I have been asked by several students whether receiving or learning Reiki requires a particular religious belief-set or orientation. The short answer is "no." Reiki healing requires an openness and readiness to heal, not a particular faith. Although a positive attitude helps tremendously in any endeavor, Reiki does not even require "faith." Reiki will assist a person in healing if the person is truly ready to heal, regardless of her or his belief system.
In the course of my Reiki practice, I have worked with Protestants, Catholics, Pagans, Agnostics, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews. Reiki does not discriminate on the basis of religion. Indeed, Reiki can (and will be) perceived by each individual in accord with her or his present belief system. When I received my first Reiki attunement (empowerment), my Reiki Master spoke of the angels that were filling the room. She said Michael and Gabriel and Mother Mary were present, as well as a host of others. Other Reiki Masters prefer to speak of "Reiki guides" or "Spirit guides." Still others prefer to just see energy beings or beings of light.
However we choose to perceive it, the healing that occurs with Reiki is of a spiritual or energetic source. I tell my students that I cannot heal a person; it is Spirit (or God, Goddess, the Universe, the LifeForce, or Chi) that really does the work. Regardless of whether we call something an angel or a guide, Reiki energy and Reiki healing will work for us, should we choose to accept it.
Healing Blessings,
C Lynn Carr (Sea)
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