Reiki Level 2: Symbols and Distance Healing

Once a student has completed Reiki Level 1 and practiced the basics, the next step for many is Level 2, the second degree, where the practice deepens and two of its most distinctive features are introduced: the Reiki symbols and the practice of sending Reiki at a distance. If you are considering Level 2 or simply curious what it involves, here is a clear explanation of what you learn at this stage and how to understand it honestly.

The purpose of Level 2

Let us start with what Level 2 is for, since it builds on the foundation of Level 1. Reiki Level 2, also called Second Degree, is the stage where the practice deepens beyond the basics, primarily through learning the traditional Reiki symbols and the technique of distance Reiki, and receiving a further attunement. It is for those who wish to develop their practice more fully after starting with Level 1.

Where Level 1 establishes the foundation and often emphasizes self-practice, Level 2 expands the practitioner’s tools and scope, adding the symbols and the ability to send Reiki remotely, and is often the level taken by those who wish to practice more seriously, including offering Reiki to others more formally. It typically includes a second attunement said to strengthen the connection. Understanding that Level 2 deepens the practice and introduces the symbols and distance work sets up a closer look at these two main additions, which define what this level offers beyond the basics learned at Level 1.

Learning the Reiki symbols

A central part of Level 2 is being introduced to the Reiki symbols, which is worth understanding as the level’s defining content. At this stage, students learn several of the traditional symbols and how to use them: typically the power symbol, used to focus and intensify the practice; the mental and emotional symbol, used for emotional and mental harmony; and the distance symbol, used for sending Reiki remotely.

Students learn the names, forms, and traditional purposes of these symbols and how to incorporate them into their practice, drawing or visualizing them with the intention of directing the Reiki toward particular aims. The symbols are presented as tools for focusing intention within the practice. Learning to use the symbols is one of the main things that distinguishes Level 2 from Level 1, marking a more developed stage of practice. Understanding that Level 2 teaches the traditional symbols and their use highlights a defining feature of this level, equipping practitioners with the focal tools that the tradition associates with fuller Reiki practice.

The practice of distance Reiki

The other defining feature of Level 2 is learning distance Reiki, which is worth understanding clearly. Using the distance symbol, students at this level learn the technique of sending Reiki to a recipient who is not physically present, the practice known as distance or remote Reiki, with the intention of providing Reiki across space.

Level 2 thus introduces the idea and method, within the tradition, of connecting to and sending Reiki to someone elsewhere, using the distance symbol and focused intention. This is presented as a way to offer Reiki when an in-person session is not possible, and it becomes part of the practitioner’s repertoire at this level. Learning distance Reiki is one of the signature additions of Level 2, expanding the practice beyond hands-on, in-person sessions. Understanding that Level 2 teaches the practice of sending Reiki at a distance rounds out the picture of what this level adds, alongside the symbols, marking the move to a fuller form of practice as the tradition conceives it.

An honest word on distance Reiki

Honesty about distance Reiki is especially important here, since Level 2 teaches it. As with Reiki generally, it must be remembered that the underlying energy is not scientifically established, and the claim of distance Reiki, that healing energy can be sent to an absent person across any distance, is among the least supported of Reiki’s ideas, with no scientific basis or plausible mechanism and no evidence that anything is actually transmitted.

So while Level 2 teaches distance Reiki as part of the tradition, it should be understood honestly as a belief-based practice without scientific support. Any benefit a recipient feels is most plausibly their own relaxation and expectation rather than energy received from afar. Learning the technique within the tradition is one thing; understanding it realistically is another, and intellectual honesty calls for being clear that distance healing across space is not a demonstrated phenomenon. Holding this honestly, learning the practice as the tradition teaches it while keeping a clear-eyed view of its lack of scientific support, is essential, consistent with an honest understanding of Reiki overall.

Who Level 2 is for and what it offers

Understanding who pursues Level 2 and what it genuinely offers helps you consider it sensibly. Level 2 suits those who have enjoyed Level 1 and wish to deepen their practice, learn the symbols, and be able to offer distance Reiki, whether for their own development or to practice with others more fully. Many who intend to offer Reiki to others, even informally, take Level 2 for this fuller training.

What it offers, honestly, is a deeper engagement with the Reiki tradition and its tools, and an expanded practice, within a complementary relaxation practice whose benefits are those of relaxation and comfort rather than proven energy healing. For someone drawn to Reiki as a meaningful, relaxing practice and wishing to develop it, Level 2 is the natural next step. Approached with realistic expectations, valuing the deeper practice and the relaxation it supports while keeping honest about the energy claims, Level 2 can be a worthwhile stage for committed practitioners. Understanding who it is for and what it realistically offers helps you decide whether pursuing it fits your interest in Reiki.

Keeping it in perspective

A closing perspective ties it together honestly. Reiki Level 2, the second degree, deepens the practice beyond the basics of Level 1 by teaching the traditional symbols, the power, emotional, and distance symbols, and the technique of distance Reiki, along with a further attunement. It is the stage where practitioners gain the focal tools and the remote-sending practice that the tradition associates with fuller Reiki, often taken by those wishing to practice more seriously.

Honestly understood, Level 2 develops one’s engagement with the Reiki tradition within a complementary relaxation practice, while its energy claims, especially distance healing, remain scientifically unestablished and should be viewed clearly. Approach it for what it is, a deeper step into a meaningful, relaxing practice, with realistic expectations and honesty about the claims, and remember Reiki remains a relaxing complement, not a medical treatment. Kept in this perspective, Reiki Level 2 can be understood clearly, for the deeper practice it offers and the honest limits that accompany it.

Common questions

What do you learn in Reiki Level 2? Level 2, or Second Degree, teaches the traditional Reiki symbols, typically the power, emotional, and distance symbols, and how to use them, along with the technique of distance Reiki, sending Reiki to someone not physically present. It also includes a further attunement and deepens the practice beyond the Level 1 basics.

Is distance Reiki, taught at Level 2, scientifically supported? No. While Level 2 teaches distance Reiki within the tradition, the claim that healing energy can be sent across distance has no scientific basis or plausible mechanism and is among the least supported of Reiki’s ideas. Any benefit a recipient feels is most plausibly their own relaxation and expectation.

Do I need Level 2 to practice Reiki? Not for basic practice, since Level 1 lets you begin, including self-treatment and treating others. Level 2 is for deepening the practice with the symbols and distance work, often taken by those who wish to practice more seriously or offer Reiki to others more fully. It is a further, optional step.

The bottom line

Reiki Level 2, the second degree, deepens the practice beyond the Level 1 basics by teaching the traditional symbols, the power, emotional, and distance symbols, and the technique of distance Reiki, along with a further attunement. It equips practitioners with the focal tools and the remote-sending practice the tradition associates with fuller Reiki, and is often taken by those wishing to practice more seriously. Honestly understood, it develops one’s engagement with the tradition within a complementary relaxation practice, while its energy claims, especially distance healing, remain scientifically unestablished, with any benefit most plausibly from relaxation and expectation. Approach Level 2 with realistic expectations and honesty about the claims, remembering Reiki is a relaxing complement, never a medical treatment.

Sources

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Reiki, including distance Reiki, is a complementary practice, not a treatment for medical conditions, and its energy claims are not scientifically established. Always continue proper care; use Reiki only as a complement, never a replacement.