I've watched the cost of Reiki courses zig zag over the past 30 years! The cost of Reiki courses really depends on the level of training and the location of the course. Back in 1994 I had a family friend who took a Reiki class with a visiting teacher, and paid close to $2,000 for a weekend workshop. Reiki Master Mrs. Takata believed that people should be willing to pay $10,000 for a Reiki Master training. More than the money itself, her point was that training is invaluable, and that Reiki healing is something people should be willing to spend on.
The Cost of Reiki Courses Today
Today, prices continue to vary. Some basic Reiki workshops or classes may cost a few hundred dollars, while can cost several thousand dollars, but that doesn't necessarily make them more comprehensive. I have seen many great teachers offer classes for $75- $150. That said, many Reiki classes by teachers who have devoted themselves full-time to teaching only Reiki, are between $800-$2000. I feel that ultimately this has to do with the cost of living in the modern world, and the need for practitioners to ensure that they are charging enough to cover their continued education, retirement, etc.
The cost of a Reiki course doesn't depend on the credentials and experience of the instructor. Most instructors who have full practices are likely to charge more because they simply have a broader reach and community who can financially support their pricing. Still, I've also met amazing healing practitioners who have learned from the best, who teach Reiki for free, so the cost does not always equate with quality.
When looking for a teacher, the cost of the Reiki course should not be your first concern. Do your research on the character of the teacher. You want someone you can really learn from and trust, because energy healing courses bring up a lot of emotions and inner healing.
Look For the Best Reiki Training, Not the Best Deal
Rather than cost, look at how long the teacher has been teaching, and where they received their training. Ideally, you want to receive a healing attunement from a teacher who is actually in an unbroken healing lineage connected to Mikao Usui. It isn't required for energy healing, but if you really love Reiki, then it's important.
Also look at the format of the course to make sure it's taught in a style that works for you. Some classes are taught in just a few hours, while others may take weeks. If you want deep and thorough teaching, the timing and layout are more important than how much the Reiki course costs.
Are materials included? This may seem like a tiny concern, as you generally don't need anything to learn Reiki. However, I once attended a retreat in which books, music, and other materials were and xtra $100 on top of the training cost. I also had to get to the retreat, which was an extra $300. Mind you, this wasn't a Reiki retreat, but it happens in the healing world so you'll want to factor in any external costs.
When you find a course you like, make sure you can connect with the teacher. Because Reiki is energy healing, your training may open up your own healing process.
Choose a teacher that you can ask questions from as you grow. For example, I teach an online course, and in order to make sure students get what they need, I offer Q&A calls, and often reach out privately just to check in. Some of our classes at Healing Heart Reiki are really full, and that allows students to get to know each other as well. Over the years, I've seen students make lifelong friendships that began in a healing class. If you're looking for a cheap Reiki class, there may be some out there, but don't sacrifice quality.
Remember, founder Mikao Usui taught Reiki as a way of helping other cultivate joy. Let your process be joyful. Save up a little money if needed, so that when the right class comes along, you can take it, whether the cost is $50 or $1,000.
DAILEY LITTLE is a healing practitioner, transformational life coach, ordained Priestess, and teacher who founded Healing Heart Reiki to help others navigate life with joy. She offers private sessions, and teaches classes in healing and mindset from a magical peaceful corner of the world in Northern California. For more info see: www.SantaRosaReiki.com