This is version 2.0 of this Frequently Asked Questions list. What follows are some of the questions that we've been asked by students. If anyone would like to add to this, by asking more questions, please mail us. We will also add to it ourselves.
These are the questions answered in this FAQ:
1. Why are you called the 'Kether' School of Reiki?
2. What are the aims and aspirations of the Kether School of Reiki?
3. Reiki seems to be just another New Age fad. How is it different from all the other therapies?
4. Is Reiki right for everybody?
5. How will Reiki affect me once I've been attuned?
6. What material is covered in your school's training, in respect of Reiki history, its system and the more recent 'add ons'?
7. What is included in your Reiki classes?
8. How long are the classes for the different degrees?
9. Do students get time to practice with Reiki during the classes?
10. What branch of Reiki are the Teachers from? (i.e. Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho, Usui/Tibetan, Tibetan, etc.)
11. How many degrees are there in your system?
12. What are the differences between the degrees of Reiki?
13. How long should I wait between taking the different degrees?
14. What are the course fees?
15. How many people will be in the class?
16. What should I expect from an attunement, and what is expected of me?
17. What is the school's opinion regarding 'spirit or Reiki guides' and 'channelling'?
18. What post-attunement support can I expect from the school?
19. Do you teach any of the material that has recently surfaced from Japan, which Mikao Usui taught in the Gakkai (his school)?
20. What is the school's view on other systems of healing, such as 'Tibetan Reiki', Seichim, Karuna Reiki, etc.
21. What is 'fallout' that people are said to experience after Reiki initiation, and how will this affect me?
22. I want to read up about Reiki a lot, but find that some of the books you recommend publish the symbols. Aren't they supposed to be secret, and will it harm my future initiations if I've already seen them?
23. Will the Kether School be able to give me Second and/or Third Degree if I have taken previous degrees with another school or Master?
1. Why are you called the 'Kether' School of Reiki?
Kether is a name given to the highest sphere of being on the Cabbalistic Tree of Life. It represents the source of all matter and creation and gives light and consciousness to all the other spheres on the tree below it that directly relate to our - human - being.
We chose this name because we have trained extensively in the Western Mystery Tradition, which places great importance on the Cabbala and its esoteric teachings on the secrets of universal energy. As Kether is pure white light, we felt this best represented, in a Cabbalistic sense, the source of Reiki itself. Therefore,the name of the school reflects the different areas of our interests and learning.
2. What are the aims and aspirations of the Kether School of Reiki?
Primarily, we, as any other Reiki school, wish to teach and explore all aspects of the Usui Reiki tradition. However, although we have many members of our school who wish to specialise in healing, the founders see it as their primary task to teach Reiki at all degrees and other related holistic systems. The Masters of the School continue to study other esoteric practices, such as Buddhism, Radionics, Egyptian and Middle Eastern mysteries, among many other topics.
We focus our teaching fundamentally on self-development and spiritual evolution. Although healing is a natural part of Reiki, we aim not just to train healers and self-healers, but also teachers. We feel the principle of self-responsibility means that it is more important that Reiki is passed to others rather than just experienced passively through treatment.
3. Reiki seems to be just another New Age fad. How is it different from all the other therapies?
There is no avoiding the fact that Reiki has been embraced by the New Age community, but you shouldn't let this put you off, if that's not your 'thing'.
Some people think that having Reiki means having to adopt a New Age lifestyle, but this is not necessary. You do not have to live ascetically to be a Reiki healer. If you are into meditation, or other such interests, Reiki will enhance your experience of it. However, Reiki works for everyone, whatever their interests and whether they meditate or not. Not everyone is drawn to New Age subjects, and if you're not, you can still be given Reiki and channel it as effectively as anyone else. The Reiki energy is more intelligent than we are and literally by-passes the personality. It does not care whether you live on soil and water or live life to the full!
The authors of many books on Reiki try to instil their own life-style beliefs into the subject, as if it's a requirement. But it's not. It's an individual choice.
4. Is Reiki right for everybody?
Although Reiki is a healing energy, it originates from a source of greater intelligence than our own human consciousness. Therefore, we feel that Reiki enters the individual on the level that they can comfortably accommodate. Because of this, you do not have to be spiritually developed or have a wide knowledge of esoteric matters to take First Degree. Your development proceeds at your own needs and pace, after attunement.
Reiki can never do any harm, so we can confidently say that First Degree is not only right for everybody, but is also of benefit, providing you're fully open to its effects and the future changes it can make in your life. For some people, it can be a real awakening.
5. How will Reiki affect me once I've been attuned?
Primarily, at First Degree, Reiki will give you the ability to channel energy through the hands in order to heal others via hands-on treatment. However, Reiki will affect the energy system of your own body, which can cause changes in your mental and emotional state. Overall, this will always be for the better.
As a tool of self-development, Reiki may raise buried emotional issues to the surface of your consciousness to be dealt with, and this can affect your daily life. We must stress that this is not always the case, but if does occur and you're open to healing these issues, the Masters at the School will provide full back-up support. Also, Reiki energy itself will help you to heal past issues, as long as you are willing to face them and thereby help yourself.
6. What material is covered in your school's training, in respect of Reiki history, its system and the more recent 'add ons'?
We retain an open mind about whether Reiki existed before Mikao Usui discovered it. There is no doubt that some people can heal in a very similar manner to Reiki - we have met a few - who have never had Reiki training. Therefore, we have to suppose that this is a phenomenon that occurs from time to time among humans. Usui was allegedly spontaneously attuned, so it's possible others were able to channel universal life energy in the same way before he did. The fact is that Usui turned it into a comprehensive and teachable system, so in this respect he has to be seen as the founder of what we do today.
There has been a lot of valid research done into the history of Usui, by Reiki Masters such as Frank Arjava Petter, which has convinced us that most of what was originally taught in the West about Usui (i.e. that he was a Christian, had a degree from an American university, etc), is pure fairy tale. We present as much information as we have found about what appears to be the truth of Usui's history, his Buddhist beliefs, etc. We tend to think he may well have received training from Buddhist monks on Mt Kurama, and that this in part, if not all, contributed towards his ability to channel Reiki. We remain careful not to present material as 'fact', if any shadow of a doubt remains as to its validity. We believe it's important for all students of Reiki to be aware of the often conflicting theories, and we cover as much of the history as any student could painlessly put up with!
As far as we are aware, the training we received is faithful to what was taught by Mrs Takata. Our lineage comes down through Arthur Robertson, but what we were taught did not include any of the 'Tibetan' influences that Arthur added to the Reiki system. We have since learned some of the different permutations of Reiki, which has enabled to make this statement.
We tell all our students about the different systems we have studied, and which we are happy to offer to them if they want to learn them, but stress that these are merely interesting complements to Reiki, and are neither higher nor better than Reiki itself.
7. What is included in your Reiki classes?
In addition to attunement, we teach the history of Reiki, the hand positions and various meditational techniques derived from Japan. We also intersperse the attunement with healing sessions and shared meditations.
8. How long are the classes for the different degrees?
First degree takes place over two sessions of around 3 hours. Two attunement are given in each. The two sessions must not take place longer than 24 hours from each other, so we usually conduct them on consecutive afternoons or evenings. In some cases, we will attune a student over the course of one day.
Second degree can be taught in one session of a few hours.
Master Teacher training takes as long as it needs to take. The attunements are given over two days, as for first degree, but further training can take several sessions. We are happy to give as much training and support as the student requires. Following third degree, you can attend other Reiki initiations given by the school Teachers if you want to, or bring your own students to the school to attune them under supervision. All this depends on your individual needs and preferences.
For all degrees, the Teachers of the school are available post-attunement for advice and support. We are always a phone call away.
9. Do students get time to practice with Reiki during the classes?
At the end of the first degree training, you'll be able to practice Reiki on one of the Teachers. We make sure you feel confident about using Reiki before you leave the school. You can also return for Reiki meetings, should you want to, when we practice various meditational techniques and healing.
After second degree, the Teachers 'send' Reiki with the student to give them chance to practice doing so.
10. What branch of Reiki are the Teachers from? (i.e. Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho, Usui/Tibetan, Tibetan, etc.)
As we said above, our Reiki training was traditional. The only symbols we originally learned were those used by Mrs Takata, and the techniques we learned are also the same.
From wide reading and experience, we've learned other techniques from other Masters, some of which we might incorporate into Reiki meetings, but generally, for first and second degree, you simply get the straight forward Usui Shiki Ryoho training.
If we mention or demonstrate anything that does not derive directly from Usui, we always make it clear where it comes from. We ourselves pay attention to the chakras (energy centres in the human body) during treatments, and we will teach this to students if they want to learn about it, but we do stress this is a later addition to Reiki and derives from the 'Tibetan' influence. It is not essential.
11. How many degrees are there in your system?
Three: first, second and master/teacher. Some schools split the third degree into two parts - in one you get an attunement and the master symbol, in the other you're taught how to pass Reiki on to others - but we decided against this. In our experience, there is no reason why someone who wishes to teach Reiki can't learn all they need to know in one Master/Teacher course.
12. What are the differences between the degrees of Reiki?
At first degree, you are attuned to Reiki, taught the history and the hand positions. We also describe what you can generally expect to get out of Reiki, how it will affect you, and how this is different for everyone. We will instruct you in the rudiments of the human energy system, i.e. chakras, but not in any great depth. If you have an interest in this subject, we can offer more information about it post-attunement. We give you a copy of our first degree manual, which covers all the topics discussed during the classes.
At second degree, you are given two attunements, and receive the first three Reiki symbols. You are given plenty of time to practice drawing and learning them. We do not believe you have to memorise the symbols and then destroy your practice drawings before you leave the school (it would be a bit stupid, as they are printed in dozens of books nowadays). We give you a manual with all the information about the symbols in. You will also receive instruction in 'sending' and be able to practice it with your Teacher.
At third degree, you receive three attunements and learn the Master symbol. We generally show the student the symbol during the first session, so that when they return to conclude the initiation, they have (hopefully) learned it thoroughly. During the second session, we show you how to attune other people, give you chance to practice on your teacher, and give you a copy of our third degree manual, which has all the information about our attunement method in it. If you want or need to, you can return to the school to practice your attunements before 'going live', as it were!
13. How long should I wait between taking the different degrees?
This depends on you. If you're already proficient at working with natural energy, through something like Tai Chi, meditation, a martial art, or yoga, you might be more than capable of taking first and second degree together over the course of a weekend. If you've never done anything like that before, we generally advise three months between first and second degree, so that you are fully familiar with using Reiki before progressing to the next stage of learning.
As for Mastership, this again depends on the individual student. For us, it was a year before we took the third degree, but we are happy to revise this limit if it's clear a student is more than ready to progress. We would usually wish to allow at least six months between second and third degree, however. At the other end of the scale, if a second degree student wanted to return to the school for Master degree several years later, that would be equally acceptable. It is down to you.
14. What are the course fees?
Normally, we charge £80 for first degree, £90 for second degree and £500 for third degree, although we do offer concessions for those on low income, and are happy to come to some bartering arrangement if that's more suitable.
We do not see the ability to pay as the absolute requirement for taking the Master/Teacher degree. The higher cost for third degree reflects the amount of time required for teaching and training materials provided by the school. It also covers any amount of return visits to the school, should you want the support of, and practice with, your Teacher.
15. How many people will be in the class?
We prefer to conduct one-to-one attunements, as some students find it intimidating to learn with a bunch of strangers. Also, quieter individuals can sometimes get 'lost' in a group, and we want all of our students to have as much time and attention from their Teachers as they require. We are happy to attune very small groups of friends or relatives together, though, as long as this doesn't exceed three people.
As for who will be present, there are generally two Teachers involved in each initiation. One of them might do all the attunements, but the other is there to assist with healing sessions and training.
16. What should I expect from an attunement, and what is expected of me?
It is very difficult to evaluate how each person will react to Reiki attunement, because it is a unique experience and different for everyone. Some people find it quite energising, and become a bit hyper, while others go really relaxed and 'spacey'. We try to make the whole process an uplifting and spiritual experience, but in an easy, relaxed manner.
As for what's expected of you, we don't have any expectations. You simply have to turn up and be willing to learn. We have read that some Reiki Teachers require their students to be nude. You need not worry that the Kether School teachers would ever ask such a thing of you. Run very fast from any teacher who does!
17. What is the school's opinion regarding 'spirit or Reiki guides' and 'channelling'?
These are not strictly part of Reiki, but many of our students are interested in these subjects, and have appeared to be quite psychic. We're happy to tailor initiations to accommodate personal requirements and preferences. If you wish to undertake a meditation to meet a Reiki guide, we'll gladly do it with you, but it is not something we'd impose on students. Basically, we want your Reiki initiation to be meaningful and special to you, so it's important to include all those aspects that will help fulfil this, while making sure that nothing is included which makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Our initiations are non-denominational, in that they don't reflect any particular beliefs or religion, but if you did want to incorporate aspects of your personal belief system, this can be arranged. All these issues are discussed prior to initiation.
We see Reiki initiation as a rite of passage. A wedding is a rite of passage, and you would plan that carefully down to the last detail. We see no reason why attunement ceremonies can't be planned in a similar detailed way, if that's what you want. Ultimately, the initiation is your experience and we want it to be a memorable time for you.
18. What post-attunement support can I expect from the school?
As much as you need. If you want to return to the school for Reiki meetings, or simply want to call us with queries, both options are available. There is no charge for this. Our Reiki meetings are informal affairs when friends and students get together to practice healing, do meditation and generally socialise and chat.
19. Do you teach any of the material that has recently surfaced from Japan, which Mikao Usui taught in the Gakkai (his school)?
Yes. We have learned techniques from the writings of Masters like Frank Arjava Petter and Vincent Amador, who are keen to promote these techniques. We find them extremely helpful in 'honing' the ability to channel Reiki most effectively, and some of them have been especially useful to first degree students, who have reported how the techniques have given them more confidence and have enabled them to 'turn Reiki on' quickly.
20. What is the school's view on other systems of healing, such as 'Tibetan Reiki', Seichim, Karuna Reiki, etc.
If you wanted to learn every permutation of Reiki now available you'd probably have to be a millionaire with an extended life span! We tell students there is no need for them to take anything other than Reiki training in order to use this amazing energy effectively.
In our experience - and we have trained in other systems - there is nothing out there better or higher than Reiki. That isn't to say these systems aren't interesting and valid in their own right, and we're happy to teach them to students if they so wish it. Our opinion is that any Reiki Master is capable of inventing a new system, and that many of them have. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact we're working on something of our own, but we do think that none of these systems should be presented as a higher form of Reiki, nor should they be prohibitively expensive. Our 'add on' training is cheaper than the Reiki classes we offer. You just pay for your Teacher's time and the photocopied manuals.
That said, there's no doubt that students have experienced subtle differences in the flow of the energy when they've undertaken training, such as Karuna Ki. We think the important thing to remember is that - so far - we haven't come across an 'add on' that doesn't incorporate Reiki symbols as part of the attunement process. The 7 Facet system of Seichim, for example, includes first and second degree Reiki as part of the training. Karuna can only be taken after second degree Reiki. We advise you draw your own conclusions from these facts.
21. What is 'fallout' that people are said to experience after Reiki initiation, and how will this affect me?
When we first learned Reiki, we were taught that it took 21 days for the body to 'accommodate' the energy, and that during this time we might experience mood swings, enlightened moments or dark despair! From our own experience, and that of our students, we have drawn the following conclusions.
Sometimes, a Reiki initiation might bring to the surface buried feelings that need to be healed/resolved. We found that - especially after Master Teacher training - a lot of issues that we'd not dealt with in the past suddenly presented themselves uncompromisingly in our faces to be sorted out. However, we don't think that everyone would necessarily experience this. Other students have reported feeling 'under the weather' after attunement for a few days, while others have felt more healthy and energetic than they have for years. Again, it's down to individual reaction. We don't think it necessarily takes 21 days for the energy system to 'settle down'. It might take more or less time. There is no doubt that attunement can be a bit of 'blast', so it's unlikely you'd feel nothing, but equally there's no reason to worry that it will affect you badly. If you have any anxieties about this after attunement, you can always return to the school to talk about it, or receive healing from your Teacher. To date, we have not had any casualties!
To us, the 21 day period is important, in that you should use Reiki on yourself every day during that time. This helps strengthen your ability to channel Reiki. If you don't use it regularly to start with, it might become 'dormant' in the body.
22. I want to read up about Reiki a lot, but find that some of the books you recommend publish the symbols. Aren't they supposed to be secret, and will it harm my future initiations if I've already seen them?
Traditionally, the Reiki symbols were extremely secret. Masters would make their students learn the symbols by heart and not allow them to keep written copies. In some traditional schools, this is no doubt still the norm, but anybody can now acquire books that have the symbols in them.
Whatever other Masters' reasons for the secrecy, our view is that it's better for students if they haven't seen the symbols before their second degree initiation, just because they have more of an impact upon the mind that way. There's a certain special feeling involved in something hidden being revealed to you, which is a metaphor for the whole Reiki experience. The symbols 'won't work' without the second degree attunements, so apart from satisfying simple curiosity, seeing them beforehand won't achieve anything anyway. Similarly, seeing the Master symbol before Master initiation will not enable you to attune others. However, some of the books we recommend do have the symbols in them.
We suggest that anyone acquiring these books before second degree skip the chapters on the symbols and try to resist the impulse to look at them until it's appropriate. The same goes for the Master symbol of Third Degree. The authors on our recommended reading list have written very good books, and the symbol comparisons and analyses they give are invaluable to second and third degree Reiki initiates. There's no way round the fact that the books, and therefore the symbols, are available to anyone, which in some ways is a shame, but on the whole we think their publication is a good thing.
If you have already seen the symbols, it will not affect your second and/or third degree initiation
23. Will the Kether School be able to give me Second and/or Third Degree if I have taken previous degrees with another school or Master?
We have no problem with students having taken earlier degrees somewhere else.
