A Reiki initiation (attunement) is passed down by a Reiki Master through a series of sacred rituals.

A Reiki attunement is an initiation to open up crown, heart, and palm chakras to allow Reiki energies to flow through. Reiki attunements open a channel for the Reiki energy to flow from practitioner's hands to the client.

The attunement process takes two half-days. Each half-day takes approximately 4 hours. There are 4 attunements in total and two are given in each day. (This can be given in one day as well)

The actual attunement process for all four initiations are secret and kept so for sacred reasons. The initiation involves the student sitting on a chair with their eyes closed and hands together in a prayer position. The Reiki Master then moves around the student operating various sacred rituals, which eventually after the second day of initiation will result in a Reiki practitioner.

Throughout the whole initiation process, the Reiki Master and the newly initiated practitioner are constantly giving Reiki treatments to each other. Here, the new Reiki practitioner is taught the various body positions that are more conducive to Reiki energy as well as all the necessary information required by Reiki I. The practitioner is taught how to give hands-on as well as hands-off techniques, something that has been rediscovered in the West quite recently. This diversity of healing allows the Reiki practitioner to then improvise and innovate with their healing when they leave.

Preparing for your Reiki Attunement

	Eliminate or reduce intake of meat, fowl, or fish from your diet 3 days prior to your class date. Not necessary but beneficial.
	Lower your intake of alcohol for at least 3 days prior to the attunement. Preferably none, to clear your energetic field.
	If you are on any type of medication, continue to take it as prescribed prior to and on the day of attunement.
	Smokers should take care to smoke as little as possible for the day prior to the class date and on the day of the attunement.
	Become conscious of outside stimulation (television, radio, computers, newspapers). Observe with detachment.
	If possible, find moments of solitude. Meditation and spending time with nature (walks, sitting beside streams, etc.).
	Be gentle with yourself. Try not to tackle any tasks, physically or emotionally that will deplete your energies.
	You may choose a water or juice fast for 1 to 3 days prior to the attunement. (This is optional and a rare luxury) Try to drink plenty of water

Following a Reiki attunement into Reiki I, most practitioners feel immediate reactions and responses. A Reiki practitioner will almost certainly feel the 'heat' sensation from their hands immediately when they practice on themselves or another recipient. Some can take a couple of days or longer but there is no way that Reiki cannot be attuned within an individual, it is infallible.

Many feel intense visual or auditory dreams. Many can experience visions during their initiation process as well as afterwards. Some feel emotional blockages suddenly release as Divine energy breaks free many shackles of life's pains. However, as with all things expectations can delay eventual changes so try to be in the present moment at all times.

The newly initiated Reiki practitioner, following his/her attunement undergoes an intense period of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical cleansing over a period of 21 days. During this time, the Reiki practitioner is asked to apply self-healing in order to acclimatise to the powerful energies being transmitted through them. If possible it is good to practice on others whenever there is a chance. Friends and family can all offer suitable subjects for your new skills!

During the 21 days, it is traditional to sacrifice toxic foods and luxuries i.e. alcohol and/or cigarettes or if one does not partake in these then to refrain from sweets or meat for example.

Be wary of those that you attract during this sacred time. Many of the more sensitive amongst you may find that there are people or family and friend members that release a lot more of their burdens towards yourself - remember that your renewed light may act as a beacon to others, however you may not be ready to offer your light unless it is balanced within itself. Therefore, it is your imperative to look after your own energy first, especially during this time.