by Stephanie Brail

One of the most common misperceptions about Reiki energy healing is that the Reiki symbols (that are used to activate the energy) float around in the aura. The thinking then goes, in certain circles, that these symbols are permanently "affixed" in the aura, and may perhaps need to be taken out later by someone who claims to be part of a higher spiritual path.

The process whereby one becomes initiated into the Reiki energy healing is called an "attunement." Therefore, when someone tells you they plan to take the Reiki symbols out of the aura, they are saying they intend to "de-attune" you to Reiki.

Let's take a look at how the Reiki symbols actually work, and what it means to be de-attuned, which in my opinion is a form of energetic violence that should never be implemented unless there is very good reason to do so.

The Reiki Symbols

by Stephanie Brail

We're constantly bombarded with negative energy from people and places around us. If we're not careful, we can take that energy in and make it our own. Additionally, the negative energy can hook itself into a vulnerable spot in your psyche – say, that spot in your heart that feels unlovable – and by pushing your buttons, suck you in to a negative downward spiral.

The more we work on ourselves and heal our psychic wounds, the less likely we are to be affected by surrounding negative energy. Until we're strong and healed, we need to be very aware and careful of the energies surrounding us.

Negative Places
People and places carry their own energies that can adversely affect us. A place can hold the energies of fights, depression, and even murders and suicides. (This is why people often “sage” a home when they move in. Burning sage clears away the bad residual energy.)

by Stephanie Brail

Healing takes time. Why is that?

Why can't we just wave a magic wand and heal ourself and others?

The parody of the Christian Faith Healer is still a compelling image, even to those of us using Eastern energetic modalities. With my Reiki healing hands, I'd much rather smack someone in the forehead yelling "YOU'RE HEALLLLED!" than stand around for an hour sending Reiki healing energy on a weekly basis. (I don't know about you, but when I give a full Reiki session, my arms get tired! And supposedly I'm in shape!)

Real life, however, seems to take things more slowly.

I wish energy healing came with a guarantee of instant gratification, but often it does not. What seems to happen, instead, is that when we apply energy healing to any sort of dysfunction - whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual - time and repeated healings are what really make the difference.

(Isn't it all spiritual, though?)

by Stephanie Brail

Reiki energy healing (pronounced “ray-key”) has become more well-known in the mainstream lately. Yet, it is still a strange and exotic thing to many people. In this brief introduction, I will explain what Reiki is and how it works.

Reiki means “universal life force energy.” It works on the subtle energy system of the body to cleanse and heal the individual’s chi (or life force energy). By healing a person’s energy, Reiki can improve health and mental well-being. This beautiful healing system is simple, safe, and nourishing. It is an effective addition to (not a replacement for) Western medicine.