In Japan, Second Degree Reiki (called Okudan) is often divided into two segments (not weekends) of training--Okudan-zenki (primarily study of symbols) and Okudan-koko (the study of distance healing and mental healing). The two training segments are intended to allow students to grow and mature at their own pace into the full Reiki potential, and in the Hayashi lineage, such training often extended over months if not years with fees for the training quite high. Takata (the woman who brought Reiki to the West) taught in a "class" format that was more compatible with western schedules and styles of learning and charged $500 for Second Degree training. Although she omitted reference to the Japanese terminology that was unnecessary to the process and off-putting to mainstream westerners, she did introduce the full range of Okudan techniques to her students. Some of what she taught has been lost even in some of the traditional lineages, probably because of the compressed learning format; however, at WW the knowledge of two Masters (John Harvey Gray and Beth Gray) trained through ongoing association with Takata, flow into one river through which students can discover the unlimited potential of Reiki practice.
There is no "one" way to guide students into that potential, but over time it has become more and more obvious that Second Degree students are often unable to absorb the rich scope of advanced techniques and abilities inherent in Reiki when the information, training, and attunements are compressed into the space of a weekend. Without significant follow up in the form of additional meetings either as Reiki circles, clinics, or practicums, advanced Reiki understanding and use too often go dormant in a large number of practitioners.
In keeping with the form of Takata's teaching and methods, Second Degree Reiki in the unbroken western lineages has typically been given over a weekend, with the fee set at $500.00, the same amount Takata charged thirty years ago. Aware of the number of Second Degree practitioners who don't seem ready to use advanced Reiki after one weekend, I have experimented over the years with different class structures trying to find one that fits our cultural time constraints and methods of instruction, honors the traditions of western Reiki instruction, and still provides sufficient time and energetic space for students to open to the fullest range of Takata's teaching and to an understanding of Reiki that flows from that teaching. In the end, I have opted for a structure that tracks generally with other traditional masters but provides additional time for students to understand, integrate, and practice the rich scope of Reiki extensions available through this lineage.
Second Degree Reiki at Warrior's Way is offered in a fee and course structure that presents the advanced material in two weekend classes entitled Second Degree Reiki(1) and Second Degree(2), with a prescribed time interval and healing assignments required before students continue with the second weekend of training. The first weekend, Second Degree Reiki(1), includes introduction to the Second Degree symbols, practice with the basic advanced techniques, and the two attunements necessary to open full Reiki healing in the participant's hands. Individualized practice assignments to be done before attending the second half of the training are designed at the end of the course. Emphasis is on symbol use and distance healing with an introduction to mental/emotional healing. A temporary certificate indicating completion of the first half of the training is given at the end of this first weekend. Second Degree(2), designed to bring students to a very high level of proficiency in the use of the advanced energies, gives additional training in advanced Reiki techniques for self-healing, distance work, and mental-emotional healing, and provides intensive practice in the use of all the extensions taught at Second Degree(1).The lineage certificate of completion is given at the end of the second weekend with students expected to complete the second weekend sometime after two months but before the end of a year. If a student goes beyond a year before taking SD(2), he or she will be asked to audit SD(1) again before proceeding.
Students who completed Second Degree prior to January 2004 but are interested in the additional information may take Second Degree(2) for the fee of $250.00. All students are free to audit courses at no charge if they have already completed the course once, and if there is room in the class.
