How to Plan a Reiki Share

A popular way to benefit from Reiki (a method of healing therapy that uses the body's natural energies to heal itself) is to host a Reiki share, also called a Reiki circle. This is an event in which several Reiki practitioners take turns working on one another. Each person benefits, because everyone gets to both give and receive Reiki energy.

Things You'll Need

• Massage tables
• Snacks
• Water bottles
• Music
• Candles (unscented)
• Small gong or soft bell

Instructions

1. Plan a date and location for your event. Be sure to give your guests a bit of notice that you're hosting a share, so they can plan for child-care arrangements or work around their job schedules. Select a place where everyone can work undisturbed for a few hours. Make sure your location is roomy enough that you can set up massage tables or pillows for people to lie on during the share. Ask each person to bring either a massage table or pillows.

2. Set the mood. When people attend a Reiki share, they expect an ambiance conducive to calmness and healing. Before everyone arrives, smudge the area with sage or sweetgrass. Turn on some soft music, but keep it low. Turn the lights down low or even off. You may wish to use unscented candles for lighting. When your guests arrive, ask them to turn off cell phones and pagers so that everyone may work undisturbed.

3. Have refreshments available. Many practitioners of Reiki find themselves hungry and thirsty after a session. Make sure there is plenty of water available for everyone, as well as some herbal teas. Light snacks are appropriate as well, such as a veggie tray, fresh fruit or pita bread and hummus. If you're planning a day-long share, plan on taking a break in the middle for lunch. You can either put out all the food yourself, or ask each guest to bring a dish so you can eat potluck style.

4. Stick to a schedule. Figure out ahead of time how many practitioners you'll have involved, and how long each session should be. With multiple guests, you probably want to keep individual sessions to 20 or 30 minutes apiece. You may even plan each session so that one person sits out and just watches. Also, plan for a 5- to 10-minute break between sessions so people can get refreshments, use the restroom or just regroup.

5. Make sure everyone leaves feeling good. Be sure to address any concerns before everyone leaves. Group energy is very powerful, and a well-planned Reiki share will be of benefit to everyone who attends.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small gong or soft bell to remind people that each session is over.

• Reiki can drain people of energy in some cases, so have a separate space for these folks to go sit quietly until they recover.