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.
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.
RSS Feed
