Reiki Level 1, 2, and 3, What's the Difference?

When you “learn” Reiki, you learn about what the energy is, how it works, its history, and how to use it.

But the most crucial part of learning Reiki is the energetic activation you receive.

This activation—known as the Attunement in traditional Usui Reiki and the Placement in Holy Fire Reiki—is what activates the student’s capacity to channel this energy.

See my blog post “The Process of Learning Reiki” for more details.

Reiki Level 1

In Reiki Level 1, students receive the Level 1 attunement / placement.

Think of this as the “starter level” activation. It grants the student a specific level of access and ability to channel Reiki. At Reiki Level 1, students can begin giving Reiki to themselves and to others, using it to clear spaces, enhance the energy of their food and water, and for most of the same practical uses the other levels of Reiki provide.

This is where students begin developing their relationship with the energy and forming a practice of working with and incorporating Reiki into their daily life. The emphasis here is on getting familiar with Reiki and practicing with it regularly. The more you work with it, the more natural it becomes. Your capacity to channel Reiki grows through use, similar to working out a muscle at the gym—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Reiki Level 1 is really about building that foundation of practice before moving into the next levels, where things begin to grow in complexity and nuance.

Reiki Level 2

In Reiki Level 2, students receive the Level 2 attunement / placement.

At this level, things begin to get more powerful and complex.

Two things happen for the student:

1. Their connection to Reiki is upgraded and amplified, allowing them to access and channel a more refined and potent stream of Reiki.

2. Their ability to utilize the three Reiki symbols comes online.

   
   

I like to think of symbols as specific Reiki “power-ups.” They allow you to influence how and what you are using Reiki for.

The three symbols in Reiki Level 2 are:

• Cho Ku Rei — The Power Symbol  Used to enhance and strengthen the flow of Reiki.
  

• Se He Ki — The Mental / Emotional Symbol  Used to address mental and emotional patterns when giving Reiki. It’s also helpful for breaking personal habits.
  

• Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen — The Distance Symbol  Used to send Reiki to the past, the future, or anywhere in the world. It can also be used to connect and exchange energy with disembodied beings or ascended masters (angels, dragons, Buddha, Jesus, Horus, Isis, etc.).

Reiki Level 3 (Reiki Master Teacher)

(For this section, I’m speaking specifically to Usui Holy Fire Reiki, which I teach, not traditional Usui Reiki.)

Reiki Level 3 is the Reiki Master Teacher level. This is the biggest and longest training, consisting of six activations made up of Placements and Ignitions in Holy Fire Reiki.

These activations do three things for the student:

1. They upgrade, once again, the student’s capacity to channel Reiki, allowing access to even greater levels and potencies of this energy.
   

2. The student’s ability to utilize two additional symbols comes online.
   

3. The student gains the ability to teach Reiki to others—meaning they can provide these activations to themselves and to others.
   

The two symbols in Reiki Master level are:

• Dai Ko Myo — the Reiki Master symbol, often translated as Great Bright Light. It represents illumination and the full embodiment of Reiki, where you become the channel rather than directing the energy.

• Holy Fire Symbol — used to access the full power and purification properties of the Holy Fire. It can also be used to sever spirit attachments.
  

It’s often said that you don’t master Reiki—you allow Reiki to master you. Reiki Master level, whether or not you ever intend to teach others, is for those who are truly ready to create a devotional relationship with this energy.

A Simple Way to Think About the Levels

I like to say that at Reiki Level 1, you get a new friend. At Level 2, you’re dating. And at Level 3, you’re getting married.

Level 1 — New Friend You meet Reiki. You spend time together. You learn how it feels to be in each other’s presence. There’s curiosity, consistency, and the beginning of trust.

Level 2 — Dating The relationship deepens. You show up more intentionally. You learn how to communicate, how to work together, and how to navigate more complexity and intensity. The connection becomes more refined and powerful.

Level 3 — Marriage This is commitment. Devotion. Reiki is no longer something you “do”—it becomes something you live with and move through the world with. Whether or not you ever teach, the relationship itself becomes central.