The 4 Levels of Reiki: What’s the Difference Between Reiki I, II, Master & Teacher?

Erica C. Leone
Jun 26
4 min read

Reiki is a deeply nurturing healing practice that channels universal life force energy to bring balance and renewal to the body, mind, and spirit. As you move through the four levels of Reiki training—Reiki I, II, Master, and Teacher—you gain new tools, deeper understanding, and a stronger connection to energy work.

But what exactly sets each level apart? Whether you’re curious about beginning your Reiki journey or ready to expand your practice, this guide will walk you through what each level is designed for—and what you can expect as you grow.

Reiki Level I – For Self-Healing

Ideal For: Those beginning their spiritual or personal healing journey.

Reiki I is the first attunement and is all about you. This level opens up your energetic channels and introduces you to the basics of Reiki, so you can begin using this healing energy on yourself. It’s a beautiful, transformative initiation that supports deep personal growth.

What You Learn:

How to give Reiki to yourself
Daily energy cleansing and balancing
Foundational hand positions
The 5 Reiki principles for mindful living

This level helps you reconnect with your body, your intuition, and your energetic field. It’s the foundation for everything that follows.

Reiki Level II – For Family & Friends

Ideal For: Those who want to share healing energy with others in a personal way.

Reiki II deepens your understanding and connection to the energy. Here, you’re introduced to sacred Reiki symbols and taught how to channel Reiki to friends, family members, or pets. You’ll also learn how to send Reiki across distance and time.

What You Learn:

How to give Reiki to others (in-person and remotely)
Three core Reiki symbols for mental, emotional & distance healing
Techniques for deeper energy work and chakra balancing
Ethics and boundaries of offering Reiki to others

At this level, you become a conduit for healing in your community, though this training is still considered non-professional.

Reiki Master – For Professional Practice

Ideal For: Practitioners ready to serve clients and deepen their energetic mastery.

The Reiki Master level is a powerful step for those who feel called to practice professionally. You’ll receive the Master symbol—an energetic key that significantly amplifies the healing you can channel. This level is about deep spiritual growth, soul alignment, and energetic precision.

What You Learn:

The Master symbol and advanced energy techniques
How to work with karmic and spiritual healing
Creating sacred healing containers for clients
Professional ethics and energy mastery

At this point, you are recognized as a Reiki Master Practitioner, ready to serve clients in a professional capacity. This is where many begin their healing practice and step into their purpose as a lightworker.

Reiki Teacher – For Training & Attuning Others

Ideal For: Reiki Masters who feel called to teach, lead, and attune others.

This is the highest level of Reiki training. As a Reiki Teacher (sometimes called Reiki Master Teacher), you are given the tools and knowledge to initiate and attune others into the Reiki lineage. This level requires maturity, commitment, and a deep love for guiding others on their path.

What You Learn:

How to perform Reiki attunements for all levels
How to teach Reiki in a clear, ethical, and heart-led way
The role of mentorship in spiritual teaching
Creating transformational learning experiences for your students

Only at this level can you pass Reiki on to others. You become not just a healer, but a guide and teacher.

💫 Which Level Is Right for You?

Just beginning? Reiki I will reconnect you to your energy and intuition.
Want to help others? Reiki II allows you to support friends, family, and pets.
Ready to serve professionally? Reiki Master prepares you for client work.
Feel called to lead and teach? Reiki Teacher is your path to mentoring others.

Reiki Is Sacred—Let’s Treat It That Way

Reiki is powerful medicine for the soul. But as it becomes more mainstream, we need to ask: Who is truly qualified to offer it? And how do we keep this practice safe and sacred?

At Beyond the Veil, we believe Reiki should be protected through ethical standards and authentic lineage.

Only Reiki Master Teachers who have received FOUR separate attunements should be holding space for clients or attuning others. These layered initiations are not just symbolic—they prepare the practitioner energetically, spiritually, and emotionally to carry the work with integrity.

Without proper training:

Energetic boundaries get blurred
Trauma may be mishandled
The practice loses its sacred roots

We’re not calling for government overreach—we’re calling for spiritual responsibility. Reiki is not just “energy work,” it’s a sacred rite of passage.

It deserves:

Ethical training & continued mentorship
Informed consent & trauma awareness
Respect for lineage and spiritual discipline

Reiki isn’t just about healing—it’s about honoring the sacred. Let’s keep it safe. Let’s keep it pure. Let’s keep it aligned.

✨ Begin (or Deepen) Your Reiki Journey with Us

At Beyond the Veil Higher Healing Centre, we offer Reiki classes, attunements, and mentorship for every stage of the journey. Whether you’re taking your first step or are ready to share Reiki with the world, we’re here to walk beside you with heart and integrity.

Explore our upcoming classes and offerings at btvhealing.org/attunement