Reiki Attunement: What to Expect & How to Prepare

November 9, 2025

You've experienced the profound relaxation of receiving Reiki, and now you're feeling called to learn it yourself. But before you can practice Reiki, you need to receive an attunement—a sacred ceremony that opens your energy channels and connects you to the universal life force energy. If you're considering Reiki training, you probably have questions: What exactly is an attunement? What happens during the ceremony? How should you prepare? What will you experience?

A Reiki attunement is one of the most profound spiritual experiences you can have—a sacred initiation that permanently changes your energy system and awakens your innate healing abilities. This complete guide explains everything you need to know about Reiki attunements, from what they are and how they work to what to expect during and after the ceremony, plus how to prepare yourself for this transformative experience.

What Is a Reiki Attunement?

The Sacred Initiation

A Reiki attunement (also called an initiation or empowerment) is a sacred energy transmission performed by a Reiki Master that:

Opens your energy channels to receive and channel Reiki energy
Connects you to the universal life force energy permanently
Activates your healing abilities that were dormant
Raises your vibration to a higher frequency
Clears blockages in your energy system
Empowers you to practice Reiki on yourself and others

How Attunements Work

During an attunement, the Reiki Master acts as a conduit, channeling high-frequency Reiki energy and using sacred symbols to:

Open your crown chakra to receive divine energy
Clear your central energy channel (sushumna nadi)
Activate your palm chakras so energy can flow through your hands
Seal the symbols into your energy field
Connect you to the Reiki lineage and universal source

Important: Once you're attuned, you're connected to Reiki for life. The ability to channel Reiki never goes away, though it strengthens with practice.

Attunement vs. Reiki Session

Many people confuse attunements with regular Reiki sessions:

Reiki session: You receive healing energy; temporary benefits
Reiki attunement: Your energy system is permanently opened; you become a channel for Reiki; you can now give Reiki to yourself and others

The Three Levels of Reiki Attunement

Traditional Usui Reiki has three levels (some systems have four):

Level 1 (Shoden): Physical Healing

What you receive:

First attunement (or series of 4 attunements in traditional method)
Ability to channel Reiki through your hands
Hand positions for self-healing and healing others
History and principles of Reiki

What you can do after:

Practice Reiki on yourself daily
Give Reiki to family, friends, pets, plants
Hands-on healing only (in-person)
Work primarily with physical healing

Time commitment: Usually a 1-2 day workshop

Level 2 (Okuden): Mental/Emotional Healing

What you receive:

Second attunement
Three sacred Reiki symbols and their uses
Distance healing techniques
Mental/emotional healing methods

What you can do after:

Send Reiki across distance and time
Work with mental and emotional issues
Use symbols to amplify healing
Practice professionally (in some lineages)

Prerequisites: Reiki Level 1 + practice time (3-6 months recommended)

Time commitment: Usually a 1-2 day workshop

Level 3/Master (Shinpiden): Spiritual Healing & Teaching

What you receive:

Master attunement
Master symbol (Dai Ko Myo)
Advanced healing techniques
Ability to teach and attune others (Master Teacher level)

What you can do after:

Work with spiritual healing and soul-level issues
Teach Reiki classes (if Master Teacher)
Perform attunements on students (if Master Teacher)
Practice at the highest level

Prerequisites: Reiki Level 2 + significant practice (1-2+ years recommended)

Time commitment: Varies; can be intensive training or apprenticeship

What Happens During an Attunement Ceremony

The Setting

Sacred space: Quiet room, often with candles, crystals, incense
Group or individual: Can be done in a class or one-on-one
Duration: 10-20 minutes per person
Your position: Sitting in a chair with eyes closed, hands in prayer position or on lap

The Process (What the Master Does)

While you sit with eyes closed in meditation:

Opening: Master sets sacred space and invokes Reiki energy
Crown opening: Master works at your crown chakra, opening it to receive
Symbol placement: Master draws sacred symbols in your aura and energy field
Breath work: Master uses breath to seal the symbols
Hand activation: Master opens your palm chakras
Sealing: Master seals the attunement with final symbols and intention
Closing: Master grounds the energy and closes the ceremony

Note: The exact process varies by lineage and teacher, but the energetic result is the same.

What You Do During Attunement

Sit quietly with eyes closed
Breathe naturally and relax
Keep hands in prayer position or on your lap (as instructed)
Receive with an open heart
Notice sensations without attachment
Trust the process

Important: You don't need to "do" anything. The attunement works regardless of what you experience or don't experience.

What You Might Experience During Attunement

Experiences vary widely, but common sensations include:

Physical Sensations

Heat or warmth: Especially in hands, crown, or throughout body
Tingling or buzzing: Energy moving through your system
Pressure: Feeling of pressure on crown or third eye
Coolness: Waves of cool energy
Body movements: Swaying, trembling, or spontaneous movements
Deep relaxation: Profound peace and letting go

Visual Experiences

Colors: Seeing purple, white, gold, or other colors
Light: Bright light even with eyes closed
Symbols: Seeing the Reiki symbols or other sacred geometry
Visions: Images, scenes, or spiritual beings
Past lives: Memories or visions from other lifetimes

Emotional Experiences

Tears: Crying from release or joy (very common)
Bliss: Overwhelming love and peace
Emotional release: Old emotions surfacing to be cleared
Gratitude: Deep appreciation and connection
Awe: Sense of something sacred happening

Spiritual Experiences

Presence: Feeling spiritual beings or guides
Oneness: Sense of unity with all that is
Expansion: Feeling your energy field expand
Knowing: Sudden insights or understanding
Connection: Feeling connected to the Reiki lineage

Or... Very Little

Important: Some people experience dramatic sensations; others feel very little or nothing at all. Both are completely normal! The attunement works regardless of what you consciously experience. Don't judge your experience or compare it to others.

How to Prepare for Your Attunement

Before the Class (1-2 Weeks Prior)

Physical Preparation

Eat clean: Reduce processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water
Rest well: Get adequate sleep
Gentle exercise: Yoga, walking, tai chi
Consider fasting: Some people do a light fast (optional)

Mental/Emotional Preparation

Set intention: Why are you learning Reiki? What do you hope to gain?
Meditate: Begin or deepen a meditation practice
Journal: Write about your intentions and feelings
Clear conflicts: Resolve any major conflicts if possible
Release expectations: Be open to whatever happens

Spiritual Preparation

Pray or set intention: Ask for guidance and support
Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors
Energy clearing: Smudge, salt bath, or energy healing
Study: Read about Reiki history and principles
Open your heart: Cultivate gratitude and openness

The Day Before

Eat light, clean meals
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
Get good sleep
Spend quiet time in meditation or reflection
Set your intention clearly
Prepare comfortable clothing for class

Day of Attunement

Eat light: Don't skip meals, but keep it simple
Arrive early: Give yourself time to settle in
Wear comfortable clothes: Loose, natural fibers if possible
Minimal jewelry: Remove or minimize metal jewelry
Turn off phone: Be fully present
Bring water: Stay hydrated
Open heart: Come with curiosity and openness

After Your Attunement: The 21-Day Cleanse

What Is the 21-Day Cleanse?

After attunement, your energy system undergoes a 21-day clearing and integration period. Each of your seven main chakras clears for three days (7 x 3 = 21), releasing old patterns, blockages, and energies that no longer serve you.

What to Expect During the 21 Days

Positive Effects

Increased energy and vitality
Enhanced intuition and sensitivity
Feeling hands heat up spontaneously
Deeper meditation and spiritual connection
Synchronicities and signs
Emotional clarity and release
Physical healing of old issues

Cleansing Symptoms (Temporary)

Physical: Fatigue, headaches, digestive changes, cold-like symptoms
Emotional: Mood swings, old emotions surfacing, crying, anger
Mental: Vivid dreams, memories surfacing, mental fog
Spiritual: Feeling spacey, disconnected, or overly sensitive

Don't worry! These are signs of deep clearing and healing. They're temporary and indicate the attunement is working.

Self-Care During the 21 Days

Essential Practices

Daily self-Reiki: Practice on yourself every day (even 10-15 minutes)
Drink lots of water: Helps flush released toxins and energy
Rest: Honor your body's need for extra sleep
Eat clean: Nourishing, simple foods
Avoid alcohol: Skip alcohol during the 21 days if possible

Supportive Practices

Meditation: Daily practice to integrate the energy
Journaling: Record experiences, dreams, insights
Nature time: Grounding walks, time outdoors
Gentle exercise: Yoga, walking, tai chi
Salt baths: Epsom salt baths for clearing
Limit stimulation: Reduce news, social media, intense activities

What to Avoid

Alcohol and recreational drugs
Heavy, processed foods
Intense physical or emotional stress
Negative people or environments
Overcommitting or overworking

Long-Term Effects of Attunement

Permanent Changes

After the 21-day cleanse, you'll notice lasting shifts:

Energy sensitivity: Increased ability to feel energy
Intuition: Stronger gut feelings and inner knowing
Healing hands: Your hands will heat up when giving Reiki
Spiritual connection: Deeper connection to the divine
Synchronicity: More meaningful coincidences
Life changes: Relationships, career, or lifestyle may shift to align with your higher path
Purpose clarity: Greater understanding of your life purpose

Ongoing Practice

To maintain and strengthen your Reiki connection:

Daily self-Reiki: Even 10-15 minutes keeps the channel clear
Practice on others: Regular practice strengthens your abilities
Reiki shares: Join or create Reiki practice groups
Meditation: Continue daily meditation
Study: Deepen your understanding through books and courses
Lineage connection: Stay connected to your teacher and Reiki community

Choosing a Reiki Master for Attunement

What to Look For

Proper training: Attuned by a Reiki Master Teacher in a recognized lineage
Experience: Has been practicing and teaching for several years
Clear lineage: Can trace their lineage back to Mikao Usui
Integrity: Teaches with respect for the tradition
Resonance: You feel comfortable and trust them
Comprehensive training: Offers thorough instruction, not just attunement
Ongoing support: Available for questions after class

Red Flags

Rushing through levels (all levels in one weekend)
Exorbitant fees or pressure to pay for all levels upfront
Claims of "better" or "more powerful" Reiki than traditional
No clear lineage or training background
Attunements offered online without in-person component (controversial)
Guru complex or spiritual ego

Trust Your Intuition

The most important factor: Does this teacher feel right for you? Your intuition will guide you to the right teacher at the right time.

Common Questions About Attunements

Can I be attuned more than once?

Yes. Some people retake Level 1 or 2 with different teachers for deeper understanding. Each attunement strengthens your connection.

Can attunements be done remotely?

Controversial. Some lineages offer distance attunements; others believe in-person is essential. Traditional Usui Reiki requires in-person attunement.

How long between levels?

Varies by lineage. Traditional: 3-6 months between Level 1 and 2; 1-2+ years between Level 2 and Master. Some modern systems are faster.

What if I don't feel anything during attunement?

Normal! The attunement works regardless of what you consciously experience.

Can I lose my Reiki after attunement?

No. Once attuned, you're connected for life. The ability may feel weaker without practice but never disappears.

Do I need to be spiritual or religious?

No. Reiki works for people of all beliefs or no belief. Openness helps, but faith isn't required.

Final Thoughts

A Reiki attunement is a sacred initiation that opens you to your innate healing abilities and connects you permanently to universal life force energy. It's a profound spiritual experience that can transform your life, deepen your spiritual practice, and empower you to heal yourself and others.

Approach your attunement with reverence, preparation, and an open heart. Trust that you're being called to Reiki at exactly the right time, and that the attunement will give you exactly what you need for your healing journey.

The 21-day cleanse may be intense, but it's a sacred process of clearing and integration. Honor it, support yourself through it, and emerge on the other side as a clear channel for healing light.

Once attuned, you join a global lineage of healers stretching back to Mikao Usui. You become part of something ancient, sacred, and profoundly healing. Welcome to the Reiki family. Your hands are now instruments of healing light.