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The Reiki Attunement Demystified: Here’s what to Expect Before, During and After the Reiki Initiation Ceremony

Embarking on your Reiki journey is a deeply transformative experience, and at the heart of it lies the Reiki attunement—or initiation—ceremony. Whether you’re considering your first attunement or getting ready for your next attunement experience, this sacred ritual is a key milestone that will connect you to the universal life force energy in a profound and lasting way. Let’s walk through what you can expect before, during, and after the Reiki initiation ceremony so you can step into this experience with confidence and excitement.

What is A Reiki Attunement?

A Reiki attunement is a spiritual initiation conducted by a Reiki Master, where the student is energetically aligned with the Reiki, the Universal life force. This ceremony opens up the student’s energy channels, allowing them to connect with Reiki energy and use it for healing purposes. Attunements are typically offered in three levels: Reiki I, Reiki II, and Master/Teacher level, each corresponding to a deeper energy connection and broader capabilities:

Reiki I: The first level focuses on self-healing and opening your energy channels to connect with Reiki energy.

Reiki II: This level introduces you to sacred symbols that enhance your ability to send Reiki over distances and work on emotional and mental healing.

Master/Teacher Level: The final level deepens your connection to the energy and prepares you to teach and attune others. You are introduced to the Master healing symbol which allows for profound healing and more powerful energy work.

Each level brings a deeper understanding of Reiki principles, symbols, and techniques, allowing you to grow both spiritually and practically in your ability to work with Reiki and support others with healing energy.

Why do we have Reiki Attunements?

The primary purpose of a Reiki attunement is to open and align your energy channels, particularly the chakras, so that you can connect with and channel Reiki energy. While everyone has some innate healing abilities, the attunement activates and amplifies this capacity by tuning you into a powerful source of universal energy. Without this alignment, your ability to access and transmit this healing energy is more limited. The attunement essentially “tunes” your energy system to the specific frequency of Reiki, making it possible to effectively receive and direct this life force energy.

“Madam Takata explained it best when she described Reiki as being similar to radio waves. We cannot see them but we know they are everywhere around us. When we turn on a radio and tune into the radio waves we can pick up a signal. That signal is turned into a radio programme. Similarly the universal life force is everywhere, although we cannot see. When we are tuned into the energy by a Reiki Master we are able to harness Reiki to heal ourselves and others. This gift of healing remains with us for the rest of our lives.” ― Garry Malone, The Essence of Reiki

Let’s explore the key reasons why a Reiki attunement is such an important part of the practice of Reiki:

1. Opening and Aligning Energy Channels

During a Reiki attunement, the Reiki student undergoes a profound healing experience as their energy channels are opened up to connect with the Universal Energy. Your Reiki Master acts as a guide, using sacred techniques to clear and open your seven main chakras.

The attunement process not only clears away blockages but also expands your energy channels, enabling them to handle a greater flow of Reiki energy. This means that after your attunement, you’ll be able to connect more deeply with Reiki, experiencing a stronger and more consistent flow of healing energy. It’s a profound recalibration that enhances your natural healing abilities, allowing you to more effectively channel this energy for yourself and others. This lays the foundation for your practice, ensuring that you can access and direct Reiki energy with clarity, strength, and intention.

2. Access to Reiki Symbols and Techniques

Reiki attunements also initiate you into the use of specific symbols and techniques that are integral to the practice. These symbols are considered sacred and are used to focus and enhance the flow of Reiki energy. Each level of attunement grants access to different symbols and techniques, expanding your abilities as you progress in your Reiki journey.

4. Spiritual Growth and Personal Development

Receiving a Reiki attunement is not just about learning to heal others; it’s also a profound tool for your own spiritual growth and personal development. The process can lead to increased self-awareness, greater intuition, and a deeper understanding of your own spiritual path and your place in the Universe. It often brings about positive changes in your life, helping you to release old patterns and gain insights into your thoughts, behaviours and life choices. It clears away any energetic blocks to your inner guidance, allowing you to feel more aligned with your true self. The attunement helps you tap into this inner wisdom, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with a calm and centered perspective.

5. Connection to the Reiki Lineage

When you receive a Reiki attunement, you become part of a lineage of practitioners that traces back to the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui. This connection to a long-standing tradition not only enhances your practice but also connects you to a global community of Reiki practitioners. This sense of belonging and shared purpose can be deeply supportive as you continue your journey.

As you begin to harness the universal energy through your attunement, you may also start to feel a deeper connection to the world around you. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Reiki—it opens your heart to the interconnectedness of all life. You’ll find yourself more attuned to the energies of others, nature, and the universe itself, fostering a sense of unity and compassion that extends beyond your individual experience.

6. Enhanced Healing Abilities Over Time

As you receive additional attunements, particularly at higher levels (Reiki II and Master/Teacher level), your healing abilities continue to grow. Each attunement builds upon the last, deepening your connection to Reiki energy and expanding the range of healing techniques at your disposal. This ongoing process of attunement ensures that your abilities evolve as you do, allowing you to offer more powerful healing to yourself and others.

With each attunement, you become more attuned to the needs of those receiving Reiki from you. You’ll learn how to create a safe and nurturing environment for healing, how to intuitively sense where energy is needed, and how to guide others through their own experiences with Reiki.

In essence, each level of attunement not only amplifies your ability to channel Reiki energy but also expands your capacity to bring healing, peace, and balance to yourself and those around you. It’s a journey of growth, both spiritually and practically, as you learn to embody the principles of Reiki and share its gifts with the world.

How do you prepare for a Reiki Attunement?

Preparation is key to fully receiving the benefits of a Reiki attunement. Here’s what you should consider:

Choose the Right Reiki Master: Your connection with the Reiki Master is crucial. Take your time to find someone whose energy resonates with you.
Set Clear Intentions: Reflect on why you want to receive an attunement. Whether it’s for personal growth, healing, or to help others, having a clear intention will guide your experience.
Cleanse Your Body and Mind: In the days leading up to the attunement, it’s advisable to eat a clean diet, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, and practice mindfulness. Some practitioners suggest a 2-3-day cleanse before the ceremony to purify your body and mind – but trust your intuitive and what feels right for you.
Meditation and Grounding: Regular meditation and grounding exercises can help prepare your energy system to receive the attunement. Being centered and calm will enhance your receptivity.

What Happens during a Reiki Attunement?

A Reiki attunement is a special gift that only a Reiki Master can give. It’s not something you can do for yourself because it requires the guidance and expertise of someone who has already traveled the path you’re beginning. The Reiki Master serves as a bridge, connecting you to the universal life force energy and opening up your energy channels to receive it.

The exact steps of this sacred process are reserved for those who have gone through Reiki training and deep spiritual preparation. This isn’t about making the process secretive or elusive; rather, it’s about honoring the sacred rituals and the depth of experience required to facilitate this powerful connection.

While the principles of Reiki are accessible and open, the specific methods and rituals used in attunements are part of a respected tradition. Keeping these practices intact ensures that the essence of Reiki is preserved and honored.

This ensures that the energy is transmitted with the utmost respect, integrity, and potency, allowing you to fully embrace and integrate the healing power of Reiki into your life.

However we can share the key parts of the attunemnet ceremony:

Preparation: Setting the Space and Intention

Before the attunement begins, your Reiki Master will prepare the space, whether it’s a quiet room filled with soothing energy or a distant setting where they focus their intention on you. You, as the recipient, are also encouraged to prepare yourself by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position, closing your eyes, and relaxing. Setting a clear intention for your attunement is important. Reflect on what you hope to gain—whether it’s personal healing, spiritual growth, or the ability to help others.

The Ceremony: Connecting to the Universal Energy

During the attunement, your Reiki Master connects to the universal life force energy and channels it into you. In an in-person setting, this might involve the Master placing their hands on or near your body, particularly over your chakras. You’ll likely be seated comfortably, with your eyes closed, while the Master moves around you, guiding the energy flow.

In a distant attunement, the process is similar, but it takes place remotely. The Reiki Master will visualize and connect with your energy body, sending the Reiki energy to you across time and space. Though you’re not physically together, the energy transmission is just as potent, as Reiki transcends physical limitations.

The Flow of Energy: Opening and Aligning Your Chakras

As the attunement progresses, the Reiki Master uses specific symbols and techniques to open and align your energy channels, particularly your chakras. These energy centers are crucial for receiving and transmitting Reiki energy. The attunement clears any blockages in your chakras, allowing the energy to flow freely and efficiently.

You might feel warmth, tingling, or a gentle pressure as the energy moves through your body. Some people experience a deep sense of peace or emotional release, while others may see colors, images, or have spiritual visions. Everyone’s experience is unique, but the common thread is a profound connection to the Reiki energy.

Receiving Sacred Symbols: A Key to Your Reiki Practice

Part of the attunement involves your Reiki Master sharing specific sacred symbols with you. These symbols are integral to the practice of Reiki, acting as keys that unlock different aspects of the energy. The Master may draw these symbols over your body or into your aura, and once they’re imprinted in your energy field, you’ll be able to use them in your own healing practice.

Each level of Reiki attunement introduces new symbols. For example, in Reiki II, you might receive symbols that help you send Reiki over distance or enhance emotional healing. These symbols become part of your energetic toolkit, accessible whenever you need them.

The Conclusion: Sealing the Attunement

Once the energy has been fully integrated, your Reiki Master will seal the attunement. This process ensures that the connection between you and the Reiki energy is secure and lasting. In an in-person attunement, the Master might use a gentle gesture, like a hand movement or a final breath, to signify the end of the ceremony.

After the attunement, you’ll likely feel a sense of calm and renewal. It’s a good idea to take a few moments to sit quietly, allowing the energy to settle and integrate into your system.

Post-Attunement: Embracing the Energy

In the hours and days following your attunement, you might notice subtle changes in your energy, emotions, or physical sensations. It’s not uncommon to experience a period of adjustment as your body and mind acclimate to the new level of energy flow. You might feel more sensitive, intuitive, or emotionally open.

It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Drink plenty of water, rest if needed, and allow yourself to process any emotions or insights that arise. Some people find that journaling or meditating helps them integrate the experience.

In person Reiki Attunements vs. Distant Reiki Attunements

When it comes to receiving a Reiki attunement, there are two primary ways this sacred ceremony can be conducted: in-person or distantly. Each method has its unique qualities and benefits, and both are effective in connecting you to the universal life force energy. Let’s explore the differences

In-Person Attunements:
- In-person attunements typically take place during a Reiki training workshop or a one-on-one session with your Reiki Master. In this setting, both you and the Reiki Master are physically present in the same room.
- During an in-person attunement, you will usually be seated comfortably in a chair with your eyes closed, allowing you to fully relax and focus inward. Your Reiki Master may place their hands on or near different parts of your body as they conduct the attunement process. This might involve specific hand placements over your chakras or energy points, helping to open and align your energy channels.
- In-person attunements are often preferred by those who value face-to-face interaction and the tangible, hands-on aspect of the ceremony for a personal and immersive experience. If you access to Reiki training in your local area they are a great way to receive your attunement.

Distant Attunements:
- Distant attunements offer a different, yet equally powerful, way to receive Reiki. In this method, the attunement ceremony is conducted remotely, meaning you and your Reiki Master are not in the same physical location.
- Although you may not be in the same room, the process of distant attunement is conducted with the same care and intention as an in-person ceremony. Your Reiki Master will perform the attunement at a pre-arranged time, sending the Reiki energy across space and time to reach you. During this time, you’ll be in a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax and be open to receiving the energy.
- Reiki energy is not bound by physical distance—it transcends time and space- whether we’re miles apart or just next door, the energy will find its way to you and reach you perfectly.
- Distant attunements are often preferred by students who are looking for flexibility, or who may feel more comfortable connecting with the Reiki energy in a familiar environment. Some people don’t have access to in-person Reiki training in their area, or don’t have the time or funds to attend an in-person workshop, but still want to connect with Reiki. Despite the lack of physical proximity, the spiritual connection remains strong, and the attunement is just as effective as one received in person. It offers the convenience of receiving the attunement wherever you are, allowing you to be in a familiar environment that promotes relaxation and openness.

Whether you’re sitting with your Reiki Master in person or receiving the attunement from afar, the Reiki energy will flow to you exactly as it’s meant to. Both attunement methods are equally effective in connecting you to the universal life force energy. The choice between in-person and distant attunements comes down to your personal preferences and circumstances.

What does a Reiki Attunement Feel like?

This is the exciting part—everyone’s experience is unique! During the attunement, you might feel a range of sensations: warmth, tingling, or a gentle pressure in certain areas. Some people see colors or images, while others experience deep emotional releases or profound peace. Whatever you feel, know that it’s exactly what you need at that moment.

We asked our members to describe their Reiki Attunement in three words, and this is what they had to say:

Connection, Love, Awareness
Magical, awakening, divine ✨
Enlightening, Invigorating, Life-changing 💖
Magical, out of body, awakening ✨
Powerful, Awakening and Life-Changing
Most Magical Experience 💫💛✨️
Completely life changing
Peaceful within myself ❤️
Dreamlike, profound, blissful.
Energy and colours
Sensory. Grounding. Divine.
Sacred, other-worldly
Powerful, transformative and spiritual 💫
Inspiring uplifting and heart warming
Teacher to student.
Absolutely amazing and the best feeling
Enlightenment Grounded and Peaceful is
Enlighteningly heart-openly magical
Light, Cleansing, Love
Powerful, enlightening, uplifting
Gift of life
Sacred, powerful, moving
Fulfilment, golden, enlightenment
Huge energy expansion
Emotional, loving and powerful.
Vivid sensory awakening
Magical, mysterious, wonder of love
Extraordinary powerful wonderful
Beginning new journey.

Here’s what you might experience during this sacred process:

1. Sensations of Warmth and Tingling:

Many people report feeling a warm or tingling sensation in their body. This is a sign that the universal life force energy is actively flowing through your energy channels, opening and aligning them.

2. Gentle Pressure:

You might experience a sensation of gentle pressure or subtle vibrations, which can be particularly noticeable around your chakras or other energy centers. This feeling often indicates that the Reiki Master is working to release blockages and balance your energy.

3. Visual and Sensory Experiences:

Some people see colors, shapes, or images during the attunement. These visual experiences can be a reflection of the energy work being done or a sign of heightened intuitive awareness. You may also notice changes in your sense of smell or hearing, as your energy system becomes more attuned to the subtle vibrations of Reiki.

4. Emotional Release:

The attunement process can sometimes bring up deep emotions or memories. You might find yourself feeling unexpectedly emotional, experiencing a release of old patterns, or having a profound sense of healing. This emotional release is a natural part of clearing out stagnant energies and making way for new, positive energy.

5. Profound Peace and Calm:

For many, the attunement brings a deep sense of peace, calm, and relaxation. You may feel a profound connection to your inner self and the universal life force, leading to a state of tranquility and centeredness.

6. Personal Insights and Intuitive Awareness:

During the attunement, you might gain new insights or experience a heightened sense of intuition. This can manifest as sudden realizations, clarity about personal issues, or a stronger connection to your spiritual guidance.

7. Unique and Individual Experience:

Remember, everyone’s experience is unique. What you feel during your attunement is exactly what you need at that moment. Trust that your body and spirit are responding to the Reiki energy in the most appropriate way for your personal growth and healing.

What if I didn’t feel anything during my Reiki Attunement?

Not feeling anything during a Reiki attunement is a common experience and nothing to worry about.

Individual Experiences Vary:
- People’s experiences with Reiki attunements can vary widely. Some might feel intense sensations, while others might feel very little or nothing at all. This variability is normal and does not reflect the success of the attunement.
Subtle Effects:
- Reiki energy is subtle, and its effects might not be immediately noticeable. Some individuals might perceive changes gradually over time, such as an increased sense of calm, enhanced intuition, or a shift in their energy levels.
Trust the Process:
- Trusting the process and being open to whatever experience unfolds is essential. The effects of an attunement might manifest in different ways for different people, and not feeling anything immediately does not mean that the attunement was ineffective.
Continued Practice:
- Continued practice and engagement with Reiki can enhance your sensitivity to the energy. Regular self-Reiki sessions, meditation, and mindfulness can help you become more attuned to the subtle sensations and effects.

What happens after a Reiki Attunement? The 21-Day Reiki Detox

After a Reiki attunement, your journey into deeper healing and transformation begins with what is known as the 21-Day Reiki Detox. This period is crucial for integrating the new energy and aligning your entire being with the frequencies you’ve just connected to.

Embrace the 21-Day Reiki Detox with patience and openness, knowing that it is a crucial part of your healing journey. This period of adjustment will help you fully integrate and benefit from the transformative power of Reiki.

What to Expect During the Detox

1. Mild Physical Changes:

Sleep Patterns: You might notice changes in your sleep, such as vivid dreams or occasional disturbances. This is your body’s way of processing and integrating new energy.
Appetite Fluctuations: Your eating habits may shift as your body adjusts. You might experience cravings or a change in appetite.
Mild Symptoms: Temporary symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or muscle aches may occur as your body detoxifies and rebalances.
All these changes should be mild and temporary, but of course you know your body best, and if you feel worried about any physical changes you should speak to a medical professional.

2. Emotional Release:

Mood Swings: Be prepared for potential emotional ups and downs. The detox phase often brings old emotions to the surface for release and healing.
Resurfacing Memories: You might find past memories or unresolved issues surfacing. This is part of the cleansing process, allowing you to let go of what no longer serves you.

3. Increased Sensitivity:

Heightened Intuition: You may experience a boost in intuitive abilities or heightened awareness of subtle energies around you.
Emotional Sensitivity: Your emotional responses may become more pronounced as your energy system clears and realigns.

4. Deepened Connection:

Reflection and Meditation: Use this time to deepen your meditation practice and engage in self-reflection. This helps integrate the new energies and enhances your connection with Reiki.
Journaling: Keeping a journal can be incredibly beneficial for tracking your experiences, insights, and any changes you notice during this period.

5. Sense of Calm and Clarity:

Renewed Perspective: As the detox progresses, you might gain new insights and perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself and your Reiki practice.
Inner Peace: A profound sense of peace and alignment often emerges as you clear out old energies and embrace the new vibrational frequency.

6. Integration of New Practices:

Consistent Reiki Practice: Regular practice of Reiki helps maintain the energy flow and supports ongoing healing. This includes both self-Reiki and any other techniques you’ve learned.
Healthy Habits: Adopt healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, to support your energy system and overall well-being.

Common Questions About Reiki Attunements

1. How long does a Reiki attunement take?

The ceremony typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. The exact duration depends on the Reiki Master and the level of attunement being performed.

2. Can anyone receive a Reiki attunement?

Yes, Reiki is accessible to anyone who is open to the experience. There are no special requirements other than a willingness to embrace the process and the energy.

3. Will I feel different after the attunement?

Many people experience noticeable shifts in their energy, sensitivity, and awareness following an attunement. However, each person’s experience is unique and varies.

4. How soon can I practice Reiki after an attunement?

You can begin practicing Reiki immediately after your attunement. It’s recommended to start with self-Reiki to integrate the energy before offering it to others.

5. Is one attunement enough?

One attunement connects you to Reiki energy, but many practitioners choose to receive additional attunements over time to deepen their practice and enhance their healing abilities.

6. Can I receive another attunement if I have had one already?

Once you are attuned to each level of Reiki, you don’t need to keep receiving attunements – they are for life. However some people might have another attunement if they feel called to connect with another Reiki Master, or they want an energy ‘top up’ after a long period away from Reiki. There is no harm in receiving another attunement, but it is not necessary.

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