You’ve likely experienced a Reiki share, haven’t you? That gathering where practitioners come together, swap treatments, perhaps chat about their experiences, and leave feeling refreshed. And yes, these are wonderful, valuable spaces for connection and practice. But what if community could be something deeper, something that truly fosters growth, authenticity, and a shared sense of purpose that extends far beyond the treatment table?

At Reiki Evolution, our mission is to “liberate Reiki from rigid Western dogma, reconnect practitioners with its original intuitive power, and support a community rooted in authenticity, growth, and soulful connection.” This isn’t just flowery language; it’s a blueprint for how we believe true Reiki community should function. It’s about moving beyond mere energetic exchanges to cultivate genuine mutual support, shared learning, and collective evolution.

The foundation of any thriving community, paradoxically, begins with the individual. Remember, Reiki is all about you. Your consistent daily self-practice is your anchor, your first priority. When you diligently work on yourself, when you strive to embody the precepts and become a “still, calm vessel” , you naturally radiate peace, clarity, and composure. This inner harmony is what you bring to the collective, making you a powerful, positive contributor to any community you join. A strong community is built from strong, self-aware individuals.

So, how do we build a community that goes beyond just swapping treatments? It’s about fostering spaces where we can truly connect on a deeper level, sharing our journeys, challenging our assumptions, and growing together.

Reimagine Reiki Shares: While swapping treatments is great, let’s infuse shares with deeper purpose. Perhaps dedicate time to discussing a specific precept and how it applies to daily life, or collectively practice a Japanese energy exercise like Hatsurei Ho. Share not just your sensations, but your insights, your challenges, and your breakthroughs. This transforms a simple exchange into a shared learning experience.

Embrace Practice Days: For those looking to deepen their practical skills, structured practice days offer invaluable opportunities. Under the guidance of an experienced teacher, you can give and receive full treatments, refine your intuitive scanning, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. This builds competence and fosters a sense of shared mastery.

Cultivate Online Connections: In our hyper-connected world, community isn’t limited by geography. Online forums, Facebook groups, or dedicated platforms can become vibrant hubs for ongoing support. Here, you can share your successes, ask questions, discuss the subtle shifts you notice from your daily practice, and explore how the precepts are changing your responses to life. This creates a continuous dialogue, reminding you that you’re part of a larger, supportive family.

Explore Shared Purpose Projects: What if your community came together to send distant healing to collective crises, or discussed how Reiki principles can address societal challenges? This moves beyond individual healing to a shared commitment to contributing to the greater good, aligning with the idea of “continual evolution” and demonstrating Reiki’s profound relevance in the world.

Crucially, a thriving Reiki community must embody inclusivity and openness. There is “no ‘one true way’,” and all paths should be honoured. This means celebrating the diverse styles of Reiki, respecting individual approaches, and fostering an environment free from “blinkered dogma” or judgment. We learn and grow most when we approach each other with curiosity and respect, rather than rigid adherence to a single method.

Ultimately, building a thriving Reiki community is about creating spaces – both in-person and online – where practitioners feel empowered to grow, supported in their journey, and connected by a shared commitment to authenticity and soulful evolution. It’s about recognising that our individual paths are strengthened when we walk them, at least sometimes, together.

Over to you: What does a “thriving Reiki community” look like to you, and what’s one way you can contribute to building that kind of connection today? Share your thoughts below!

So, you’ve reached that pivotal point in your Reiki journey. You’ve embraced the profound path of self-discovery, deepened your connection to the energy, and now, you feel the call to share this incredible system with others. You’re stepping into the role of a Reiki teacher. It’s an exciting moment, no doubt, filled with the promise of guiding new souls. But perhaps, beneath that excitement, there’s a whisper of nervousness:

“Am I ready?

Do I know enough?

What if I get it wrong?”

This is a natural feeling, and frankly, it’s a good sign. It tells me you care. It tells me you understand that being a Reiki teacher is far more than just holding a certificate or memorising a few rituals. It’s not about becoming a “super-power Reiki Master” in a weekend, as some ludicrous adverts might suggest. That’s a commercialised fantasy, a “guru trap” that does a profound disservice to the authentic path. True Reiki mastery, and true teaching, is a lifelong journey, a continuous, never-ending commitment to your own personal evolution.

So, what does it truly mean to be an authentic Reiki teacher, cultivating integrity that extends far beyond the classroom walls?

Firstly, it means embodying the precepts. Your daily self-practice isn’t just for your own benefit; it’s the very foundation of your teaching. When you consistently work on yourself, when you diligently strive to “do not anger, do not worry,” and “be compassionate to yourself and others”, you become a “still, calm vessel”. This inner composure, this radiant peace, is the most powerful teaching tool you possess. You become a living advertisement for what Reiki can truly do, inspiring your students not through words alone, but through your very being.

Next, it’s about teaching pure Reiki, and nothing else. This might sound obvious, but it’s a crucial point. The world of holistic wellness is vast, and many wonderful modalities exist. But when you’re teaching a Reiki course, your focus should be squarely on Reiki itself. Avoid the temptation to weave in a whole host of New Age add-ons – smudging, crystal healing, tarot cards, or chakra balancing as a required part of Reiki.

While these might be interesting personal explorations, they are not part of Usui Reiki. Your students are there to learn Reiki, and your integrity lies in delivering precisely that, uncluttered and authentic.

Furthermore, an authentic teacher empowers, rather than fosters dependence. Your goal isn’t to create clones of yourself, or students who rely on you for every answer. It’s to guide them to their own innate intuitive power, to help them trust their inner compass, and to encourage them to find their own comfortable way with the energy. This means being honest when you don’t know an answer – because no one knows everything! – and pointing them towards resources that help them discover for themselves. It means fostering a spirit of independent exploration and self-trust, rather than positioning yourself as the sole source of all wisdom.

And speaking of wisdom, remember that Reiki is a practical art. You learn it by doing, not just by listening. Your teaching should reflect this. It’s not enough to read from a manual (please, never read a manual aloud to your students – it’s unprofessional and boring!). You need to explain clearly, guide them through hands-on practice, and then review their experiences, allowing them to discover the energy for themselves.

This hands-on experience, coupled with comprehensive course materials that they can revisit at their leisure, is what truly builds confidence and competence.

Finally, cultivating integrity as a Reiki teacher means extending your support beyond the initial course. It’s about fostering a community where students feel safe to ask questions, share experiences, and continue their journey. Whether through Reiki shares, practice days, or online support networks, your commitment to their ongoing growth reinforces the idea that Reiki is a lifelong path, not a one-off event.

Ultimately, being an authentic Reiki teacher is about humility, dedication, and a profound love for the simple, liberating power of this system. It’s about walking your talk, embodying the principles, and guiding others to discover the incredible healing potential that resides within themselves.

Over to you: What aspect of being a Reiki teacher resonates most deeply with your sense of integrity, and how do you strive to embody it daily? Share your thoughts below!

Look around you. Beyond the personal anxieties and daily stresses we navigate, there’s a palpable hum of collective unease. Global crises, social unrest, economic uncertainties, and the relentless churn of information can leave us feeling overwhelmed, not just individually, but as a collective.

It’s as if the entire energetic body of humanity is in a state of crisis, vibrating with fear, anger, and worry. How do we, as individuals committed to healing and balance, respond to such a vast, seemingly insurmountable challenge?

We often feel helpless in the face of global turmoil, believing that our individual efforts are too small to make a difference. But here’s a liberating truth, one that sits at the very heart of authentic Japanese-style Reiki: profound change, even on a global scale, begins with the individual. Your personal energetic state is not isolated; it ripples outward, influencing the collective field.

At Reiki Evolution, our philosophy is clear: Reiki is all about you. This isn’t selfish; it’s profoundly strategic. When you commit to your daily self-practice, when you consistently work on yourself, you become a clearer, calmer, more balanced individual. You transform your own energetic landscape. And when you are a “still, calm vessel” , radiating peace and composure, that energy naturally extends outward, contributing to the healing of the collective.

Consider the Reiki precepts: “Just for today, do not anger, do not worry, be humble, be honest in your dealings with people, be compassionate to yourself and others.” These aren’t just quaint moral guidelines; they are a powerful framework for navigating collective energetic chaos.

When you consciously choose to “do not anger” or “do not worry” in response to global events, you’re not burying your head in the sand. You’re actively choosing not to feed the collective fear and frustration. Instead, you become a point of energetic stability, a beacon of calm amidst the storm.

This commitment to inner peace, cultivated through consistent self-work, is the very essence of the Kaizen of Reiki – continuous, gradual, never-ending improvement. Each small step you take in your personal practice, each moment of mindfulness you cultivate, each release of old “baggage” , contributes to a more harmonious personal energetic blueprint. And this improved blueprint, in turn, subtly influences the wider energetic field.

So, how can you practically apply this to the energetic body in crisis?

Anchor Yourself Daily: Your daily self-Reiki practice is your energetic anchor in a turbulent world. Even 10 or 20 minutes of consistent self-treatment can create a powerful cumulative effect, helping you to release accumulated stress and maintain your inner balance. This isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about building your resilience so you can engage with it from a place of strength.

Mindful Engagement: When consuming news or engaging in discussions about societal issues, practice mindfulness. Be consciously and non-judgmentally aware of your thoughts and emotions. Notice if you’re being pulled into anger or worry, and gently bring your attention back to your breath, to your center. This allows you to be informed without becoming energetically overwhelmed.

Distant Healing for the Collective: Yes, Reiki can be used to help groups of people and global crises. You can send distant healing to specific regions experiencing conflict, to communities grappling with social unrest, or simply to the collective consciousness of humanity. Remember, your intent is what truly matters. Offer the energy with pure, unconditional love for the highest good of all involved, without imposing specific political or social agendas. Trust that the intelligent energy will flow where it’s most needed.

Embody Compassion: The precept “be compassionate to yourself and others” extends beyond your immediate circle. Cultivate compassion for all beings, even those whose actions you find challenging. This doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior, but recognising the underlying energetic imbalances that drive it. Your compassionate presence, even from afar, contributes to a more loving collective field.

Ultimately, Reiki’s role in collective healing isn’t about grand gestures or political interventions. It’s about the profound ripple effect of individual transformation. By consistently working on yourself, by embodying the precepts, and by radiating peace and compassion, you become a powerful force for positive change in a world that desperately needs it.

You are not just healing yourself; you are contributing to the healing of the energetic body of humanity, one mindful breath, one compassionate thought, one simple self-treatment at a time. This is our continual evolution – adapting, growing, and always returning to the liberating essence of the practice.

Over to you: What aspect of the “energetic body in crisis” resonates most with you today, and what small, consistent Reiki practice will you use to contribute to its healing? Share your thoughts below!

You’ve found your path with Reiki, haven’t you? That profound, simple, and intuitive system that brings balance, peace, and a deep sense of connection. But the world of energy healing is vast and vibrant, filled with countless “flavours” and approaches. Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of Sound Healing, or seen mentions of Quantum Energy Healing, or even wondered about other styles of Reiki like Holy Fire or Karuna. Does exploring these other modalities mean you’re straying from your path, or is it an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth?

Now, for some, the very idea of looking beyond their specific lineage or chosen modality can trigger a familiar fear: the “one true way” trap. This is the blinkered dogma that insists only their method is correct, only their attunement is valid, and everything else is, quite frankly, wrong. But let’s be direct here: that kind of thinking is precisely what we aim to liberate ourselves from at Reiki Evolution. Our manifesto for Reiki tolerance explicitly states: “no ‘one true way’, all paths honoured.” The universe is infinitely diverse, and so too is the tapestry of healing.

So, with an open mind and a discerning heart, let’s explore how other energy modalities can actually enrich your understanding and practice, always through the lens of authentic Japanese-style Reiki’s core principles: simplicity, intuition, and personal evolution.

Consider Sound and Vibration Healing. You’ll find practitioners using everything from Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks to gongs and guided toning. The premise is that sound frequencies can influence brain waves, reduce stress, and facilitate healing at a cellular level. Does this sound familiar? It should! Reiki itself brings deep relaxation and helps release tension, often leading to profound emotional and physical shifts. The vibrations from sound healing can complement Reiki beautifully, amplifying the effects of energetic release and promoting deeper relaxation. It’s not a competition; it’s a symphony of healing.

Then there’s the burgeoning field of Quantum Energy Healing, which delves into the human biofield – the energy field surrounding and permeating the body. This includes practices like biofeedback, electromagnetic therapies, Pranic Healing, Therapeutic Touch, and Qi Gong. While the terminology might sound complex, the underlying principle resonates deeply with Reiki: everything is energy, and by working with that energy, we can promote balance and healing. Our own Japanese energy exercises like Joshin Kokkyu Ho, which balances earth ki and heavenly ki, are a form of energetic cultivation that aligns perfectly with these broader concepts.

And what about other Reiki styles themselves, like Holy Fire Reiki or Karuna Reiki? These are often presented as distinct lineages or advanced forms. While they may introduce new symbols, concepts, or specific focuses (Karuna, for instance, emphasises compassionate action) , they are still, at their core, “flavours of Reiki.” They work because the underlying universal life force is intelligent and benevolent. Our approach encourages you to explore these with an open mind, recognising that while the rituals or symbols may differ, the essence of healing through pure intent and intuitive flow remains paramount.

The key to navigating this rich landscape is to always return to your inner compass.

Keep it Simple: Don’t get bogged down in overly complex theories or rituals. Look for the core energetic principles. Trust Your Intuition: Does a particular modality resonate with you? Does it feel right? Your intuition is your most reliable guide.

Focus on Self-Development: How does this new information or practice enhance your personal growth and understanding of energy? Remember, Reiki is all about you.

Embrace Complementarity: See these modalities not as rivals, but as potential allies that can deepen your holistic toolkit and offer new perspectives on energy.

Ultimately, exploring beyond Reiki isn’t about abandoning your roots; it’s about expanding your horizons. It’s about recognising that the universal energy is boundless, and there are countless beautiful ways to connect with it, understand it, and allow it to transform your life. This open-minded exploration is part of our continual evolution – adapting, growing, and always returning to the liberating essence of the practice.

Over to you: What other energy modalities have piqued your curiosity, and how might you explore them with an open mind and your Reiki intuition as your guide? Share your thoughts below!

Imagine this scenario: you’ve just given a beautiful Reiki session, and your client, feeling wonderfully relaxed, asks, “So, what did you pick up? What’s wrong with me?” Or perhaps, even more unsettling, they tell you about a previous practitioner who confidently declared, “You have a blockage in your liver,” or “Your third chakra is completely closed.”

We need to realise that if you’re a Reiki practitioner, your role is not to diagnose. Full stop. It’s outrageous, unprofessional, and frankly, dangerous for any Reiki practitioner to attempt to diagnose medical conditions or tell clients that what you were feeling as the energy flowed means that they have a particular health condition.

Doctors diagnose. We don’t.

So, why do some “know-it-alls” fall into this trap? Often, it stems from a misunderstanding of how Reiki truly works, or perhaps a desire to appear knowledgeable or “gifted.” But the truth is, Reiki is far more subtle, intelligent, and holistic than any human attempt to label or categorise its effects.

When you place your hands on someone, and you feel a surge of energy, or heat, or tingling in a particular area – say, over their liver – it does not mean they have liver disease. That’s a simplistic, linear interpretation that completely misses the point. Reiki works on lots of levels: it addresses unhelpful thoughts, it helps with unbalanced or repressed emotions and it works on the spiritual level too. Now, Reiki is of course drawn in response to physical problems and ailments, but you cannot and should not assume that what you are feeling is in response to a physical condition.

Doctors diagnose. We don’t.

Consider this:

Energetic Residue: Reiki might be flowing intensely to an area to clear out “historical stuff” – old emotional baggage or past traumas that have left a trace in the energy body, even if there’s no current physical manifestation.

Pre-emptive Healing: The energy might be working on something that’s “on the boil” but hasn’t yet manifested as a physical problem. Reiki is intelligent; it’s always working for the highest good, often addressing imbalances before they become full-blown physical ailments.

Emotional Connections: In traditional Chinese medicine, specific organs are linked to emotions. For instance, the liver is associated with anger, the kidneys with fear, and the lungs with grief. So, if you feel a strong flow in the liver area, it could be that the energy is helping to release accumulated anger, not that there’s a physical pathology. Who knows? Well, we don’t need to know.

And then there’s the truly unhelpful, even harmful, pronouncements. I’ve heard stories of practitioners telling clients they have “dark energy” in an organ. Dark energy? How is that a helpful concept? Such statements impose a practitioner’s worldview on a client, causing unnecessary fear and anxiety, and often implying that only the “all-knowing” practitioner can “fix” this mysterious problem. And what, do you then let the client go off into the night, now believing that they are carrying around “dark energy”?!

Ultimately, your role as a Reiki practitioner is to get out of the way! You are a clear channel for the energy, not its source or its director. You don’t need to puzzle out “why” the energy is flowing where it is, or what sensations mean. Your job is to create a “healing space” , to be a neutral bystander , and to allow the energy of Reiki to do what it needs to do for the recipient’s highest good.

So, what can you safely say when a client asks what you “picked up”? Something simple, honest, and empowering: “I noticed quite a lot of energy flowing into this area of your body.” Often, the client will then offer their own insights, saying, “Oh, that’s because of my old knee injury,” or “I’ve been feeling a lot of stress in my stomach lately.” This reassures them that Reiki is indeed going where it’s needed, without you overstepping your professional boundaries or imposing your limited human interpretation on the energy’s profound wisdom.

Let’s liberate our practice from the need to diagnose or to be a “know-it-all.” Embrace humility, trust the energy’s intelligence, and remember that true healing happens when we simply allow Reiki to work its magic, without interference from our busy minds.

Over to you: How do you respond when clients ask you to diagnose, and what’s one way you can practice “getting out of the way” more in your Reiki sessions? Share your thoughts below!

Ah, distant healing. It’s one of the most fascinating and liberating aspects of Reiki, isn’t it? The ability to send healing energy across any distance, transcending the limitations of time and space. Yet, for all its wonder, it’s also an area where a surprising amount of dogma and unnecessary worry has crept in. You might have heard that it’s absolutely unethical, a gross intrusion, or even a violation of someone’s personal space to send distant Reiki without their explicit, verbal permission.

Well, we can put these ideas to one side, can’t we? Reiki can do without a collection of unfounded fears and arbitrary restrictions that do nothing but introduce unnecessary worry and limit your practice, when Reiki is designed to ease worry, not create it.

So, where does this notion of needing explicit permission come from? Often, it stems from a misunderstanding of how Reiki truly works, or perhaps a projection of human-centric ideas of consent onto an intelligent, benevolent energy. But let’s apply a little common sense and a dose of authentic Reiki philosophy.

Consider this: when you pray for someone, do you call them up first to ask for their permission? Do you get them to sign a consent form before you ask for Divine intervention in their life? Of course not. You simply offer your prayer with love and good intention, trusting that whatever unfolds will be for their highest good.

I see sending distant Reiki in precisely the same light: it’s a concentrated form of prayer. You are offering pure, unconditional love and support, with the clear intention that the energy works for the recipient’s highest good. Reiki is an intelligent energy; it works simply and gives people what they need. It is not going to force itself upon someone, manipulate them, or impose an outcome that isn’t appropriate for them. If it’s not for their highest good to receive the energy, or if they genuinely don’t want it, it simply won’t work. The energy will just dissipate, like a gentle breeze.

Think about it: if someone were lying unconscious after an accident a few yards away from you, would you really refrain from sending them Reiki because you couldn’t get their written consent? No, of course not. You would instinctively offer the energy for their highest good, trusting it to do what is appropriate. The idea that Reiki would somehow “mess things up” for them, or force them to wake up under anaesthetic (another common, baseless scare story) , makes no sense for an energy that is sometimes seen as divinely inspired and pure unconditional love.

Ultimately, when you send distant Reiki, you are a neutral bystander in the process. You are not pushing your will onto anyone, nor are you imposing your preferred solution on a situation. You are simply making the energy available, offering it with love, and then stepping aside to allow the energy to do whatever is appropriate for that person. Your intent is the powerful driving force, far more potent than any external rule or elaborate ritual.

So, let’s liberate our distant healing practice from these rigid, unfounded restrictions. Trust the energy, trust your intuition, and remember that Reiki is safe, intelligent, and always beneficial. Your loving intention is all the permission you need.

Over to you: What are your thoughts on sending distant healing without explicit permission? How has trusting your intent changed your distant healing practice? Share your insights below!

We’ve already explored the incredible power of distant healing, that liberating ability to send Reiki energy across any distance, transcending the usual limitations of time and space. It’s a profound act of support, a concentrated form of prayer, offered with pure, highest-good intent. But what if you could make that distant healing even more precise, more tailored, more like a hands-on session where you intuitively know exactly where the energy is most needed?

This is where the art of “scanning at a distance” comes into play. You see, while Reiki is intelligent and will always go where it’s needed for the recipient’s highest good, your conscious awareness and focused intent can act like a laser beam, intensifying that flow and making the healing even more potent. It’s about moving beyond a general energetic “wash” to a truly responsive, personalised distant treatment.

Now, for some, the idea of “scanning” might conjure images of elaborate rituals or psychic abilities reserved for the “gifted few.” No. Just like your ability to channel Reiki, your intuition is inherent. Everyone is intuitive. And scanning, whether up close or at a distance, is simply a way of tuning into those subtle intuitive messages that your body and mind are constantly receiving.

So, how do we practically “scan” someone who isn’t physically in front of us? This is where a simple, yet wonderfully effective, tool comes in: a prop. Think of a teddy bear, a pillow, or even your own upper leg. These aren’t just cuddly toys or cushions; they become a tangible energetic representation of the distant recipient. By focusing your intent on this prop, you create a powerful energetic link, allowing it to serve as a proxy for the person you’re sending healing to.

Once you have your “prop” in place, settle yourself comfortably, close your eyes, and establish your connection to the distant recipient, just as you would for any distant healing session. Set your clear intention for their highest good. Now, gently hover one of your hands a few inches above the prop, palm down. In your mind’s eye, imagine your hand slowly drifting over the “body” of the prop, from head to toe.

As you do this, pay close attention to the sensations in your hand. Are you feeling heat, coolness, tingling, fizzing, pulsing, or a sense of magnetic pull or heaviness? These sensations are your intuition speaking, indicating areas of greater energetic need in the distant recipient. It’s just like scanning a person on a treatment table; the energy will show you where it wants to go most intensely.

When you find an area on the prop that elicits a stronger sensation, pause there. This is a “hotspot” for the distant recipient. Allow your hand to rest over that area of the prop, allowing the energy to flow. You’ll notice that the intense sensation in your hand will gradually subside as the energy balances that area. Once the sensation lessens, you know it’s time to move on to the next area.

This practice reinforces the core Reiki Evolution philosophy: it’s about simplicity and trusting your intuition over rigid rules. You’re not forcing the energy; you’re simply allowing it to guide you, responding to the recipient’s genuine needs. This two-way energetic communication – sending Reiki and receiving intuitive feedback – makes your distant healing sessions incredibly dynamic and effective. It’s a beautiful dance of intent and energetic responsiveness.

So, let’s liberate our distant healing practice from any notion of being a “blind” energetic offering. By embracing the simple art of scanning at a distance, you empower yourself to provide truly targeted, profoundly effective healing, no matter how far away your recipient may be.

Over to you: What prop will you use to practice scanning at a distance today, and what subtle energetic messages do you anticipate discovering? Share your insights below!

For many, the Reiki symbols are the very essence of the practice. They are seen as sacred keys, powerful tools, or even the energy itself, without which Reiki simply wouldn’t “work.” You might have been taught that you need to be “attuned” to them for them to be effective, or even that you must draw them daily over your palms lest their power somehow dwindle. And while symbols can certainly be useful, I’m here to tell you a liberating truth: the deepest connection to Reiki energy, its very essence, lies far beyond any drawn line or memorized shape.

Now, Mikao Usui, the founder of this incredible system, didn’t teach symbols to the vast majority of his students. And those few who were taught symbols – primarily the Imperial Officers – were never “attuned” to them in the way that became common in the West. The idea that you need a specific ritual to “activate” a symbol, or that symbols are necessary for your Reiki to flow, is a later addition, a piece of dogma that has cluttered a beautifully simple system.

So, if symbols weren’t central to Usui’s original teachings, what was? It was about direct experience. Symbols, in their truest sense, are simply graphical representations of different aspects of the energy. They are tools, yes, but they are optional ones, designed to help you focus your attention and consciously experience what is already inherently within you. Usui’s students were expected to work directly with these energies, to truly become them through consistent meditation and practice, often over long periods, and this was achieved in a variety of ways, for example by using sacred sounds called kotodama, or through Buddhist-style meditations.

Think about the first two symbols you typically learn in Second Degree: CKR and SHK. These aren’t just abstract designs; they represent fundamental aspects of our existence: earth ki and heavenly ki. Earth ki is the energy of physicality, of grounding, of our tangible reality. Heavenly ki is the energy of spirituality, of unification, of our subtle essence. Usui’s students would spend months meditating on just one of these energies, deeply assimilating it until it became a part of their very being. This wasn’t about drawing a symbol; it was about learning to embody the energy.

The beauty of this approach is that once you truly understand and feel the distinctive “flavour” of these energies, you no longer need the symbol as a crutch. You can access and direct them directly through your intent and focused meditation. Remember, “where thought goes, energy flows.” Your conscious intention to connect to earth ki, or to heavenly ki, is a powerful act of channeling, far more potent than any hurried drawing of a symbol.

How do you do this? Well, once you have become thoroughly familiar with an energy through meditation, it’s simpler than you think.

Connect with Intent: Sit quietly, close your eyes, and simply set the clear intention to connect with, say, “earth ki.” Feel its grounding, solid presence. Allow it to permeate your being. You don’t need to visualize a symbol; just intend to connect to that specific energetic quality.

Embody the Energy: As you sit with the energy, allow yourself to become it. If it’s earth ki, feel rooted, stable, strong. If it’s heavenly ki, feel light, expansive, connected to the vastness. This deep assimilation is the true mastery.

Direct with Focus: When treating yourself or others, simply focus your attention on the area that needs the energy, and with clear intent, infuse it with the specific quality of earth ki or heavenly ki. The energy will follow your thought, precisely and intelligently.

This approach liberates you from symbolic dependency, reinforcing the core Reiki Evolution values of simplicity and trusting your inner wisdom. You are not bound by external rules or rituals. The power is inherent, accessible through your conscious connection and clear intent. It’s about returning to the elegant, uncluttered essence of Usui’s original system, where the true magic lies in your direct relationship with the energy itself.

So, let’s move beyond the symbols, not by dismissing them, but by recognizing that they are merely signposts on a much grander, more intuitive journey. The true power of Reiki is always within you, waiting to be accessed without a single stroke.

Over to you: What’s one small step you can take today to explore accessing Reiki energy directly, without relying on symbols? Share your insights below!

We all marvel at the concept of distant healing, don’t we? The sheer wonder of sending Reiki energy across miles, transcending the usual limitations of space. It’s a powerful tool, allowing us to offer support to loved ones far away, or even to global situations. But what if I told you there’s a way to take distant healing even further, transforming it from a quick energetic “blast” into a comprehensive, full-length session, all without physical proximity?

This is what we call a “remote treatment.”

Now, for some, the very idea of a full treatment without hands-on contact might seem… well, a bit odd. You might have been taught that you absolutely must keep at least one hand on a person during a session, lest you “lose the connection.” But that’s simply not how Reiki works. Your connection to the recipient isn’t dependent on physical touch; it’s a state of mind, a matter of your clear intention. If you can send Reiki across the planet just by thinking of someone, then you can certainly maintain a profound connection to someone just a few inches or many miles away.

So, what exactly is a remote treatment? It’s about maintaining that “distant” connection for a prolonged period – perhaps 30, 40, or even 60 minutes – and consciously directing the energy to specific parts of the recipient’s body, just as you would in a hands-on session. The beauty of this is that the energy follows your thoughts, your focus. You can direct it using visualisation, which is a wonderfully convenient shortcut to focus your intent.

The key to truly mastering remote treatments lies in embracing your intuition. Forget rigid hand positions or prescribed sequences. This is where the Japanese intuitive “technique” called Reiji Ho comes into its own. Reiji Ho is all about getting your mind out of the way and allowing your hands – or in this case, your imaginary hands – to be guided by the energy, as if pulled by invisible magnets, to precisely where they need to be. You already possess this deep inner knowing; Reiji Ho simply helps you access it.

Here’s how you can begin to explore the art of remote treatments:

First, establish your connection. Settle yourself comfortably, close your eyes, and bring the recipient clearly into your mind’s eye. Set your clear intention that this session is for their highest good. Feel yourself merging with them, becoming one with them.

Now, imagine them lying comfortably on a treatment table in front of you. In your mind’s eye, visualise your hands hovering over their body. Gently ask, “Please let me be guided… show me where to treat.” Allow your imaginary hands to drift. You might notice a subtle pull, a sense of warmth, or simply an inner knowing that your hands want to rest over a particular area. Let them settle there.

Once your imaginary hands are in place, allow the energy to flow. You might feel a strong surge of energy through your own hands, even though they’re not physically touching anyone. This is your intuition confirming the energetic connection. Stay in that position, allowing the energy to flow.

How do you know when to move on? Here’s a little trick: in your mind’s eye, gently pull one of your imaginary hands away from the area it’s resting on. If it feels like it’s attached by an elastic band and wants to snap back, then stay there longer. If it feels happy to drift away easily, then you know it’s time to move to the next position. Then, simply “see” or “feel” or “know” where your imaginary hands want to drift next, and repeat the process.

You can even “scan” the recipient at a distance. Hover one of your hands in mid-air, palm down, and in your mind’s eye, imagine it drifting over the recipient’s body. Notice any areas where you feel a stronger flow of energy in your hand. This tells you where the energy is most needed, guiding your remote session.

Ultimately, remote treatments are a profound testament to the boundless nature of Reiki energy when liberated from physical constraints and rigid rules. By suspending your disbelief, trusting your intuition, and allowing the energy to guide your imaginary hands, you can offer truly comprehensive and deeply effective healing, no matter the distance. It’s a beautiful dance of intent, intuition, and unconditional love.

Over to you: What’s one situation where a remote treatment could make a profound difference, and how will you begin to explore this powerful practice? Share your thoughts below!

If you’ve spent any time in the wider world of Reiki, you’ve likely stumbled upon lists of “Reiki contraindications.” These are situations where, according to some teachings, you absolutely should not use Reiki. We’re talking about prohibitions against treating pregnant women, people with pacemakers, cancer patients, or even those with broken bones. The implication is clear: use Reiki in these scenarios, and you risk causing harm.

Now, much of this is, quite frankly, nonsense. It’s a collection of unfounded fears and arbitrary restrictions that have crept into Western Reiki over the years, completely divorced from the true nature of this beautiful, intelligent energy. These “silly rules and restrictions” do nothing but introduce unnecessary worry and limit your practice, when Reiki is designed to ease worry, not create it.

So, where do these myths come from? Often, they’re born from overthinking, speculation, or a lack of trust in Reiki’s inherent wisdom. Let’s dismantle a few of the most common ones:

The “Broken Bone” Myth: You might have heard that you shouldn’t treat a broken bone because Reiki will “set it before the doctor can put it back in place.” While Reiki certainly supports the body’s natural healing ability, it doesn’t work like fast-acting cement! A broken bone is a shocking and painful experience, and Reiki can offer profound comfort and support. To withhold it, based on such a baseless fear, is to deny someone much-needed relief.

The “Pacemaker Problem”: Some claim that Reiki’s “electromagnetic nature” will interfere with pacemakers, causing them to malfunction. This is another one that makes no sense. Firstly, there’s no evidence that Reiki is electromagnetic in a way that would interfere with such devices. Secondly, if Reiki is intelligent and works for the highest good, why would it mess up a life-saving device? The idea that you’d need to avoid the heart area, or worse, refuse treatment entirely, is simply absurd.

The “Feeding Cancer” Fable: This is perhaps one of the most damaging myths: that Reiki will “feed the cancer.” Let’s apply a little common sense. We all have cancer cells in our bodies at any given time; our immune systems routinely deal with them. If Reiki truly “fed” cancer, then treating anyone, including yourself, would be a death sentence! Reiki is a pure healing energy that supports the body’s natural ability to balance and transform. It’s not going to selectively nourish disease.

Pregnancy, Babies, and Other “Dangers”: You might hear that you shouldn’t treat pregnant women, babies, or even animals. Where is the evidence to back up these restrictions? Reiki is a gentle, supportive healing energy, automatically adjusting to the recipient’s needs. Babies love Reiki, and animals and plants also respond incredibly well. These restrictions are born from excessive worry, not from any real-world experience or evidence of harm.

Why Do These Rules Exist?

Often, these rules are passed down from teacher to student without question, becoming ingrained dogma. They stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of how Reiki works. Reiki works simply and gives people what they need. It doesn’t need you to direct it with pinpoint accuracy, nor will it cause harm. If it’s not appropriate for a person to receive the benefit of the energy, it simply won’t work.

Sometimes, people experience temporary intensifications of symptoms during or after a Reiki session – for example an emotional release or a temporary increase in an old ache. This isn’t harm; it’s a sign that deep energetic “decluttering” is happening, and things are shifting for the better.

Ultimately, the vast majority of these “contraindications” are baseless myths that introduce unnecessary fear and complexity into a beautifully simple practice. Your healing intent is what truly matters, and Reiki will always work for the highest good.

So, let’s liberate our Reiki practice from these rigid, unfounded restrictions. Trust the energy, trust your intuition, and remember that Reiki is safe, intelligent, and always beneficial.

Over to you: What “Reiki rules” have you encountered that you’ve questioned or decided to let go of? Share your experiences below!

We’ve talked a lot about Reiki symbols, haven’t we? How they’re often seen as sacred, secret keys, or even the very essence of the energy itself. We’ve also explored the liberating truth that Mikao Usui didn’t teach symbols to most of his students, and that the deepest connection to Reiki lies beyond any drawn line or memorised shape. But here’s where it gets truly exciting: if symbols are merely tools, ways to focus and direct energy, then what if you could create your own tools? What if you could design a symbol perfectly tailored to your unique energetic needs in this very moment?

Now, for some, this might sound like heresy. “Create my own Reiki symbol? Isn’t that disrespectful? Aren’t they fixed and ancient?” And to that, I say: “no”. This kind of thinking is precisely the dogma that clutters a beautifully simple and intuitive system. The truth is, once you’re connected to Reiki, any symbol will direct the energy in a particular way. It’s your intent, your focus, that gives it power.

Remember, “where thought goes, energy flows.”

So, why would you want to create your own bespoke Reiki symbol? Because your energetic needs are constantly evolving. What served you yesterday might not be precisely what you need today. A personalised symbol acts like a laser beam, focusing the energy with pinpoint accuracy to address your most pressing energetic requirements, whether they’re physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. It’s about empowering yourself to tailor your practice with precision, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

So, how do you tap into this innate ability to create your own energetic blueprint? It’s simpler than you think. You’re going to ask your subconscious mind a few gentle, intuitive questions. The key here is to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. Don’t try to come up with the “right” answer; just allow the first impression that comes to mind to surface.

Here are the three questions to ask yourself:

If the energy that I need in this moment had a shape, what shape would it be?
If it had a colour, what colour would it be?
If that energy was to be held in a particular part of my body, where would it be held?   

Let’s say, for example, your inner wisdom offers you a shimmering blue spiral that wants to reside in your heart space. Perfect! That’s your bespoke symbol for this moment.

Now, how do you work with it?

Make yourself comfortable in a seated position, perhaps with your hands resting in your lap, palms up. Close your eyes and take a few long, deep breaths to settle your mind.

Then, in your mind’s eye, visualise that unique shape in its chosen color – our shimmering blue spiral – floating in the air above you. This is your personal source of the energy you need right now. Imagine cascades of this specific colored energy flooding down from your symbol, pouring into your crown, flowing through your entire body, and specifically drawing into that designated area – your heart space, in our example.

Feel the energy building and intensifying in that location. Allow that color to permeate your entire being. You can even imagine the shimmering blue spiral itself gently descending and settling into your heart space, continuing to radiate its unique energy throughout you.

If visualising isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. You don’t need to “see” it perfectly. Focus on the feel of it – its texture, its density. Or simply intend or “know” that the energy has that particular hue and quality. Remember, your intent is the powerful driving force.

This practice is a profound act of self-empowerment. It reinforces the truth that the power of Reiki is always within you, adaptable to your every need. By creating and working with your own bespoke symbols, you’re not just directing energy; you’re actively participating in your own continuous, never-ending evolution, stripping away dogma and embracing the liberating simplicity of authentic Reiki.

Over to you: What shape, color, and body area does your inner wisdom reveal for your bespoke Reiki symbol today? Meditate with it and share what you discover!

If you share your life with an animal, you know the profound bond that exists. Our furry, feathered, or scaled companions are more than just pets; they’re family. We instinctively want to offer them comfort, support, and healing when they need it, whether they’re recovering from an injury, navigating anxiety, or simply ageing gracefully. But how do we truly connect with their unique energetic needs, especially when they can’t tell us in words what they’re experiencing?

This is where the gentle, intelligent power of Reiki truly shines. At Reiki Evolution, we’ve long embraced the profound benefits of Animal Reiki, offering specialised courses for those who feel called to work with creatures great and small. The truth is, animals respond incredibly well to Reiki. It’s a safe, nurturing energy that automatically adjusts to their needs, providing exactly what is appropriate for their highest good, without any effort or complex rituals on your part.

But here’s the crucial “Reiki Evolution” twist: when working with animals, the concept of intuition over dogma becomes even more paramount. Animals are masters of energetic communication. They live in the present moment, keenly attuned to subtle shifts in energy. They don’t care about your lineage, your hand positions, or whether you’ve memorised every symbol. What they respond to is your pure intent, your calm presence, and your willingness to truly listen to their energetic cues.

Forget any rigid hand positions you might have learned for humans. When you offer Reiki to an animal, your role is to get your mind out of the way and allow them to guide the session. Your hands might be drawn to a specific area, or they might prefer you to simply sit nearby, allowing the energy to flow without direct touch. They might move away when they’ve had enough, or lean into your hands for more. This isn’t a sign of disrespect; it’s their innate wisdom communicating their needs. Your intuition, that subtle inner knowing, will be your most valuable tool.

So, how do you practically deepen this intuitive connection with your animal companions through Reiki?

Firstly, as always, your consistent self-practice is your anchor. When you are a “still, calm vessel” , grounded and balanced, that peaceful energy naturally radiates outward, creating a safe and inviting energetic space for your animal. Even 10 or 20 minutes of daily self-Reiki can create a profound cumulative effect, benefiting not just you, but your entire household.

When offering Reiki to an animal:

Offer, Don’t Impose: Approach them with an open heart and no expectations. Simply offer the energy. They will take what they need, in the way they need it.

Observe Their Cues: Pay close attention to their body language. A yawn, a sigh, a shift in position, or even falling asleep are all signs that the energy is working. If they move away, respect that. The session might be over, or they might prefer distant healing at that moment.

Distant Healing is Powerful: For shy, anxious, or wild animals, distant healing is incredibly effective. Simply set your clear intent for their highest good, knowing that “where thought goes, energy flows.” Your loving intention is all that’s needed.

Embrace Flexibility: You might start with your hands on them, only to find they prefer you to sit a few feet away. Or perhaps they’ll come and go, taking small “doses” of energy as they please. Allow the session to unfold organically, guided by their comfort.

Ultimately, working with animals through Reiki is a beautiful dance of trust and surrender. It’s about letting go of human-centric expectations and embracing the profound simplicity and intelligence of the energy itself. By honouring their autonomy and trusting your intuition, you not only support their well-being but also deepen the unspoken, soulful connection you share.

Over to you: What’s one way your animal companion has shown you their energetic needs, and how might you use Reiki to deepen that intuitive connection today? Share your thoughts below!