How to Become a Reiki Master [& why you can’t do it overnight]

Woman lying on sofa reading laptop

How to Become a Reiki Master

Options for Learning Reiki Professionally

Have you been considering how to become a Reiki Master? There are many different options available, and here are some of the top questions to consider when choosing the right path for you:

What is your motivation?

Why do you want to become a Reiki Master? Some students are interested in their own self-development, deepening what they learned in Reiki I & II, while others are interested in professional practice, or adding Reiki to their existing healing arts practice. If you’re interested in becoming a professional practitioner you want to make sure you have comprehensive training, especially if you’re new to having a healing arts professional practice. If you’re not sure, it’s perfectly fine to see how this next level of training can bring Reiki into your life in a more powerful way.

How long have you been practicing what you learned in Reiki I & II?

Giving yourself time to practice what you learned in Reiki I & Reiki II is so important. Daily hands-on-healing self practice is key, as well as spending time meditating on the Reiki precepts. Yes, we can intellectually understand what the precepts mean, but embodying them–not worrying or holding onto anger and showing compassion to yourself and others–takes time and daily practice. Which leads me to the next question…

Why can’t you become a Reiki Master overnight?

You may have seen Reiki Master trainings that can be done online or in-person in a very short time frame. Taking a training that takes place over a longer period of time offers you the ongoing support and guidance of your teacher. It also allows you to hear what your classmates are experiencing and ask questions as things come up. Most importantly, a longer training offers you the opportunity to practice and integrate what you learn.

Having a lot of practice under your belt is especially critical when you move into professional practice. Practicing Reiki is relatively easy compared to dealing with clients and the issues they bring to you for help. You want to have adequate preparation and experience.

I also wrote a book, Building a Powerful Practice: Successful Strategies for Your Wellness Business. It offers you an essential how-to guide to help you set up your Reiki business.

Why don’t I like the term Reiki Master?

I tend not to use the term Reiki Master as much, since the system of Reiki is such a life-long practice toward mastery! (Can you imagine calling yourself a “Master” of something after taking a weekend class?) Many teachers title it Reiki III training instead of Reiki Master training. You’ll need to figure out the term you feel comfortable using.

What’s the difference between online and in-person training?

The benefits of experiencing Reiki energy in person through the sessions, meditations, and attunements in class with the supervision of a teacher can be powerful. However, there are additional benefits and limitations of learning Reiki online vs. in-person, and questions to ask so you can assess and decide what the right kind of training is best for you. Here’s more on the pros and pitfalls of learning Reiki online.

What is covered in a Reiki Master training?

While trainings vary, typically  you will learn the Reiki III symbol and mantra, Japanese healing techniques such as Byosen and scanning, how to work intuitively, and how to give Reiki table sessions and attunements.

How do you find the right Reiki teacher?

Here are some questions to ask to help you find a qualified Reiki teacher.

What is my #1 recommendation for becoming a Reiki Master?

Practice, practice, practice. My first Reiki teacher always used to say “remember, your hands are smarter than your head.” Practicing on yourself daily, giving Reiki treatments to others, and incorporating the Reiki meditations and precepts into your daily life will all help you become an amazing Reiki practitioner!

Need additional support?

I work with clients all over the world using Distance ReikiTao HandsVirtual Hypnosis, and flower essences.  Book a session and I’m happy to help.

Related Posts:

Featured in Oprah Magazine

Burned out by an all-consuming job, Deborah Flanagan found balance and peace through the healing arts — and now she's helping others do the same.

Read The Press
Also Featured On
Mind Body Green Logo Oprah Magazine Logo Dr. Oz Logo
Your Tango Logo ABC Network Logo Black Enterprise Magazine Logo Z Living Logo