Reiki Level 1 and Level 2 FAQs | Reiki Certification | Buffalo, NY
Reiki Level 1: The Beginning (The Self-Healing Journey)
Q: Do I need any previous experience to take Level 1?
A: Not at all! Level 1 is the "Foundations" course. It is open to anyone with a desire to learn. You don’t need to be "gifted" or have a background in holistic health to begin.
Q: What exactly happens during the "Attunement"?
A: Think of an attunement as a "tuning" for your energetic radio. The Reiki Master performs a brief ceremony that opens your energy centers (chakras), allowing you to channel Reiki energy more clearly.
Q: What sensations may I experience during the “Attunement”?
A: Students often feel warmth or a cool breeze flowing around them or through their palms and the top of their head. Many students visualize colors of violet, deep blue, and gold. You may experience scenes of nature, symbols, or your spirit guides. Some students report tingling or pulsing sensations in the body or palms. You may experience feelings of weightlessness, floating, while others feel grounded and anchored to the earth. Some students experience heightened sounds or sounds of nature. It is also possible to simply experience feelings of peace and calm. Every person’s experience is unique.
Q: Will I be able to heal people right away?
A: After Level 1, your primary focus is self-healing. While you can certainly share Reiki with friends, family, and pets, this level is designed to help you ground your own energy first.
Q: Can I lose my Reiki connection if I don’t use it for a while?
No. Once you are attuned, the “channel” stays open for life. Even if you haven’t practiced in years, you can simply place your hands on yourself and the energy will flow.
Q: Will I feel drained after giving someone Reiki?
Actually, the opposite, because you are acting as a conduit for universal energy rather than using your own personal energy. You should feel energized or calm after the session.
Q: Can I perform Reiki on my pets or plants?
Yes. Animals are particularly sensitive and usually love Reiki. Plants also respond well to the energy. Level 1 is a fantastic time to start experimenting with living things in your home.
Q: What does the 21-day cleansing period involve?
A: After your attunement, your body undergoes a natural shift. We recommend a daily self-practice for 21 days to help integrate the energy. You might feel more emotional or tired during this time, it’s just your system "leveling up."
Q: How to prepare for the 21-day cleanse:
Preparation is about making the body a "clearer vessel" for the energy to flow through. The following are suggestions to practice 24–48 hours before class:
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Water is a conductor for energy; being dehydrated can lead to "Reiki headaches."
• Eat "Clean": Focus on whole foods. Many practitioners suggest reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol to keep the nervous system calm.
• Clear the Schedule: If possible, avoid high-stress meetings or intense social obligations immediately after the attunement weekend.
• Set an Intention: Ask, "What am I ready to release?" or "What am I inviting in?"
Reiki Level 2: The Practitioner (The Inner Journey)
Q: How long should I wait after Level 1 before taking Level 2?
A: Most teachers recommend waiting at least 21 days to 3 months. This ensures your body has integrated the Level 1 frequencies and you’ve established a consistent self-practice.
Q: I don’t feel “intuitive” enough yet. Should I wait?
A: Level 2 is actually where your intuition begins to sharpen. You don’t need to be psychic to start; the level 2 symbols act as tools to help bridge that gap. The practice creates the intuition.
Q: What are the "Reiki Symbols"?
A: In Level 2, you are taught three sacred symbols. These act as "keys" to focus the energy. They help with increasing power, emotional/mental clearing, and sending Reiki across time and space.
Q: What if I forget how to draw the Reiki Symbols perfectly?
A: Intention is 90% of the work. While we strive for accuracy, the energy responds to your heart’s intent. We will practice them until they feel like second nature, and you’ll receive a manual to refer back to.
Q: Can I really send Reiki to someone who isn't in the room?
A: Yes! This is the highlight of Level 2. You will learn the Distance Healing technique, which allows you to send energy to people, past traumas, or future events (like a job interview) regardless of physical location.
Q: Can I start a professional practice after Level 2?
A: Generally, yes. Level 2 is considered the "Practitioner Level." In many regions, this is the certificate required to get professional liability insurance and begin charging for sessions.
Q: How is the Level 2 attunement different?
A: The Level 2 attunement provides a higher frequency of energy. While Level 1 focused on the physical body, Level 2 focuses more on the ethereal and emotional bodies, sharpening your intuition significantly.
What is the Level 2 Attunement?
During the Level 2 attunement ceremony, the Reiki Master "taps in" three sacred symbols into the student's energy field (specifically the palms and the crown chakra). This process "upgrades" your internal antenna, allowing you to bridge the gap between the physical world and the mental/emotional realms. It is a sacred initiation that marks your transition from a student focusing on self-healing to a practitioner capable of helping others and sending energy across time and space.