Reiki Levels/Degrees
The teaching of Traditional Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels, or degrees.
First Degree/Level I
The first degree Reiki course teaches the basic theories and procedures. Four "attunements" are given to the student by the teacher. Students learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most conducive to the process in a whole body treatment. Having completed the first degree course, the participant can treat himself and others with Reiki. The course duration is traditionally four sessions but is usually conducted in one day at most schools.
Second Degree/Level II
In the second degree Reiki course, the student learns the use of three symbols which are said to enhance the strength and distance over which the effect can be exerted. Another attunement is given, which is said to further increase the capacity for Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols. Having completed the second level, the student can work without being physically present with the recipient. This is again just a day in length and we teach it the day after Level I.
Third Degree/Level III - Master/Teacher
Through the third degree, or "master training", the student becomes a Reiki Master. (In Reiki terminology, the word "master" does not imply spiritual enlightenment.) One or more attunements are carried out and the student learns a further master-level symbol. Having completed the master training, the new Reiki Master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees of Reiki. The duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on the school and philosophy of the Reiki Master giving the training. We allow at least a month between Level II and the Masters.
Alternative methods of training
There is much variation in training methods, speeds and costs. There is no formal accreditation body for Reiki, nor any regulation of the practice. The UK does have National Occupational Standards for ALL Healers. Reiki courses can even be taken over the internet*, although traditionalists state that attunement must be done in person in order to take effect, as the Reiki Master/Teacher doing the attunement must be able to actually touch the energy field of the person being attuned. Some traditionalists maintain that any method that teaches Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute for experience and patient mastery of the art.
There are now many different forms or systems of Reiki and the method of teaching these and the length of time required for mastery varies considerably between them. Also the school you are training at will have its own methods, traditions and timescales to suit what they do. Basically there is no standard for these things.
* Distance courses
Many courses are now sold very cheaply over the internet and the attunements are delivered by 'Chi Balls'. This is basically the same method as is used for Distant Healing so should have the same effect as an in-person attunement. If the Master and the recipient are in the correct 'mode' at an appointed time they should work. However, this perfect situation is not likely to happen so there must be some doubt over the method. There are bound to be be people out there selling distance attunements and just take their money and do nothing - they are just confidence tricksters.
We advise all our students to attend classes and be attuned properly. We will, in some cases, complete distance attunements when we know and trust the recipient.