by Rev. Jason Storm

When the time comes that you feel that you are ready to begin training others you will suddenly find yourself with quite a bit to think about. Where do you begin? What will you present and how? It is common for a student coming to you for a paid class to receive some materials to support the training, and my master gave me quite a lot of material to digest. Ultimately I didn't find it nearly as useful as the actual practice of the techniques and other independent research. There are many sources of materials available online, a great majority of them for absolutely free. I highly recommend Vincent Amador's site at www.angelreiki.nu, he presents the entire Reiki training in the form of an e-book that you can even download and print. (Editor's note: Vinny's URL no longer works; the link takes you to the archive of his website, where all the information is intact.)

Another absolutely EXCELLENT source that you should already have in your library, and certainly if you're planning on teaching, is Diane Stein's "Essential Reiki". (Editor's note: I do not fully recommend Stein's book - she provides a lot of misinformation on the origins of Reiki and includes some personal viewpoints as well as exercises that aren't really part of the Reiki tradition.)

I have outlined for you below a sample curriculum that is by no means comprehensive. This is the format I typically follow on the rare occasion that I offer an actual class. Most of my training has been on a one-on-one basis and that works for me.

NOTE: I highly recommend that you wait at least three months from the time of your Master Attunement before you teach your first class!

(Editor's note: Contrary to Storm's outline below, I typically spend some time prior to the atunement explaining Reiki and giving the "dry" information first, because once the student is attuned, they tend to be a little "spacey" and not as receptive to information.)

Suggested First Degree Course Outline

I. Attune the student.
A. Explain clearing process.
B. Answer any questions.

II. Tell Origins of Reiki and the story of Dr. Mikao Usui.
A. Tell the story of Usui's Holy Quest on the mountain.
B. Explain common misconceptions.
1. Usui was Buddhist (Shinto), Not Christian.
2. The origin of the exorbitant fees was Mrs. Takata.

III. The chakras (if not previously studied).
A. Location of each.
B. Traditional color and function.
C. Dowsing the chakras with a Pendulum.
D. The Reiki Flow Circuit (Enters crown, descends to heart, exits the hands).

IV. The traditional hand positions.
A. Explain their purpose and function.
B. Stress freedom and intuition.

V. The treatment session.
A. Do not diagnose illness unless you a licensed medical professional.
B. Be professional in every respect.
C. Briefly explain what you will be doing and allow the client to ask questions.
D. Begin treatment (do hands on demonstrations at this time).
E. Discuss any issues that arise during the session with the client.
F. Make appointment for next session if necessary.

VI. Self-treatment and its importance.
A. Meditation and self-evolution.
B. Self-treatment techniques.
C. Chi Kung and other energy exercises. (optional)

VII. Discussion and preparation for Level II.
A. What Second Degree Reiki is all about.
B. The importance of using Reiki every single day in preparation for advancement.
C. Presentation of First Degree Certificates.

And then below for a Second Degree Class.

I. Attune the student.
A. Explain Clearing Process.
B. Answer any questions.

II. Explain the Symbols and their uses.
A. History of secrecy.
B. Memorize and learn to "send whole" instead of drawing.

III. Spirit Guides and Higher Sense Perception.
A. Getting in touch and heeding their guidance.
B. Exercises for developing Auric vision and Scanning.
C. The non-existence of "coincidence".

IV. Treatment session with the symbols. (Hands-On Demo)
A. Including the symbols with each position.
B. Using symbols to seal the treatment.

V. Distance Healing.
A. Basic technique.
B. Practice session.
C. Self-treatment at a distance.

VI. Discussion and preparation for Master Level.
A. What Master Level Reiki is all about.
B. The importance of using Reiki every single day in preparation for advancement.
C. Hui Yin and how to prepare for it.
D. Presentation of Second Degree Certificates.

And for Master Level Classes

I. Attune the student.
A. Explain Clearing Process.
B. Answer any questions.

II. Share and explain the Master Symbol and Raku.

III. How to pass attunements.
A. Explanation and written outline.
B. Instructor demonstration.
C. Student practice and demonstration.
D. Teaching Reiki at each level.

IV. Legal issues and professionalism for the Reiki Master.
A. Ministerial Ordination and why it may be important.
B. Client confidentiality.
C. Advertisement, organizing classes, payment, and scholarships.
D. Certificates, the Master Seal, and professional associations.

V. Master Rite.
A. Welcoming a new Master and Colleague.
B. Moment of Silence and Prayer of Gratitude.
C. Lighting of the Master Candle and sharing the flame of Reiki.

This is clearly just a rough outline of one Reiki Master's teaching curriculum. You will most certainly develop your own style and techniques. I strongly encourage you to read as much as you can, join or start a Reiki group in your area, and get friendly with other Reiki people in your area or online. These will be the most valuable teachers you will ever encounter in the fullness of your existence.