If you have received one or two (or three) of the Reiki Attunements do you need to be re-attuned? Is it important if you are or are not (re-attuned)?

This is a question that comes up from time to time in Reiki circles and forums, and people are generally in agreement about the answers. Which are simply, NO you do not NEED to be re-attuned to Reiki once you have been attuned (it does not go away). But. It is a really really GOOD idea!

It also seems that there is a fair amount of consensus around that Usui recommended regular attunements for his students.

What is regular?

I think this is something that really needs some consideration. We have received emails from concerned Reiki people about clearing symptoms their clients have received as a result of an attunement or session. This is something that needs to be considered and the facilitator needs to be sensitive to each clients individual healing situation.

But, I think as a general guide every 3 months is a good rule of thumb.

Why do I need to be re-attuned?

Well, the answer really is that in a perfect world you wouldn’t. You would receive your attunement(s) at a workshop with a facilitator, spend time talking with that person, be taught the healing system (hand positions, symbols, lineage, etc) and do some practice. And then you would go away, and your healing would continue un-interrupted. You would have a treatment everyday (or more), you would be surrounded by like-minded people who only have your best healing interests at heart, and who are also working hard on their own enlightenment and wholeness.

But, that is not our reality. We live in the real world. And just from living life, and all its complexities, we pick up little blocks in our energy (unless we are VERY dedicated). Which is why re-attunement is a good idea. It helps wash those blocks through, and helps set us back on the healing path.

Only Reiki 2 or Reiki 1 and 2?

If you have received the Reiki 2 attunement you do not need to continue to receive the Reiki 1 attunement when you are re-attuned aswell (facilitators/teachers out there, please, feel free to disagree with me.. we can all learn more about what works well..)

But, having said that, their is a school of though that I have seen in the Reiki community that feels Reiki 1 relates to a certain level of healing (I think it is the body level) and Reiki 2 relates to another (I think it is mental and emotional). So, in that case if you were having energy blocks that seem connected strongly to your body, even though you have received the Reiki 2 attunement, you might ask your facilitator to give you the Reiki 1 attunement instead (never both together.. or close together.. it is too much energy clearing.. and do not get me started on weekend courses that include Reiki 1 and 2.. and sometimes 3.. not good)

Although, my understanding is that Reiki 2 in not HIGHER than Reiki 1, and each level is in fact a complete healing path in itself. Because different people have different dispositions, aptitudes and healing goals there are different Reiki courses (1, 2, and 3a - master/practitioner, 3b - master/teacher). They are not like grades in school. To be graduated from.

Final Note

The last thing to say is that Reiki is a blessing that will remain in your energy for a very long time (all your life-times if you believe in the after-life).. and continue to nurture and help you become more the person you are destined to be, whether you engage it our not.

But, like most things, the more you engage it, the more it can work together with your heart to heal and to bring about happiness and contentment.

Where your focus goes, so your energy flows.