I don't agree that one should not read all they can about Reiki. After I took Reiki One, my Reiki master told me to read everything I could get my hands on and, of course, to practice Reiki. I found many books, one being Murray's. I continued taking Reiki, but from another master. This one did NOT want me to read anyone else's work on Reiki. However,I am glad I did because different Masters do Reiki differently. There is a more traditional approach with specific hand positions used every time (my 1st master) and then there is another approach which seems to be more intuitive or psychic (2nd master).
There are also different ways of drawing the symbols. At first this didn't make sense to me until someone explained that the symbols are like the symbols of our alphabet to make words and that there are variations in everyone's handwriting. I may slant to the left, some else to the right. So, slight variations in symbols exists between the masters I studied with and the symbols in the books I have found .... but they are ESSENTIALLY all the same and quite recognizable as such.
I am not a "purest" as some may be. I have never followed the rules stringently. I believe in the pureness of intent only! The symbols are only powerful because we give them power. WE are the power because it is our intent to offer ourself as a channel for divine energy.
I say, READ, READ, READ. Do REIKI and learn other forms of healing, like QuantumTouch or whatever. Meditate, love, and bless your beautiful self.
