Learning Reiki - the Reiki levels
Learning Reiki is a wonderful journey of self-discovery and being able to support others and other things, no matter which level you reach.
The levels
Typically Usui Reiki is divided into 3 levels, but some lineages (like the lineage that I teach) still divide the Master level (level 3) into 2 sections.
In the brackets is the Japanese name of the level
Level 1 (Shoden) - The Awakening, physical
Level 2 (Okuden) - The Transformation, mental & emotional (In Japanese tradition this level can also be divided in 2 parts:)
Level 3 (or 3 1/2, Shinpiden) - The realization, inner Master/Master student
Level 4 (or 3 2/2) - Master Teacher
You don’t necessarily have to take all courses from one Master. Actually, it is very important that you feel comfortable with the Master that you take your courses from. You can always ask for a short meet-up or a Zoom-meeting to feel into the teacher, if you don’t know them beforehand.
I have taken courses from 2 different Reiki Masters (so far ;)). I really felt the call to take courses from another Master, and widen my view of the teachings, because, naturally, even if the basics and certain parts of the teachings remain the same, we are all individual with our own unique experiences and every group that comes together also brings different views and life experiences which can teach us a lot.
On all the levels, you will receive an attunement, which is like tuning your energetic channel for Reiki energy to flow in and through it. Reiki is something that can’t be learned by oneself, it is a tradition that is transferred from Master to student - I would say that the Master tunes the student in for Reiki to flow through the student’s energy channel. (Well, technically you can learn the basics of Reiki by yourself, but Reiki won’t flow until you’ve been attuned to the energy).
After all levels you’ll be also doing a 21-day self-treatment practice - which means you’ll be giving Reiki to yourself every day for 21 consecutive days after the attunement/course. This is to accustom you to the Reiki energy, but it also starts a purification / cleansing process within you.
Let’s look a bit more of each of the levels.
Level 1
On level 1 you’ll learn the basics of Reiki: what Reiki is, how it works, the history of (Usui) Reiki, the 5 principles, how to treat yourself with Reiki (Reiki self-treatment) & how to treat others with Reiki. You’ll learn how to channel Reiki using your hands in different positions. Just putting your hands on yourself, a friend, animals or even plants, you’ll be able to channel Reiki energy.
Level 1 is seen as the awakening, you might start seeing the world a bit differently, maybe a new view is opening within. It is also considered to start the physical cleansing. On further levels, the cleansing reaches new dimensions/levels.
Recommended time between level 1 & level 2 - integration time - varies from 1 month to 3-4 months. I barely had 1 month in between my level 1 and level 2, and, even if I do not regret it or would I change anything, I would not do it again. Therefore, I highly recommend taking the time to explore and make your own experiences with level 1 before moving on to the next level. It will be also interesting to see and notice the difference between the levels and how your practice and channeling Reiki changes.
Level 2
On level 2 the teachings go deeper. On this level, you’ll learn 3 Reiki symbols. With the symbols you can direct, depending on the situation, more energy towards the physical side, mental/emotional side or even send Reiki to the past or future or abstract things (like relationships, situations, ideas). With the help of the symbols, we’ll be able to also send Reiki to someone across space (= distance treatment for someone who is not in the same location as you).
If level 1 started the physical cleanse, level 2 goes deeper and starts the mental - emotional cleanse. Perhaps you’ll start seeing the patterns in your life more clearly, the reasons why you act and think in a certain way, and maybe you wish to change that. To fully integrate everything from level 2, a minimum integration time is 6 months.
Level 3
If you decide to go on to the Master level with Reiki, it is basically like becoming the voice of Reiki, an ambassador of Reiki. Naturally, this means a commitment and some kind of devotion to Reiki. What it looks like for every Master is different, and I believe that’s specifically descriptive of the Western world - and I find it wonderful. I also cherish a lot how the tradition is in Japan too. A few more words about a bit later.
As per my knowledge and the stories I’ve heard, level 3 is the level where biggest shifts and alignments can start happening for you. From the time I got my level 3 attunement, things started shifting for me too, slowly but firmly.
On level 3 you’ll learn the Reiki Master symbol, and yet again, the teachings go deeper. It really is the start of an inner mastery of yourself - and this is a lifelong journey, where Reiki is a lovely companion. You’ll also learn how to teach and attune others to all the levels - so literally, you’ll become the voice and ambassador of Reiki to others.
What I love about Reiki is that
anyone can learn it - there’s no requirements of skills or knowledge beforehand.
Once you’ve been attuned to Reiki, it’ll stay with you until the rest of your life, even if you’d have a long time not using it - you can just start again without re-activating it.
The more you use it, the more sensitive you get to it and the more it flows - so it’s really up to you what kind of role it has in your life.
With level 1 you can already do so much, for yourself, others, nature, animals..it’s a wonderful tool to have in your self-care toolbox :)
A few words about the differences of Japanese and Western styles/linages
I’ve been diving into Reiki and Reiki literature lately a lot, and I feel like sharing a few thoughts about the differences in the Japanese and Western lineages.
Firstly, I would describe the Japanese tradition much more disciplined - the student is expected to truly devote to the practice of Reiki and train their intuition. As far as I know from my readings, getting to Master level is fairly rare. In the Japanese tradition, the Master-Student relationship seems to be more intense or more of importance, because it is the Master who decides, when the student is ready to take on the next level. One can stay several years on level 1. I also get the feeling from the readings, that already level 1 is highly appreciated and respected - and I do agree that level 1 gives the student and others already very much. In my view, the Japanese level 2 is highly respectful, Master-level devotion.
My journey with the levels
So as I mentioned in the text earlier, I did my level 1 and 2 very close together, and from that experience, I can’t recommend that. However, while saying that, I also say, that everyone’s journey is unique, and tuning into your inner guidance, you know best, when it’s the right time for you. But I truly recommend taking enough time to experience all the levels, feel the difference, explore what Reiki teaches you, dive deep into it.
I believe by doing the first levels very close together, that made my life a bit bumpy for some months - and I am sure it was because I didn’t take the time to integrate before moving on to the next level. This experience taught me a lot about patience, integration and acceptance - because truly, my want to go on to the next level, didn’t come from my heart but from my ego, so I could fix myself. After some months I stopped using Reiki for many months. Until, at some point, I was called to start again - this time with a different mindset, patience, openness, & explorative. I didn’t have a rush anymore.
I was pretty insecure with Reiki at first too, when treating others. What helped me was to turn to my Reiki Master for support, and also, keep doing Reiki to others. After 1,5 years from level 2, I took my level 3 course. That felt aligned, timing was right - and it has led me up to other practices that support my life (kundalini activations for example). I started my entrepreneurship as well. And I had my first Reiki students - and I couldn’t be happier of the path, where it has led me. I’m more satisfied with my life overall, and I’m excited about the future. Reiki is part of my life now everyday, I treat myself everyday with it, it is like a very good bestie who’s always there to support me.
I hope this post has been informative for you. You can always contact me (contact form or salla@sallasjungle.com) for further questions you may have about learning Reiki!
Check my upcoming courses here or contact me for 1:1 - teachings :)