There is a tremendous amount of information about Reiki online, but it can be confusing to know where to start and which distant Reiki attunements are best for beginners.
Over the years, Reiki attunements have expanded, making it hard to choose the right type or starting point.
With that in mind, I have selected some of the best distant Reiki attunements for beginners.
Each recommended distant Reiki attunement suits complete beginners.
I have broken the suggestions into two categories:
- Traditional Distant Reiki Attunements for Beginners
- Modern Non-Traditional Distant Reiki Attunements for Beginners.
I did this to give you options based on what matters most to you.
Some beginners want the Reiki attunements closest to the original system.
Others want a more updated, modern, and non-traditional route to becoming a Reiki Master.
Each Reiki attunement category is effective, appropriate, and credible.
Each beginner distant Reiki attunement, sometimes called remote Reiki attunements, offers something different; I will describe what each offers and who it is best suited for.
Traditional Distant Reiki Attunements for Beginners
Mikao Usui founded traditional Reiki attunements. The traditional Reiki attunements still carry his name today: Usui Reiki.
Usui Reiki is the traditional Reiki most people think of when they think of Reiki.
This is because it comes directly from Reiki's founder and follows a familiar learning structure.
Typically, Usui Reiki is taught over three levels, each with a symbol and attunement. However, variations exist, with new symbols and levels added over time.
I recommend that anyone interested in learning Reiki start with Usui Reiki.
This is because you learn the basic structures, teachings, and symbols of Reiki, which gives you a solid foundation.
Also, if you want to learn other types of distant Reiki or energy healing modalities, you often need to be an Usui Reiki Master first.
Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho (Levels 1-3)
Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho is the most popular version of Usui Reiki taught in the West.
I recommend it for all beginners because it's simplified. It reduces much of the complicated practice and focuses on the core teachings and principles.
It is also easier to master in a shorter period of time.
- Best for: Beginners who want to start their Reiki journey with a more established approach. It is also best for anyone who wants to progress to other forms of Reiki and energy healing, as being a Usui Reiki Master is often the prerequisite for these attunements.
Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho is the best traditional distant Reiki attunement for beginners.
Usui Teate Reiki (Levels 1-3)
Another popular alternative to Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho is Usui Teate Reiki.
Usui Teate Reiki is a traditional Usui Reiki. Many consider it the closest to the original Usui Reiki.
Although complete beginners can start with Usui Teate Reiki, its practices are more traditional and complex than Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho. Mastery may require years of dedication and practice.
- Best for: I recommend Usui Teate Reiki only for complete beginners who want a traditional Reiki practice.
For most complete beginners, starting with Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho and then, if they wish, progressing to Usui Teate Reiki is usually best.
Modern Non-Traditional Distant Reiki Attunements for Beginners
Many wonderful modern non-traditional distant Reiki attunements are available for complete beginners.
While these Reiki attunements may differ from traditional practices, the Reiki energies and updated, novel approaches certainly do not reduce their effectiveness or application in modern life.
The modern, non-traditional distant Reiki attunements I have selected all provide a strong grounding in energy healing.
They access enhanced Reiki energies and offer practices that are easy to follow and apply in almost any life situation.
If you want a thorough grounding in Reiki, I recommend starting with Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho, then continuing your Reiki journey with any of the following.
This will give you broad experience with different types of Reiki, applications, and teachings, making you a more well-rounded Reiki Master.
However, these beginner distant Reiki attunement recommendations require no prior experience and are perfect for complete beginners as stand alone Reiki modalities.
Blissful Light Reiki
I founded Blissful Light Reiki to celebrate and adapt to your uniqueness. I created these Reiki attunements to be easy to use, without symbols or complicated practices.
It focuses on pure, dynamic Reiki energies to support your empowerment, healing, and spiritual development.
By empowering your individuality, it aims to significantly boost your sense of personal power and strengthen your trust in your energy-healing abilities.
- Best for: Blissful Light Reiki is ideal for beginners who want to avoid symbols, limiting structures, or complicated practices. It's also for those who want to celebrate their uniqueness while still gaining a deep grounding in energy healing teachings.
Blissful Light Reiki is very popular with beginners and comes with a comprehensive manual.
I highly recommend Blissful Light Reiki for beginners who want to raise their vibration, honour their uniqueness, and advance their spiritual development.
Kundalini Reiki
The Kundalini Reiki attunements, founded by Reiki Master Ole Gabrielsen, are a classic, modern, non-traditional Reiki attunement I recommend for complete beginners.
These Reiki attunements are easy to use and have wide applications, with many built-in functions for healing and spiritual development.
Kundalini Reiki works with both Reiki energy and your Kundalini, supporting safe Kundalini rising that benefits healing and spiritual development.
- Best for: I recommend Kundalini Reiki for beginners who are especially interested in activating their Kundalini with Reiki energy.
This uncomplicated Reiki system became popular a few years ago because it was one of the first Reiki attunements to remove the need for symbols and included a simplified attunement procedure (how you attune others to Kundalini Reiki).
I hope these best distant Reiki attunements for beginners give you a solid choice based on your preferences.
Each recommended distant Reiki attunement is perfect for beginners and can be combined to give you excellent grounding in both Reiki and energy healing practices.
I wish you many blessings and discoveries on your Reiki journey!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Distant Reiki Attunements for Beginners (FAQ)
Will I be a certified Reiki master?
You will receive a certificate of attunement, with full lineage. You will become a Reiki Master once you complete the course.
However, the title Reiki Master doesn't imply professional training, and if you choose to teach and work with others, you must meet the legal and ethical requirements in your location.
What should I do if I don’t want to work with Reiki Symbols?
Not everyone is comfortable working with Reiki symbols. This can be for a variety of reasons, including not being able to visualise symbols.
If you are not comfortable working with Reiki symbols, choose one of the best Modern Non-Traditional Reiki attunements for beginners, such as Blissful Light Reiki or Kundalini Reiki, which don't use symbols.
Do I need to commit time to practising Reiki?
Yes, you will need to practise Reiki, and it will take time. How much time it takes will vary. However, a few minutes a day is normally enough in the beginning.
This is because, initially, you want to strengthen your connection to the Reiki energies, and the only way to do this is to use the energy regularly. If you can't commit to any time, it may be best to wait until you can.
Can I learn multiple different types of Reiki?
Yes, there's no limit to how many different types of Reiki you can learn and practice.
I always recommend trying a few different types of Reiki. This gives you lots of learning opportunities and experiences with different Reiki energies, practices, and insights.
Learning multiple types of Reiki helps you build a deeper understanding and a stronger energetic foundation for exploring other energy-healing modalities.
Can I attune others to Reiki?
Yes, once you complete the Reiki Master level, you will be energetically able to pass on distant Reiki attunements and attune others.






