbows Wrist Hands Fingers 3. TRUNK Upper chest Breast ( get permission first or work a few inches above in the air) Ribs Waist 35

Reiki practitioners chakras 4. LEGS Knees ( right than left ) Ankles ( right than left ) Arches of feet ( right then left ) Toes ( right then left ) 36

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Reiki practitioners Aura Scanning Visual Approach – Some people are highly visual. They can just take one look at someone and receive information about the health of his or her aura. They may also see colours and shapes that represent the flow of energy in the aura. There are yet others who are able to see disruptions in the flow of energy in their third eye. Kinaesthetic Approach – Some people are more kinaesthetic. They may not actually see energetic blocks with their eyes, but they can sense disruptions in the flow of energy in the aura. They may feel these disruptions as sensations of heat, cold, tingling etc. Combination Technique – It is also possible to use a combination of the visual and kinaesthetic approaches. There is no right or wrong way to scan the aura. You can do whatever works for you. The only prerequisite is that you practise Reiki regularly. Regular Reiki practice develops our sensitivity to energy. This in turn makes scanning the aura a very simple task. When we do not practise regularly, we lose our sensitivity to energy and this makes scanning the aura a lot more challenging. It is possible to scan the aura of people who are in proximity to us and also of people who are at a distance. The techniques are described below. 38

Reiki practitioners In Person Scanning • Ask the person to lie down comfortably. • Have them take a few deep breaths and relax. It is a good idea to have soothing music playing in the background. • Stand near the head of the person. • Connect with Reiki, your Reiki Guides, Spiritual Guides and Angels and request them to assist you during this process. • Visualise a shield of white light forming around you and covering you from head to toe. This is for your protection as you go about scanning the aura. • Starting from the top of the head, gradually move your palm (or palms) over the person’s right side. • In your first few attempts, make sure you spend at least a few seconds at every position in order to get a feel of the energy in different points of the aura. As you practise, you will be able to spot deficiencies in the flow of energy in shorter periods of time. • As you move your palm, make a mental note of all the points in the energy field where you sense a disruption in the flow of energy. You could also 39

Reiki practitioners keep a notebook and pen with you and make notes right as you scan. • Repeat the same with the left side of the body. You could also scan the front and back sides of the body in a similar fashion. • Whenever you sense a block, close your eyes and receive impressions of the colour, size, shape and texture of the block. You may see the details of these blocks in your mind’s eye or you may just sense them. Trust the first impressions you receive and do not try to analyse them. As you receive these impressions, you may also receive messages about what these blocks represent. Invariably, the details you see point at unresolved emotions, recurring mental patterns, unhealthy behaviours etc that the person needs to heal. Make a note of all the messages you receive as they offer invaluable g.uidance to the person receiving the healing. If you are not able to receive these messages in the beginning, it is perfectly fine. Do not strain to receive messages. You will start receiving them as you practise. You could also request your guides to help you receive these messages. • Proceed to remove the blocks using whatever technique resonates most with you. • Finish with a full body Reiki healing. Pay particular attention to the areas from which the blocks were removed and flood them with Reiki 40

Reiki practitioners Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Appropriate Environment It is important to create the right setting whenever possible for a Reiki healing session. You may work from home and be able to use a spare room just for healing. If this is not practical you may want to look at the viability of joining your local therapy/healing centre. In most cases you will be able to rent a healing/therapy room at a reasonable hourly/daily/weekly basis. The room should be light and clean, and feel safe. Bright pastel colours such as white, yellow or purple can be used to create the desired effect. Make sure you will not be interrupted by internal or external distractions, so unplug the telephone and disconnect the doorbell. If you’re working from home let your family or friends know your schedules so they do not disturb you. If possible always use a therapy table. Alternatively, you could use a strong table with thick blankets on top. You will need two pillows, one for the clients head and other for their feet. Make sure the room is heated to a comfortable level. Some people may get cold just lying still on your treatment table so always have a warm blanket available. Add a plant to the room and some crystals under the table to help with the right energy. Some people like to work in total silence during a session. Personally we prefer to always work with therapeutic music such as 41

Reiki practitioners classical, ambient or new age to help our clients relax. Music also can help the therapist relax and allow them to focus on healing. Natural sounds such as whales, dolphins and running water are very therapeutic and relaxing. There are also a wide range of compact discs and tapes available that have been created specifically for Reiki. They have been designed to run for the length of a full treatment with a bell or chime added at three or five minute intervals to let the therapist know when to move their hands to another position. Burning incense or oils can add a pleasing aroma to your room. However, be careful as some people are sensitive to certain smells and it may cause them to experience an unpleasant therapy session. To prevent this happening ask your client before you light your oils or incense sticks. During a Reiki session you may find your client begins to cry as they release blocked emotional issues, so always keep a box of tissues handy for these occasions. For a finishing touch to your room you may want to place photographs of Dr. Usui, Dr. Hayashi, Madam Takata, Buddha or Jesus, depending on who you call upon during your invocation / prayer. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Remove All Jewelry Therapist’s who work with precious stones and crystals for healing recognize that these materials can 42

Reiki practitioners become saturated with negative energy. That is why they cleanse them on a regular basis. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Remove Tight Clothing To allow Reiki to flow freely through you and your client it is important that you both remove tight clothing such as belts, ties and shoes. This will also make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Reiki can travel through clothes so there is no need to remove any other forms of clothing. You may find it more comfortable if you wear loose fighting clothes when you are working with Reiki such as a tracksuit. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Avoid Alcohol Alcohol dissipates energy. Always refrain from consuming alcohol if you know you are going to be working with Reiki for at least twenty-four hours before a session. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Personal Hygiene Ensure you smell and appear clean and fresh. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or after shaves. If you smoke make sure you brush your teeth or use a mouth freshener. Refrain from eating garlic, onions or any other food that may leave a smell on your breath. 43

Reiki practitioners Wash your hands before a Reiki session using a lightly scented or neutral soap. Your hands come into contact with your clients face and skin so it is important for hygiene purposes and the peace of mind of your client to have clean hands. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – The Invocation It is important to remember that as a Reiki practitioner you are not healing your clients. The people receiving Reiki are in fact healing themselves. You are merely the channel that enables them to draw the Reiki energy through your hands to the place it is needed. The invocation is a token that symbolises you are giving up any claims to power. You are simply the conduit in which the infinite power of the universal life force flows. Although the invocation is not necessary to turn on the Reiki energy I feel it enables the therapist to disassociate themselves from their ego and pay respect to the universal life force and the person they are about to work with. Your prayer should be personal and in line with your own beliefs. Ask for permission to be used as a channel for Reiki healing. We have listed below our own personal invocation which may help you develop a prayer that is suitable for your own use. Once your client is lying down on the healing table; relaxed and ready to receive Reiki move to the top the 44

Reiki practitioners table (the clients head). Close your eyes and join your hands together in a prayer like position in front of your heart chakra. Alternatively, if your client is seated, place your hands on their shoulders for the invocation. Preparing To Treat Others with Reiki – Cleanse and Harmonise Your Clients Aura Prior to commencing the Reiki treatment run your hands in your clients aura about six inches above their body from their head right down to their feet in a slow smooth motion at least three times to remove any superficial energy build ups. This will also bring harmony to your client’s aura and form a positive rapport between you and your client. Pay attention to your hands, use your intuition, sense for possible blockages or hot spots to focus on during your healing session. You are now ready to begin the treatment. 45

Reiki practitioners My Lineage Lineage Mikao Usui Chujiro Hayashi Hawayo Takata Phyllis Lei Furumoto Carol Farmer Leah Smith William Lee Rand Anne Whittaker Deborah Jones Ma Prema Chetna Sue Owen Leilah Mirza 46

Reiki practitioners What is a lineage? A lineage is the line of teaching that your teacher has been trained in, similar to a family tree. A teacher's lineage reflects the information that the teacher will be passing on to the student. Psychic Clearing We all have dormant abilities inside ourselves waiting to be used. The ability to heal ourselves and one another is one of those abilities. It is simply a matter of claiming your power and developing the skill to use it to heal. The main reason people are not at their optimum health is because they attract or create blocks to flow of the life force energy within themselves. These blocks are usually created from ideas and beliefs and emotions that are opposed to the person maximum well being. They are usually born from a misunderstanding about how to get ones needs met in a healthy way. Blocks to life force energy usually take on a particular shape or lodge themselves in or around organs of the body or in the auras or the chakras. These negative energy blocks can cause health problems as well as other difficulties in life. Once they are removed the life force energy returns to its normal healthy flow and the persons health is restored. Psychic surgery can be used to release these negative energy blocks. This process can assist in healing of any kind of problem including emotional difficulties, 47

Reiki practitioners relationship problems, addictions , spiritual problems as well as issues with physical health. Psychic surgery can be done alone or in conjunction with regular reiki sessions. You can also practise this technique on yourself. Psychic surgery works with energy and doesn't involve removing physical tissue or cutting the healee. 48