The Reiki Cafe 

I have recently completed the second Level of Usui Reiki, so I am hoping this is not a question I should know the answer to... This is not something I was taught, but I read that "the client should always be attuned before attempting to channel Reiki Light Energy and that use of the (mental/emotional balance symbol) can actually be harmful when used on a non-attuned client, as it affects the upper four energy centers." The hand positions for this "attunement" are given and there is also an offer to purchase "chakra balance and clearing plates". I am quite concerned about this as I have used the mental/emotional balance symbol -- seemingly with good results - it felt right to me. But now I am concerned... Any feedback will be appreciated.

Hi yellowhawk,

Namaste ... :-}}

Not sure how to answer this one because I am not sure I understand what the text you quote from actually means.
Attunements are received from a master/teacher to enable you to use the reiki energy ... the client isn`t attuned during normal reiki practise ... don`t worry about not knowing answers to questions ... we all ask what we think may be dumb questions and then find many others who havn`t a clue on the topic either!!
We are not born with the knowledge ... this is a great place to throw questions out and wonderful answers come showering back!!
I truly don`t believe you can harm your clients by using the mental/emotional symbol - Reiki does no harm, and can only do good. If it felt right to you, then I am sure it was ...
Every happiness with using reiki ...
Love and light
philanty

Yellowhawk,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

Welcome to The Cafe. :-}}

I am glad for your voice and light.

I would say that only Reiki masters who are trained to passe attunemnts should do so.

Reiki 2 practitioners, as far as I know, are not trained nor attuned to the Master symbols so should wait till they are.

But, as a trained and Attuned Reiki 2 practitioner you may use the the Symbols you are taught and attuned to as you feel the situation warrants or as requested by a client.

I have not heard that clients should be attuned before using any symbols for which one is attuned oneself -

- that seems a bit absurd to me but I tend to be opinionated, it seems, from time to time.

>:-}}

Remember too - what a person does with the nergy they accept is not your responsibility - however, it is the practitioner's responsibility to be Mindful of the client's state and act accordingly.

Hope this helps,

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Philanty and Firekeeper, thank you very much for your very supportive replies. This board is a wonderful place!
I should clarify that the "attunement" process being described uses no symbols, but regardless, I am relieved to hear you reinforce what my instinct was telling me. I was taught that Reiki can do no harm and having it reinforced is helpful. I'm looking forward to many years with Reiki and moving on to the Masters level, but I know I have a lot to learn. Thanks for your contributions! Peace - Yellowhawk

Greetings Yellowhawk;

metta and namaste.

Not sure exactly what you are referring to with the clearing plates and attunements to use the symbols on the person being treated.

Symbols, are exactly that, a symbolic representation of something. They are used for helping to connect to the energy (as a stimulus-response tool) or to aid in mindfulness when treating someone.

They can be used whenever you want, or not at all, as need be. In Japan it is taught that they are a tool, akin to training wheels on a bike. Used when needed, let go of when not needed.

Take a look in my book, "Reiki Plain and Simple" in the level 2 section, it will explain this in more detail.

Take gentle care;

Vinny

Yellowhawk,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

There is a practice Usui Sensei taught called Reiju - it was a symboless practice which the Master used to strengthen and open the connection his students had to the movement of energy.

Some call this practice an attunement - but as I understand it and was taught, it was a repeated practice - in ths sense not at all like attunements which are "one-time" and permanent (unless removed - but who would wish such a thing)

There are also other symboless ways to enhance an energy connection - some styles of Kundalini yoga use them.

If it is a practice that must be repeated I would not classify it as an attunement in the Reiki tradition.

Hope this helps.

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

I recommend that you listen to your intuition regarding the use of any symbols etc. What you read in books and hear from other people is only "their" opinions and experiences. By stating that the "highest and best interest of your client be served" before channeling a healing session, you are safeguarding yourself from crossing over any boundaries. Your client will then reject any symbol or intention that you set in a healing (if it is not in their highest and best interest to receive the healing).

Yellowhawk,
I am a Reiki Master/Teacher trained in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki. I have never heard of any possible way that any symbol could injure or cause damage to anyone. Even if a symbol is inapropriate at a given time, as I have been taught, the receiver of the energy will simply not accept it. or the Source will not allow it to pass.
As the energy is guided Divinely, fear nothing and enjoy the blissful work of healing. Remember, in reiki it is all about your intentions. :) youngmaster

Many thanks to all of you for your very supportive replies and knowledge sharing. I think you are all saying trust the guides and inner knowing and know that Reiki will flow where and how it is needed. This feels wonderful - like Reiki. Blessings to you all. Yellowhawk.