The relationship between a Reiki Master and a Reiki Student is an important one which should not be taken lightly. Reiki Masters share a little bit of themselves with every student and we create lifelong bonds. You must therefore make sure that you will get along well and, for the lack of a better word, will be able to “gel”.
In addition, there are a few background facts and technical points you may want to consider, and questions you will want to ask of the Reiki Master, before deciding whether or not to enroll in a Reiki training course. Here is a list of questions to ask the Reiki Master as suggested by the UK Reiki Federation, and our answers to those questions:
| Questions to ask the Reiki Master | Our answers |
| What style of Reiki do they teach? | Usui style of Reiki in the Japanese and Western traditions |
| Do they have a lineage (similar to a family tree) that goes back to the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui? | Yes. See it here. Each student also receives a copy of their lineage |
| Are attunements given in person? “Attunements” can be compared to spiritual blessings and is the most important aspect in the system of Reiki. | Yes |
| How many class contact/face to face hours are there. | 16 hours |
| Are there any additional hours required to be put in? | No |
| Do they provide you with a manual? | Yes |
| Do you have to do case studies (i.e. treatments), and if so how many? | Not for Level 1. Level 2 students have to do six case studies over three months. Master Practitioners have to provide 30 case studies before they can enroll in the Level 3B course. |
| Are they insured? | Insurance is not a requirement in South Africa |
| How long have they been practising Reiki? | Since 2021 |
| How long have they been teaching Reiki? | Natasja since 2022, John since 2024 |
| Where are classes held and is there parking nearby? | At our home in Mossel Bay, at YogaSteps studio in Pretoria, an Rusplek Conference Venue in Bloemfontein. There is ample parking at all venues. |
| Are they a member of a professional Reiki organisation, if so which one? | Yes, we are both members of the Reiki Guild South Africa |
| Are there any things which you will need to purchase prior to training? | No |
| What are the requirements if any, for certification at the end of the course? | No additional requirements for Reiki Level 1. Reiki Level 2 students receive their certificate after they have submitted their six case studies. Master Teachers have to write a test and do a practical assignment. |
| What is the cost? | From R2,570 (as at 2024) |
| How long do they say a student should wait between Reiki courses and the three levels of Reiki? | We recommend at least 3 months between Reiki Level 1 and Level 2 (Practitioner); at least 6 months between Level 2 and Level 3A (Master Practitioner); and 12 months between Level 3A and 3B (Master Teacher). |
What if I still don’t know who to choose to teach me Reiki?
Pick the person you like, and feel a connection with, over one with more experience, or over someone who is more well-known – as long as they are 1) qualified, 2) give attunements in person and 3) can show a clear unbroken lineage that goes back to Mikao Usui. Trust your intuition when choosing a Reiki Master. You can get a good sense of a the Reiki Master’s personality, their values and character by looking at their website and social media content.
If you are in doubt, book a Reiki therapy session with the Reiki Master, call them to ask questions, or just meet them for a coffee and then decide if this is the person you would like to teach you Reiki.