Reiki

How to Become a Reiki Master

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You become a Reiki master by completing the earlier levels and then a master training with an existing master; Wikipedia and Cancer Research UK both describe the master as the teaching level. The time this takes varies enormously. Some courses offer master level within two weekends; others, such as the program at the International Center for Reiki Training, add an extra level and their own teacher licensing. No government license exists, so the depth of your training is something you have to judge yourself.

What does “Reiki master” mean?

A practitioner who teaches Reiki is known as a Reiki master, according to the Wikipedia article on Reiki. Cancer Research UK uses the same idea in its three-level description, where Level 3 means “a reiki master or teacher.” In practice, the master level is the one at which you learn to pass the practice on to students.

What is the path?

The sequence depends on the system:

  • Three-level systems: Level 1, Level 2 (practitioner) and Level 3 (master or teacher).
  • The ICRT’s system: four levels, one, two, Advanced and Master, with a further Holy Fire Karuna Reiki master teacher training on top.

Each level includes an attunement from the teacher. The ICRT also says additional attunements at the same level are possible, and describes them as refining and strengthening a practitioner’s Reiki energy.

How long should it take?

There is no set answer, and that is the issue. The Wikipedia article reports that it is “not uncommon” for a course to offer the master level within two weekends, and that certificates can be bought online for under $100. At the other end, the ICRT runs a separate licensing program for its teachers.

Because there is no central authority over the words “Reiki master” and no regulation of practitioners or masters in the United States, two people with the same title can have very different amounts of training.

How can you judge a master program?

Look past the title and ask about the substance:

  • Time between levels: how much practice the teacher expects before you move on.
  • Supervised teaching: whether you will teach or co-teach a class under supervision before teaching alone.
  • What you leave with: written materials, a clear description of what you can teach, and ongoing support.
  • The teacher’s own experience: how long they have practiced and taught.

Build a record before you teach

Between levels, keep a simple log: sessions given, who they were with, how long they lasted and what you learned. Before you take master training, look back at it. A log that shows months of regular practice can tell you, and future students, something a certificate cannot.

This article is general information, not medical or psychological advice; talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation.

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