Yesterday I had the pleasure of teaching a Reiki Master course for an advanced group of lightworkers and it occurred to me how diverse and beautiful each one’s gifts are and how truly adept they are at utilizing intuition in their healing practice.   You could argue that this intuition was something special that these particular individuals were given at birth, but I would say from personal experience that intuition is something that can be practiced and learned.  It is an art that has been lost as technology takes over a large portion of our lives and our days become increasingly filled with tasks.  Intuition is developed in the space between tasks, in the quiet.  Intuition requires listening to the universe and to your higher self.  It also involves trust.  Trust in your intuitive skills is built over a long period of time as you practice and improve your accuracy and learn more about how to receive and interpret your messages.

A Reiki attunement often expands one’s psychic ability and intuition as well.  It is not uncommon for my students to report miraculous events after being attuned, kundalini awakenings, and the emergence of psychic gifts that had been dormant inside of them that now, after the attunement, make themselves known. 

It is also very common when performing Reiki that the practitioner will receive messages while sending Reiki.  When a student is new to Reiki, they are often amazed at their new found ability to connect to the source and find themselves experiencing visions, hearing messages, and feeling sensations they haven’t felt before.   As a Reiki Master Teacher, it is one of my greatest joys to watch, guide and encourage others as they navigate and develop these gifts. 

Most people tend to strongly favor one type of “Clair”, they are usually visual, auditory, etc.  However, as you grow in your spiritual practice, you can work to heighten all of your psychic senses.  With each Reiki level attunement, the crown is opened and connected to source and you are “tuned” in to the Universal Life Force energy, which connects every living thing.

Below are the different types of “Clairs.”  Which type do you find yourself accessing in your lightwork?  Would you like to heighten a particular Clair?  Here I have provided you with some exercises you can use to practice heightening your abilities in each area.  Heightening any of these often takes practice so be gentle with yourself and keep practicing.  “Practice” is a lifelong journey and a beautiful one where we create our own unique relationship with the Devine.

Clairvoyance means clear seeing:  Individuals with a heightened sense of clairvoyance are able visually see messages from the past, present and future.  Spirit often communicates with these individuals by “showing” them, in their mind’s eye a symbol or representation of the message. 
You can develop your Clairvoyance skills by setting the intention you would like to heighten your clairvoyance skills.
1.       Practice guided meditations and try to envision the picture in your mind.
2.       Close your eyes and envision an object or person you are very familiar with, each time you practice, try to see more and more detail.  
3.       Try to envision an event in your past in as much detail as possible.

Clairaudience means clear hearing: Individuals with a heightened sense of clairaudience are often receive messages from Spirit by hearing a voice with a message.  They also might hear a ringing in their ear that alerts them to pay attention to something specific in their environment or to bring something to their awareness. 

You can start to develop your clairaudience skills by first setting the intention you would like to heighten your clairaudience skills.
1.       Close your eyes and focus only on what you hear.  See how many different sounds you notice.   
2.       In meditation you can flex your clairaudience skills by trying to remember specific sounds from your past.  Examples can be a train you used to hear in the night, your grandmother’s voice singing to you, etc.
3.       Listen to music and focus on only one instrument in the band or orchestra.

Clairsentience means clear feeling. Individuals with a heightened sense of clairsentience often feel messages from Spirit in their body, for example, “gut feelings” or feeling the pain of others in their own body.  Another example is getting the chills when something seems off, or when something feels really right.  This is often associated with those that are empathic.

You can develop your clairsentience skills by first setting the intention you would like to heighten your clairsentience skills.
1.       Have a friend bring you a photo of someone they know well but whom you do not know.  Look at their eyes and try to feel how they were feeling when the photo was taken.  Check with your friend to see how close you are.
2.       Practice psychometry:  Objects often hold the energy of the person who owns it or it’s place of origin.  Ask a friend bring you an object or family heirloom.  Hold the object and sense the energy.  Try to determine who owned this object, what were they like?  Where did the object come from?  Check with your friend to see how accurate you were.

Clairsalience means clear smelling:  If an individual has a heightened sense of clairsalience often receive messages from Spirit in the form of a smell that is not physically present.  This could be the smell of cigarette smoke or specific perfume someone would wear, apple pie baking, etc.
You can develop your clairalience skills by first setting the intention you would like to heighten your clairalience skills.
1.       Close your eyes and focus only on what you smell.  What smells are in your surroundings?
2.       Meditate and focus on a particular smell from your past, something your grandmother used to bake, or the smell of the campfire from your family camping trip as a child. 
3.       Gather scented objects, i.e. candles.  This works best if they are the same size and color and have a cover.  Remove the labels and mix them up.  Make sure you cannot physically smell the candle.  Then, try and smell a specific candle from across the room.  Check and see if you are correct.
 
Clairgustance means clear tasting:  If an individual has a heightened sense of clairgustance, it means they receive messages from Spirit in the form of a taste that is not physically present.  An example of this could be tasting cigarettes as a message from someone on the other side or tasting a specific meal you used to eat when you were on vacation each year.

You can develop our clairgustance skills by first setting the intention you would like to heighten your clairgustance skills.
1.       Taste a lot of different things and focus your attention to the variations in taste and texture.
2.       Meditate and focus on a particular taste, something from your past or your favorite food, actually feel the food in your mouth and see if you can taste it from your tastebuds.  This takes a lot of practice and will probably be subtle at first.
3.       Gather some various candies in similar size, shape and color.  Focus on each one inside the wrapper and try to feel it in your mouth how it tastes.  Then, taste the candy and see how close you were.

Claircognizance means clear knowing:  If an individual has a heightened sense of claircognizance it means they receive messages from Spirit in the form of knowledge of people or events that they would not normally have access to.  An example of this, is having a strong feeling that something will happen in the future, for example, predicting a stock market crash on a particular day or knowing what your friend is thinking in their exact words.  It comes quickly without vision, sound, or any of the other senses.  It is, in essence, downloaded directly into the crown chakra.

You can improve your claircognizance by first setting the intention and asking for guidance from any guides you work with.
1.       Focus on your crown chakra.  Meditate on the violet light and envision your crown chakra opening and receiving information from Spirit.
2.       Practice automatic writing:  Close your eyes and ask for a message from the Devine, then, grab a pen and paper and just write any thoughts that come to your mind.  These thoughts may not make sense at first, but just write down everything, you will often make connections later.
3.       Ask a friend to sit with you.  Ask for a message for your friend from Spirit and write what comes to you.  Share the information with your friend and see if it resonates!
   
I am excited to hear about your experiences and any questions you may have.  You can post these in the comments or access me directly at:  www.facebook.com/todayreikimariah   

​Namaste!

Introduction to Reiki:
The Energy Healing System of REIKI
"The Human Touch that Heals"

What is Reiki?
    Reiki (pronounced "Ray-Key" is a system of healing which uses the universal life force energy that permeates all living things.  This energy has been known throughout history and in various cultures by different names. The word Reiki, when translated from Japanese, can be broken down into two parts 1. “Rei” – meaning “universal” and “Ki” – meaning "life force energy," or the energy that is thought to be present in all living things.   The word "Reiki" means "universal life force" in Japanese.  

     A Reiki practitioner channels the universal life force energy for healing and well-being to themselves or others.  The energy flows through the crown chakra (top of the head) down through the hands of the practitioner.  There are 22 specific hand positions in which the practitioner places their hands on the client’s body.  When healing is needed, the practitioner’s hands typically become very warm and then cool off when the transfer of energy has completed. 

     Reiki can also be done without the client being physically present.  This is called a Reiki “absentee healing”.  The Reiki absentee healing is facilitated through the practitioner’s meditative state.   
Reiki can literally be used for any type of healing, physical or emotional.  It can also be used to clear objects and spaces and reset negative energy to positive. The most important thing that you should know about Reiki, is that it can only be used for good.  Reiki is a wellness practice like Yoga or Thai Chi, it is not a religion and does not require or prohibit any specific belief system.

     One thing everyone who practices Reiki will agree on is that there is a power in the Universe that can be used to heal.   Even those who don’t believe in Reiki itself have seen benefit!
Reiki is passed from Reiki Master to student through a ritual called an “attunement”.  The attunement performed by the Reiki Master is a combination of calculated movements, Reiki symbols, breath and intention which begin the flow of Reiki energy through the student while the student is in a meditative state.  Once the attunement process is complete, the student can immediately access the energy to heal themselves and others.

​If you are interested in learning Reiki, click here for more information about classes.

Reiki Clearing and Grounding Tools


When practicing Reiki, clearing and grounding are important concepts. The process of clearing and grounding enables the practitioner to protect themselves from the client’s energy. The client may not have “negative energy” but the energy is theirs and belongs with them, not with the practitioner. When working with energy it is quite easy to pick up other's energy if you do not protect yourself through clearing and grounding tools and techniques. I will review my favorite grounding tools that aide in the process of grounding and clearing.


1. Burning Sage or “Smudging”

Before and after the Reiki session, smudging the space and body with sage is like taking an energetic shower. The smoke from the dried sage changes the ionic composition of the air and I have found that the scent enables me and the client to transcend into meditation more easily. Guide the smoke around your body, from the top of your head to under your feet, between your legs and across all of the chakras.

Before the client comes in, I burn sage and smudge the entire space. As I do so, I fill the space with the intent of love and light. I smudge my entire body as well, head to toe and ask for help from the greater good to guide the healing process that is about to begin. I also chant “Only love and light are allowed in this space.” I open the doors and/or windows when possible to allow fresh energy flow. The entire space should be smudged. I open and smudge all of the drawers, around the doors and the corners of the room.

After the session, after sweeping the aura, while the client is still laying on the Reiki table, I smudge their body from head to toe with the intention of removing any energy that no longer serves them and has been released in our healing session. I also smudge my entire body from head to toe and ask for clearing, cleansing and protection of my energy from the surrounding energy that is not mine.

Note: Some clients are allergic or find smoke and fragrances distracting. I always ask my clients about this before using sage during their healing session. As you will see, there are other tools to use for grounding and clearing that do not require smoke or fragrances.



2. Selenite
​Selenite is a milky translucent form of gypsum. Selenite crystals are often formed as seawater evaporates and as they become heavier, they sink to the bottom of the sea. Because they are from the bottom of the sea, formed at the lowest points on the Earth’s surface, they hold great grounding properties and help to connect to mother earth.
Selenite is a great way to ground and clear clients that are sensitive to fragrances and smoke, but I also use it in conjunction with sage if the client is agreeable.

Selenite is a self-clearing stone, so unlike most stones or crystals, you do not have to clear them prior to use.

In my practice, I use Selenite wands. I hold one in each hand and “sweep” off my hands and body, (much like using a bar of soap) before and after a session. I also put one wand on each side of the client during the healing session, often under their palms flat on the table.
After using the wands, repeat the clearing process.


3. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is considered a nervine substance, which means it affects nerves and the nervous system to provide a feeling of calm and balance.
Frankincense is mentioned in the New Testament several times and was a gift to baby Jesus. It has been used in Christian ceremonies for hundreds of years.

Frankincense is resin harvested from trees of the genus Boswellia. The resin goes through steam distillation to produce oil. The aroma is earthy and grounding in nature.


Note: It is important not to use oil that is labeled for aromatherapy use only in the manner I will describe.

I mix 10-20 drops of Frankincense oil and distilled water in a small 3oz glass squirt bottle and spray a few squirts the mixture on my hands, before and after the healing sessions.
Also, using an oil diffuser and a few drops of Frankincense oil with distilled water, I diffuse the oil throughout the session (aromatherapy).

Again, due to its aromatic properties, I always ask the client prior to using aromatherapy.

4. Tuning Forks
​Sound and Sound Baths have been used for centuries for grounding and clearing. Tuning forks work with vibrations to create an environment where positive energy can exist. For use in general clearing of a space, I use high vibration forks.

I activate the sound (I hit 2 together, but you can also use a mallet) and circle around my entire body, head to toe, as well as all around the space. The uplifting vibration invites more positive energy to be present. It's also is useful after the session to clear any low vibration from your field and space.
​
5. Grounding meditations.

There are several meditations that can be used to ground. Grounding meditations strengthen your connection to the Earth.


In Practice:

There are many ways to ground. The important thing is that you make a solid energetic connection to the Earth, so that you may remain energetically “anchored” to the source.

Remember Reiki can only be used for good and there is no danger in practicing, but many people who are drawn to be healers tend to give more of themselves in the beginning while learning their new techniques. The energy you are channeling should not be your own. The energy should flow from the Devine into your crown like an antenna, and out of your hands to the recipient. All that is needed is intention. You do not have to “try” to make it work as the energy knows what to do simply by your intention to heal. The energy should never flow backwards into your body.

Indications/Examples that you are not grounded:
You “feel” the client’s ailments in your own body in a negative way.
You feel like your energy is depleted after a session.
You feel nauseated.
You feel unstable or dizzy.


What to do if you notice you are not grounded:

1. Stop and take a moment to ground yourself again using the tools discussed. Try a different tool or add tools if one is not working well for you.

2. Envision surrounding yourself in white Devine cleansing light. Chant to yourself or out loud “Only love and light are allowed in this body.”

3. Continue grounding until symptoms subside. If you continue your session, make sure the energy is flowing in the correct direction.

4. Call your teacher if you need help with grounding. I’m always here for you!


Do not be afraid, this sometimes takes practice! Be gentle with yourself while you’re learning.

Reiki I

The introduction to Reiki is called Level 1 or Reiki I. When a student completes Reiki I, they are able to facilitate Reiki in a "hands-on" method. Meaning, the recipient of the Reiki will need to be present in order for the energy to be transferred from the Reiki practitioner to the recipient. In order for one to learn Reiki I, they must choose a Reiki Master to conduct the attunements and teach them the history and tradition of Reiki. Since Reiki is passed on from master to student, it is important for the student to choose a Reiki Master he/she feels comfortable with.

In the Reiki I class, the student is introduced to meditation techniques in order to prepare for the Reiki I initiation attunement passed from their Reiki Master. In the Reiki I attunement process, there is a transfer of energy that opens the student to up to the universal life force energy we refer to as "Reiki".
There are four attunements in Reiki I conducted by the Reiki Master and each one must occur no less than one hour apart. Typically, the Reiki I process takes approximately 8 hours to complete. It can be completed in one day or multiple days. Once the attunements are complete, the student becomes a facilitator for channeling healing energy.

Hand positions are introduced, as well as the chakra system, visualization, sweeping the aura, closing and ethics. After the Reiki I attunements are complete, there is a 21 day clearing process for student of the seven major chakras and an expansion of the student's aura.

After completing the Reiki I course, the student receives a certificate from the Reiki Master certifying that the student is now a Reiki practitioner. The Reiki I level practitioner can then use the universal life force energy for themselves or other recipients wanting to experience Reiki healing energies.





Reiki II

The second level of Reiki is called "Absentee Reiki" or Reiki II. The student must first be a Reiki I practitioner for at least 21 days prior to receiving the Reiki II attunements from their Reiki Master. The major differences between a Reiki I and a Reiki II practitioner is that when practicing Reiki II, the recipient does not need to be present.

There are two attunements in Reiki II, each must be at least one hour apart. There are also symbols that are passed from the Master to the student that must be memorized by the student. The symbols are used to work with such issues as past-life, karmic, spiritual, emotional and physical healing. The energy transferred in Reiki II opens the student to channel more Reiki energy. It also starts a 21 day clearing process of the 7 major chakras and expands the aura even larger than before.

Reiki III - Reiki Master Training

In order to learn Reiki III, the student must have completed Reiki II and the 21 day clearing process. Reiki III completely opens the student to the Reiki energy. Reiki breathing is introduced, as well as new symbols to aid in the energy flow. The student will receive the third level attunements as well as the symbols in the complete Usui system. In Reiki III, the student becomes a Reiki Master.

At the Reiki III level, each time an attunement is given, the attuner receives one also. In Reiki III, the student is also introduced to the "water ceremony" whereby water is energized by the breath of life.

The energy transferred in Reiki III opens the student to channel more Reiki energy and expands the aura even larger than before.

The student learns to pass the attunements necessary to teach Reiki 1 and Reiki 2.

Reiki Master Teacher Training and Certification

For those students who desire to empower others with the complete system of holistic healing and personal development, the Master/Teacher course is linked with much fulfillment and growth as well as having a special blessing of its own.

The student receives the highest attunements and is attuned to the Reiki Master Teacher Symbol. The student is able to pass the gift of Reiki III and conduct the attunements for others wanting to become Reiki Masters.