Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
A common question I have received as a Reiki Master is whether I have ever absorbed “negative” energies released from clients’ bodies during a Reiki session. Several energy healing facilitators have told me stories of times they have felt ill, or overcome with sad or angry feelings, during their work with clients. Although I have worked with dozens of Reiki clients over the years, this is an experience I have never had. Is there something about Reiki that prevents this from happening?
I believe so. During my Reiki training, we were taught that the attunement process itself provides protection for the practitioner. When a practitioner completes the Reiki II level of Usui Reiki, the symbols utilized add more protection. This is a belief many practitioners have, and one may argue the belief itself provides protection! If the practitioner believes the energies of the symbols are protective, then protection exists.
There are many ways to bring protection for the practitioner into a Reiki session. One can visualize being surrounded by Divine Light, and all released negative energies go to the light, without affecting the practitioner. One can utilize tools such as crystals and gemstones, drums or other music, or artwork. One can request protection from Divine Spirit, Michael the Archangel or other Spirits, and it is granted. The possibilities are endless.
Image by tpsdave
Likewise, one can foster beliefs that erode protective qualities of the Reiki attunement. Why do some energy healing facilitators (trained in Reiki or other modalities) feel affected by the emotions of their clients? Why do they feel overwhelmed with grief, depression, anger, anxiety and other emotions? They form a belief they are strong empaths, too sensitive to work with the public. This unfortunately is a misguided belief. While all energy workers are empathic beings, we have the tools and the power to not take on others’ energies. We have the choice to accept these energies floating around us, or to protect ourselves against these energies. When we set the intention for protection, we will be protected.
As Reiki practitioners, we are called to grow in our awareness and understanding of what it means to facilitate healing for others – and for ourselves. We cannot live in the role of being a “helper” if we believe we are too sensitive to be in the presence of others’ difficulties. All of us have lived through difficult times, and we have turned to others for their healing presence, and modalities.
We too must be present for those who are in the middle of their struggles. Reiki practitioners, as well as all healing workers, have a beautiful opportunity to help others. Our role is this: to bring the tools with which we have been gifted; to stand witness to the unlimited possibilities for healing; to not become overwhelmed by others’ struggles. When we develop this belief system, we are bringing unconditional love to a trying situation. It is as simple as that!
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.
Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
very good article. thank you madom
Superb Mam
Great article, thankyou so much for sharing.
Thank you for the above information.
I have read a few online articles about Reiki, and I am concerned specifically about the way evil Spirit Guides could connect with new or vulnerable Reiki healers.
Are there any Reiki Rays articles about the dangers are regarding questionable Spirit Guides?
Thank you.
Great article!
Thanks to all of you for your comments.
Wendy, I do believe the attunement process – as well as our pure intentions to work with the Universal Life Force Energy – prevents us from being connected to evil Spirit Guides. I am also aware that not all Reiki practitioners may agree with this, but this is what I was taught and what I have experienced – both in my own practice and in working with many other Reiki practitioners.
Additionally, I think it is important to NOT invite evil spirits, on any level, in our lives. If a person feels called to work with demon possessions, hateful ghosts, etc., they must protect themselves in strong ways.
Blessings to each of you,
Deborah
It is not as simple and as absolute as that. Although that is the ideal, in reality we rarely get ideal situations. I am actually (pleasantly) surprised that you NEVER had a situation like that. I understand that you are talking about overwhelm, and extreme empathic reactions, but surely you have experienced lower frequency to some extent. I also understand your point of view, which I agree with completely, but to be completely clear , personally and the space, after clients, is not really possible.
Kate,
Thank you for your input, I greatly appreciate it. You are right, I was talking about truly evil spirits, not those of lower frequency.
The purpose of this article is about not absorbing lower vibrational frequencies. With the protection of Reiki energies, we do not need to take these energies, from our clients, into our beings. When we perceive these energies during a session – or any time in our daily lives – we can send these to the Light.
Blessings,
Deborah
Thank you for this article. I too was taught that Reiki attunements are a blessing of protection but have talked to a few that are questioning it. Wonderful timing to find this article. 🙏