One of the most fascinating and life-changing aspects of my Reiki journey has been witnessing the profound ways in which energy works. Reiki is not just a healing practice; it is a gateway to deeper awareness, synchronicity, and connection. While we may not fully understand the mechanics of this universal energy, one thing is clear—Reiki has an extraordinary ability to reveal what is present in a person’s energetic field. Whether it’s recent experiences lingering in the aura, the presence of loved ones, or even divine energies offering guidance, Reiki consistently proves its intelligence.
More and more, I find this within the sacred space of Reiki, so I felt it was important to share this aspect of Reiki.
Here are three different experiences that I felt were inspiring and that can help demonstrate this.
Experience 1: The Seahorses
I recently worked with a lady, and while the Reiki was flowing, I saw beautiful, rustic orange and gold seahorses all around her. I wondered what they might mean. Then, a deeper understanding came to me: they symbolised her journey of overcoming challenges related to her sacral chakra—the energy centre of flow. Much like seahorses, which navigate different ocean currents, ever-changing and unpredictable, she too was moving through the ebbs and flows of life. The message was clear—although life could be turbulent, if she embraced the flow rather than resisted it, she would always find her way back upright. She might spin, she might be knocked about, but she would always recover.
After the Reiki session, I shared my vision of the seahorses with her. Her eyes filled with tears of joy, and her face lit up as she said, “I can’t believe it! Just last night, I was reading a book about seahorses to my children. I was thinking about how beautiful they are and how they reminded me of the flow of life.” We both laughed, marvelling at the magic of the universe. It was a powerful confirmation that this universal energy truly works. She already knew this in her heart, but this moment reinforced it for her. It also showed how we carry memories and moments within our aura, within our energetic field. Most importantly, the seahorses had already made her smile the night before, and now this vision deepened the message for her—one she would never forget. Whenever she needed strength, she could call upon that image and be reminded of her resilience.

Experience 2: The Red Handbag ~ A Reiki Inspiration
Another memorable and heartwarming moment I’ve experienced during a Reiki session happened with another lovely lady who comes to me regularly. She has also trained in Reiki with me and is soon to step into Reiki Mastery! She has a wonderful sense of humor and is very naturally in tune with energy.
This particular session took place not long after her mother had passed. In previous sessions, we had both felt her mother’s comforting presence, but this time something truly special happened. As soon as we began the Reiki, I could feel her mom’s energy with us again. But this time, something unexpected appeared in my mind’s eye — a vivid image of a red handbag. That was it—just the handbag, clear as day.
After the session, as usual, I sat down with her to share about her healing session. I described the energy and then casually added, “By the way, I felt your mom here again and I saw a red handbag.” I didn’t embellish or interpret it, I simply shared exactly what I saw.
To my surprise, she smiled and laughed. She told me her mother had a red handbag she used to take everywhere. It wasn’t exactly a stylish or attractive bag but her mom loved it and insisted on bringing it with her everywhere no matter what.
We both laughed, imagining her mom still concerned about her beloved red handbag, even on the other side. It was a beautiful, lighthearted moment that brought her comfort and joy. It felt like a little sign from her mother, a reminder that love, humor, and those quirky, familiar details stay with us, even beyond this life.
This experience reminded me why I feel so inspired when doing Reiki. It’s not just about the energy or the healing, it’s about the connection, the unexpected moments of joy, and the reminders that our loved ones are never too far away.
Experience 3: The Goddess Freya
Finally, my third insight to share—I like to do things in threes, following the Reiki principle of three and the power of repetition.
My first example was about how experiences can stay in the energetic body, in our personal energy grid, and how Reiki practitioners can sometimes pick up on these recent experiences during a session. The second was about Reiki as an energetic, loving portal, allowing loved ones in spirit to connect more easily with those receiving healing. This third example explores the presence of other amazing energies—guardian angels, power animals, saints, spirit guides, and divine beings—that can be sensed, seen, or felt during Reiki sessions.
I have so many stories to share, but I’ll go with a recent and particularly magical experience. Just last week, a young woman came for Reiki. I didn’t know her beforehand; we met for the first time when she stepped into the Gabriel Healing Room. As she lay relaxed on the plinth, with Reiki energy flowing, I suddenly became aware of a powerful, almost larger-than-life, divine feminine presence. It was unmistakable—I sensed and saw, in my mind’s eye, a radiant goddess energy. Instantly, I just knew her name was Freya. The clarity was undeniable.
Now, I was aware that there was a goddess named Freya, but I had little knowledge about her. She wasn’t a deity I often thought about or mentioned, so this strong presence was intriguing.
After the session, the woman was beaming—her first Reiki experience had been profound. I told her, “Even though this was your first session, you were so open to the energy—it flowed like liquid gold.” She smiled, nodding, and said, “I know! I could really feel it. I feel so amazing!”
As we spoke about her energy and session, I felt a strong pull to mention Freya. Gently, I explained that sometimes, during Reiki, practitioners—myself included—can pick up on other energies that are resonating with the person receiving healing. These energies can act as messages or guides.
I also shared that our energy centres, including the third eye, are being activated while we are practicing Reiki. This is why many Reiki practitioners develop heightened intuitive and psychic abilities—because we are intentionally working with our third eye, and all our chakras during Reiki sessions.
Then, I told her that I had sensed a goddess working with her and that her name was Freya.
Without hesitation, she smiled and said, “Yes, I know.”
Her certainty surprised me, so I asked, “Oh, you know?”
“Yes, of course,” she replied matter-of-factly.
Curious, I encouraged her to elaborate. That’s when she pulled at her sweatshirt slightly and pointed to the side of her body. “I have a large tattoo of the goddess Freya,” she said, gesturing from under her arm down to her hip.
I was amazed! Well, actually, I wasn’t—I knew this was exactly how Reiki and universal energy can work. She was overjoyed. This was a confirmation for her, a sign that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Reiki was truly for her, and this experience had inspired her in ways beyond words.
Article by Marleen Duffy
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Marleen Duffy is a Medical Reiki Master Teacher trained by Raven Keyes in New York. Marleen has been teaching all levels of Reiki for over 25 years and is particularly passionate about Medical Reiki, which she has been teaching worldwide. This specialised practice supports patients before, during and after surgery and medical treatments.
Marleen founded the Reiki Buddy scheme to help people through Covid, Reiki Plus – a programme which blends other healing modalities with Reiki and Medical Reiki Ireland to continue the work of Raven Keyes.
Marleen also owns Angel and Gift World, a holistic shop and centre in Sligo, Ireland that offers healing, spiritual growth, and community. She continues to provide Reiki sessions, lead retreats across Ireland, and remains deeply committed to practicing and advancing Medical Reiki, working to integrate it further into healthcare.
She lives in Co. Leitrim with her husband, Martin and their dog Brega, drawing inspiration from nature’s peace.
Websites: www.medicalreikiireland.ie | www.angelandgiftworld.com
Email:marleen@angelworld.ie
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