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What is a Reiki Attunement?

A Reiki Attunement is simply a means of giving access to someone in order to tap into the 'Universal life force energy'. This is done by a Reiki Master using special symbols and gestures in a small ceremony or ritual. During this ritual the energy field of the participant is attuned, or fine tuned, using the same symbols that the founder Dr Mikao Usui used when training his own students. Once this 'attunement' has taken place, it becomes permanent.

A basic outline of an 'attunement' ceremony goes as follows:

The Reiki Master first grounds and centers themselves and instructs the recipient(s) in grounding and centering themselves. At this point mention is made that this is the recipients ceremony and they should try to be open to any and all experiences which may happen during the course of the attunement. The Master then stands in front of the recipient and it is traditional for him/her to hold their hands up high at shoulder height with palms facing forward. The recipient would normally be seated with enough room around them for the Master to work all around them.
The Master walks around the recipient in one full circle stands behind the recipient.
There are two halves to the ceremony, one part carried out behind the recipient, the other part carried out in front of them.
The Master holds the left hand palm up beside the recipients head.
Using the right hand, the Master draws the symbols over the crown of the recipients head.
The Master will then walk around to the front of the recipient.
The Master will take the recipients hands between their own for a moment or two.
Symbols are then drawn over the hands. Each symbol being drawn once.
The recipients forehead (which relates to the third eye) is lightly touched.
The Reiki symbols are drawn over the forehead as this relates to the 'third eye'.
The Masters' right hand is held over the recipients left hand, this is then repeated with the left hand held over the recipients right hand.
The Master brings the recipients palms together again.
The Master will gently touch the recipients heart area which helps to ground them bringing them back into their own space.
The Master will step back and bow.

During the attunements or even after, the recipient may feel strange sensations, overwhelming emotions or perhaps just a feeling of lightness. The body is adjusting itself to accept this new energy flow so it may take a few moments, or sometimes a few hours or even days, to become accustomed to this new gift.