Choosing a Reiki teacher?

You might want to book a couple of treatments with them first :), and talk to them about reiki, but just to get a feeling for their perspective, values, and style.

Good advice, fleur ... and Savid? You might also book a treatment with one of the Teacher's students, just to get a feel for what they're passing on.

Fx

Thanks for the replies 🙂
That's an interesting idea about being treated by a student of the teacher. I really hadn't thought of that at all. This may be a silly question, but is there a big variance in standard between teachers?

One other concern I had was about the type(?) of reiki that is being taught. I really don't know a huge deal about reiki, but I am really drawn to it because I want to do much more energy work, and improve that aspect in me (ie. my ability to work with energy). I came across a master offering "reiki / seichem - whichever is most requested". That worried me a little as I thought the difference between the two would be significant enough that I would want to be sure I was going to get what I wanted.

Yikes, don't know if that makes sense! Hope it does 🙂

This is an interesting question and one that's difficult to answer intelligably - but I'll give it a go!

There are a lot of different flavours of Reiki out there. Personally, I prefer the traditional, but there are many non-traditional teachers too and it all depends on what you want. Traditionals are quite structured in their teaching and the best way to find one of those is at the [url]UK Reiki Federation site[/url]. Traditionals are increasingly clear on what is and what isn't Reiki.

However, there are also a lot of independent Reiki teachers out there, who also use crystals or some other thing as part of their practice - and there are also the "distant attuners" who don't have a class.

And various others.

When we say talk to a prospective teacher before you go to a class (if you do) what we mean to say is that it's very important you feel happy with the teacher you've chosen. This isn't like Maths or English or something you learn at school or college, where it doesn't matter who you learn it from. The thing about Reiki is that is a journey ... and how you feel about the person you're learning from is important. If you don't like the first one you talk to, keep looking until you find one you do. This is someone who is going to be an integral part of the enormous changes Reiki brings into your life and you really want to like them and feel comfortable with them.

Seichem or Seichim (the spelling varies) is like Reiki, but without all the rules - it's very creative and fun. I really enjoy teaching it - there's always a lot of laughter in those classes.

Again, there's lots of different flavours. Personally, I'd be thinking about Reiki first, because Seichem can be very ungrounding - but it is entirely up to you.

Hope this is less confusing 🙂

Fx

Thanks for the replies 🙂
That's an interesting idea about being treated by a student of the teacher. I really hadn't thought of that at all. This may be a silly question, but is there a big variance in standard between teachers?

One other concern I had was about the type(?) of reiki that is being taught. I really don't know a huge deal about reiki, but I am really drawn to it because I want to do much more energy work, and improve that aspect in me (ie. my ability to work with energy). I came across a master offering "reiki / seichem - whichever is most requested". That worried me a little as I thought the difference between the two would be significant enough that I would want to be sure I was going to get what I wanted.

Yikes, don't know if that makes sense! Hope it does 🙂

It is good that you are asking these questions, because to find a good, consciensious teacher who resonates and supports your journey before you find your own Reiki path is a jewel sometimes hard to find today, but they are about! Mr Reiki journey started on a very convoluted path, I discovered what I did NOT want from a teacher before I found what I DO want.

My Reiki journey didnt run smoothly in the beginning, my suggestion is to try some treatments as said before,, go to the library and read whatever you can
There is a Reiki Book thread on here somewhere...with suggested books, but there are many to try.

There are different branches of reiki, and you are sure to find something which appeals you. 🙂

Thanks again guys! I probably should have started this thread in the reiki sub-forum, but I had originally intended to try and get a response from other Irish HPers 🙂

Coerdelion, what you said is pretty much exactly what I feel in my gut. I feel like I need to do the most traditional reiki I can first, and add to it if I feel that is the way forward for me. I can't explain why, but I like tradition, and I feel that is always the best place to start.

I do also believe in going on the feel of the person who is to teach me. I did meet one teacher, but she didn't try and hold a conversation with me, just told me the dates, and told me she could train me up to master level (not in one go or anything!!), but it just seemed a little bit too much like, " I can do all this, so give me a call to book!". My partner also agreed that there wasn't a good vibe from her. Don't get me wrong, I know she'll be perfect for others, but when I get that doubt, I need to listen to it.

Coerdelion, I love how you describe Seichim. You actually just made me want to learn it with one sentence 🙂 However, as I said, I will try to stick to traditional!

Fleur, I had exactly the same experience with kinesiology, started off unhappy with the course and changed, but now wonder if even that was the right course! Like reiki though, there are so many branches, it was a nightmare to try and get the right teacher I wanted!

Anyways, many thanks to both of you, you've been very good with your responses 🙂

If you want to try traditional style first of all I personally like the books The Japanese Art of Reiki, and the Reiki Sourcebook by Bronwen and Frans Steine.

I have a few Reiki books on my shelf,, and am just re-reading them all.

On page 152 of the book the Art of Japanese Reiki, what they write to take into consideration to finding the right teacher.

• Lineage
• Understanding of Ki work.
• Understanding the Japanese culture and history of the system of Reiki.
• Personal Spiritual Journey and your connection to it.
• Support for a students personal development through providing on-on-one contacts when necessary.
• Talent in allowing students to find out answers for themselves.
• Ability to practice the spiritual elements of the system without having to manipulate the energy.
• Capacity to let go rather than create more complex rituals
• Claims - that they are realistic and verifiable rather than ego orientated. That no unsubstatitated statements are made about the system or a teachers personal Ki work.
• Respect for past and present students - noting that no judgements about others are made.
• Ownership of a code of Ethics and Code of Practice and membership of an association.
• Ability to inspire you.

OK,, a long list, but worthy of the effort of typing out I think. I particularly love the last point. There are five precepts taught within reiki....so for example one of them...for today I do not get angry........would you want a tutor who always seemed to be in a rage? etc.....I like to think that a Reiki teacher had reached the point in their own Reiki journey to be able to walk it..not just talk it 🙂

Oh I might add.. I am Reiki student..not teacher

Lots of Reiki books are popular Savid......you should find plenty in the library...:)

That's a great list fleur, and it's much appreciated.
I actually like the last point that you made in particular, about the precepts, and ensuring they live them, not just teach them.

I feel prepared now! Haha, that sounds silly, but I actually feel like I have a bit of a method in my head to determine if they are right for me (or maybe me for them!). Before I was going purely by my intuition, ie. if I liked the persons energy in general.

I know there's a copy of 'Reiki for Dummies' (or something similar!) kicking around here, so I may have a look and see if the information in that is any good 🙂 To be honest, I don't think I can afford any new books at the moment 🙁 however, I really appreciate the recommendations!

Thanks again guys 😀

Savid,
I'm only reading this thread now. Just wondering how did your Reiki training go - did you select a teacher in the end?
Star_dust

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