Reiki Lineages and…
I have been attuned by a number of Reiki masters, so belong to more than one lineage. My current teacher is Frans Steine.
For those who are interested, here is a list of the certificates and trainings I've received, which include their lineages.
Okuden Reiki Level II (2015). Frans Stiene [Doi Hiroshi, Kamiko Koyama, Kanichi Taketomi, Usui Mikao]
Okuden Reiki Level II and Shipiden Reiki III for animals (2013/2014). Kathleen Prasad [Frans Stiene, Doi Hiroshi, Kamiko Koyama, Kanichi Taketomi, Usui Mikao]
Reiki III and Teacher Training (2005). DB McPeek [Marion Hakata, Jane Montrose, Michael Henry, Glenda Rye, Arthur Robertson, Iris Ishikuro, Hawako K. Takata, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, Mikao Usui]
Reiki III (2003). Adam Young (Davis, CA) [Karuna Reiki Master, International Center for Reiki Training]*
Reiki I and II (1995). Kathy Lopez, Vacaville, CA [Karen Miller, Universal Reiki Association]*
*For the last two listed above, I don't have specific names of the lineage beyond the organization who trained the teachers for these earlier trainings.
...What This Means For You
Reiki lineages are interesting but ultimately not important in terms of using Reiki in session. Reiki is Reiki, regardless of the way it may be presented in classes. However, a practitioner’s training and experience can make a difference as to how well he or she can access the energy for the benefit of the client.
As you can see, the training I've received in Usui Reiki Ryoho through Kathleen Prasad and Frans Stiene takes a different path back to Usui Mikao than the other Western lineages. Frans has studied directly with Japanese Reiki Masters and has done extensive research into the origins of Reiki. He trains his students in this more traditional approach, which emphasizes personal daily practice of specific meditations and chanting to enhance spiritual development, rather than just relying on the symbols and mantras to do all the work.
I have found that the International House of Reiki’s approach has greatly increased my ability to work with Reiki, and this surprised me, as I’ve studied with several instructors and have used Reiki for many years.
If you are interested in finding out more about Reiki classes and how I teach Reiki, please click here.