I remember being in my first Reiki class, feeling both excited and a little unsure. I had no idea what to expect — I just knew I wanted to learn. My teacher started talking about energy, balance, and self-healing, and honestly, it felt a bit overwhelming at first. But as I practiced and took things step by step, it all started to make sense. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t try to rush through my own Reiki Roadmap— each stage had something valuable to teach me.
Reiki is a beautiful and simple energy healing practice that helps balance your body, mind, and spirit. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to learn Reiki, you might be surprised to know it follows a clear path made up of three key levels. Each level has its own focus and helps you connect with Reiki energy in different ways.
Just like climbing a staircase, each step builds on the one before it. The journey isn’t about rushing to the top but about learning, growing, and becoming comfortable with the energy at each stage. Whether you’re curious about starting or thinking about moving to the next level, this guide will walk you through what to expect.
Level One (Shoden)
The first level, called Shoden, is where everyone starts. This stage is all about learning how to connect with Reiki energy and use it for yourself. Think of this as your foundation — you can’t build a solid Reiki practice without a strong base.
During Level One, you’ll experience something called an “attunement.” This is a special ceremony where your Reiki teacher opens your energy channels so Reiki energy can flow through you. Some people feel warmth, tingling, or even emotional shifts during or after the attunement. It’s a unique experience for everyone, and no two people feel it exactly the same way.
The main focus at this stage is self-healing. You learn hand positions and techniques for giving Reiki to yourself, which helps you balance your own energy and improve your well-being. Practicing on yourself is essential — it’s how you get familiar with Reiki energy and learn how it feels.
Many teachers encourage students to stay in this stage for a while, practicing regularly to build confidence and understand how Reiki energy interacts with their body and mind.
Level Two (Okuden)
The second level, known as Okuden, takes your Reiki practice a step further. In this stage, you’ll start learning how to give Reiki to other people. This is where things expand beyond self-care and into supporting the well-being of others.
A key part of Level Two is learning Reiki symbols. These symbols are like powerful tools that help you direct Reiki energy with more focus and intention. Each symbol carries its own meaning and purpose, and you’ll learn how to use them in different situations.
One of the most exciting parts of Level Two is learning how to send Reiki over long distances. Known as “distance healing,” this technique allows you to offer Reiki to someone even if they’re miles away. It’s a beautiful way to support friends, family, or even global events from afar.
This level often brings a deeper emotional connection, especially with the heart chakra. Many people describe Level Two as a turning point where they feel a stronger sense of compassion and connection to others.
Level Three (Shinpiden) and Master
Level Three, or Shinpiden, is the most advanced stage in the Reiki roadmap. This is where you step into the role of a Reiki Master, someone who can teach Reiki and pass on attunements to others. Some teachers break this step into two parts: Level Three, which focuses on deepening your practice, and Master, which prepares you to teach.
Reaching this stage isn’t just about learning new techniques — it’s also about embracing the responsibility that comes with teaching and guiding others. Becoming a Reiki Master means you’re stepping into a role of mentorship, helping students navigate their own Reiki journeys.
The attunements you’ll learn to give at this level are powerful ceremonies that can create significant shifts in a person’s energy. Because of this, finding a teacher you trust and connect with is crucial at this stage. Having someone who can guide you with care and wisdom makes a huge difference.
Many students choose to stay at Level Two without moving to Master — and that’s perfectly okay. Reiki is about what feels right for you, and there’s no pressure to take every step unless it aligns with your path.
Attunements: The Special Part of the Reiki Roadmap
Attunements are what make Reiki stand out from other energy healing practices. These special ceremonies are what open your energy channels and connect you to Reiki energy.
Each attunement experience is unique. Some people feel calm and peaceful, while others may experience emotional releases or sudden insights. Attunements can sometimes bring noticeable changes in how you feel, both physically and emotionally, as your energy shifts and balances itself.
The beauty of attunements is that they create a lasting connection to Reiki energy. Once you’ve received an attunement, that connection is always there, ready for you to access when you need it.
Key Considerations
Everyone’s Reiki journey is different. Some people move quickly from one level to the next, while others prefer to spend years deepening their practice before advancing. There’s no right or wrong timeline — what matters most is that you feel confident and ready before moving forward.
Choosing the right teacher is an important part of the process. A good teacher will not only guide you through techniques but will also support you emotionally and spiritually as you grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take your time finding someone you resonate with.
Taking breaks between levels is often encouraged. It gives you space to integrate what you’ve learned, practice consistently, and build trust in your abilities.
Wrapping Up
Reiki isn’t a race — it’s a personal journey of healing, learning, and growth. Each level offers something special, whether it’s the quiet power of self-healing in Level One, the connection you build with others in Level Two, or the deeper understanding and teaching skills you develop as a Reiki Master.
If you’re feeling drawn to Reiki or thinking about taking the next step in your journey, exploring Reiki classes is a great place to start. Finding a teacher who feels right for you can make all the difference. Whether you’re beginning with self-care or considering teaching others, Reiki has the potential to bring more peace, balance, and connection into your life.