07-07-2009, 10:04 PM
Sorry for keeping the thread off-topic, but I prefer to respond here briefly than to open a new thread.
Not necessarily. My Reiki training was extensive, and I teach Reiki now. There are HUGE differences between what my teacher taught and what I teach (beyond the bare basics); additionally, the energetic healing work I personally do has not been "Reiki" for a long time, and I let my students know this, because my goal as a teacher is to help them find their own ways of working with healing energy. I would say qualified Reiki healers are more apt to have adapted what was learned in training, making the practice their own, and if they teach, I would say qualified Reiki masters are the ones who will encourage this in their students.
Unfortunately, unqualified Reiki "masters" are more abundant than those who are truly qualified. (imo)
An aside: I would not presume to judge the qualifications of a teacher solely on the basis of whether they charge for their services or not.
This was the best path for you, fairyfarmgirl, but I value my training. It led me to a place in myself where I could find my own answers. Not everyone is born with awareness of their gifts. Some people are bound to do better with some sort of support, if not direct training.
My training as an herbalist, however, was completely unstructured. My apprenticeship involved learning things on my own, with the benefit of having a knowledgeable master herbalist at hand to support my learning when I needed help (which was rare). I could have trained as an herbalist entirely on my own, but - again - I value the access I had to the knowledge and support of a master herbalist. It enhanced the experience for me.
As for shamanism, I completely agree; it's a personal process of spiritual awakening that can't really be "taught". Still, if one feel the need for support in the process..? Why not? I don't think there truly is a "right" or "wrong" way to walk one's spiritual path.
plur
Sirius Wrote:a qualified reiki healer would stick to what they where taught
Not necessarily. My Reiki training was extensive, and I teach Reiki now. There are HUGE differences between what my teacher taught and what I teach (beyond the bare basics); additionally, the energetic healing work I personally do has not been "Reiki" for a long time, and I let my students know this, because my goal as a teacher is to help them find their own ways of working with healing energy. I would say qualified Reiki healers are more apt to have adapted what was learned in training, making the practice their own, and if they teach, I would say qualified Reiki masters are the ones who will encourage this in their students.
Unfortunately, unqualified Reiki "masters" are more abundant than those who are truly qualified. (imo)
An aside: I would not presume to judge the qualifications of a teacher solely on the basis of whether they charge for their services or not.
fairyfarmgirl Wrote:I am a self taught herbalist and shaman. It is best done this way--- we are all gifted with gifts. Use your gifts to find your own answers.
This was the best path for you, fairyfarmgirl, but I value my training. It led me to a place in myself where I could find my own answers. Not everyone is born with awareness of their gifts. Some people are bound to do better with some sort of support, if not direct training.
My training as an herbalist, however, was completely unstructured. My apprenticeship involved learning things on my own, with the benefit of having a knowledgeable master herbalist at hand to support my learning when I needed help (which was rare). I could have trained as an herbalist entirely on my own, but - again - I value the access I had to the knowledge and support of a master herbalist. It enhanced the experience for me.
As for shamanism, I completely agree; it's a personal process of spiritual awakening that can't really be "taught". Still, if one feel the need for support in the process..? Why not? I don't think there truly is a "right" or "wrong" way to walk one's spiritual path.
plur