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R0
 To all of my beloved students,

who have shown curiosity and dedication to their own

expansion. May this work bless your journey of
awakening and may it serve you as well as everyone
you touch in your service work.

To my beloved Will,

thank you for being my heartbeat. In gratitude always,

April.
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION

PART 1: REIKI-CHAKRA CONNECTION

Chapter 1
The Chakras
Chapter 2
Reiki Healing

PART 2: REIKI HEALING

Chapter 3
The Root Chakra

Chapter 4
The Sacral Chakra

Chapter 5
 The Solar Plexus Chakra

Chapter 6
The Heart Chakra

Chapter 7
The Throat Chakra

Chapter 8
The Third Eye Chakra

Chapter 9
The Crown Chakra

Chapter 10
The Healing Journey Continues
 Resources
References
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
The world of energy sparked my interest at a
young age.
I found myself naturally intuitive, curious about crystals and the way
plants seemed to speak to me personally, and I spent endless hours
outside, basking in the sun or playing in the forest. Maybe the same
was true for you. Our inherent connection to the natural world has a
way of plugging us directly back into ourselves—allowing us to
experience our energy intimately in new and undiscovered ways.
Reiki is much the same way. This ancient modality is a pathway to
accessing greater healing for your mind, body, and soul. It allows us
to access simple ways to restore health and vitality and rediscover
our inherent power to heal from within. The ability to channel energy
and create positive impacts for the benefit of others as well as
ourselves is exciting and remarkable, and I’m so thankful that you’ve
chosen to embark on this beautiful, life-changing path.
Along the way, winding ourselves into this beautiful healing
modality of Reiki, we’ll explore the chakras in depth and help clarify
why working within the chakra system is complementary to a Reiki
practice. Chakra (a Sanskrit word) as a concept was passed down
through many cultures all over the ancient world, with a main
contributor being Hinduism. These “wheels of light” extend in vortex
spirals behind and in front of the body and govern the physical and
emotional functions you experience. Reiki and the chakras may stem
from different traditions, but in this practice, they blend together well
in a consensual communion.
 As a Reiki Master Teacher (RMT), it is my life’s work and mission
to assist others in their personal healing journeys so that they may
empower themselves through this practice. After all, a true healer
doesn’t “heal” you; rather, they help hold the energetic space in which
you heal yourself. I’ve led thousands of students on their personal
energy healing journeys and seen just as many life-altering
transformations through this work over the years. Some may even
call these radical shifts “miracles.” Many of those students now have
a great number of their own RMT students who have trained with
them. My past three books have served the conscious community in
learning more about chakras and healing in general. As an educator,
it’s my great honor to share this energy with you and be here to help
inspire your journey into the world of energy medicine.
For me, Reiki was always a particularly inviting field of interest. I
found that all healing comes in waves and really finds you exactly
when you need it. My exploration of chakras initially came at a time of
great healing for my mind and body, when I was hungry to learn ways
to naturally heal myself both physically and emotionally. I found that
by learning to balance my chakras, my energy levels became
sustainable so I could work a long day without feeling drained. My
heart was more open, and I was opening doors in my life where there
once were walls. My life changed for the better, permanently.
This book walks you through how to use Reiki to heal and balance
the chakras to achieve personal and spiritual growth. The material
presented here is perfect for beginning healing practitioners to both
build knowledge of the chakra system and learn about Reiki
techniques and traditions. I discuss what each of these are and how
they work together to complement an energy medicine or holistic
healing practice. Use the guidance in this book from start to finish
(recommended for beginners) or navigate to the chapter you are
interested in. This book has a flexible structure to allow you to choose
what you need in the moment, without feeling lost if you tend to skip
around.
It is my hope that this knowledge will inspire you to use your
connection to Reiki, your Reiki channel, to improve your life and
expand spiritually with grace, ease, and confidence. With a dedicated
practice, and some time and effort spent using your gifts and
connecting to Spirit, anyone can learn this practical modality. The
science of quantum physics has acknowledged the presence of a
unifying force of energy between all matter in the Universe. This life
force unites the body, mind, and Spirit with Source energy. Therefore,
Reiki can be used to experience oneness with all that is.
Through this work, you’ll be able to provide a healing space for
yourself or to help people heal themselves in profound ways. Whether
you plan on using Reiki for your own health and wellness, or you plan
on expanding your practice into Reiki Master Teacher training, this
book is a great starting point. I wish you many blessings of love and
light through this time of awakening. May your application and
integration of this work be a joy and an illumination in your life.
 Reiki-Chakra Connection

W e begin our Reiki-chakra journey covering many foundational

aspects to build your general knowledge of both the Reiki
practice and the Reiki-chakra connection. This part explains what the
chakras are and how they influence our emotions, body, and mind.
We explore the energetic nature of everything around us and begin to
see how it ties into our own divine human nature.
By the end, you’ll have a firm handle on all the foundational
elements of Reiki practice. We touch on the practice itself and how it
works, and review the traditional Reiki symbols. You will be
introduced to a variety of techniques you can easily use to help heal
yourself and others. When you choose to work with Reiki, you choose
a path of working with divine light consciousness to help transmute
any darkness or negativities within and around you. Bless your
journey, lightworker!
 Chapter 1

The Chakras
Energy Everywhere
The word Reiki refers to the “universal energy” that exists within all
things (rei meaning “Universe,” ki meaning “energy”). Universal energy
composes the fabric of our existence as well as the material world
and everything operating within it. Energy flows in and around
absolutely everything. Looking at the world around us, we can see and
touch the denser physical objects—like a car or chair. We tend to feel
or sense the less dense energies rather than see them with our eyes.
Examples include emotions, temperatures, or fragrances. Everything
carries its own unique energetic pattern or frequency signature. In
fact, physical and non-physical matter are just two forms of the same
thing, vibrating or oscillating at different frequencies. These
distinguishing factors are how we can naturally tell things apart and
pick up on all the subtle nuances defining one experience or sensation
from another. Every living being, including humans, has a unique
vibratory signature, much like individual fingerprints or genetic coding.
This universal, life-sustaining energy is known as ki (Japanese) or
chi (Chinese) in Eastern medicine. This is the prana , or essential life-
force energy, that moves through everything. All living organisms carry
prana. From the food we eat, the trees growing in the yard, the water
flowing in the stream, to animals and human beings; we are all part of
the larger body of energy that comprises this reality. Subtle energies
move through us, animating our bodies, facilitating breath, and
allowing us to feel our emotional states. These energies move in and
out of the body via the chakra system.
Before we get into what exactly the chakras are, it’s important to
understand the different layers comprising your energy body and your
physical body vessel. Just beyond your physical body exists your auric
field. There are seven layers to your aura, and your aura contains your
chakras. Each auric layer corresponds to a chakra center on the body.
Both your aura and your chakras comprise your energy field, and the
energy fields of all living things. It’s these layers that respond to
human thought and feeling, which can grow or shrink the field. Mainly,
your aura (also called your biofield or etheric template) is responsible
for sensing energies around you and regulating your personal
magnetics. Certain layers are even responsible for downloading higher
levels of intangible information into your physical body.
Think of these layers as blankets covering your body and moving
out in rings all around it. It surprises many people, including some of
my Reiki students, that the size of the human aura can be quite large.
On average, auras can range anywhere from three to six feet wide,
and, on the larger side, up to sixty feet wide! It’s also possible to
throw your aura to the front or to the back of your energy body if you
are feeling threatened or endangered; likewise, it expands when we
feel excited, safe, and loved.
Although it takes lots of practice to start to visually sense the aura
with the third eye (seeing the aura), it can be sensed with the hands
with a simple technique called a body scan. This practice is something
I teach to my level 1 students, and it’s pretty easy to practice on
another person. You start from the other side of the room and gently
move toward the other person until you feel a slight change in energy
or pushback. This marks the edges of the biofield. You may ask the
person to think happy thoughts and remeasure to note how the size
and feel of the aura changes. You can also stand within the aura and
sweep your hands along the body, noting any temperature changes or
physical sensations for feedback. You can also use a dowsing rod or
create a DIY rod from an old coat hanger. Try it out—you’ll have fun
reading auras in no time!

Chakras Explained
Now that we’ve talked about the layers of the energy and physical
bodies, let’s explore chakras. We know that everything in existence is
made of energy, which means everything has a vibration or frequency.
The human body is no exception. On, above, and around the body
exist energy centers that govern the energy entering or leaving the
body at any given time. Think of these as invisible doorways that allow
energy to pass in and out. These energy centers are considered either
transpersonal, subpersonal, or corporeal, meaning they are above,
below, or atop the physical body. They correspond to different body
systems, organs, glands, and functions, and some even share chakras
across multiple systems. In the ancient Hindu tradition, the word
chakra translates roughly to “wheel of light.” Each wheel is projected
in front of and behind a person’s physical body and has a spin to it,
whirling open or closed when it gains or loses energy.
We’ll touch on how to tell the difference among chakras, as well as
what specific areas each chakra represents, in the upcoming sections
of this book. For now, it’s enough to understand that these portals or
vortexes are actually areas of intersecting energy points that connect
inward. We can’t see them with the naked eye, but we can feel that
they are real because we can sense the direct effects they have on
the body. For example, a closed throat chakra will create certain
symptoms that register on a physical level, like a sore throat, stiff
neck, inability to communicate or express clear opinions, or jaw pain.
Some of these issues may take time to show up, and some may
present as being non-physical (such as feeling unheard or
misunderstood).
Since our system is holistic, everything is connected and has an
influence on the other parts of the whole. When all the chakras are
open, aligned, and balanced, the energy body is running optimally and
functions properly. Your body will feel healthy and you’ll be able to
stay present and even-keeled with your emotions. It is possible to feel
the direct influence on the body and emotions as this subtle energy
can impact us within hours or days. Some more serious issues,
illnesses, and diagnoses may take years to accumulate in the system
until they present as physical symptoms, which is why it is important to
purify and cleanse the energy system regularly.

In this book, we’ll touch on the seven main energy centers: the
crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, and root chakras.
These are considered the primary corporeal chakras as they lie atop
and correspond to areas on the physical body. My book The
Complete Guide to Chakras: Activating the 12-Chakra Energy
System for Balance and Healing looks at all the energy centers on
and alongside the body. This current book touches on everything you
need to know as a beginner to Reiki and chakras, and if you seek
more advanced theory and information, feel free to reference The
Complete Guide to Chakras .
There also exist within the energy system minor chakra points,
meridians, and nadis. We will touch on the main minor chakra points in
this book, but keep in mind, in some cultures there are hundreds (up to
365!) of smaller chakra points on the body. It’s not necessary to work
with all of these individually, especially since Reiki is an intelligent
energy and knows where to go once you direct it with your intention.
Here, it is important to note two other important energy channels that
exist within the body: the meridians and nadis.
In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), meridian lines run like a
superhighway connecting specific acupressure points on the body. We
have 14 main meridian lines, and most of them run through the seven
main chakras. Then there are the nadis , meaning “tube” or “channel,”
which are the two primary energy channels that run up and down the
body. These are the ida and pingala lines, which are often seen as
relating directly to the two main hemispheres of the brain in terms of
how they function and behave.
When starting to learn about Reiki, the chakra method covers all
the bases, as the chakras also include these other smaller energy
lines and pathways. Focusing attention and mindfulness to your
chakras helps create positive space for healing to occur. When you
start to address your energy, you have the ability to decrease stress
levels, end trauma and negative thinking cycles, and restore balance
to your body, mind, and Spirit.
Kundalini Energy
Another form of energy that exists within the body is called
kundalini or Shakti energy. Kundalini is known as “the coiled
serpent” in Sanskrit and its roots lie in ancient practices of
Hindu, Tibetan, and other Eastern cultures. This serpentine
energy is thought to wind its way up the spinal column (an
ascending energy), whereas Reiki is a descending energy
(moving down the spine from crown to root).
Kundalini energy typically lies dormant and can be awakened
during the course of a person’s life in various ways. Once the
kundalini energy ascends up the spine and reaches the crown,
having been activated through a process called shaktipat ,
enlightenment will be achieved, as there will be no more karma
to work through in that lifetime. This awakening process can give
rise to higher levels of consciousness.
Although it is not essential to work on awakening the
kundalini energy, many energy practitioners enjoy the work, as it
can definitely enhance the quality of energy experienced and is
the next step in the mastery of one’s own energy. Sometimes it
is possible to receive a partial or full kundalini awakening from a
Reiki attunement or other energetic practice that feels
activational in nature. You can tell your kundalini energy has
started to move if you are experiencing heightened sensual
(tantric) states of being, are feeling more sensitive to energy in
general, and feel a warm energetic sensation consistently
moving up your spine.
A Balancing Act
In order to feel healthy and energetic, as well as physically,
emotionally, and spiritually fit, it’s important to keep your chakras
well-balanced. Because we can’t see our chakras, it may not be
apparent when we are blocked or off-balance, but we can feel when
this happens. If you’ve ever struggled with your emotional state, your
motivation, weight gain or loss, control issues, interpersonal
relationships, or your sex drive, you know what it feels like to feel
“off.” And that’s okay—everyone feels like this from time to time, and
it usually takes several things to throw us off in a big way. We are
creatures of habit, which means that we tend to repeatedly place our
energy in the same energetic spots. This eventually leads to
blockages if the energy isn’t moved or cleared naturally. Fortunately,
there are ways you can manage this balancing act to ensure you
don’t fall victim to your own habits and tendencies.
Balanced and open chakras contribute to a fully stabilized energy
system in the body. They work together in unison to create health and
harmony. Your chakras are constantly working for you by upshifting
and downshifting vibrations in and out between your physical and non-
physical layers. When they are fully balanced, they are uniform in
their spin (much like whirlpools), size, and shape (although we can’t
see them).
Luckily for us, the body wants to stay in balance—that’s its natural
proclivity. When there are barriers to balance, it’s normally because
we are disowning that part of us that believes we’re in charge of our
reality. For example, your body feeds you impulses intuitively all day:
what to eat, whom to interact with, when to rest. It’s up to us to start
to listen so that we can create the changes our energy is asking for.
Identifying any issues that stand in your way is your first step; then
you can implement a plan of action to regain balance in your life on all
levels.
To get your chakras to perform properly and stay open, the entire
system, as well as each chakra, needs your attention and time. Just
as you shouldn’t expect to work out at the gym once and stay fit for
the rest of your life, you shouldn’t expect one meditation or one
nutritious meal to solve a lifetime of poor habits. New habits take at
least 21 days to form, and some of these are easier to accomplish
than you may think.
Having read and reread the energy week after week of individuals
who have steadily shown improvements to their overall energy and
have brought balance to all areas of their lives, I’ve seen that the top
contributing behaviors include: meditating on a regular basis (including
visualization meditations), eating healthily, having an open heart and
mind, making time for rest and repair, and adopting and practicing
regular energy-moving techniques. Techniques like these are crucial in
helping build a powerful self-love practice that complements the mind,
body, and Spirit and creates immense spiritual growth. With these
changes in place, you’ll be creating a resonance and coherence in
your environment and interactions that continuously reflect a
harmonious vibration back to you. By modifying the energies you put
out with a positive attitude and commitment to your own growth, you’ll
be on your way to cultivating the changes you want to see.
Remember to take things at your own pace so that you have plenty of
time to integrate the changes required for optimal balance.

Underperforming Chakras
On occasion, your chakras may become blocked or fall out of
balance. The terms alignment and balance are interchangeable here
when discussing chakra health. In general, an off-balance chakra
doesn’t necessarily mean there is a blockage, but it can. When you
are feeling that something is “off,” it is usually an indication of an
imbalance, whereas if you are experiencing noticeable physical or
emotional changes, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a blockage.
Confused as to which is which? Let’s break it down a bit further so
it’s easy to understand.
No one wants an underperforming chakra, but it’s natural and it
happens. It’s really nothing to stress about, and it can be easily
restored back to an open and balanced state. You see, over time, all
living beings store tensions, stressors, traumas, and excess
emotional energies in the physical body as well as in the non-physical
auric space. This can happen with painful, low-vibrating emotions like
sadness or anger, or when we get hung up on something and feel
unable to move on. We put these energies away and store them in
the same place until the energies accumulate and become congested.
Once that happens, we may experience dysfunction on a physical,
emotional, or spiritual level. We call this state dis-ease because it is a
state of being out-of-ease. Sometimes that means becoming ill or
going through a purge process. Other times, it is more of an
emotional effect, which can manifest as irritability, sadness, or strife.
When the energy is no longer able to move freely through a
chakra, the chakra is blocked. If the energy is slow-moving but still
able to move, the chakra is experiencing imbalance. It will generally
be at a lower vibration than the other chakras because its speed and
frequency are slower and lower, and the shape of the chakra may be
atypical. If the chakra is imbalanced, chances are it is also out of
alignment. I use these two terms interchangeably during the course of
my practice.
Telling the difference between a blockage and an imbalance can
seem tricky if you aren’t experienced with reading chakras, but this
basic level 1 Reiki skill becomes easier, especially with practice. Even
without an attunement, you could learn to read your chakras with a
pendulum to determine if they are blocked or out of balance. You can
use anything as a pendulum (a necklace works well) and just ask
simple “yes” and “no” questions to determine the health or status of
an open or closed chakra.
Know that blockages and imbalances are not the same as
energetic cords or attachments, which can also reside in the chakras.
Energy cords are lines of energy between a person and another
person, a person and a place, or a person and thing that are
subconsciously siphoning energy away from the person. Both
unhealthy and healthy cords can exist. For example, you may have an
unhealthy cord tying you to an old lover whom you’d rather forget, or
you may have a healthy cord tying you to your new niece whom you
wish you could visit more often. Similarly, attachments, which are
disembodied energies that like to stick around the body, can also be
both unhealthy and healthy. They appear when your vibrational field is
low, and they can be easily cleansed with Reiki energy.

Healing Chakras
For the past decade and then some, I have been practicing chakra
healing work. The concept is simple: We can work with our own
energy flow to help restore it to the optimal vibration. A high
vibrational state allows us to continue to function the way we want to
in the world. This state allows us to attract our desires, manifest
opportunities and new blessings, boost our mood, and achieve a
state of holistic wellness. When our energy systems feel off, it’s just a
matter of noticing and then taking inspired action to restore health
and happiness.
 Let’s discuss some common energy healing practices I’ve seen
work for my clients in the past: sound healing, space clearing,
essential oils, meditation, and Reiki. You can try to implement these
techniques in your own practice, or regular daily or monthly rituals to
help in your own healing. The most common and easiest way to boost
your mood is to add high vibrations to your life!
First up is working with sound healing. Sound is an easy way to
change your vibes quickly and effortlessly. If you don’t have access to
a studio that has sound-bath offerings, there are plenty of offerings
online (both paid and free). Start by selecting music to listen to that
boosts your mood (like brain-entrainment tones or meditative
soundtracks) and add some healing crystals or Tibetan bowls,
chimes, or gongs. Put them on in the background when doing chores,
working, or before you fall asleep at night.
Next, you might try to give your living and working spaces an
energy makeover. Declutter—throw out the old items collecting dust
and holding old memories or stories, and remove any items that
aren’t complementing your lifestyle anymore. Saying goodbye feels
healthy and will actually boost your energy. Close a chapter of your
life by moving items out of your space. Afterward, try adding some
friendly, inspiring new art and some high-frequency crystals to bring in
exactly the energy you want. I love working with amethyst (for
intuition), rose quartz (for heart healing), clear quartz (for energy
boosting), and selenite (for clearing old energies). They are regulars
around my home and workspace. You can even pop these in your to-
go bag, pockets, or bra to infuse your day with crystal healing and
gain some added chakra support.
Essential oils are next on the list, as these scents awaken the
senses and directly impact the limbic system. The limbic system is
responsible for regulating important automatic functions in the body,
like metabolism, heart rate, breathing, stress levels, and more. If you
want to calm yourself quickly and drop into instant relaxation, these
oils derived from natural plant extracts work directly on your body’s
natural physiological responses.
One of the most significant methods I’ve seen affect someone’s
healing capability is the willingness to pick up a meditation practice.
Meditation isn’t about eliminating all thoughts from your mind. Rather,
it is about learning to surf the waves of emotions and thoughts that
clutter your mental space all day. Eventually, you may find that a
regular practice helps you achieve stillness more quickly, but the point
is to take time each day to sit with your own energy and mind.
Visualization meditations can assist in powerful healings when you are
working with a physical issue or illness, and I’ve seen them work
miracles in the world of healing.
Finally, Reiki is a time-honored healing tradition that I always
suggest to clients who are ready to take the plunge and energetically
“reset.” This is a simple practice that will clear any blockages within
the aura, chakra system, and physical body so that your energy is
able to flow freely again. I like to describe it as acupuncture without
the needles.
Reiki changed my life and it can change yours, too. Are you
ready?
 Chapter 2

Reiki Healing

I also provide a brief overview of symbols

commonly used in Reiki so that you gain some exposure to the
shortcuts Reiki uses to access energy. My aim is that you’ll discover
exactly how Reiki works, which will illuminate the importance of your
direct relationship to Source to strengthen your spiritual practice.
What follows is an introduction to Reiki energy healing and an
exploration of what Reiki is and how it began. I include other parts of
Reiki history that are particularly relevant to modern-day teachings.
Specifically, we will look at how Reiki can heal and we will cover the
big questions. Together, we review the Three Pillars and Five
Principles of Usui Reiki, and I provide some Reiki techniques for
beginners to the practice. These techniques vary by level of Reiki
attunement, which we explore further as we move through the
chapters in this book.
Reiki 101
Reiki is a spiritual practice as well as a healing modality and will
awaken you to new layers of awareness and your inherent abilities.
There are many paths to healing, and Reiki will aid you in your
spiritual development as you cultivate a practice that’s just right for
you. It is both a self-healing tool and a tool to help heal others (both
locally and remotely, from a distance). By letting your heart guide
you, you will be able to use this energy safely, gently, and effectively
to realize great change on all levels—physical, emotional, mental, and
spiritual. All the practice requires is a sense of surrender, a
necessary part of the spiritual path—giving up your desire to control
everything. With Reiki, you will be better able to allow the loving
frequencies of the Universe to flow through you abundantly, without
resistance.
The name Reiki comprises two words—rei meaning “Universal,”
and ki meaning “energy.” It’s more easily interpreted to mean spiritual
consciousness, or energy from Source. You don’t have to be religious
to appreciate, receive, enjoy, or practice Reiki. Many practices
incorporate the movement of ki through the physical body as a means
of healing (such as acupuncture, chi gong, and tai chi). Remember, ki
is life-force energy that permeates all things (also known as prana).
The science of quantum physics has acknowledged the presence of
this unifying force of energy among all matter in the Universe.
Therefore, Reiki can be used to experience oneness with all that is.
Reiki has been practiced since before recorded history. We see
evidence of it in Egyptian art renderings and again in the mystery
schools of the ancient world, and Reiki has since come to see its day
again in modern-day Japan and across the West. Although it’s
primarily an Eastern healing practice, Reiki is used by practitioners
worldwide. There are many lineages of Reiki practice throughout
various cultures, but the most common is called Usui Reiki.
Dr. Mikao Usui was responsible for opening the first Reiki healing
practice in 1921 in Tokyo, Japan. As a Buddhist monk with a
background in theology and philosophy, he was inspired to seek a
way to heal himself and others. He spent years developing the
method after a spiritual download he received while meditating on
Mount Kurama for 21 days. He founded the Reiki Method of Healing
(Usui Shiki Ryoho) after years of spiritual cultivation and took on only
11 master students.
Two such practitioners, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi and Madam Hawayo
Takata, were later responsible for establishing Reiki as a holistic
healing modality that would then be spread to a wider audience than
ever before imagined. Dr. Hayashi helped develop the hand
placements specific to Usui Reiki, and Madam Takata later brought
this lineage to the Western world via Hawaii. Through Reiki, the West
has adopted new ways to treat the cause, not the effect, of illness.
Reiki has been able to flourish, bringing people back into the ways of
natural healing.

The Three Pillars

In his teachings, Dr. Usui passed on the foundations, or pillars, of
Reiki to each of his practitioners. These pillars—gassho, reiji-ho, and
chiryo—each have their own role and serve multiple purposes. Dr.
Usui created this specific format of Reiki to enable anyone to engage
in the flow of healing without draining their own vital life force. The
pillars set up a safe container in which to practice and give general
guidelines for the natural healing system. Let’s look at each
individually.
 Gassho, the first pillar of Reiki, is a meditative practice and offers
the element of spiritual hygiene. Gassho is to be performed after you
have set up your healing space and, if you’re practicing on another
person, have chatted with them to determine the focus of the session.
The concept is simple—the hands come together in a prayer position.
As you do this, your focus should be on centering and breathing into
the heart space—the area including your heart and the etheric space
around your heart where your emotions are held. This is an excellent
way to energetically clear yourself and the space you are working in
to ensure clarity and calm prior to performing treatment. You should
do this before every session for 5 to 10 minutes or more, as you
should never enter a session with a cluttered mind or heart. Focus on
the breath and exhale any tensions that need to be released in order
to be completely present. You may also move back into gassho at the
completion of a session in order to ground yourself.
The second pillar of Reiki is known as reiji-ho. With this pillar, you
set intentions around the healing about to take place. This is a critical
part of the process, not to be skipped. The mind and power of
affirmations are powerful, and during reiji-ho, we speak our intentions
into existence. This is also a time to call in guidance and ask directly
for assistance. When you are opening up to Reiki energy, you are
establishing your spiritual channel. This is the perfect opportunity to
get quiet and begin to notice the subtle information you are picking up
about the person you are working on. This part of your practice
requires trust, mindfulness, and an open mind. Once you receive
guidance, intend for the Reiki energy to work for the greatest good,
within the most beneficial timeline for you or your patient.
The last pillar of Reiki is the chiryo, or “treatment.” There’s no
wrong way to do this if you’ve spent time preparing yourself and
setting your intentions appropriately, although it is recommended to
keep your legs uncrossed during a Reiki transmission so that it does
not negatively impact the flow of the energy. When you begin your
treatment, most practitioners will use the chakra method (described
in this book) because it covers the entire body, head to toe. The
movements may seem to go in a specific order, and the practitioner
trusts that the energy is reaching all the places it needs to go. Hold
each hand position for approximately three to five minutes or until
your intuition guides you to move on or stop the session. Most full
treatments are between 45 and 55 minutes in length, so give yourself
plenty of time to work without feeling rushed.
The Five Principles
Dr. Usui believed that the Reiki principles were a form of spiritual
practice. As part of his practice, he recommended observing
these principles, as well as meditating on them daily and
incorporating them into a practice (much like a dojo). By taking
each day one at a time, we live in the moment. Thus, the original
principles state that they are “the secret method of inviting
blessings, the spiritual medicine of many illnesses.” They each
begin with the statement “Just for today,” meaning that today we
have a choice that is unattached to yesterday or tomorrow.
Everything is temporary; life is constantly changing, and we get
to decide if we will truly allow it to be witnessed so it can be
released.

Here are the principles in their entirety:

Just for today, I will not worry.

. . . I will not be angry.
. . . I will do my work honestly.
. . . I will give thanks to my many blessings.
. . . I will be kind to my neighbor and all living things.

Worry brings us into the past or future and away from the
present moment. Anger, although functional, as it serves to
indicate when something is out of alignment or needs attention,
is generally a lower vibrational energy and not something we
need to live in to understand the lessons it may teach. Doing our
work with integrity reminds us of how to stay in alignment
throughout the day.
Healing Power
I have personally seen the power of Reiki effect many healings,
including releasing anxiety and stress and restoring physical and
mental well-being. Reiki can also be used to charge water, food,
crystals, plants, animals, and children. Infusing something with Reiki
energy boosts it with high-vibrational energy that will keep working on
dissolving the lower, denser energies, creating a healing effect. This
is called entrainment , and it’s the process of transmuting or changing
energy to a higher state. This happens when a lower-vibrating object
syncs with a higher-vibrating object, converting the dense energy
waves into lighter particles with a higher frequency.
The way Reiki healing works is simple. The practitioner directs
universal energy through their hands into the body and energetic field
of the recipient receiving treatment. Depending on the permission
granted and the desired method of treatment, the practitioner will
place their hands directly on the patient’s physical body or will stay
within their aura (without physical touch) to perform the treatment.
There are pros to each method, and you’ll need to explore the
practice to determine which method is right for you and the recipient.
Perhaps what is most inspiring about Reiki energy is that there’s
no incorrect way to use it. Reiki has its own intelligence and
consciousness, as the nature of the energy is the same that flows in
and around everything—it is universal and divine. As such, the
direction the energy flows from Source (above the head or crown
area) is down and out through the practitioner’s hands. This
noninvasive energy flows easily through the body channel, and this
energy can be felt by both the practitioner and the recipient. The
spinal channel is opened during a process called attunement , which
only takes a few minutes and can be done in person or remotely.
 Anyone can do Reiki, and chances are you have already done
some form of Reiki in the past without even knowing it. With an
attunement, you will be able to channel Reiki without feeling depleted.
An attunement is a sacred rite of passing on the Reiki symbols from
master to student practitioner. During an attunement, the aura is
opened, and the symbols are entered into the crown and the palms of
the student. This energy is then absorbed, through intention, into the
field and body of the practitioner. This absorption can be experienced
as energy fluctuations, shifting lights, body temperature changes, and
feeling “lighter” as the energy begins to open the spinal channel. It will
continue its work for the next 21 days, as a cleanse begins and the
physical, mental, and spiritual states start to purify and open. We’ll
get into that later in this chapter after we discuss the different levels
of Reiki (see “Reiki for Chakra Healing ”).
An attunement is required to progress to each subsequent level of
practice and allows the practitioner to be able to channel Reiki
themselves. It is different from having a session in which the
practitioner is simply receiving the energy transmission during a
treatment. Attunements are also recommended for people who are
healing serious illness or chronic conditions, as they will then be able
to move more energy through the open spinal channel and give
themselves self-healing on a daily basis. If you fall into this category,
consider an attunement to level 1 to aid in your ongoing journey.
Most people are natural healers. They, like you, were born with
easy access to healing abilities and often appear to intuitively channel
the most beneficial energy for someone in need. However, keep in
mind that any form of healing requires training and experience. Once
you are attuned, you can channel Reiki energy for self-healing or to
help heal others. The healing can be used to soften past timelines,
send healing to future events, promote good health, and work on
people not physically present with you during a remote session.
Importantly, Reiki is not a substitute for receiving medical
treatment when needed. As a practitioner, never recommend going
against a doctor’s advice, especially if there is a known medical
condition. This can be tempting when someone comes in and wishes
to take themselves off medications, but unless you are a medical
doctor or are working directly with the patient’s doctor with written
consent, this is unwise. The world of natural medicine often
encourages intuitive, holistic advice, so use a patient-treatment
consent form if you are seeing clients on a regular basis, and stay
within approved guidelines.

21-Day Cleanse
Each time a practitioner receives an attunement (initiation) for any
level of Reiki, a cleansing experience follows. This process helps
naturally purify the chakras and affects the physical, emotional,
mental, and spiritual layers of the self. This period of cleansing may
also be called a detoxification, because there is a distinct shedding of
layers as the old, stagnant energies are pushed out of the system.
Receiving an attunement amplifies higher vibrational energies, leaving
very little room for lower vibrations such as disease, illness, anger, or
anxiety to exist in the same space in the body.
During the cleanse, each chakra is purified over a course of about
three days. Sometimes it’s possible to feel the energy working
through a specific chakra or in multiple chakras at once. There is no
particular order but, in general, the energies will begin clearing
through the lower vibrations first, which means if you have blockages
in certain areas, those will be addressed early on.
 Though this doesn’t happen often, it’s possible to experience what
is known as a “healing crisis” while someone’s energy is going
through any type of cleanse (including a regular session, not just
attunements). A healing crisis in natural medicine is a brief and
temporary period during which symptoms seem to worsen before
they get better. For example, you may experience seasonal allergies;
therefore, in a healing crisis, they may flare up into congestion before
they subside entirely. A healing crisis is typically short and can be
identified as such only after the effects have eased. With this
knowledge, you’ll be able to recognize this period as beneficial to
overall healing and retain a sense of well-being, despite momentary
discomfort.
Since this energy upgrade ushers in a detoxification process, it’s
wise to follow some basic self-care practices during this time. Getting
regular exercise or incorporating a movement practice (yoga, Pilates,
jogging, stretching) will aid in releasing excess energy through your
body. Discontinue bad habits (you know what yours are), drink plenty
of water, and try to eat heathily (avoiding alcohol and excess sugars
or processed foods). This will help your body feel nourished and
satisfied. You can replace any bad habits with meditation (5 to 30
minutes a day) and doing something nice for yourself, instead. Take a
bath, receive a massage, get lots of extra rest, or read a book
outside.
During the cleanse, student practitioners may want to give
themselves a full self-healing treatment each day to help soften the
internal healing that is taking place. The whole point is to start building
your channel by connecting inward and upward. Taking time to be
with yourself will help cultivate your awareness practice. Remember
that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so this is the perfect time to be
building in new patterns and behaviors that complement your healing
journey.

Reiki Techniques
Throughout my years of working with clients and training countless
Reiki students, I have seen many different techniques used, and I am
always discovering new and intuitively guided methods that seem to
result in the best benefit for the patient involved. We will be reviewing
many techniques throughout the book, but let’s take a look in this
section at a few of the more well-known practices to get you familiar
with them.
For Reiki practitioners, it’s important to maintain an open channel,
or connection to Source. One of the top “rules of Reiki” is to always
remember that you are not the healer; you are the conduit of the
energy. Therefore, you are only facilitating the treatment by allowing
Source energy to move through you and make the necessary
energetic adjustments to your recipient in accordance with their
highest good and what their soul is ready to accept. The energy flows
through a gateway that connects you to the Reiki stream, like a river
of light flowing from your crown down through your hands. It’s
possible to feel the energy stream as a mild electric current, buzzing,
warmth, or pulsing energy. This energy stream is called our “channel.”
To keep your channel clear, it’s always a great idea to practice
one of the self-healing methods outlined in this book. This will help
eliminate any blockages or stagnant energies you are holding and
provide a clear pathway in which the Reiki energy can flow. When we
work with the heart or crown chakra energies, the “vital charge” is a
way to specifically clear any obstructions in a short amount of time.
Think of this as a mini-session that provides a little shortcut to healing
so your channel can remain as open as possible.
 The use of symbols is another time-honored tradition in the Reiki
practice. Symbols can hold different meanings for different cultures,
even vastly different meanings over the course of time. It’s important
to carefully judge how using symbols in your practice affects your
desired healing. Some practitioners find these symbols very useful
and feel they contribute powerfully to their practice. We’ll explore
several ways to use symbols during a Reiki treatment. You can read
more about symbols and what they are later in this chapter (see
“Symbols ”).
The energy ball is a technique I used to teach in Reiki 1, but now
teach in Reiki 2. Although it’s an advanced technique, it’s easy to
learn and pick up with practice. This potent technique helps
consolidate Reiki energy into a condensed, super-powered energy
blast to work on more serious injuries or areas that need
concentrated healing. Any wound, whether emotional or physical, will
experience accelerated healing through this special practice.
Working with Reiki to remove energy cords is another great way
to help your chakras function optimally. Energy cords are lines that
siphon energy away from the body to another Source (this can be a
person, place, or thing). They are formed between people or objects
and constantly draw on our energy, causing energetic leakage.
Removing these cords can be extremely helpful in coming back into
wholeness and sovereignty.
Another technique often used alongside and within Reiki practices
is spiritual journeying. This is a process of deep meditation to uncover
subconscious patterns, traumas, core wounding, and beliefs that
cause a person to become blocked, and then using other energy-
clearing techniques to remove disease within the physical body,
psyche, aura, or chakras.
 Finally, it’s possible to perform a chakra balancing using specific
balancing hand positions to create equilibrium across the energy
centers. This technique is especially helpful when you only have about
20 minutes to complete the healing.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the hand positions and how we’ll
be using them during the course of this book. They are featured in
each chapter and vary by chakra.

Hand Positions
A traditional Usui Reiki practice will include various hand positions
developed by Dr. Hayashi early in Reiki’s modern-day history. These
hand positions may seem orthodox and a bit mechanical when you
first start your practice, but following a protocol for placement will
help eliminate the guesswork of where to focus the direction of Reiki
energy. I like to teach the chakra method for this reason. By placing
your hands on each chakra, you are ensuring the entire system is
receiving healing. Not only is it comprehensive, it also allows you to
spend time feeling the variances of each energy center and how they
compare with one another. There are multiple hand positions for most
chakras, as well as alternate hand positions.
As your practice progresses and you advance your skill set, you
can begin to use your hands for a simple body scan to get a feel for
what areas of the body are specifically calling for your attention. You
may begin to intuitively swipe, blow, snap, or indicate with hand
gestures around specific areas of the body. These actions help move
subtle energies away from or through the body. Be sure to follow any
guidance you are picking up. When resting your hands on a recipient,
be respectful of their boundaries, and use only light hand placement
and no actual pressure to the area, especially around vulnerable
areas such as the exposed neck. For sensitive areas, you can hover
the hands within the auric field to channel the energy.

Symbols
The Reiki symbols are powerful shortcuts to access energy, most of
which are received in level 2. The last two, along with any advanced
symbols, are passed on during mastery training (level 3). These have
been handed down through the Usui lineage and were originally
channeled by Dr. Usui himself. Keep in mind that universal love, not
the symbols themselves, provides the energy that empowers the
healing. In some Reiki lineages, symbols are not used, so get a feel
for what works best for your personal practice.

> The symbol is an empowerment symbol meant

to accelerate or amplify healing. This is known as the power symbol
and is received during a level 2 attunement.

> The symbol enhances emotional release and is a

symbol often chosen in times of distress or anxiety. It can be used to
help release negativity or stress-induced tension (often a major key to
healing), for psychic protection, and to heal addictions and
codependence. This symbol is known as the emotional or mental
healing symbol and is received during a level 2 attunement.

> The symbol allows you to transcend

timelines and send healing energy backward or forward in time to a
recipient who is not physically present with you. It can also be used
to heal the planet itself. You must select a designated time in which
the healing will occur before you start the Reiki transmission,
otherwise the energy will be sent to the present moment. A
translation of this symbol is “No past, no present, no future.” This
symbol is known as the distance healing symbol and is received
during a level 2 attunement.
> The DKM symbol is meant to harmonize energies
with light. A translation of this symbol is “great shining light,” and it is
used as a spiritual symbol to enlighten one’s path. Once you have
received this symbol, traditionally you are then expected to use it in
all of your healings. DKM is known as the master symbol and is
received as the fourth symbol during a level 3 master attunement.

> The raku symbol is perhaps the most widely recognized

Reiki healing symbol, and it looks like a lightning bolt. It is an alternate
symbol only used at the end of an attunement to ground the
practitioner. I have used this symbol at the completion of treatments if
the recipient still requires energy stabilization. This symbol may be
received during level 3 or beyond, depending on the teacher.
You will see the Reiki symbols written in varied ways, likely due to
modifications through different lineages as the practice has evolved.
Play with them to choose the symbols you feel a personal connection
to, and experiment with them during your practice.

Prepare for Healing

An essential preparation for healing is the clearing and purification of
our personal energy space, as well as creating the ambience
necessary for peaceful and calm vibrations to flow during our Reiki
sessions. This is especially important when working with multiple
people, or with people in your home space. When you and your
space are clear and centered, all else seems to flow easily. Your
attitude affects the healing.
Dress comfortably—when you are relaxed, so is your recipient.
You’ll also want to handle any energy exchange, such as money, or
any details about the session beforehand whenever possible. After
smudging yourself and your space with sage, cedar, or another
cleansing herb, prepare the room energetically. Make sure your
recipient will be comfortable, even if you are practicing on a floor. A
massage table is ideal for this practice. Beds are typically more of a
challenge to navigate, so try to avoid them and opt for a recliner or
pillows on a yoga mat instead, when a massage table is unavailable.
Putting on some relaxing meditative music before the treatment
enhances the entire experience and gives your session a spa-like
feel. You may choose to bring crystals into your session and place
them on yourself (self-healing) or your recipient. I enjoy using one for
each chakra, but there are certain special stones that may call out to
be used for a healing. You may also choose to utilize essential oils in
your healings. As you get more practice, your intuition will begin to
inform these decisions and you will find a flow that fits your taste and
abilities.
Reiki for Kids and Pets
Performing Reiki on kids and pets requires some extra attention
and consideration because it can be quite different from
performing Reiki on adults. Reiki is safe and gentle for the
youngest children (even children in utero). It’s also terrific for
pets who could benefit from natural healing. But kids and pets,
while both cute and cuddly, tend to move around quite a bit,
making them tricky recipients. The best tip I have found over the
years is to simply wait until they have gone to sleep before
performing their session. If they are able to sit still for you, you
may only get 10 to 15 minutes in, so there will not be time for a
lot of ritual or intention beforehand. In general, both children and
pets will tend to become restless or will simply get up and leave
if they are done with the energy transmission. You may also be
inspired to give them distance healing to provide a longer
transmission, sending the energy backward or forward in time.
As with all Reiki, it’s good to gain permission before starting
a treatment session. If there is ever any situation in which you
find yourself unable to ask for permission (this happens a lot in
cases in which words are unavailable), you’ll want to first obtain
permission psychically. Find a quiet time to connect with the
recipient’s Spirit and feel into it. With kids, it’s a good idea to
check in with them before the treatment to gauge how they are
feeling so that you can measure the success of the healing
afterward.
Reiki Degrees
There are three levels of Reiki, with the master level (level 3) taught
in one or two parts. Each level trains the student to better channel the
energy and introduces more advanced healing techniques.
Additionally, each level requires an attunement from a Reiki Master
Teacher. Let’s take a closer look.
is the basic, entry-level Reiki most common among
practitioners. This is a foundational curriculum and includes hands-on
healing for yourself or one other person who is physically present with
you. No symbols or remote healings are involved, as all healing on
this level is one-on-one. Level 1 is considered an attunement that
works on a physical level, meaning that you may feel some physical
side effects like fatigue, body aches, ear ringing, body temperature
changes, head pressure, or other minor changes to your energy field
as the energy works to clear your channel. A 21-day energy cleanse
is initiated.
is the intermediate level for practitioners looking to
deepen their practice. New skills include hands-on healing for small
groups, as well as distance healing (including timelines and recipients
who are not physically present with you). Symbols are passed to the
student at this level and advanced techniques are introduced.
Generally, this is considered an attunement that works on an
emotional level. You may feel heavier emotions like sadness, grief, or
anxiety coming up during this time so that they can be felt and
released. A second 21-day energy cleanse is initiated.
is considered the master level. I teach this in
two parts, mainly because different skill sets are required at each
level and not everyone will want to go on to teach or attune other
practitioners. If the level 3 Reiki is taught in two parts, personal
mastery and teacher training degrees are usually bestowed. Personal
mastery is a foundational mastery curriculum, and in traditional Reiki
schools the invitation to participate must be extended by the teacher
after the student has shown commitment to spiritual growth through
their ongoing practice. The practitioner receives the master level and
the raku symbols, along with advanced healing techniques. This
attunement works on a spiritual level. The practitioner may feel new
levels of consciousness at play and a sense of lightness around them
as new awareness blossoms. A third and final 21-day energy cleanse
is initiated.
is also called RMT, or Reiki Master Teacher. This
level trains the practitioner to pass attunements and sets them up to
integrate Reiki into a professional practice. At this level, the Reiki
training is complete and the practitioner is encouraged to continue
practicing and passing on the gift of Reiki to their students and friends
seeking healing.
Please note that Reiki mastery types are taught not only as
healing modalities but also as advanced spiritual practices, to be
demonstrated prior to receiving the attunement. Therefore, spiritual
counseling is a large part of the journey when completing higher-level
attunements. Re-attunement is suggested for those who have been
away from their practice for an extended period and would like a
refresher, although it is not necessary. I always take a re-attunement
if my teachers offer it because it’s a great opportunity to receive an
energetic refresh and drop back into my practice.

Reiki for Chakra Healing

Although Reiki and chakra work come from two very different
lineages, they have really grown together to complement each other
in modern-day Reiki practice. Reiki is an excellent way to heal and
balance the chakras—and this book will cover everything you need to
know to do just that.
As we briefly reviewed (see here ), the most widely used Reiki is
a Japanese lineage called Usui Reiki. In this tradition, the hand
placements follow the different areas of the body that house all the
corporeal chakras. Although Reiki is being absorbed by the body
during a treatment (whether hands-on or at a distance), the chakras
are being treated during the energy transmission. Some practitioners
like to channel above the body directly to the chakras (within the auric
space) for an additional 10 minutes or so to work on chakras that feel
particularly blocked.
To perform healing on multiple chakras, simply follow the hand
placements in this book. A good place to start is at the crown and
then work your way down to the root. Once the crown is open, it will
be easier to clear the blockages because your Source connection
and divine energy flow will be restored. It’s also possible to spot-treat
a problem chakra if you have been meditating with it and find it
difficult to move the block yourself. Simply channel to the chakra
you’d like to treat for 5 to 10 minutes on its own.
One way to tell if energy is blocked is by breathing deeply into the
area. If you are feeling contracted, tight, or closed-off energies, or
you are experiencing other telltale symptoms corresponding to that
energy center, then the area is likely blocked. Work with blockages in
the crown and heart first. Opening these chakras up will not only
allow for greater Source energy flow, but will help you gain immediate
relief. By the end of a full Reiki treatment, the chakras should be
open and balanced naturally.
 Reiki Healing

N ow that you have learned a bit about the Reiki-chakra

connection, it’s time to start applying what you know to help heal
your chakra system. Part 2 provides an overview of each of the
seven primary chakras and their main functions. Here, you’ll learn how
to identify when the chakras are blocked and how to work with them
through Reiki to achieve balance and optimal health. We take a peek
at the exciting ways you can perform your own healing treatments, as
well as treatments on others. Each chapter contains highlights about
the minor chakras, so you can begin to familiarize yourself with what
they are and how they work with the primary chakras. Get ready to
uncover this transformational Reiki-chakra connection for yourself!
 Chapter 3

The Root Chakra

This chapter is a basic overview of the inner workings of this vital

energy center. We explore the different names the root chakra goes
by, where it’s located, and its associated colors and elements. This is
the first primary chakra, an energy space to ground the rest of the
energy centers. When this center is blocked, the rest of our energy is
unable to move through and ground us. It’s essential to spend time
unblocking and opening this energy space through the practices
reviewed here, as well as practicing lots of meditation. You’ll learn
what this chakra governs and its unique role within the chakra system
to ground and nurture your energy.
What Is the Root Chakra?
The root chakra, or base chakra, is said to be the place where
consciousness dropped into physical existence. You may also hear
this referred to by the Sanskrit name muladhara (mula meaning
“root” or “support,” and adhara meaning “lower”). It’s appropriate,
then, as the first foundational chakra, that this energy center connects
us to the earth and is most concerned with instinct and basic needs.
Earth energy is very grounding, stabilizing, and strong. Think about
how you feel when your body is well rested, safe to let go and relax,
and overall physically comfortable. Your root space is representative
of the material realm, and your physical body connects to this space.
Basic survival as well as creature comforts (primal needs) are both
ruled by the root. When we feel all of our primary needs are met, we
can say the root space is balanced and open.
Located directly at the base of the spine and nestled into a space
between your perineum and the reproductive organs, your root space
is a powerful energetic center and home to sleeping kundalini energy,
which lies dormant until awakened. Together, this makes the root the
foundational chakra, which supports the rest of the chakra system.
This energy supports the spinal column and the kanda , an egg-
shaped energetic organ in the same location.
The element associated with your muladhara is (no surprise here)
earth. Imagine red clay or rich brown soil beneath your feet as the
free electrons from the ionizing earth element intermingle with your
soles. The earth below you supports your every step. After all, we
are children of the great mother, Mother Earth. She is the original
mother, who tends to our physical needs and exchanges subtle
information with us through her harmonic resonance. Just as the soil
delivers nourishment to the roots of all plants and trees, the earth
element delivers strength and security to our physical body. The
density of this element greatly impacts the feeling of being anchored
in our body vessel as our temple on Earth.
Every chakra has its own unique color band on the visible light
spectrum at which it vibrates. The colors for all the chakras go in
ascending order up the spine in a delightful rainbow palette. The color
linked with the root space is ruby red, an intense and powerful
frequency. This vibration feels primal, deep, and passionate. It’s a
color representing blood and love, both of which are vital to meet and
sustain our basic needs. Energetically, this color also represents pure
Shakti, or kundalini energy.
Taking a look at which body parts are paired with the root space,
we are able to notice a foundational theme. The feet, knees, legs,
lower hips, anus, and some reproductive organs are included in this
chakra, along with the testes and penis (lingam) and the vagina,
vaginal canal, and clitoris (the womb is part of the sacral chakra).
There are certain chakras that share functionality, and the root is one
of them. This chakra also governs parts of the elimination system, as
well as your blood and muscular and skeletal systems. You’ll find
several of the chakras share certain functions, especially the lower
three chakras, as so many of the body parts are closely connected
and weave throughout multiple areas.
The glands that correspond to the root chakra are the adrenals.
These triangular organs are located on top of your kidneys and help
regulate vital bodily functions, such as hormonal balance, metabolism,
the immune system, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, sleep/wake
cycles, and cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s main stress
hormone; its essential functions include regulating motivation, mood,
and fear.
 The energy of the root chakra is very concentrated. Some of the
body’s heaviest and densest energies reside in the root chakra.
Anger, fear, despair, loss, guilt, and shame are stored here. The root
space is also responsible for a sense of safety, which normally forms
early in life, along with self-esteem and identity. This chakra houses
survival instincts (the fight-or-flight response) and is where we learn
to self-soothe and take care of our own bodies.
Meridians, the pathways of energy that connect the chakras to the
energy flow inside the body, have two main lines that flow through the
root chakra—the ida and pingala lines. These represent the left
(feminine) and right (masculine) sides of the body, respectively. The
ida line runs down the left leg, whereas the pingala runs up the right
leg.
The root space carries energies of both ecstasy as well as
innocence. This fiery chakra is often associated with passion and
desire. This is also where we are connected to maternal and paternal
energies. Of course, it is possible to be a parent to yourself—this is a
huge part of self-care. You will learn many self-care techniques for
healing both of these aspects within yourself as you work with the
exercises in this book. We’ll discuss what this feels like for both a
healthy chakra and an imbalanced chakra in the next sections .
Treat your body with care; respect and listen to it on a regular
basis to begin working with the root space more regularly. This
includes taking cues from the body when you need to move, rest, or
eat (how much, when, and what you eat are some points of
discernment to dial into your body on a more intimate level). Not
sure? Ask your body—it will tell you exactly what it needs to feel
good. Your body is an amazing healer all on its own if you pay
attention and take action when it’s speaking to you. Now let’s begin to
look at some techniques to get you into your body and feel grounding
through the practice of Reiki.

A Balanced Root Chakra

A balanced root chakra will be unblocked and open, allowing your
grounding energy to extend from your physical body into the earth.
This energy connection is vital to feeling safe and connected to your
physical body, as well as to your environment. Embodiment is one of
the most important human journeys we can take. One of the keys to
this process is learning to trust yourself and your own capacity and
strengths, and to let go of fear, doubts, and worries. Tuning in to the
self promotes secure attachments between you and others, and
encourages healthy boundaries (a hallmark of a balanced root
chakra).
If this energy center is flourishing, your basic needs will be met,
contributing to a sense of security and ease. Eventually, it will tune
you into the flow of grace and prosperity. People who are very
successful and have accumulated wealth on the material plane tend
to have open and balanced root spaces because they have tapped
into the frequency of abundance, which inherently creates more—the
more you have, the more you share.
A well-balanced root chakra also promotes healthy sexuality,
which for most of us has existed within the wheelhouse of toxic
programming because traditional views teach that this energy is “bad”
and “shameful.” The healthy expression of sexual energy actually
plugs you back into your divine identity by connecting you to pure
streams of bliss and love. Through human connection, joining in
integrity and purity (without agenda), you can enter the portal of self-
discovery and eventually self-mastery. As you raise your awareness
of intimacy and the person or people with whom you are sharing this
energy, you will find greater self-love. In this state, higher-
consciousness endeavors can be achieved, and this will aid in
anchoring your vibration to the natural world as well as to those
around you.
When the muladhara is healthy, presence and patience work
together to create emotional stability in your auric field. When you
give up the need to know and control everything, you become free to
expand, grow, and evolve. This is what a balanced root chakra
encourages.
The good news is that with an open and balanced root chakra,
your energy in all the other main chakras is able to flow freely and
feels amplified. These energies build on one another, which creates a
strong and stable foundation.

An Unbalanced Root Chakra

It’s relatively easy to tell when your root chakra is out of balance. If
you’ve ever had a day in which you felt completely scattered, spacey,
or destabilized (energetically or physically), you know what I mean.
Since this is your center for security and primal regulation, when
things are off it’s usually pretty obvious. By paying close attention to
your feelings, behaviors, and moods, you can start to identify how
and where this is happening. It’s less important to know how long the
imbalance has been there or how it was created, and more important
to know how to spot it so you can fix it when it crops up.
Emotionally, you may be able to feel some of your heavier
emotions held within this space. It’s possible to feel disconnected,
insecure, fearful, or overwhelmed when there is a blockage or
imbalance in this chakra. Grief and loss also tend to show up here, so
if you have recently lost someone from your life, this can feel very
difficult, since the sense of separation ultimately opposes our infinite,
divine nature. Anger likes to show up here as well. Because we are
creatures of habit, we tend to store things again and again in the
same place, even after it feels resolved. That’s why it’s so important
to regularly practice good energetic hygiene by working with energy-
clearing techniques to ensure that your energy remains clean and
clear.
People with root chakra imbalances also tend to have a difficult
time setting boundaries because of their tendency toward self-
abandonment patterns. These negative loops develop through
repeated self-sabotaging behaviors, poor self-esteem development,
or stuck childhood traumas. If this rings true for you, know that these
can all be repaired through timeline healing work, which you can
practice during the distance healing section in this chapter.
Physically, you may feel specific symptoms that indicate an
imbalance in this area, including constipation, poor circulation,
numbness/weakness of legs or restless legs, prostate or colon
issues, and general sluggishness or adrenal fatigue. You may
experience lower back or knee problems, or pelvic issues such as
pain and inflammation. Since the elimination organs share some
functions with the root space, bladder and kidney issues can also
indicate root chakra blockages, although they are more commonly
found within the sacral chakra.
Imbalances in this energy center may present as behavioral
issues, such as eating disorders, unnecessary spending, gambling
problems, or other compulsive/addictive behaviors that don’t seem
rational. This is because when the center for security is
compromised, we tend to overcompensate for what we are lacking
by attempting to fill it with other activities. This usually ends up just
masking the problem if the energy behind the issue isn’t addressed.
Luckily, this can be helped through Reiki healing.
Earth Star Chakra
The earth star chakra, also known as the zero chakra, extends
below the body 6 to 12 inches underneath the feet, into the
earth. This is considered a subpersonal chakra, since it exists
beyond the corporeal realm. The earth star is like an anchor,
tethering you to earth consciousness. It includes a grounding
element, much like the root chakra, and this chakra feels
galactic and ancient all at once. Perhaps it is because the earth
contains all the records of our DNA, ancestry, and human
history.
By learning about your earth star chakra, you can tap into
ancient knowledge held within your akashic records, which
contain the database of your past, present, and future timelines
on earth and beyond. The earth star chakra can help you
connect to collective as well as individual timelines to access the
highest possible outcomes in any current situation, while helping
heal and soften any past traumas (many of which are held and
passed down through ancestors).
Another important function of this subpersonal energy center
is to help stabilize your entire energy system. As your energy
opens up with Reiki, and continues to expand during this time of
awakening, your spinal channel will need a deeper way to stay
balanced and rooted. As far as your light energy extends
upward to Source, it must also extend downward into our
Mother Earth. Your earth star serves a very important function
by creating balance within your chakra system, grounding your
entire chakra system and allowing it to grow and expand.
Healing the Root Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the root
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing. This technique builds on skills needed to get to know your
energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and explore what feels
good or appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired. As
you are practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue
when you are sharing the energy with another person so they can
provide feedback, which will be a valuable tool as you grow your
Reiki practice.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing, and it provides alternate hand position holds.
Specifically, I cover the CKR symbol (see “Symbols ,” chapter 2).
You’ll learn how to use it in conjunction with complementary hand
positions to open and unblock the root chakra. CKR is the power
symbol, meant to restore vitality and strength, and to facilitate
powerful clearing. Additionally, you can practice with the root space
at a distance, incorporating a technique to deliver healing while
grounding the individual using the raku symbol.

Healing the Self and Others

This practice explains basic hand positions for working on yourself, as
well as an alternate way to work with Reiki by incorporating the CKR
symbol. Allow plenty of time during the treatment so it feels spacious.
The suggested time limit for the root chakra is 10 to 15 minutes,
since it is a large energy center that covers multiple areas of the
body. Come to a centered place beforehand through gassho or
meditation so you are at your best to deliver the healing. Set an
intention that the healing will work toward the greatest benefit within
the most beneficial timeline. This will ensure all healing is delivered
exactly where it is needed and works appropriately for the highest
good.
When performing this treatment on someone else, the hand
positions remain the same. Due to the sensitive nature of this area of
the body, however, it’s important to gauge the comfort level of the
recipient and limit the use of the hands-on healing to the knees and
below. When you are working on any sensitive or private area, keep
your hands in the auric field within a foot’s distance around the body
to ensure the comfort and safety of both you and the recipient.

Place the hands on the body, below the abdomen, on either

side of the pelvis bones. Your palms may gently rest on your
 body, or they can hover above this region if that is more
comfortable.

Practice using the CKR symbol here by drawing the symbol

with your finger(s) over the pelvis. If you are feeling inspired,
push the symbol into your root space gently, swiping down from
the aura toward the body. Remember that we use this symbol
to amplify the energy. Try it to see if this makes a difference in
how you feel during your treatment.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
three to five minutes, or as long as you are intuitively guided to
do so.

Your eyes may be open or closed and your attention should be

as it is during meditation—a soft focus on a gentle, loving
awareness stream as you channel.

Next, move your hands to both knees. Continue to channel

Reiki for three to five minutes here, or until guided to move on.

When you feel ready, guide your hands to your ankles as best
as you can and continue to channel for three to five minutes.

In Reiki, I always suggest not blocking the flow of energy

streaming from the soles of the feet, as there is a great amount
of energy being released, and it flows in descending waves
down and out of the body through the feet.

When you are finished, come back into gassho to signal the
end of the treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your
guides and Source energy for any assistance received.

Distance Healing
When performing distance healing, there are a few rules to keep in
mind prior to starting your treatment. Always use the HSZSN symbol
if you have received it in attunement. You must also always pick a
time and place (when and where) the recipient will be receiving the
healing. This is imperative, as the healing will be sent immediately in
real time if this part is not specified. Since the Reiki is a quantum
energy, the beautiful thing about it is that it can be sent to different
timelines to effectively soften or dissolve old timelines and stories,
freeing any trapped energy along the way.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say it out
loud or have it written down nearby, along with the name of the
person receiving the healing as well as the time and place they
will receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Imagine that you are there with your recipient. Hold them in
your mind intentionally and focus on opening your Reiki channel
as you relax and breathe.

Repeat the steps from the first exercise, moving down the
pelvis, knees, and ankles.

Complete the session by drawing the raku symbol to help

ground the recipient. This symbol should be used to provide
extra stabilizing energy, but only at the end of the session.
 Practice distance healing on yourself while holding the
intention to heal a past timeline by sending energy to yourself
around an event in which you experienced trauma, sadness,
grief, or loss. There’s no need to relive all the pain, but open
yourself up to the healing available through delivering Reiki to
that specific moment. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel a
shift or softening.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

A mantra is a repeated syllable or sound that helps with concentration
during meditation. Since we are working with the chakras, it’s
possible to incorporate a mantra into your self-healing techniques if
you need help focusing your mind. Regular meditation will make
focusing easier over time. If your mind naturally wanders, just draw
your attention back to your breath or mantra. Verbal mantras are
best used in both self and distance Reiki but should not be used
during healing someone else because doing so would disrupt the
experience for the recipient.
The mantra for the root space is “LAM.” Chanting this mantra,
silently or aloud, helps stabilize your energy and instill a feeling of
security by infusing the earth element into the root chakra. Let this
syllable reverberate throughout your lower body. By chanting “LAM,”
you will empower connection with your physical body. This can help
you feel safe and grounded during a session.
Affirmations are supportive statements that encourage positivity
while helping you align yourself through intention. The affirmation seed
for your root chakra is “I am.” You can pair this seed statement with
words to help connect you to your root.
→ I am safe and secure.

→ I am grounded and stable.

→ I am trusting myself.

→ I am whole and complete.

→ I am abundant in all ways.

Try incorporating some or all of these affirmations during practice

or when you are ending a session. Remember, there is no wrong way
to do this, so have fun with it!
 Chapter 4

The Sacral Chakra

This chapter provides a basic overview of the inner

workings of this deep and watery energy center. Sacral energies are
often misunderstood, as so much distortion exists around sensuality,
sexuality, and self-love. It’s time to bring back understanding around
human connection, the natural polarity of the feminine and masculine
archetypes, and the balance between the internal landscape of
intimacy and the outward expression of the sacral energies. With a
focus on the emotional and physical links this chakra has with the
body, you’ll learn more about this vital energy center.
What Is the Sacral Chakra?
The sacral chakra is the next energy center up the spinal channel.
This is where you access how to give, receive, and respond, as it’s
the feeling center of your chakra system. Coincidentally, it’s located in
your lower gut, which houses your microbiome (some scientists
believe the microbiome has a direct effect on your personality and
expression). Another name for the sacral chakra is the Sanskrit term
svadhisthana (sva meaning “self” and histhana meaning
“established”). The name draws on the principles of self-care,
resilience, and inner authority. This energy center connects us to our
own creative expression and sensuality and is concerned with
interpersonal connections with others. The sacral space is
representative of the unseen realm of emotions, responses, creativity,
and balance. When emotions are well adjusted and we feel our
expression is not only allowed, but welcome, our sacral chakra will
thrive.
Located just up from the root space, the sacral chakra is about
two inches below the navel at the abdomen. Nestled between your
tailbone and sacrum (the triangular area at the small of your back),
the sacral space is a sacred vortex of creation located between the
navel and internal sex organs. The sacral chakra shares certain
functions and systems with the root and solar plexus chakras. These
are all interrelated and holistically connected, so some of the
energies blend between these fluid-like energy centers. For example,
both the root and the sacral chakras address masculine and feminine
essence as well as issues with sensuality and sexuality.
The element associated with the svadhisthana is water. Visualize
turquoise ocean waves lapping at your feet, or a cool, babbling
mountain stream running over rocks. Water energy is cleansing,
soothing, and hydrating to the soul. It helps wash away impurities,
providing a good “reset.” Water teaches us how to go with the flow
and detach from expectations and outcomes with grace. This element
connects you to your sensitivities, depth, and inner artist. It delivers
compassionate care and perspective exactly when you are in need of
it. The water element here is denser than fire (solar plexus) and less
dense than earth (root chakra), representing fluidity and cohesion.
The color associated with the sacral space is vibrant orange, a
bright and joyful frequency. This vibration combines the intensity of
red with the exuberance of yellow. It’s a color representing warmth,
creativity, enthusiasm, success, determination, and adventure, and it
energetically resonates with the vibration of excitement.
Taking a look at which body parts are paired with the sacral
space, we find many major organs with primary body functions exist
here (and some that overlap among chakras). The hips, kidneys,
bladder, large intestines, lower back, and some internal reproductive
organs are included in this chakra. The kidneys and bladder are also
part of the body’s elimination system, and because they become
engorged with water (and need this element to function), they are
also included in the sacral region.
Of course, there is some variance between the sexes on what
exactly is covered by this chakra. For males, the testes are included
(with the lingam) in the root chakra. For females, the cervix and
uterus are considered to be part of the sacral chakra. There are
certain chakras that share functions, and the sacral chakra is one of
them. For example, the sacral and root chakras both govern the
pelvis and lower vertebrae.
The glands that correspond to the sacral chakra are the gonads
or internal sex organs. For females, this includes the ovaries, and for
males, the testicles. These serve a major purpose in the reproductive
system. Females have two ovaries, which release ova (eggs) on a
monthly basis, indicating potential fertility. They are home to
hormones like estrogen and progesterone. During ovulation, the
ovaries release one egg (or sometimes more) per menstrual cycle. In
males, the testes are responsible for housing the sperm, the male
reproductive cells. Together, these glands form the sacral creation
station, responsible for regenerative life as we know it.
The energy of the sacral chakra plugs us into our sense of
intimacy and belonging. The closeness we feel with other human
beings, how we exchange subtle energy, and how we experience
pleasure all operate within this space. Our ability to perceive and feel
impacts our connection with our inner world as well as how we
operate in the outer world. Just as water can hold great depth, the
energies here also hold great depth. Unexpressed and expressed
emotions live here, and they can affect how we treat others and,
therefore, how we are treated. There’s a saying, “You must feel it to
heal it,” and that is exactly the case when you are working with
trapped emotions. Energetic imprints from past lovers are also stored
here, so a Reiki womb cleansing is vital to keeping this chakra
autonomous and clear.
The two main meridian lines, the ida and pingala, begin in the
navel center (see “The Hara Line ”), flow down into the root chakra,
and then down or up each leg. As a reminder, these represent both
the left (feminine) and right (masculine) sides of the body. The ida line
runs down the left leg, whereas the pingala runs up the right leg. The
following section addresses more about how these energies work
together and what it means to achieve balance here.

A Balanced Sacral Chakra

A primary hallmark of a balanced sacral chakra is the ability to
establish deeper relationships in the world. The sacral chakra feels
supported enough to do this once the root space is firmly established,
we feel totally present in our bodies, and our physical needs are met.
With an open sacral chakra, you are motivated to engage with others
socially and intimately, which is necessary to form long-lasting bonds
and all other types of relationships. An open sacral chakra also
means being able to check in with yourself and read your emotional
needs well.
An open sacral chakra is also associated with accessing one’s
creativity. When your artistic side is stimulated, projects and art are
allowed to flow. You may feel tuned in to new passions like writing,
painting, music, or dance, and will start to notice that your self-
expression and the way you show up in the world play a part in
creating your entire reality.
Another indicator of a healthy sacral chakra is the balance of
energies that are harmonizing within this space. The feminine (lunar)
and masculine (solar) energies exist here, and oftentimes we lean
into one or the other. These don’t refer to sex or gender, but to the
universal energies of yin and yang. The feminine energies govern
deep connectivity, letting go, receptivity, and flow, while the masculine
energies are all about taking charge, productivity, achievement,
measurable outcomes, and resolutions. By achieving harmony, these
energies of polarity are free to dance and play to their natural,
balanced rhythms.
While the root chakra is thought to be linked to sexuality and
passion, the sacral chakra shares some of these inherent functions
but focuses more on the expression of sensuality, pleasure, needs,
and desires. This watery chakra is responsible for sex drive or libido,
as arousal is a natural physical response linked with the innate
function of hormonal release. Libido operates on a spectrum, and
there is no such thing as a universal “normal.” Try not to judge
yourself if you aren’t feeling connected to feelings of desire—many
factors influence and are involved in libido. If you are in touch with
your desires and needs, this is a good indicator your sacral chakra is
open.
If it’s your goal to get back in touch with this side of yourself, you
may want to perform some Reiki healing so you can reestablish the
connection to your deep, inner well of emotions. The next section
provides more techniques to get your emotional energies back into
balance through the practice of Reiki.

An Unbalanced Sacral Chakra

When your sacral chakra is underperforming, accessing your
emotions at all can be difficult, especially if you have gone through
trauma, whether in childhood or more recently. When emotions are
suppressed, you might feel numb. This sort of detachment is a way
the ego protects itself from experiencing unpleasant feelings like
anger, sadness, anxiety, or stress. If you are avoiding people, places,
or activities, creating or maintaining relationships may be difficult.
Plugging back into your emotional self takes effort, which is one of
the top benefits of using Reiki energy.
Low or blocked sacral energy can contribute to depression, manic
or emotional instability, loss of imagination or creativity, and addiction.
If you are at a dead end, experiencing resistance to doing the things
you once loved, unable to finish projects, or have lost excitement in
your life where you once felt motivation, you might be suffering from a
sacral imbalance. When you are feeling depressed, it’s hard to be
present in your body or to stay inspired. Inspiration has to come from
within—as with all things, you vibrationally have to be a match for it in
order for it to show up in your life. Creativity holds a high frequency of
growth and expansion, and it will flow easily to you when your sacral
energies are clear.
Sexual dysfunction is another indication that imbalances exist in
this chakra. Problems can occur during any phase of the sexual
response cycle, preventing you from experiencing satisfying sex. You
may experience problems with desire or climax, or, pain during sex. In
general, these issues stem from a core wound—the lack of intimate
bonds with others from an early age. This lack of intimate childhood
bonds can show up as reproductive issues or hormonal imbalances in
both men and women. They can also create insecurities stemming
from poor self-esteem and confidence.
Finally, difficulty showing love or affection may be another sign of
a sacral imbalance. The withholding might be voluntary and proactive
but, in many cases, this pattern is the result of trauma, neglect, or
abuse. It could indicate a lack of development in childhood or
adolescence during which your empathy was inhibited. You may also
struggle with accepting other people’s emotions—especially if your
emotions weren’t accepted when you were young. Although all of
these responses may have served you at one point in time, as adults
we repeat behavioral responses and continue to use them even when
they no longer serve us. Re-patterning and restructuring are possible,
especially when there is a strong commitment to change.
The Hara Line
The hara line is a small, minor chakra, sometimes called the
dantian , located about two inches below the hara or “navel”
within the sacral chakra. Although certain Eastern systems
record the hara line as an off-body chakra located in the auric
field, we will be looking at it in terms of its corporeal nature. This
small but powerful energy point on the body is well-known in
Chinese medicine and plays an important role within the meridian
system. This point is called the “sea of chi (ki)” and is
responsible for splitting three energy lines, or meridians: one
down each of the legs and one into the earth (where it meets
the earth star chakra). This minor chakra is a potent meeting
place of both corporeal and auric energies and is used as a
focal point in traditional energy medicine, as well as Reiki, to
circulate vital creative energies and bring ki (energy) into the
body.
The microcosmic orbit is a breathwork technique that directs
the breath and cultivates more ki within the chakra system. This
technique is used in Reiki Master Teacher training in order to
pass attunements and can be worked with to help energize and
revitalize ourselves when feeling fatigued or low in energy. You
won’t need to know how to use this at the beginner level, but
you can practice breathing into the hara line to intentionally
increase energy any time you want to try it out.
Healing the Sacral Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the sacral
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing. These techniques build on skills needed to get to know your
own energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and explore what
feels good or appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired.
As you are practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue
when you are sharing the energy with another person so they can
provide valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing.
I cover how to use the SHK symbol to form an energy ball,
specifically for healing emotional distress (see “Symbols ,” chapter
2). SHK is the emotional healing symbol meant to calm, soothe, and
restore peace to the subtle body. Additionally, I provide
corresponding hand positions to open and unblock the sacral chakra
and explain how to work on a distance healing technique using the
energy ball in a new way.

Healing the Self and Others

In this exercise, you’ll learn the basic hand positions for working on
your sacral chakra, as well as an alternate way to work with the Reiki
by forming an energy ball. We’ll also incorporate the powerful SHK
symbol, which is used for emotional healing. Allow plenty of time
during the treatment so it feels spacious. The suggested time limit for
the sacral chakra is 10 to 15 minutes, since it is a lower energy
center with several hand positions. Come to a centered place
beforehand through gassho or meditation so you are at your best to
deliver the healing. Set an intention that the healing will work for the
greatest benefit within the most beneficial timeline. This will ensure all
healing is delivered exactly where needed and works appropriately
for the highest good.

Practice using the SHK symbol here by drawing the symbol

with your finger(s) over the palm to open up the session.

Begin to form an energy ball by making a small “shelf” and

“wall” with both hands: one flat, upward-facing palm connecting
with the edge of your other hand, which is sitting at 90 degrees.

Allow Reiki energy to descend into the open palm for a minute
or so, then gently sculpt the energy with your other hand,
patting it into the shape of an energy ball.
 Slide the bottom “shelf” hand up to your sacral chakra and
slowly push the energy ball into your body with your free hand.
Allow it to be absorbed.

Use traditional hand placements for the remainder of the

treatment.

Place the hands flat on the body, on the abdomen below the
navel and above the pelvis and hip bones. Your palms may
gently rest on your body, or they can hover above this region if
more comfortable.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
three to five minutes, or as long as you are intuitively guided to
do so.

Repeat channeling to the hips for three to five minutes.

Move your hands to the lower back and repeat channeling for
three to five minutes. (This step is only for self-healing.) Your
eyes may be open or closed and your attention should be as it
is during meditation: a soft focus on a gentle, loving awareness
stream as you channel.

When you are finished, either move on to another chakra for

more healing or come back into gassho to signal the end of the
treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your guides and
Source energy for any assistance received.

Keep in mind that there is no need to flip someone over when

performing a Reiki treatment, as the energy flows where it’s needed.
Unless specifically requested, the energy is just fine being channeled
to the body as it faces upward.
Distance Healing
When performing distance healing, there are a few rules to keep in
mind prior to starting your treatment. As mentioned in chapter 3 ,
always use the HSZSN symbol if you have received it in attunement.
You must always pick a time and place (when and where) the
recipient will be receiving the healing. This is imperative, because
otherwise the healing will be sent immediately in real time.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say
aloud the name of the person receiving the healing (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Draw the SHK symbol for emotional healing in your palm, and
then form an energy ball around it, as in the previous exercise
(see here ).

Imagine the room your recipient is in. Hold them in your mind
intentionally and focus on opening your Reiki channel as you
relax and breathe.

Visualize the energy ball in the room with your recipient. Play
with pushing it into their field, into a body part or location
around the sacral chakra, or expanding the ball out to 12 feet,
filling the room they are in.
 Repeat the steps from the first exercise, moving your hands to
the abdomen and hips to perform the treatment.

Practice distance healing on yourself while holding the

intention to heal a past timeline by sending energy to yourself
around an event in which you experienced trauma, sadness,
grief, or loss. There’s no need to relive all the pain, but open
yourself up to the healing available through delivering Reiki to
that specific moment. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel a
shift or softening.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

As mentioned in the last chapter (see here ), a mantra is a repeated
syllable or sound that helps in concentration during meditation. The
mantra for the sacral space is “VAM.” Chanting this mantra, silently or
aloud, helps restore balance and creativity and wash away old
emotions by infusing the water element into the sacral chakra. Let
this syllable reverberate throughout your lower body. By chanting
“VAM,” you will empower your Shakti or energy flow and sacral
energies to awaken. The affirmation seed for your sacral chakra is “I
feel.”

I feel that I belong.

I feel balanced and energized.

I have permission to feel all of my deep emotions.

I embrace pleasure.
My sexuality is sacred.

I allow creative energy to flow through me into all I do.

 Chapter 5

The Solar Plexus Chakra

This is your third chakra and the first of the lower

physical chakras. The home of your confidence and willpower, this is
your body’s battery. When a battery is low, all other functions,
especially vital power, will be affected. This chapter provides a basic
overview of the inner workings of this bright and fiery energy center
and suggests ways to keep it operating at its peak through Reiki. We
explore the emotional and physical influences this energy center plays
in your health and well-being, and you will gain an understanding of
the unique role it plays within the chakra system to sustain vital
energies.
What Is the Solar Plexus Chakra?
Just under the curve of your rib cage, in the upper belly, is your third
chakra, the solar plexus. The name draws influence from the sun in
our solar system, the radiant centerpiece that powers all of life. Like
the sun, this energy center is a huge vortex and one of the most
active in the body. You can always tangibly feel waves of energy
moving when performing Reiki around this area, which tells us that
this center is a quite lively and strong chakra; it is all about purpose,
authority, and inner strength. Feelings of willpower and self-control
are also centered here. This chakra governs restraint and motivation,
helping you quit while you’re ahead or keep going to the finish line.
I have helped many clients over the years attain manifestation
goals, all through chakra work, and especially by using the solar
plexus. Since this space is considered your source of drive, ambition
is born here. An idea generated in this space is just waiting for
inspired action to be born. This luminous portal puts a fire underneath
you to accelerate your desires. When you feel excited, you’re tuning
in to a gut feeling first. This area is also sometimes referred to as the
lower third eye because it’s the first response mechanism we have to
really feel our deeper instinctual self.
Another name for the solar plexus is manipura (Sanskrit for “city
of jewels” or “lustrous gem”). The name in its loose translation draws
on the principle of the brightness or fire of this chakra and its ability to
create change. A place of inner transformation, this energy center
connects us to our inner resilience and dedication, and it is most
concerned with our sense of self. Our solar plexus is representative
of our inner landscape and personal identity—a composite of
personality traits, including beliefs, aspirations, and values. It
develops over the course of our life, evolving based on the choices
we make and the directions we choose to go. This ultimately impacts
self-esteem and ambitions or goals.
Located at the diaphragm in the upper abdomen, the solar plexus
is not only an energy nexus in the center of the body but also a nerve
cluster that exists within the belly (also called the celiac plexus, a
complex bundle of nerves and ganglia that sits in front of the
stomach). This location contains some of the densest and most
important energies of the body. The solar plexus shares certain
functions and systems with other energy centers, which are
interrelated and holistically connected. Some of the energies overlap.
Both the solar plexus and the sacral chakras, for example, address
various parts of the digestive system, while parts of the kidneys and
adrenals are also jointly managed by the root and solar plexus
chakras.
The element associated with the manipura is fire. Fire energy is
intense, alive, ferocious, transformative, and sometimes downright
dangerous. Its ability to burn is always present, so working with it
requires measured doses. Since this element is all about the energy it
creates, tuning in to this personal power creates ripples of energy
that emanate from your being. Fire must also be vigilant to not use up
all its resources and burn itself out. When you are feeling that your
energy has been expended, resting and recharging may be on the
menu for getting this chakra back into full gear. Fire teaches us that
transformation is always possible and that you have the power within
you to change if you so desire. The fire element here is denser than
air (heart) and less dense than water (sacral).
The color linked with the solar plexus is bright yellow, a sunny and
exuberant frequency. This vibration is a pure primary color. It’s a color
of excitement, enthusiasm, success, and optimism, resonating with
the vibration of charisma and confidence.
 Taking a look at which body parts are paired with the solar plexus,
we find that many major organs with primary body functions exist
here (and some that overlap with other chakras). The rest of the
digestive organs, which support corresponding physical processes,
are included in this chakra. Consider the fire power needed to turn
food into nutrients, and nutrients into energy—to burn calories. The
parts managed by the solar plexus are the stomach, gallbladder,
pancreas, liver, spleen, lower esophagus, and small intestines. Skin
and breath are also included in this chakra, as are the muscles of the
belly and mid-back.
The glands that correspond to the solar plexus are the endocrine
and exocrine glands of the pancreas. This organ sits under the
stomach against the small intestine, and its primary function is to
release hormones like insulin, which regulates the amount of glucose
in the blood, and enzymes which help digest proteins. The adrenal
cortex—responsible for balancing sex hormones, salt in the blood,
and cortisol (which manages stress)—is also managed here. The
critical functions for regulating the fight-or-flight response and keeping
the organs running smoothly make this chakra essential to the body’s
central nervous system.

A Balanced Solar Plexus

The ability to rely on oneself is a major contributor to self-esteem,
especially early in life. This ability helps confidence grow as we lean
into self-trust and develop character and determination—all traits of
someone whose solar plexus has been well developed. A person with
an open and balanced solar plexus will be comfortable in their identity
and exude an inner authority. Inner authority is the body’s innate
intelligence—the ability to be comfortable and secure in your
decision-making. Every day we are faced with endless decisions,
from big to small, and all of them take energy, along with proper
discernment, to make the best choices. With an open solar plexus,
these decisions will come easily and you’ll learn to trust your decision-
making skills.
Just as the sun perpetually shines, so does the inner fire that
lights our path. Like the sun, we are constantly drawing from our inner
resources, which must be established over time. Self-reliance sets
the tone for a high vibrational solar plexus as we grow in
dependability and responsibility.
A balanced solar plexus fosters the ability to sustain energy
levels, balance assertiveness, and facilitate cooperation and ease
within our relationships. Another elevated function of a balanced solar
plexus is productivity. Being able to regulate energy levels and focus
is key to efficiency. This is especially valuable if you are a leader or
self-starter, or if you have an entrepreneurial mind. People who are
naturally inclined toward these tendencies flow with the frequency of
abundance and tend to obtain powerful occupations and material
wealth in the world. Healing this chakra can restore momentum on
your path and propel you forward in life. You will feel in control of the
direction your life and will have the energy to bring yourself to where
you want to be.
The solar plexus governs much of the digestive system, so it is
associated with smooth digestion and a healthy metabolic rate.
People with opened and balanced solar plexus chakras rarely get
stomach ulcers, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They
also have less anxiety, which is stored in this energy center. Most of
the energy moves through, transmuted by the body, when this center
is open. Powerful solar plexus energy pulses and flows through us—it
is the light of the sun burning away all that does not serve us.
 When this energy is flowing freely, you’ll also have a much easier
time manifesting and attracting people, places, and things in your life,
picking up on synchronicities around you more frequently and
providing confirmation that you are on the right path. Animal totems,
numbers, and repeated symbols or words can also start showing up
to point you in the right direction—pay attention to what you think they
mean.

An Unbalanced Solar Plexus

An underperforming or out-of-balance solar plexus may produce
intensity, both emotionally and physically. Because this chakra is so
active, it’s easy to notice when something is off. Physical symptoms
—including such digestion-related issues as food intolerance,
bloating, gas, heartburn, gallstones, IBS, or ulcers—may appear
after prolonged blockages. Low or blocked solar plexus energy can
also show up as emotional imbalances. Blocked energies in this
chakra contribute to anxiety, irritability, or loss of creativity. You may
not be motivated to wake up and perform your normal routine, or you
may feel uninspired to finish projects you started. Though everyone
experiences one or more of these periods at times, they are less
likely to happen when the chakras are clear and open. Waves of
inspiration come and go, but when you get yourself into a rut, thinking
or imagining a life beyond what you’re currently experiencing can be a
challenge. It can take a lot of mental energy to turn the ship around.
More indications of an imbalanced solar plexus may include feeling
impulsive or having unexplained cravings, insomnia, abdominal
cramping or tightness, high blood pressure, or stomach aches. Since
your metabolism is regulated in the liver, weight gain or loss and your
body’s ability to convert food into energy can be affected if your solar
plexus is blocked. You may also struggle with dysfunction in your
body’s natural stress-response system. Elevated cortisol translates
to feelings of stress since your center for the fight-or-flight response
is located here as well. The sympathetic nervous system regulates
this trigger response in the body, which provides the body with a
burst of energy to respond to perceived dangers in the environment.
This is an automatic physiological reaction to events interpreted as
elevated threats, and the body can have trouble deescalating when it
experiences a prolonged stress response. Long-term activation of the
stress response can create an overproduction of cortisol and be
disruptive to almost all body processes.
Finally, struggles with confidence or with feeling disconnected
from one’s purpose are signs of low energy in the manipura. Self-
assurance comes from the appreciation of your innate abilities, gifts,
and talents. It’s easy to let the inner critic steal the show, but it’s
important to remember that you can consciously work with
insecurities and limiting beliefs to curb the effect they have on your
confidence and quality of life. The more you quietly believe in
yourself, the more you will attract others on the same positive
wavelength. This will allow you to explore a purposeful path,
reconnecting yourself to those things that light you up and make you
excited to be alive.
The Trust Bridge
The space between your solar plexus and heart chakras is a
sacred space called the trust bridge . It’s a minor chakra point
and therefore serves as a smaller vortex of energy connecting
the two energy centers, located right above the bottom of the rib
cage and sternum. In this overlap, there are many shared
energies. The heart chakra, which you’ll learn more about in the
next chapter , is the first of the upper spiritual chakras,
connecting the etheric energies of the astral planes to the
physical planes of human existence (so it is a special portal all
on its own). And, as you have learned, the solar plexus is the
first of the lower physical chakras. So the bridge lies right in the
valley between the two hemispheres of physical and spiritual.
It’s this place that holds your gut instinct and “lower third eye.”
When we think of the concept of trust, we know that inherent
trust in others inhabits the root chakra, along with all our basic
needs. However, as we progress through life, we’ll need to
sharpen our discernment and trust in our own abilities to gauge
situations, choose the right partnerships, and rely on our heart-
led consciousness to lead us in the proper direction. There is no
second-guessing when this chakra is used appropriately. After
our heart feels a vibration, our trust bridge essentially checks in,
allowing us to feel more deeply into our yes or no. This is your
gut reaction—trust it as you would your third eye intuition.
Healing the Solar Plexus
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the solar
plexus: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing. This technique builds on skills needed to get to know your
energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and explore what feels
good or appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired. As
you are practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue
when you are sharing the energy with another person so they can
provide valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing.
For both self-healing and distance healing, I cover how to use the
CKR symbol with traditional hand placements (see “Symbols ,”
chapter 2). CKR is the physical healing symbol meant to amplify
healing energy in the body.
If you don’t use the symbols, that’s okay, too! See what feels best
for your practice.

Healing the Self and Others

This section provides the basic hand positions for working on your
solar plexus chakra and offers suggestions for alternate ways to
work with Reiki for cord cutting. There are also more opportunities for
practice with the powerful CKR symbol, used for amplifying and
accelerating healing. Allow plenty of time for the treatment so that it
feels spacious. The suggested time limit for the solar plexus chakra is
10 to 15 minutes. Come to a centered place within beforehand
through gassho or meditation so you are at your best to deliver the
healing, and set an intention that the healing will work for the greatest
benefit within the most beneficial timeline. This will ensure all healing
is delivered exactly where needed and works appropriately for the
highest good.

Practice using the CKR symbol by drawing the symbol with

your finger(s) over the solar plexus or within the aura of the
recipient.

Perform traditional hand placements. First, place the hands on

the belly, below the rib cage and above the navel. Both hands
should be in line with each other all the way across the belly
and flat against the body.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
three to five minutes or as long as you are intuitively guided to
do so.

Move both hands to either side of the belly and to the side of
the body. Repeat channeling to the hips for three to five
minutes.

Practice doing one side at a time. For

example, place both hands on the right side of the body, then
both hands on the left side of the body. Repeat channeling for
three minutes per side.

Move both hands to the middle back. Repeat channeling for

three minutes. (This step is only for self-healing.)

With your eyes closed in meditation as you are channeling, ask

your guides if there are any unhealthy energetic cords present
that are no longer serving your highest good. You will either
sense these intuitively or be able to “see” them with your inner
vision. Go with your instinct on where you feel they are. These
may be in the solar plexus, but they may also connect to other
chakras.

Reach into the aura and snip the cords with your fingers, as
though you were practicing a cutting motion. Snip until the cords
are severed. Then, place your hands on the area(s) the cords
came from and invite healing. Allow the other ends of the cords
to go back to whomever or wherever they originated from,
peacefully.
 When you are finished, either move on to another chakra for
more healing or come back into gassho to signal the end of the
treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your guides and
Source energy for any assistance received.

Keep in mind that there is no need to flip someone over when

performing a Reiki treatment, as the energy flows where it’s needed.
Unless specifically requested, the energy is just fine being channeled
to the body as it faces upward.

Distance Healing
Make sure to use your HSZSN symbol if you have received it in
attunement, specifying a time and place your recipient will be
receiving the healing. Proceed to the next steps when you are ready.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say the
name of the person receiving the healing aloud (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Repeat the steps from the previous exercise; visualize the

person there with you, and move your hands to the belly and
side of the body to perform the treatment.
 Visualize the CKR symbol for amplified healing in light letters or
pictures. With your intention, move this symbol into the belly of
the recipient and imagine it being absorbed. Repeat a few
times if desired.

Practice distance healing on yourself while holding the

intention to heal a past timeline by sending energy to yourself
around an event in which you experienced disconnection or
trauma. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel a shift or
softening. You might practice with the SHK symbol as well to see
if this makes a difference for you.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

The mantra for the solar plexus space is “RAM.” Chanting this
mantra, either silently or aloud, helps build energy and motivation by
infusing the fire element into the solar plexus chakra. Let this syllable
reverberate throughout your belly, back, and lower body. By chanting
“RAM,” you will empower your connection to your life’s purpose. The
affirmation seed for your solar plexus is “I do.”

→ I am in alignment with the abundant flow of the Universe.

→ I am strong, brave, and capable.

→ I do honor myself.

→ I do choose the best for myself.

→ I do celebrate my unique purpose on this planet.

What Is the Heart Chakra?
When it comes to loving energy, there are many kinds of love: agape
(selfless) love, familiar love, romantic love, love among family
members, and, perhaps the most important type of love, self-love.
These journeys are adventures that last a lifetime. We are always
learning how to drop into more love, and we do that within the heart
space, day by day. In fact, during healings, if your heart is closed,
you should open this chakra first because it is a major center for
spirituality and will allow the rest of your system to open up rapidly
and dramatically.
Your heart chakra, or anahata in Sanskrit, is the fourth chakra and
next up in ascending order. Anahata means “unhurt” or “boundless”
and represents its infinite nature and resplendent resilience. This is
where you access courage, peace, gratitude, coherence, and
connectivity, as it’s the intuitive feeling center of your chakra system.
We’ll talk more about heart coherence later in this chapter (see here
), but for now, understand that this center is a spiritual portal
connecting you to all higher realms and the path of truest alignment.
Having a strong and luminous heart field innately implies protection—
your heart light will transform that which does not serve you.
The heart chakra sits in the middle of your chest, at the top of the
rib cage. Anatomically, the physical organ of your heart is in the left
side of your chest, whereas your chakra channel emanates directly
from the center and out the back between and just under your
shoulder blades. It’s aligned with your cardiac plexus, a nerve bundle
at the base of your heart. Your heart chakra manages your heart,
lungs, thymus, shoulders, breasts, arms, and hands. It corresponds
with your circulatory system, which includes your blood (blood cells,
arteries, and veins), and parts of your respiratory system. Your
circulatory system delivers white blood cells and antibodies to assist
your body’s immunity. The nerve bundles here connect to your vagus
nerve, which interfaces with the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
The vagus nerve is responsible for internal organ functions like
vasomotor activity, heart and respiratory rate, and involuntary reflex
actions (such as sneezing, coughing, and swallowing). Your heart also
houses neurotransmitters that regulate other functions like alkaline
balance and body temperature.
Considered both an organ and gland, the heart is fascinating,
intricate, and multifunctional. It includes the thymus, a specialized
organ of the immune system that makes white blood cells (T cells) to
help fight infection, and is included in the heart chakra (and, more
specifically, the high heart chakra covered later in this chapter). The
thymus is located halfway between the throat and heart in the upper
front part of the chest.
The element associated with your anahata is air: the breeze
blowing through the trees and rustling the leaves, and the molecules
composing prana, which you breathe. It is the breath of life. Air is the
element of intellect, stimulation, and mental energies. It provokes,
stirs, and instigates, rising above its “light” connotation. This element
in its purest form is steady and stable, aiding us in understanding and
reasoning. The air element is denser than ether (throat) and less
dense than fire (solar plexus), representing thoughts and
comprehension.
The color linked with the heart space is emerald green, a
frequency of nature and harmony. This vibration of green is palpable
and present. It’s associated with fertility, ambition, and abundance
(specifically financial wealth). Energetically, this color band resonates
with the vibration of love. The heart chakra can also sometimes be
linked with the color pink. This is a softer aspect of the heart
frequency, and we see it especially in the high heart chakra. Pink
vibrates with a gentle, loving awareness. In visualization meditations,
it’s perfectly acceptable to invite either of these colors into the heart
for amplification.
The power of the heart is vast and endless. When open, this
chakra center helps with acceptance and forgiveness. When we work
on inner acceptance, it helps us access unconditional love for our
whole self, and it will assist in finding a path to forgiveness and
peace. When this becomes a consistent conscious experience, you
will no longer need to look outward for love or approval but will have
cultivated them within. Letting go of the small things that hold you
back will become easier, and staying present with the stream of love
from Source in your heart will feel comfortable and accessible.
Your heart space is representative of the unseen realm of Source
energy—of a love that connects all living things. When you are fully
present and tuned in to this love, incredible miracles can begin to
unfold in your life. The impossible suddenly becomes possible in new
and unimaginable ways. Love has a way of lifting you up to new
heights, so it’s vital to nourish this energy connection. We learn best
about ourselves through our ability to open up to love, and we grow
strongest when that love is directed toward the self.

A Balanced Heart Chakra

A balanced heart chakra is an open and coherent heart space. The
heart is able to open by clearing energy blockages through conscious
intention or energy work. The power of intention is strong and works
best through dedication—repeatedly returning to open up the heart,
even after it has been injured or suffered great loss. This is the power
of divine transformation and transfiguration—the process by which we
can feel safe again in the heart. It takes commitment to truly let go of
the things that no longer serve you, and courage to release and
repattern unhealthy attachments and habits that keep the heart
closed.
Letting go is no easy task, but you can feel the energy difference
between someone who has suffered and is still carrying the heavy
burden of pain compared with someone who has worked to open the
heart space and welcome love back into their life. When you go
through a trauma like a breakup, betrayal, or any type of abuse, it’s
easy to store the imprints of the negative experience in the heart. We
also store old programming and conditioning here. This is where the
term “heavy heart” comes from—we are creatures of habit and put
things down energetically in this tender place. When you invite
compassion into the heart, you can dissolve any of the hardness and
heaviness, no matter how long it’s been in place. An unblocked heart
chakra will feel expansive, aligned, light, and free. Though hard to
describe in words, you’ll sense the feeling immediately and recognize
it like an old friend—it’s the way we each came into the world,
unimaginably light.
Along with feeling luminous, a person with an open heart space
appreciates things just as they are, without trying to fix them. Taking
time to build a gratitude practice is one of the easiest and most
common ways to create lasting heart expansion in your life. You can
start by making a short list of five things a day that you feel thankful
for, being careful not to repeat items from day to day. This will begin
cycling gratitude energy through your heart field, magnetizing more of
that same energy back to you. As you are making your list, try and
drop any judgments you have of yourself and others so you can focus
on the uplifting feeling of gratitude.
An open heart signifies someone who has a pleasant and friendly
attitude, and takes time connecting on a deeper level with people. If
your heart chakra is open, you will have an innate understanding that
we are all connected, and as such, no one is truly separate from
another at the level of consciousness. This understanding helps when
learning how to soften judgments we hold. It also helps us express
vulnerability within relationships, which brings us closer to true
intimacy. This is necessary to form long-lasting bonds in all types of
relationships, especially romantic ones.

An Unbalanced Heart Chakra

When your heart chakra is underperforming, it can seem as if your
heart is closed off, which can have serious effects. When your heart
is closed, it feels overtly guarded, as though walls have been built to
keep others out. Often, this is a protective mechanism that operates
under the illusion it is keeping you safe, but it ends up backfiring
because it isolates you from love, vulnerability, and empathy. You
may feel lonely or withdrawn from others, closed off to certain people
or experiences, or it might be difficult to access your emotions at all.
This can happen when we are afraid to be ourselves, letting fear
grow in the heart space.
You may also feel overly judgmental or as if you have
disproportionately high expectations of others (or yourself). This
judgment may come out as harsh criticism, self-loathing, victimization,
or perfectionism. If you are demanding of others or feel the constant
need to control, it is another sign you may be operating through a
judgmental lens. By practicing vulnerability and working through your
need to control everything around you, you’ll be able to better open
up your heart and slowly let more love in. One way to practice
stepping into vulnerability is to simply share more of yourself and how
you are feeling from an honest, self-reflective space. By allowing
others to see and feel the “real you,” you can build authentic
relationships and expand the depths of your heart space over time.
A closed-off heart space also breeds the inability to accept things
as they are. Sometimes, this is paired with denial or a complete
rejection of reality. A gentle, loving awareness practice can draw you
back into reality, helping you cope while you rebuild your inner
resources.
Feelings of guilt, shame, and emotional pain can also contribute to
a closed heart space. When we go through heartbreak, trauma, or
grief, the energetic imprints of these emotions tend to get stored in
the heart, increasing feelings of isolation or separation. Remember
that you are never alone and all things are temporary. Working
through these feelings is a pathway to healing, and these hard
lessons are often an impetus for dramatic change and growth. If you
are willing to surrender the stories connected to these events, your
heart space will thank you by softening into a more loving state of
forgiveness and acceptance. Everyone deserves to experience this
flow of divinity, although we forget sometimes that it is our human
birthright to continuously access this level of joy.
Physically, pay attention to signs of respiratory issues, poor
circulation, or weakness in the heart space. Diseases of the heart,
lungs, and lymph will affect the heart chakra. Breast or lung cancer,
heart murmurs, asthma, or upper back issues can all be signs that
the heart chakra has been suffering. Normally, these symptoms show
up last, but by taking steps to correct the energetics of the “disease,”
you can help heal potential problems when they come up.
The High Heart Chakra
Your high heart chakra is another minor chakra point located
around your thymus, above the center of your chest/breastbone
and below your collarbone. This energy space acts as a bridge
between your heart and your soul star chakra. Located above
your crown, this is your eighth chakra. The high heart is
activated once your heart is opened and you are living in
alignment and “heart coherence” with it. To be in heart
coherence is a physiological state characterized by increased
order within the mind-body connection. Heart coherence is
scientifically measurable and is thought to significantly improve
emotional well-being by connecting you to your heart-directed
consciousness.
The more you listen to your own heart with an intention to
connect to your inner guidance, the more your heart coherence
grows. This helps expand an electromagnetic torus field around
your heart, allowing it to swirl and grow to new levels. A zero
point exists within the heart, and it’s from this space you are
able to access your multidimensional self and soul’s purpose.
There is an energy line connecting this activated chakra to the
higher realms of light, which is constantly downloading
information into your body to be integrated through the heart.
The more you begin to incorporate heart intelligence into
your everyday life, the more this chakra will blossom and open.
Your heart will deepen its connection to others and be more
resilient. The connection between your heart and mind will grow,
and you’ll have greater compassion, empathy, and forgiveness.
Healing the Heart Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the heart
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing. This technique builds on skills needed to get to know your
own energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and explore what
feels good or appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired.
As you are practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue
when you are sharing the energy with another person so they can
provide valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out.
The following section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing,
healing of others, and distance healing and ways to use a method
called the vital charge for clearing when you only have a short
amount of time. Additionally, I go over corresponding traditional hand
positions to open and unblock the heart chakra, giving you the
knowledge to work on distance healing using the proxy method.

Healing the Self and Others

This section covers basic hand positions for working on your heart
chakra as well as an alternate way to work with Reiki through the
vital charge method. Symbols are optional for this exercise. Allow
plenty of time for the treatment so it feels spacious. The suggested
time limit for the traditional hand positions is about 5 minutes,
whereas the time limit for the vital charge is 15 minutes. Come to a
centered place beforehand through gassho or meditation so you are
at your best to deliver the healing. Set an intention that the healing will
work for the greatest benefit within the most beneficial timeline. This
will ensure all healing is delivered exactly where it is needed and
works appropriately for the highest good.

Hover your hands above the center of the chest, side by side.
If you and your recipient are comfortable with it, you can place
your hands on the body directly under the clavicle, above the
breastbone and chest.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
up to five minutes, or as long as you are intuitively guided to do
so.

Your eyes may be open or closed, and your attention should

be as it is during meditation: a soft focus on a gentle, loving
awareness stream as you channel.

Standing behind the recipient at the head, place a hand on both

upper arms at the same time. Channel for three to five minutes.
 This posture addresses the upper arms. As an alternate
method, you may perform Reiki one arm at a time, with each
hand on the upper arm and lower forearm for each side.

The vital charge opens up

the aura, crown, palms of the hands, and heart chakra. This is
great for mini healings or moments when you don’t have time for
a full session.

Make a swiping motion with your hands three times, intending

to open the aura.

Use both hands to open the space above your head as if you
were opening a book, peeling your hands down from the top
and leaving them open.

Channel here to your crown for up to five minutes.

Use both hands to swipe open your heart space. Channel here
to your heart, hands hovering above the chest, palms facing
toward the heart for up to five minutes.

Open up your palm chakras. Make a pinched fist with the

fingers on the left hand and open your fingers over the right
palm. Then, do the same with the opposite hand. Channel to
your palms as they face each other, for up to five minutes.

When you are finished, come back into gassho to signal the
end of the treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your
guides and Source energy for any assistance received.

When performing this treatment on someone else, the hand

positions remain the same. Keep in mind that there is no need to flip
someone over when performing a Reiki treatment, as the energy
flows where it’s needed. Unless specifically requested, the energy is
just fine being channeled to the body as it faces upward.

Distance Healing
Make sure to use your HSZSN symbol if you have received it in
attunement, specifying a time and place your recipient will be
receiving the healing. Proceed to the next steps when you are ready.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say the
name of the person receiving the healing aloud (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Pick a proxy for your healing. This could be a pillow, stuffed

animal, a picture, or a set of crystals (one representing each of
the chakras).

Imagine your recipient and intend that they receive the energy
through the surrogate receiving on their behalf. Hold them in
your mind intentionally and focus on opening your Reiki channel
as you relax and breathe.

Perform the hand positions over the chest and upper arms,
and move along the proxy as though it were the recipient.
Channel for as long as you are intuitively guided to do so.
 Practice distance healing on yourself while holding the
intention to heal a past timeline by sending energy to yourself
around an event in which you experienced trauma, sadness,
grief, or loss. There’s no need to relive all the pain, but open
yourself up to the healing available through delivering Reiki to
that specific moment. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel a
shift or softening.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

The mantra for the heart space is “YAM.” Chanting this mantra, either
silently or aloud, helps build loving connection and awareness while
infusing the air element into the heart chakra. Let this syllable
reverberate throughout your upper chest and lower rib cage. By
chanting “YAM,” you will empower your heart to open. The affirmation
seed for your heart chakra is “I love.”

I am loved.

I choose compassion and connection.

My heart is open and grateful.

I radiate love as a beacon of light.

I vibrate at the frequency of love.

 Chapter 7

The Throat Chakra

This tender space is a bridge that connects the high upper

and lower chakras as the first “spiritual chakra.” It is where we are
most vulnerable and protective. The lessons here are vast and deep,
and they often take a lifetime to learn. While the sacral chakra
represents masculine and feminine balance, the throat space
represents a balance between actions and words. Consequently, this
chakra is best balanced through integrity, truth, and precise
communication.
The throat chakra is meant to combine the higher learnings of
intelligence you receive from your crown chakra with understanding
from your heart to express your personal beliefs in a clear manner.
Your truth is meant to be liberated and expressed, although authentic
expression takes effort and time to master. Let’s take a look at your
next energy center, the throat chakra, to unlock the magic of your fifth
chakra.
What Is the Throat Chakra?
Deemed a “spiritual chakra,” the throat is your fifth energy center
signaling the ascent into your higher mind, below the third eye and the
crown chakras. Here, in the form of higher consciousness, energy
streams in. This energy meets with the heart’s intelligence, aligning
personal expression in its highest form—truth. Within the throat
chakra, you can access new heights of creativity and shape your own
reality through the word choices and decisions you make. The
selection of words creates “spells” (that’s why they call it “spelling”),
and through your words, you build and shape realities. This is one
reason why affirmations spoken aloud can be so powerful. Words
hold the ability to realign and transform, just as actions do. Which
words we use and when we use them play critical roles in our lives—
the throat chakra holds so much power and strength.
Another name for the throat chakra is the Sanskrit term vishuddha
(meaning “especially pure”). The name in its loose translation draws
on the principles of clarity, truth, and alignment among thoughts,
beliefs, and words. This energy center connects us to our higher
divine creative expression and is concerned with all forms of
communication (verbal, nonverbal, internal, and external). All these
aspects contribute to healthy communication and all play a role in the
development of this energy center. You’ll feel more heard and
understood by building your listening skills. When you are actually
listening to others and to yourself, your throat chakra will thrive.
This powerful energy center is located at the center of the neck
and covers the area of your ears, jaw, neck, teeth, mouth, palate,
vocal cords, and trachea. It also governs the shoulders, cervical
vertebrae, and upper esophagus (the rest of which is shared with the
solar plexus). Considered to be the passageway between the lower
body and upper body, this chakra accesses your upper spinal cord,
which controls much of your body’s higher functions. The thyroid and
parathyroid glands are located here, which help create hormones that
regulate metabolism and calcium in the body. When in balance, these
glands help the cells in your body function normally, as they control
various muscle, heart, bone, and digestive functions. When out of
balance, you may gain or lose weight or experience an autoimmune
response in the body. To keep this gland in check, simply consume
regular micro-amounts of iodine, found in iodized salts, kelp, dairy, or
seafood.
The element associated with your vishuddha is ether (or aether).
It is the space and stillness as well as the fabric that weaves the
Universe together. This is a connective element whose primary
function is to more deeply connect us to our intuition, other
dimensions and realms of existence, and more subtle higher-chakra
energies. Ether is neither hot or cold nor wet or dry and is considered
liminal, or transitional. Like space itself, it is vast, expansive, and
necessary to hold all the other elements within it. The ether element
here, which represents purity, is less dense than air (heart chakra)
but denser than light (third eye chakra).
The color linked with the throat space is blue, a serene and stable
frequency. This vibration represents healing, depth, balance, loyalty,
and sincerity. It’s a color that feels calming and pacifying, like tranquil
cooling waters. It evokes security, trust, and authenticity, qualities
that help keep the throat chakra open. Energetically, this color band
resonates with the vibration of harmony.
The energy of the throat chakra plugs us into our sense of
discernment and alignment, guiding us to make decisions that allow
us to be fully witnessed and understood by others. You deserve to be
heard and have your words and thoughts valued and appreciated.
This contributes to a sense of connection, deeper love, and
belonging. Your ability to verbalize and express affects your
connection with your inner world, as well as how you operate and
manifest in the outer world.
Your throat space is representative of the unseen realm of
emotions, creativity, and balance. Be sure to observe your emotions
as well as feel and express them. Curiosity about our emotions
allows us to learn from them, and, most importantly, provides us
access to processing through them. Your emotions are not who you
are; they are temporary energies just passing through. To actually
clear and release them, they need to be felt and experienced. This is
how your soul grows. Suppressing emotions can end up being
harmful to your well-being, so even if you need to take baby steps to
acknowledge them, make sure you have an outlet of expression to
ensure a healthy and open throat chakra. Next, we’ll talk a little more
about how these energies work and what it means to achieve balance
here.

A Balanced Throat Chakra

Owning your truth is a huge throat chakra activation, which helps
keep your throat open and balanced. When you were younger, it’s
possible that telling the truth was hard, because when you told the
truth, you came up against some sort of punishment or abandonment.
As you grew older, you started to recognize the value in claiming your
truth and putting it “out there” for people. Sometimes this comes at a
cost, but we learn to honor ourselves eventually, as remaining silent
about what matters most to you is far costlier.
When your throat chakra is in balance, you’ll find it takes less
effort to show up fully in your interactions with people. Relationships
with friends, family, coworkers, and partners become simpler
because there is an ease in communicating your intentions (without
needing a shockwave to get your point across). By practicing
speaking your truth and consistently setting up energetic boundaries
with others, you will reinforce positive nonverbal boundaries that work
for you. For example, if you are a people pleaser, it might be
tempting for you to give people answers that they want to hear. This
type of communication can happen in a very passive way, creating
guarded resentment and judgment—all feelings that get trapped in
the aura and body. This often happens when we betray ourselves in
order to give others what they want, and it leaves us with our needs
unmet.
When you are transcending this model of behavior (a “recovering”
people pleaser), you find new ways to communicate and hold your
boundaries during a conversation. One way to do this is to simply let
the other party know you are not available for emotional processing
(also known as “dumping”). You grow by learning to accept
occasionally disappointing others—and that saying “no” is perfectly
acceptable. The throat chakra really draws on the power of
sovereignty, which you develop from your solar plexus, and the
boundary establishment you solidify in your root; the effects are
amplified when these centers all open and function together. Some
relationships may no longer be in heart-centered alignment with your
newer, high-vibrational energies. These relationships may fall away or
change as you continue to take care of your own needs and keep
speaking your highest truth.
Resiliency is another facet that grows when your throat space is
balanced and healthy. The ability to “let things go” is a heart-centered
focus, but when we think in terms of the throat space, the ability to
bounce back from a trigger or challenge can be thought of as a
quality unique to the throat space. You are bigger than everyday
challenges. When you have regrets, misgivings, or make false
assumptions, you may feel contracted, closed off, or collapsed. If you
are able to recover quickly from a disagreement and seek to
recognize the lesson coming up in each moment, you can build your
emotional elasticity rapidly. Instead of numbing, you can own at face
value whatever comes up and let the emotions move through you.
When your throat chakra is healthy, this communication dynamic feels
secure, clear, and manageable.
There are some moments when you aren’t able to quickly clear
the emerging energies, and in those moments you may feel yourself
unable to move on in a safe and healthy way. In the next section,
you’ll learn how to recognize signs that you may be holding on to
throat chakra blocks.

An Unbalanced Throat Chakra

The throat chakra closes or becomes blocked when you limit your
expression or hold back your truth in any way. There is a tendency to
want to “play small,” either by conforming or by minimizing the
vocalization of your own needs. People do this for many reasons,
especially when there is fear present. Maybe there is a fear of not
fitting in or a fear of rejection. Perhaps when you were younger, your
opinions weren’t validated or appreciated, or maybe you suffered
negative consequences for voicing your needs. There is a delicate
balance between saying what you mean in a straightforward manner
and being aggressively direct. Often, people who have a closed fifth
energy center will focus on saying what other people want to hear
instead of their authentic truth. Verbalizing your authentic opinions,
needs, and desires is an important part of learning to open up the
energy here and take back control, thus moving from self-
abandonment to self-empowerment.
 When the throat chakra is underperforming, it can be difficult to
face confrontation. If you are very shy, timid, or soft-spoken, you may
find it challenging to draw a line in the sand when it comes to
boundaries and speaking up for yourself. Boundaries are mostly
formed in the root and sacral chakras because these energy centers
concern how you directly relate to others. If you have a tough time
with boundaries you will want to practice verbalizing them in a safe
place and create positive affirmations that reinforce your message.
Remember that speaking your truth is a form of self-love.
You may be afraid to ask something of someone—for example,
asking a supervisor for time off or your partner for space. In these
instances, it might help to write down exactly what you need to
communicate and say it out loud to yourself first as practice. You may
also feel better sending a thoughtfully written message, in which you
can be sure your words and message are perfectly clear. Lastly,
you’ll want to practice listening more in your life, which can bring a
level of engagement to your conversation and provide value back in
return.
There are other ways in which you may experience closures in the
throat space. In a physical sense, you may suffer from vocal cord
burnout, losing your voice, sore throat, stiff neck or jaw, shoulder
pain, or thyroid issues. You may also experience nervousness or
irritability, along with appetite fluctuations and an increased or
decreased metabolic rate, which is controlled by parts of the thyroid
and nervous system. If there is a general injury to the jaw, neck, or
shoulder area, I always examine the throat chakra to determine what
might be the cause. Am I authentic and manifesting integrity in my
communications with others? Am I listening and taking time to
process the messages I’m receiving from others to help understand
them fully? By checking on these things proactively, you may help
eliminate these issues in the future.
Healing the Throat Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the throat
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing. This technique builds on skills needed to get to know your
energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and explore what feels
good or appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired. As
you are practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue
when you are sharing the energy with another person so they can
provide valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need
them to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing.
For the first technique, I go over traditional and alternative hand
placements along with symbols to use for the throat chakra to
enhance emotional healing benefits. I also explain a distance healing
technique using visualization. These methods have proven effective in
accelerating healing while effectively saving time and energy when
performing the Reiki transmission itself.

Healing the Self and Others

This exercise explains basic hand positions for working on the throat
chakra as well as alternate hand positions to work with Reiki that
may be more nontraditional, but are still perfectly acceptable as you
build your practice with postures that work for you. Symbols are
optional for this exercise, but they are suggested if they are
accessible to you.
Allow plenty of time for the treatment so it feels spacious. The
suggested time limit for the hand positions is 10 to 15 minutes. Come
to a centered place beforehand through gassho or meditation so you
are at your best to deliver the healing, and set an intention that the
healing will work for the greatest benefit within the most beneficial
timeline. This will ensure all healing is delivered exactly where needed
and works appropriately for the highest good.

Gently cup your hands on either side of the throat, making sure
not to apply any pressure to the neck. The sides of your palms
should be flush against the sides of the neck and the bottom of
the palms should connect toward the center of the neck.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
three to five minutes, or as long as you are intuitively guided to
do so. Your eyes may be open or closed and your attention
should be as it is during meditation: a soft focus with a gentle,
loving awareness stream as you channel.

Place each hand on the upper flats of the shoulders. Channel

for three to five minutes. This posture addresses the central
 meridian lines in the body, and you will feel energy moving all
the way to your toes!

If this is uncomfortable or tight, you may

hover your hands above your shoulders and simply intend to
channel to this area.

Try using the SHK symbol. You can enter the symbol above the
neck before you start the session or place it into an area
needing special attention. This symbol helps release trapped and
stagnant emotions that keep the chakra blocked. Draw the
symbol with your fingers in the auric space and “push” it into the
neck area prior to starting the Reiki transmission.

If you are moving on to continue to perform Reiki on the rest of

the chakras, proceed by moving on to the solar plexus chakra
positions.

When you are finished, come back into gassho to signal the
end of the treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your
guides and Source energy for any assistance received.
When performing this treatment on someone else, the hand
positions remain the same, but the cupping posture around the neck
will change slightly. Additionally, you may also want to add the
following hand position for three to five minutes.

The sides of your palms should be flush against the sides of

the neck, with the tips of the middle fingers just touching each
other as your hands connect at the front of the neck.
Remember to use a light touch here with very gentle hand
placement, avoiding any heavy pressure on the recipient’s neck.
 Place your hands on the top of the flats of the shoulders and
channel for three to five minutes.

Place your hands underneath the recipient’s upper back,

toward the shoulder blades. Channel for three to five minutes or
until complete.

Keep in mind that there is no need to flip someone over when

performing a Reiki treatment, as the energy flows where it’s needed.
Unless specifically requested, the energy is just fine being channeled
to the body as it faces upward.

Distance Healing
Make sure to use your HSZSN symbol if you have received it in
attunement, specifying a time and place your recipient will be
receiving the healing. Proceed to the next steps when you are ready.
In this exercise, you’ll be using visualization and practice with the SHK
symbol.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say the
name of the person receiving the healing aloud (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.
 Draw the SHK symbol with your hands and intend to place it in
the recipient’s aura. This symbol will activate the emotional
healing and stress-relieving properties of the Reiki energy.

Imagine your recipient—visualize them on a small scale,

shrunken down so they could fit in the palm of your hands. You
may visualize a glowing SHK symbol over their body during the
process.

Intend that they receive the energy to their throat chakra and
any other area that needs healing. Hold them in your mind
intentionally, and focus on opening your Reiki channel as you
relax and breathe.

When you are finished, come back to gassho to signal

completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

The mantra for the throat space is “HAM.” Chanting this mantra,
silently or aloud, helps invoke serenity and openness by infusing the
ether element into the throat chakra. Let this syllable reverberate
throughout your upper chest and throat. By chanting “HAM,” you will
empower your physical and spiritual voice. The affirmation seed for
your throat chakra is “I speak.”

I speak my truth.

My words are beautiful.

My voice is my own.

My word is my wand; I speak and I create.

My voice is important.
 Chapter 8

The Third Eye Chakra

. This is the domain of sight—

both inner and outer. When we think about sight, ideas come to mind
about the eye’s perception of light, color, and shape, and its ability to
convey images that the mind can easily interpret. This is a function of
vision—it’s how we perceive the world around us. Your inner world,
however, cannot be perceived by anyone else but you. Therefore, it is
up to you to learn how to gain access to the landscape of the
metaphysical.
This is the space in which we learn how to look beyond what is in
front of us and seek deeper layers of meaning. This center informs
and assimilates all the extrasensory information coming into the mind
and body at any given time. Let’s wade in to get to know the inner
workings of this esoteric energy center.
What Is the Third Eye Chakra?
If you’ve ever thought about a friend only to have them reach out to
you minutes later, or had a song stuck in your head only to turn on the
radio and hear it playing, you’re not alone. What seem like
coincidences we tend to label synchronicities. These unrelated events
leave us with a distinct feeling that we are receiving a spiritual
message, such as “pay attention now.” Spiritually, these events only
have the significance we assign to them; however, as you get used to
what these signs mean to you personally, you’ll be on your way to
opening up your psychic senses.
We are constantly flooded with nonvisual and nonverbal
information, which our third eye picks up on. This subtle information is
actually perceived first with our intuition, by our pineal gland, which
we’ll get to shortly (see here ). When this delicate and almost
imperceptible information streams in, the third eye begins to interpret
what it’s taking in. Then we can begin to make sense of the
information presented. There are several types of psychic energy that
are possible for us to tap into—and some much less common types
that take a bit longer to develop. Animals tend to have a very acute
psychic awareness, especially cats, as they have a highly developed
intuitive center. Just the way a dog can hear ranges outside the
human hearing spectrum, animals can “see” alternative bandwidths of
light and energy that we humans can’t detect with the naked eye.
Another name for the third eye is the Sanskrit word ajna (meaning
“summoning,” “authority,” “command,” and “unlimited power”). The
name in its loose translation draws on the principles of spiritual
mastery and the power we have to see beyond the ordinary and into
the extraordinary. This energy center connects us to our intuition and
sixth sense and is most concerned with seeing beyond obstacles that
lie before us and linking us to our visionary states. The third eye
space is representative of the unseen realm of awareness and the
visual realm that helps us see and understand the world.
The third eye chakra sits directly between the eyebrows at the
center point of the forehead, inside the head. A pinecone-shaped
pineal gland sits in the center of the brain, resting above the medulla
oblongata a few inches atop the spinal column. Though the chakra
location isn’t exact, in general it is above and behind the sinus cavity.
Sometimes the pineal gland and pituitary gland share some chakra
functionality since the crown and third eye are so closely intertwined,
and both glands deal with the inner workings of the brain and ocular
nerves.
The element associated with ajna is light. Since this is a higher
etheric chakra, it is meant to process loads of subtle information. As
mentioned earlier, light contains much information, some of which we
process consciously, but the majority of which is taken in as
subconscious data. Photonic light energy is bright, illuminating, and
enlightening. It has electromagnetic properties that interact with the
pineal gland, allowing a person to experience light itself. Light energy
helps the aura and body by raising the frequency at which we vibrate.
It’s also been used in chromatherapy to create certain healing effects
like skin tightening (using red light), plant growth (blue light), and the
promotion of calming (white light). When light energy is flowing freely
in the body, we are healthier and experience deeper well-being. If the
light energy is lower in the body, we may experience disease or
illness. Light also facilitates communication between cells and helps
repair DNA in the body, which keeps a person healthy and vibrant.
The color linked with the third eye is indigo, an intensely rich
frequency. This vibration combines the serenity of deep blue with the
spiritual authority of purple, a unique blend of energies. Some might
perceive this as a midnight blue/purple. It’s a color representing
intuition, sensitivity, discovery, wisdom, and healing. Energetically, this
color band resonates with the vibration of focused awareness.
Working with this color can help us achieve deeper levels of
consciousness and, eventually, help us tap into our superconscious
mind, expanding our reality infinitely.
Taking a look at which body parts are paired with the third eye,
we find these located in the upper portion of the head (and some that
overlap with the crown chakra). This chakra includes the eyes, pineal
gland, parts of the brain and ears, hypothalamus, sinuses, and nose.
The pineal gland is responsible for psychic senses and converts the
light energy sensed through the optic nerve, which itself is linked to
the pituitary gland (for more on this, see chapter 9 ) and, together,
they activate functions of perception. Nerves in the pineal gland link to
the limbic system, which is in charge of automatic emotions, memory,
and the stress response.
The two main meridian lines, the ida and pingala, which begin in
the hara (navel), actually meet here in the brain, behind the third eye.
As a reminder, these represent both the left (feminine) and right
(masculine) energies within. The coming together of these lines here
is no coincidence—this center merges the halves into a divine whole,
which initiates the opening of the third eye.

The third eye chakra is a sacred space of intuition or inner knowing.

For some, this chakra may remain closed for a lifetime. For those
who are naturally empathic, intuitive, imaginative, and intellectual, this
center will feel naturally and easily accessible. People whose third
eye is open tend to be self-actualized and empowered individuals. A
healthy relationship with our own consciousness is required to fully
tune in to the power the third eye holds, as this space establishes a
higher spiritual connection to the divine within.
An open third eye also means we are accessing our own creative
wellspring. We will begin to see things as they “truly” are, which will
allow a gateway to open that facilitates our stepping into our highest
“creatorship” in this lifetime. Our imagination is stimulated, allowing
projects and art to flow. We feel tuned in to passions of high spiritual
pursuit, like meditation, Reiki, yoga, working with plant medicines, or
other higher-consciousness activities. One doesn’t need to be able to
see auras or communicate with the Spirit realm for their third eye to
be open. In fact, physically speaking, this is simply a matter of
decalcifying the pineal gland.
An open and decalcified pineal gland will make a person more in
tune with the natural world and the inherent messages from the
Universe. Improved intuition and awareness will help us better read
people, situations, and experiences so that we can more coherently
direct our everyday reality. In some instances, we may feel ourselves
expanding rapidly as our third eye gifts come alive. It’s possible to
experience enhanced psychic senses, such as clairvoyance,
clairaudience, clairsentience, and precognition. These abilities expand
on our natural abilities to see, hear, feel, or understand beyond
normal senses.
Let’s take a look at these more closely. Sight, or “voyance,” deals
with inner sight, and it may extend to seeing symbols or images that
represent ideas communicated from Spirit guides or places that hold
energy (like old homes or antiques). “Audience,” or auditory abilities,
may start to pick up on frequencies outside what’s considered the
normal human range of hearing. Sentience refers to feeling and, as
this extrasensory skill set develops, we may notice ourselves picking
up on other people’s emotions. You’ll need to spend time discerning
which of these emotions belong to you and which belong to other
people. Normally, the latter passes within minutes, while your own
emotions are more felt for longer periods of time. Precognition, or
“knowing beforehand,” is a perception that occurs when you are
accessing future timelines that haven’t happened yet. People who
experience precognition often do so through the dream state. You
may be able to see details of various timelines that haven’t occurred
yet, like characters or settings. Pay attention to what the essence of
the vision is trying to convey and use responsible discernment on
relaying information if the vision involves more than yourself.

When our third eye is underperforming, it can be difficult to access

higher consciousness, intuition, and awareness. Although it’s not
possible to become completely disconnected from our spiritual side,
sometimes it can feel that way. The divine is within each breath, so
every time we inhale, we pull in more of our Spirit. When we
experience grief or anguish, those are the moments that lower our
vibration and create separation consciousness. You need only
remember this to remain connected to Source energy running through
your third eye.
We may have trouble connecting our inner vision with our outer
reality when this energy center is low. Since so much of life depends
on thoughts and beliefs, there may be a gap between what’s
happening on the inside versus the outside. Things may take longer to
“manifest” in our life, and it can feel as if clarity is blurred, there is a
fog of problems, or that our judgment lacks discernment. This chakra
is all about mental and creative stimulation, so when this energy is
diminished, new ideas and solutions have a harder time presenting
themselves. We may feel cut off from our internal compass. It’s so
important to keep in mind that we are the creator of our reality, that
we can clear the energy whenever we choose. Creative
consciousness is a high frequency and will flow easily to us when our
third eye energies are clear.
There may be physical symptoms present with a blocked ajna
chakra. Headaches, migraines, sinus issues, earaches, tinnitus, eye
problems (like vision issues or glaucoma), and seizures show up here
when the energy is imbalanced. There may also be less severe signs,
like nightmares or memory problems. In general, lack of vision and
difficulty with planning are by far the most common physical
symptoms. If there is something in our life that we are willfully
ignoring, our refusal to see it can close this energy center down fast.
This is why it’s imperative to face our challenges in order to process
and heal through them.
The Causal Chakra
The causal chakra is a minor point located at the back of the
head, three to four inches outside of it. It adjoins the third eye
and crown chakras and serves a similar, more amplified,
spiritual function. This is technically referred to as a
transpersonal chakra, as it sits outside the corporeal body. In
the fictional times of Atlantis (more than 10,000 years ago), this
chakra was considered one of the main chakras, and through
human evolution, it eventually came to rest where it does today.
As this special energy center awakens, the causal chakra
becomes more in line with the rest of the chakras through the
ascension column .
The energy here provides us with a deep connection to the
spiritual world and divine feminine lunar energies. Associated
with the moon, this chakra radiates soft white light. The moon is
considered to be connected to our inner landscape of emotions,
and it expands mothering energies of nurturing, allowing, and
receiving. This center also allows an opening up of our natural
intuitive gifts, such as telepathy and other extrasensory
perception. Pay attention to how these gifts may show up subtly
in your life.
The causal chakra is activated once we achieve heart
coherence and all of our corporeal chakras are opened.
Typically, it strengthens as we become more spiritually mature,
usually after we have successfully opened the third eye chakra
and feel confident in relying on our own intuition, self-reliance,
and spiritual authority.
Healing the Third Eye Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the third eye
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, an alternative method to
access your deepest intuition, and one for distance healing. This
technique builds on skills needed to get to know your energy channel,
understand how Reiki works, and explore what feels good or
appropriate for the level of healing and effects desired. As you are
practicing, play with what feels good, and open a dialogue when you
are sharing the energy with another person so they can provide
valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing.
I go over how to use the traditional hand placements for the third
eye center for opening and unblocking. We will also take a spiritual
journey to access deeper layers of the subconscious mind for healing,
and work on a multidimensional visualization technique that you can
use to save some time during your distance healings. As always, if
you prefer, simply go over the motions for the traditional hand
placements during distance healings. These alternative methods are
here in case you wish to practice something different and deepen or
advance your Reiki sessions.

Healing the Self and Others

This section presents basic hand positions for working on the third
eye chakra as well as an alternate way to work with the Reiki through
a spiritual journey. Symbols are optional for this exercise. Allow plenty
of time during the treatment so it feels spacious. The suggested time
limit for the traditional hand positions is 5 to 10 minutes, while the
time limit for the spiritual journey is 15 to 20 minutes. Come to a
centered place beforehand through gassho or meditation so you are
at your best to deliver the healing and set an intention that the healing
will work for the greatest benefit within the most beneficial timeline.
This will ensure all healing is delivered exactly where needed and
works appropriately for the highest good.

Lightly place the flats of your palms over your closed eyelids.
Alternatively, you may hover your hands above your closed
eyes.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to this area for
up to five minutes, or as long as you are intuitively guided to do
so.
Move your palms to your temples. Channel for three to five
minutes.

If you are moving on to continue performing Reiki on the rest of

the chakras, proceed by moving onto the throat chakra
positions.

When you are finished, come back into gassho to signal the
end of the treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your
guides, and Source energy for any assistance received.

Maintain your focus as it is during meditation: a soft focus

on a gentle, loving awareness stream as you channel.

When performing this treatment on someone else, the hand

positions remain the same. It will feel best for your recipient to
close their eyes, and you may either place an eye pillow on them
or hover your hands over their eyes to ensure their comfort.

The spiritual journey is a meditation that

allows you to travel within for answers. This is a profound way to
connect to your higher levels of consciousness, and even your
subconscious mind.

After your gassho, come into stillness, and open up a

meditative mind-space. For the next 10 to 20 minutes, you will
be on a journey.

Ask to connect to a guide. This may be an ethereal animal like

a jaguar, hummingbird, or dolphin. Or it could be an ancestor,
Spirit guide, or relative who has crossed over. Wait until you
see or sense their energy arrive.
 Imagine you are in an open hallway space together and ask
them to lead you to your area of concern or issue. You may see
them leading you to a past version of yourself, a past lifetime,
or the place where an injury resides in the body.

Ask them for assistance in your healing. Be open to any

information you are receiving. Pay attention to what you are
sensing, feeling, and seeing with your third eye.

When you feel complete with the information/healing, walk

back down the hallway and come back to your Reiki positions.
You may resume channeling to the third eye for about five
minutes to finish this practice.

When you are finished, either proceed to work on the other

chakras, or come back into gassho to signal the end of the
treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your guides and
Source energy.

Distance Healing
Make sure to use your HSZSN symbol if you have received it in
attunement, specifying a time and place your recipient will be
receiving the healing. Proceed to the next steps when you are ready.
This exercise explores the multidimensional self through quantum
visualization.

Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session You may say the
name of the person receiving the healing aloud (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.
 If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Imagine your recipient in front of you. Place the SHK symbol

into their aura, if emotional healing is needed.

As you begin to channel, imagine yourself with multiple sets of

arms, placing them on all areas of the body that need support.
Because you are going quantum for this exercise, you can
cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, stretching your
abilities.

Hold your recipient in your mind intentionally, and focus on

opening your Reiki channel as you relax and breathe.

Channel for as long as you are intuitively guided to do so,

between 10 and 15 minutes.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

Mantras and Affirmations

The mantra for the third eye space is “AUM.” Chanting this mantra,
silently or aloud, helps build clarity and awareness by infusing the light
element into the third eye chakra. Let this syllable reverberate
throughout your entire head, pulling it to the space between the
eyebrows. By chanting “AUM” you will help awaken your intuition and
open your third eye. The affirmation seed for your third eye chakra is
“I see.”

I choose to see a higher perspective.

I trust my own intuitive senses.

My third eye is open.

I am clear.

I see and celebrate the many possible outcomes.

What Is the Crown Chakra?
The crown chakra is aptly named for its position at the top of the
head. As the seventh chakra, this energy center acts as a bridge
between the divine and physical realms and represents a union and
mastery of the intellectual and spiritual domains. This chakra is
usually open during childhood and then takes a lifetime to develop,
since we are always learning and growing. Those who are more fully
committed to a spiritual path will find that this chakra naturally stays
open, as our divine energy connection is established and used
regularly.
The crown signifies a synthesis of inner knowing and divine
knowing. We call this ultimate intelligence , or enlightenment , when
human desires, attachments, and ego concerns are transcended.
Many sages and gurus from various cultures and traditions celebrated
enlightenment: a type of nirvana, or samadhi, or elevated state of
consciousness thought to bring relief and release from all suffering.
This state of concentration is usually achieved through deep
meditative practices over the course of a lifetime, ending in prolonged
rapture or bliss states. Although we experience many enlightening
moments during our day-to-day lives, the concept of enlightenment
doesn’t have quite the same meaning as it did historically. For our
modern-day lives, enlightenment can simply mean self-actualization or
the cultivation of one’s inner purpose.
The pursuit of self-discovery, ego dissolution, and deep
connection with soul are some of the most satisfying journeys in this
life, and the open crown chakra is responsible for getting us there.
This spiritual center governs our mental expansion as well as our
mental energies, ideas, thoughts, temperance, and patience. Through
this energy center, our higher-self objectives are constantly being
downloaded, accessed (sometimes in unconscious ways), played out,
and integrated into our being. Everything is created etherically before
coming into the physical realm through the crown chakra.
Another name for the crown is the Sanskrit word sahasrara
(meaning “thousand”). In Hinduism, each chakra is represented by a
lotus, and the crown is no exception. It’s represented by a thousand-
petaled white lotus, which gives the crown its namesake. The name
draws on the principles of spiritual mastery (along with the third eye
chakra) and the power of transcendence. This energy center
connects us to our own divine channel and is most concerned with the
assimilation of higher knowledge. Our crown space is representative
of the unseen realm of Spirit and all other realms that help us
understand the world from higher perspectives. This chakra’s opening
plays a major role in our communion with elevated states of
consciousness.
The crown chakra, sitting directly on top of the head, is
sometimes described as being located within the cerebral cavity. In
Hinduism, this site is referred to as bindu (meaning “where the soul
enters the body”). In ancient texts and across cultures, the placement
of this chakra sometimes is located a few inches above the head,
extending outward in a field two to three feet wide.
The element associated with the crown chakra is cosmic energy.
The cosmos is the fabric of the Universe that exists everywhere,
across time and space and among galaxies, stars, and in every atom.
The natural state of cosmic energy is pure bliss, and its presence
enhances conscious expansion. Since this is a higher etheric chakra,
the crown is meant to process loads of subtle information, just like
the third eye. Photonic light (a type of cosmic energy) contains
infinitesimal amounts of information, and this chakra is meant to
synthesize all of the higher realms into physical form. There is a
transcendence of thought and the ego here. In other words, the way
in which we interact with the cosmos is direct and immediately
enlightening. We call these packets of information received by the
cosmic light “downloads.”
The color linked with the crown is white light, a calming and
nurturing light. This vibration also contains all the colors within it—a
rainbow spectrum. It houses positive energies and can be called upon
during healings to increase the effectiveness of the healing and to
protect against negative energies. Energetically, this color band
resonates with the vibration of pure Source consciousness. Working
with this color can help us achieve deeper levels of consciousness
and tap into our superconscious mind as we transcend the ego.
The body parts governed by the crown chakra include parts of the
brain, brain stem, pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, and nervous
system. In some systems, the bones fall under the crown as well as
the skull, which of course houses the brain. We think of this area as a
command center for all the major functions of the body, as well as the
spiritual and emotional self. A sister gland to the pineal gland, the
pituitary gland is the endocrine gland in the brain considered the
master gland. It is responsible for producing human growth hormone
(HGH) along with various other hormones that control the aging
process and the body’s inflammation response. The pituitary gland
works in cooperation with the other glands to direct them and execute
their functions.
The crown is responsible for transmitting chemical and electrical
messages to the rest of the body, enabling one to live a normal,
healthy, and active life. Let’s take a closer look what it means to have
a balanced crown chakra.

A Balanced Crown Chakra

We have all had that one mentor, parent, teacher, or friend that
always seemed to be unfazed, patient, and wise when dealing with
others. They seemed to have the answer to everything, yet they were
always learning. It seems as if these individuals glowed from the
inside out and radiate love and understanding. These people were no
different from us, as this level of awareness and depth is available to
anyone willing to put in the work. Although some are born with a
general sense of peace and calm, most of us have to work at it to
maintain an open and balanced crown chakra. The best way to do
this is through meditation, in which we can cultivate an observer’s
perspective and our own sense of objective awareness, allowing
ourselves to get through even the toughest of situations. Eventually
we will come to a place where we have become spiritually advanced
enough to start to ask, “Who is the one observing?”
Since the crown space acts as a bridge and spiritual portal
between us and universal energies, when it is open, we say we have
become “awakened.” This can mean a number of things, but primarily
it’s to be spiritually aware of the Universe and all of the metaphysical
connections that it holds. Once we have tapped into the oneness
frequency, we start to look at all of life as being connected with a
natural rhythm of cycles. We’ll no longer need to filter everything
through our personal lens, and we’ll be better able to work with the
energies of compassion and kindness because of our innate sense of
belonging and unity. A simultaneous awareness exists between our
individual self and everything else in the Universe. The Universe is
always conspiring in our favor—we need only wake up to it to let this
magic into our everyday life.
With an open crown space, our spiritual connection will be strong
and we will be able to access more of our soul’s higher purpose,
which generates through the soul star chakra . This subtle information
is passed down from the higher chakras into the crown, which
continues to expand and open as it receives more instructions from
our higher self and Source. We are not separate from Source, so
these messages often sound as though they were coming from our
own voice or the inner voice of knowing. As we start to access
greater levels of true connection with our higher self, levels of our ego
will dissolve and those energies that are no longer a vibrational match
will gradually fall away. This realignment happens naturally and
without effort. Integration happens when there are new versions of
ourselves emerging, and we can let go of all the old ways of being
that may have held us back in the past.

An Unbalanced Crown Chakra

When the crown is underperforming, it can be difficult to access
higher consciousness and connection to inner resources. Since this
chakra primarily deals with knowledge and understanding, a blocked
energy center here diminishes the ability to intellectualize and reason.
Physically, this may look like learning problems or judgment
impairment, but it doesn’t have to. It’s likely more difficult to rationally
discern a blockage in the crown space, as the very system that
operates rationalization is the one compromised. You will need to pay
attention when symptoms or signs start showing up that indicate
problems, so you can unblock them.
Closures here can also manifest as an imbalance between the
two sides of the brain—the left, which governs logic, and the right,
which governs creativity. When one of these sides is dominant, the
other side suffers. It’s normal to have one side more developed than
the other, but a balance of energies is what keeps the crown space
open and flourishing. Imbalances here may also cause delusional or
neurotic thoughts or behavior patterns. Anything irregular here can be
retrained with time and effort, and through helpful healing tools like
meditation, Reiki, and different types of therapy.
Common psychological symptoms may include a general lack of
awareness, mindfulness, or attention. Confusion, difficulty making
decisions, headaches, mental disconnection, or more serious
disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, or epilepsy, may point to
an imbalance in the crown as well. Neurological disorders stem from
brain dysfunction and affect the health of the mind, so they are also
included in this category. Chronic fatigue, depression, or endocrine
system issues may crop up. The endocrine system helps control
mood, the way organs work, and metabolism, so when this is “off,”
clear signs will usually present themselves.
Mental disorders may or may not be overtly obvious when they
show up here, as symptoms are often masked or ambiguous.
Narcissism and depression are examples of disorders that present in
a closed crown space, and their indicators may not seem obvious at
first. Narcissistic individuals exhibit behaviors like gaslighting,
incongruent stories, self-centeredness, and extremely ego-centered
behavior. On the other hand, depression is a mood disorder that
starts with an imbalance of neurotransmitters, which can negatively
affect how one thinks, feels, and acts. Depression is distinctly
different from sadness or grief, which are normally only temporary
emotional states. With your own or another’s depression, the feelings
of sadness or pain won’t diminish over time (they aren’t situational)
and may be a result of indirect biochemical changes in the brain. I
suggest that you consult with a doctor to help in understanding and
diagnosing depression, rather than self-diagnosing. Since the health
of the brain has an influence on all aspects of a person (mental,
physical, emotional, and spiritual), keeping the brain and mind well-
nourished is paramount to be able to thrive in life.
Healing the Crown Chakra
This section introduces two Reiki healing applications for the crown
chakra: one for healing yourself and others, and one for distance
healing called chakra balancing. This builds on skills needed to get to
know your own energy channel, understand how Reiki works, and
explore what feels good or appropriate for the level of healing and
effects desired. As you are practicing, play with what feels good, and
open a dialogue when you are sharing the energy with another person
so they can provide valuable feedback.
These techniques include working with the Reiki symbols, which
you may or may not be accustomed to using, depending on the Reiki
level to which you are attuned. There are several ways to work with
the various symbols in each exercise, but because you don’t need the
symbols to practice Reiki, feel free to leave them out. The following
section reviews how to use Reiki for self-healing, healing of others,
and distance healing.
I go over how to use the traditional hand placements for the crown
center for opening and unblocking and use the DKM or CKR symbols
for this exercise. I also look more closely at a method known as
chakra balancing, which can be used in person or with distance
healing and takes about 20 minutes. As always, if you prefer, you can
simply go over the motions for the traditional hand placements during
distance healings. These alternative methods are here in case you
wish to practice something different and deepen or advance your
Reiki sessions.

This exercise covers basic hand positions for working on your crown
chakra and provides an alternate way to work with the Reiki through
chakra balancing. Typical Reiki sessions start at the crown and work
their way down, finishing at the root, so this is where you’ll begin.
The symbols to be used for this exercise are the DKM or CKR,
depending on which level you are attuned for (DKM is a level 3
symbol). Allow plenty of time during the treatment so it feels
spacious. The suggested time limit for the traditional hand positions is
about 5 minutes, while the time limit for the chakra balancing is 15 to
20 minutes. Come to a centered place beforehand through gassho or
meditation so you are at your best to deliver the healing and set an
intention that the healing will work for the greatest benefit within the
most beneficial timeline. This will ensure all healing is delivered
exactly where needed and works appropriately for the highest good.

Open the aura with three swipes to signal you are entering the
recipient’s energy field.
 Draw the DKM and/or the CKR symbol(s) above the crown
space with your fingers and gently push them into the top of the
crown. The DKM symbol will help you access your divine
radiance, and the CKR symbol will help you amplify the
energies.

Signal with your hands to manually open the crown space like
opening a book, if this feels natural for you. Keep your hands in
your auric space for channeling.

Smile, relax, and intend to channel Reiki energy to the top of

the head for three to five minutes, or as long as you are
intuitively guided to do so. Your attention should be as it is
during meditation: a soft focus on a gentle, loving awareness
stream as you channel.

Move your hands around to the top back of the head, if this
position is accessible, placing your hands directly on the head.
Channel for three to five minutes.

If you are moving on to perform Reiki on the rest of the

chakras, proceed to the third eye chakra positions.

When you are finished, come back into gassho to signal the
end of the treatment. Share a moment of gratitude with your
guides and Source energy for any assistance received.

When performing this treatment on someone else, the hand

positions remain the same.

Chakra balancing, as the term suggests,

is used to balance all the chakras and is perfect if you have only
20 minutes for a full treatment session.
 Follow these steps with different positions for chakra balancing,
which includes channeling Reiki to two chakras, with one hand on
each chakra. These steps can be used on yourself and others,
as well as via distance.

Begin by sweeping open the auric space three times.

Position one: Place one hand on the crown (top of head or

above head) and one hand above the root chakra. Channel here
lovingly for about five minutes.

Position two: Place one hand on or above the third eye and
one hand above or directly atop the sacral chakra area.
Channel here lovingly for about five minutes.

Position three: Place one hand above the throat space and one
hand on or above the solar plexus area. Channel here lovingly
for about five minutes.

Position four: Place both hands on or above the heart space.

Channel here lovingly for about five minutes.

All of your chakras are now balanced! When you are finished,
come back into gassho to signal the end of the treatment.
Share a moment of gratitude with your guides and Source
energy.

Make sure to use your HSZSN symbol, if you have received it in

attunement, specifying a time and place your recipient will be
receiving the healing. Proceed to the next steps when you are ready.
In this exercise, we will be exploring the multidimensional self through
quantum visualization.
 Draw the HSZSN symbol with your finger(s) directly into the
space in front of you to open up the session. You may say the
name of the person receiving the healing aloud (or have it
written down nearby) as well as the time and place they will
receive it.

If you are sending Reiki energy to yourself, you can send the
energy backward or forward in time to an event or situation that
needs healing. Make sure you include this in your intention when
drawing the HSZSN symbol.

Imagine your recipient in front of you. Place the DKM and/or

CKR symbol into their aura to increase the light energy and
amplify the Reiki.

As you begin to channel, imagine a white light energy ball

above the crown chakra of your recipient. Visualize the white
ball descending through the top of the head and all the way
down the spinal column.

Allow this white light to purify the energy center until that feels
complete, while you are channeling for 5 to 10 minutes. As
always, focus on opening your Reiki channel as you relax and
breathe.

Come back to gassho to signal completion and give thanks.

The mantra for the crown space is “AUM” (like the third eye) or
silence. Chanting this mantra, silently or aloud, helps build focus and
higher consciousness connection. If you choose to be silent for your
meditation, this time is simply meant for internal reflection. Let the
AUM syllable reverberate throughout your entire head, pulling it down
through your chest and feeling it radiate around the top of your head.
By chanting “AUM,” you will empower your crown space to open and
invite in divine higher energies. The affirmation seed for your crown
chakra is “I know.”

I am connected to my inner wisdom.

I am a unique spark of the divine.

I call in clarity and illumination to my being.

I am pure intelligence of the Universe at work.

I know and trust my soul’s greater purpose working through me.

The Future of the Reiki-Chakra Connection: The
Ascension Column
Over the years, the traditional Hindu chakra system has evolved
dramatically to include a Westernized version of what we receive and
understand as the modern-day chakra system. We have been
studying the seven primary chakras and, as humanity raises its
consciousness, we are moving up in dimensional frequencies as well
as in our knowledge of the chakras. The chakra system is always
growing and changing. In the past 10 years or so, there have been
more minor chakras discovered, especially with younger children.
They all seem to have open palm chakras, ear chakras, and certain
higher transpersonal chakras activated at a young age. It would seem
as if natural evolution has them built for healing. These same children
have intact memories from past lives and a multitude of intuitive gifts,
telepathy being the most common. So what do we need to know
about these changes?
My previous book, The Complete Guide to Chakras: Activating
the 12-Chakra System , lays out the updated 12-chakra system that
is based on an ascension model (the new paradigm we are in that
allows us to move up in vibrational resonance as a collective). In this
model, there are seven primary chakras (those included in this book)
and five transpersonal chakras, which are outside the corporeal body
and play a major role in how our energy operates. These chakras
deal with divine, universal, cosmic, higher-self, and inner-earth energy
streams and explore how they interact with our being. While this
expanded view of the complete chakra system informs us on the
ascension path, it’s not necessary to expand to all 12 chakras to
advance in the Reiki practice.
 As we progressively raise our frequency, the spinal channel will
continue to widen and expand. Eventually the open chakras will begin
to merge together, forming a river of etheric light running up and down
the spine, called the ascension column. This change begins to alter
the body down to a molecular level as DNA receives repairs and
upgrades. The ascension process deepens our sense of purpose and
reconnection to lost parts of ourselves. Ascension is all about loving,
learning our lessons, and letting go. We can’t rise into higher
consciousness if we are still holding on to old stories and energy. As
these changes within us take place, our world is also changing. I
deeply encourage each one of you to look within yourself for all
guidance, as your own discernment is the most valuable tool you can
connect with during this time of humanity’s great awakening.
The ascension column may change the way we look at chakra
healing, but it won’t change the time-honored transmission of Reiki
energy. In fact, the Reiki energies are receiving a boost along with all
life on the planet. A greater sense of responsibility, awareness, and
heart coherence are required to upgrade to these newer frequencies,
and these are available to all willing hearts who continue to maintain a
commitment to honoring the Reiki teachings.

Maintain Your Balance

Working with this book’s teachings allows you to discover that there
is plenty here for you to reference, return to, and practice.
Sometimes students spend years at level I and prefer to stay there.
At other times, they fly by all levels within a year or two. Mastery isn’t
the goal—open-heartedness is. I highly recommend that you begin
your Reiki practice at the crown and work your way down to finish at
the root, completing your journey through all seven chakras during a
healing treatment. You are encouraged to experiment with using the
symbols, alternating them between different exercises, or forgoing
the symbols altogether for a simple Reiki experience. All methods are
perfectly acceptable and won’t affect the quality of your practice.
If you set off on the journey of healing yourself, you’ll eventually
become comfortable working on the healing of others. This book is
designed to help you in your self-healing practice, which may expand
to helping heal others at any point they are feeling unbalanced,
unwell, or misaligned. The important bit to remember is that you don’t
have to have it all figured out or be healed yourself to help heal
others. By letting go of any doubts or concerns, we step aside and
allow Spirit to lead us through a heart-centered path. Choosing Reiki
is a life path, one of spiritual presence, vulnerability, and realness.
If you are experiencing resistance or having difficulty, remember
that you can’t “do it wrong.” You will continue to gain so much
experience as your practice matures. Remember that the chakras act
simply as doorways to allow energy in and out of your system. They
are fluid and approximate, so nothing should be regarded as set in
stone when it comes to chakra specifics. There are always
anomalies, and you’ll discover your unique healing signature once you
are on your way along the path, adopting what resonates and leaving
the rest.
Reiki is a gentle and effective method of healing that is suitable for
every age and sensitivity. The continued use of Reiki to heal the
chakras and the mind-body system provides lasting transformation
and healing. Reiki invokes wellness, clarity, expansion, and spiritual
growth, among many other wonderful benefits. This practice helps us
remember our connection to Spirit and to love. If we can allow love to
work through us, we are in a surrendered flow of service and healing.
We can be the light that the world needs us to be right now, and all
you need to bring is your open heart.
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A holistic beginner’s guide to healing the chakras incorporating

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practices.
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About the Author
is the founder of Golden Light
Alchemy, a healing company that combines her years
of trauma-informed healing with Reiki, and other
various healing modalities. April is a Reiki Master
Teacher, quantum and sound healer, and meditation
instructor who has been studying and writing about
the chakras for years.
April is a daughter, mother, lover, healer, wayshower, and teacher
to many. She currently resides in Maui, Hawaii, with her beloved
French bulldog Skyla where she hosts virtual and in-person training
classes as well as retreats.