Although usually invisible to the untrained naked eye, its force is ever present and powerful.  It has been likened to the wind.  The wind itself cannot be seen, yet its power and effect are obvious as it makes waves on the long grass of the meadow.

"Rei" refers to the unlimited, all knowing, all loving energy that is the creator of life itself.  Western culture has named it the Universe, Holy Spirit, Light, God, Great Spirit, Lord, Creator.

Reiki then, is the energy of the Universe, of God.  It is the energy that creates, that grows, that heals, that loves.  Since it is directly from God, it brings only that which is for the Highest Good:  Love, Light, Growth, Healing and Wisdom.  It sometimes works in mysterious ways:  It does what it has to for the benefit of each person, even if it is not what was hoped for.

Trust in the Universe that it always brings what is appropriate for the highest good.  Reiki can never do any harm.  It only works toward the growth and development of the soul purpose of each individual.  Reiki is often described as Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy.  A person who can do Reiki, channels this energy for the betterment of Body, Mind and Spirit.
 
 

First Degree Reiki - Reiki I
 

The first level of Reiki is the actual "laying on of hands". The healer places their hands on the healee and channels Reiki. The healer receives this ability in the sacred initiation ceremony given by the Reiki Master. The healer learns the history of Reiki, benefits of Reiki, receives the attunement, learns the hand positions for healing themselves and others, learns to do a short treatment as well as chakra balancing. There is also a practice session.
 

Second Degree Reiki or Reiki II
 

The next step is receiving the attunement and learning three sacred symbols used to increase the power of Reiki; focus on mental/emotional issues; and send Reiki long distance.
 

Advanced Reiki or Reiki IIIa
 

The student is given another powerful sacred symbol leading to an even greater connection with the Universe. They also learn how to set up a Reiki Grid, meet their Reiki guide and how to do a type of psychic surgery.
 

Reiki Master or Reiki III
 

Two more symbols are learned and the student is given the key to the sacred initiation ceremony. Once a student is initiated into Reiki III, they have the power to initiate others into all levels of Reiki. This is a great honour and responsibility. Reiki Masters usually dedicate their lives to Reiki.
 

Karuna Reiki One

Karuna Reiki Two
 

Four more symbols connect higher and lower self, improve learning ability, communication, grounding, create priorities, reclaim power, heal codependence, empower your goals, heal insomnia, fear and panic, among other issues.
 

Karuna Reiki Master
 

Student must be Usui Reiki Master. You learn one further symbol and learn to do attunements and initiate others.
 

Linda has been using Reiki since 1988, and became an Usui Reiki Master in 1995 and Karuna Reiki Master in Nov. 1997.  She received her Reiki I from Inga Saxena of Edmonton, Canada.  Received her Reiki II, IIIa and Master from Mary Balfour of Ottawa, Canada and Karuna from Laura Ellen Gifford of Kentucky, USA. In April 2003 Linda became accepted as a Bach Flower Registered Practitioner. She is now studying Homeopathy through British Institute of Homeopathy.

She has taught Sacred Circle Dance since 1986 and is a Chartered Herbalist. She teaches Dance internationally, and locally with Calgary Leisure Learning, University of Calgary, Earth Healing Ceremonies, Earth Day Ceremonies, Community Solstice and Equinox celebrations to mention a few.