Nancy
Hello Rose, When I first learned about Reiki, I wanted to take classes to learn how to do it. I thought it would be neat to use on children or pets. If I was trained in Reiki, would I need any other kind of training to apply it to animals? I would like to help my own pets.
Hi Nancy, I am delighted to hear that you are considering taking a Reiki class!
Reiki is the gift that keeps on giving. Beneficial to all beings -- animals, plants, children and adults -- is the simplest form of energy healing to learn; powerful, yet gentle, rebalancing the recipient physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
And animals love it. If you thought you were an animal magnet before taking Reiki, wait until after! Animals (and children) are very aware of energy and energy fields, easily recognizing the benefits that a Reiki practitioner has on tap, and are not shy about asking for it. This awareness also makes them good teachers for the student who is willing to learn.
There are many different styles of Reiki training available today, but in 1996, when I began studying Reiki, there were few. I studied Usui Shiki Ryoho, the original style attributed to Dr. Mikao Usui and descending through Mrs. Hawayo Takata who brought Reiki to the U.S. My first Reiki Master teacher was also a massage practitioner, and she taught the basics of Reiki with a focus on working with human clients.
At that time there was no one that I could ask for guidance for working with animals, so I simply followed my heart. I put my trust in the Reiki energy, my guides, and, as I realized later, the animals that became my clients. They taught me to listen to them and to the energy -- to let go of my very human need to do it right or to follow a set sequence of hand positions.
Instead I learned to respect my animal clients' innate knowledge of what was needed, allowing them to guide me. I discovered that some are more sensitive to energy, preferring to receive Reiki from a distance rather than hands-on. Others would twist and turn their bodies in order to have my hands move from one location to the next in an order they thought best. All of them trusted the Reiki, and taught me to trust it as well.
So, to answer your question, no, I don't believe that you need any additional training to work with animals beyond the basics of Reiki Levels I and II (preferably taken one level at a time).
Ask the animals to teach you, and the Reiki to guide you. Combine that with a desire to be of service, an open heart, and a willingness to respect them as equals. Build up your confidence in Reiki, and yourself, by practicing with as many people and animals as you can (and don't forget your own daily self-Reiki practice).
When offering Reiki let go of attachment to outcome -- welcome the possibilities. The practice of Reiki is more about being, than doing; a way of being in the world that animals have mastered. Your clients, or your animal companions, can be your greatest teachers.
Rose De Dan,
Animal Reiki Shaman
Disclaimer: Rose De Dan shares insights derived from spirit and through animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care.
Each week, we invite a different intuitive to answer a question from a reader. If you'd like to submit a question for Rose please email her directly.Meet Our In House Intuitives Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Join Me on Facebook | Get My Twitter Updates | Visit My Forum
I actually first learned Reiki to help my cat, Max, who had diabetes. Animals are VERY receptive to the energy and you are correct – you become an animal magnet
I’ve had dog owners tell me that their dog never sat that still for anyone (including them.) My sister doesn’t understand why her dog sits at my feet everytime I visit even though I never walk/feed/watch her on my own time. I love giving Reiki to animals; the don’t question the energy!
I teach and practice reiki. My lineage with Usui Reiki goes to Rand and I took animal reiki with Kathleen Prasad. While animals teach us more than we are even willing to hear and understand a basic understanding of telepathy and how animals communicate differently than humans would benefit anyone who wishes to practice animal reiki. In fact meditation and basic communication classes which go beyond what is taught about reiki and healing is most beneficial because it helps us overcome our prejucides about animals and each other.
Communicating with the animals is as much necessary as communicating with a human reiki client. Although some say it doesn’t matter just send it I choose to allow my clients to use their free will. If an animal doesn’t want to participate listen to what it says to you. Communication is key when offering healing. Being able to listen, to communicate takes the session to a new level of understanding we are all connected.
Hi Nan and Marcia, thanks for your comments and sharing. I love hearing the stories and experiences of others–they inspire me, too. It is always nice to meet others such as yourselves who love Reiki and interacting with animals as much as I do!