From Systematic Reiki to Intuitive Reiki

Article by Haripriya Suraj, Reiki Master

When we were first attuned to Reiki, most of us were taught a set of hand positions. This systematic procedure helps ensure that the seven major chakras receive Reiki. Additional positions were also taught to cover other areas of the body and for grounding. Many of us were also advised to cup our palms and to move our hands slowly from one position to the next. This is believed to help maintain better contact with Reiki. Some teachers also advise students to take off jewellery and to make sure that their hands and feet are never crossed, as all of this is supposed to disrupt the flow of energy. These tips offer invaluable guidance to someone who is new to the world of energy and is just beginning to develop sensitivity to it. But with time and practice, our intuitive capacities grow stronger. This can only happen if we trust our intuition and follow its guidance, rather than stubbornly hold on to rules and guidelines that helped us when were beginners.

Between the first and second degree, I sincerely followed all the guidelines that had been given to me and it was certainly a great help. Sometime after the second degree though, things began to change. I found that Reiki flowed even when I had jewellery on or had my arms and legs crossed. I also found that my hands began to move randomly from position to position. They moved with such force that there was no way I could be systematic even if I wanted to.

I was rather alarmed at these happenings and shared this with my teacher, who assured me that it is perfectly normal. That was one of my first lessons in learning to trust my intuition. I subsequently gathered the courage to put aside rules that weren’t helping me anymore.

When we are new to Reiki, we are instructed to place our hands over each position for a certain period of time, generally around two to three minutes. Reiki music with bells that go off at periodic intervals (as an indication to change positions) is available. But with regular practice, we realise that every chakra has different needs. It makes more sense to place our hands over each chakra until it receives the amount of energy it needs, rather than rely on an external timer. No clock can be more accurate than the one we have inside.

A Reiki friend of mine shared an experience that may help us appreciate the benefits of being intuitive. This woman became part of a group that meets every month for Reiki practice. One day during practice, the facilitator observed that she was not moving her hands slowly from one position to the next and pointed out that she must follow the rule of moving them slowly. No doubt the facilitator had good intentions when she pointed this out. However, this piece of advice had no benefit for this woman. She was flowing with Reiki as per intuitive guidance and was so deeply relaxed in the process. Being forced to follow this rule disrupted the flow and took the joy out of her experience.

Reiki is here to help us relax and feel peaceful. It is also amazing at helping us become intuitive. This is a gift that we can make use of. Reiki is unconditional love. It is not going to stop working just because we do it differently from time to time. A useful guideline is to follow rules when you are new to energy work. As you progress, it may be of more benefit to trust your intuition and flow with your experience. If something feels right when you give yourself Reiki, do it. If not, don’t do it. It’s as simple as that! The only thing that matters is that you feel the energy and enjoy the experience.

Free eBook download: We’ve created an eBook with our best articles on this topic, and offer it for free to all our newsletter subscribers.

Haripriya Suraj is a Reiki Master, Angel Healer and Starseed Lightworker. Reiki is her constant companion from which she derives peace and contentment. She is deeply connected with the Stars and Angels and they form an integral part of her Reiki practice. Her core mission is to help bridge the worlds of Spirit and Science and to help people connect with their unique soul missions. Haripriya offers Reiki healing sessions and training programs in Bangalore, India. Reach Haripriya at lightworkersonearth.com, whenspiritmeetsscience.com on email at angelhealingbangalore@gmail.com and on Facebook at Angel Light.