Each Reiki degree initiation involves an energy attunement-- a powerful infusion of energy that clears and allows the initiate to channel Reiki. While receiving an attunement you will remain comfortably seated with hands in prayer position, eyes closed. You will feel me moving around you, lightly touching and tapping your hands at times, and you may hear blowing sounds. It usually lasts between 10-15 minutes. I will quietly let you know when the attunement is finished and place your hands on your heart. You may remain seated as long as you like until you are ready to get up and join the group.
Level I Reiki requires four separate attunements using the Western/Takata technique. The Usui/Tibetan technique that I prefer incorporates Eastern elements to combine everything in the four separate attunements into one. Both methods are powerful and effective.
Journaling to record your experience is a good idea and is highly recommended, especially during the first two weeks after an attunement. Everything you experience and process at this time might be helpful to you later. Soon after the attunement, you will give a Reiki treatment to ground the energy and learn hand placement.
People experience the attunement process differently. One attunement may be different from the next, even for the same person. Emotional release and feelings of serenity, seeing lights, colors and symbols are all common. The experience of many has shown that the attunement is “working” even if nothing is felt. During, or soon after the attunement, awareness of energy in the hands is nearly a universal experience, and is often experienced as heat.
It is essential to use the Reiki energy often after receiving the first degree attunement. Daily self-treatments are recommended for at least two weeks, and are often maintained for six weeks, or indefinitely. The attunement, once accepted, will never diminish. It will be with you as long as you accept it. Receiving attunements more than once for the same degree is not uncommon and can be beneficial as it raises and refines our energy.
The effects of receiving the first degree vary. Initiates often experience mental, emotional, and physical clearing. This might take the form of a cleansing and detoxification period. Plenty of rest and water can help this process. Salt baths are also useful. It’s possible that the cleansing process can intensify symptoms as blockages are released and take the form of a “healing crisis.” Though physical, mental, and emotional issues may become more prominent during such a clearing, the discomfort is usually soon resolved. It is also common to experience a new sense of peace and serenity after an attunement. Reiki can facilitate our spiritual journey by working with our level of development, and each of us may have different needs.
Preparing for an attunement
Here are some recommendations that might be helpful in preparing and enhancing your attunement experience. Please follow as you feel led to do so. The attunement will work, regardless.
Wear clothing to class made of natural fibers (i.e. cotton, silk, bamboo)
Consider reducing your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, animal products, and sugar at least a few days in advance.
Spend some quiet time, perhaps in nature away from stimulating activities (i.e. television, crowds of people)