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Summary: Please define "ancient"
Review: I had a hard time getting beyond the first chapter of this book. The title refers to the book as an "ANCIENT healing art". The author should have checked her history because the founder/creator of the concept of reiki, Mikao Usui, was born in 1865 and did not start teaching until the turn of the century. His students did not start teaching the "method" until the late 1920s. Some of his original students are still alive.If this is an "ancient" healing art, then I have an "antique" digital watch to sell you.
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Summary: Reiki for Wiccans
Review: Diane Stein has put all the basics of Reiki in one book. This book has a Wiccan slant. The Reiki symbols are published in this book. This is not the way Traditional Reiki is taught but it is an effective way.
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Summary: Complete Reiki System.
Review: She gives it to you straight, as if talking to an equal.
The information is clear and nothing is held back. No mysticism, no "Secret Knowledge". No "Guru Status", no high prices, just "let's all learn this and get the job done".
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Summary: Packed full of information
Review: This book is a must read if you want to get an idea of what Reiki is all about. It gives actual information in a forthcoming and honest manner. I applaude Diane for having the courage to be the first to openly share her knowedge.
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Summary: A disrespectful angry book
Review: I am a Traditional Reiki Instructor. Ms. Stein's book while containing much useful information must be taken with a large dose of sugar to make it palatable. One she goes against tradition and reveals the Reiki symbols. Very disrespectful. Two, not only does she reveal them but she gets one significantly wrong. Very sloppy! Fianlly, that which is the worst aspect of this book: Ms. Stein turns it from a manual on Reiki into a forum to air her own personal grievences and beliefs. At times she crosses the line from disrespectful to down right hateful and mean. The entire book is also written from an extreme liberal viewpoint. At no time does she put down the ax she grinds with men, politics, medicine, and religion. Reiki is a peaceful spiritual tradition that teaches us to focus upon our own healing first. Obviously she is carrying a great deal of pain and is having difficulty releasing it. While there is much worthwile in this book, the darkness contained in it is not worth the read. Besides everything else can be gotten from books that are neutral and peaceful. My advice is to avoid this book. Get instead Frank Arjava Petter's Reiki Fire. Or any other book for that matter. Avoid the mistakes she has made. May your journey be lighter Ms. Stein and more peaceful.
Peace to all
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Summary: Great reference book
Review: Being a Reiki practitioner I prefer Diane's guide over the rest. Of course, it is not the be-end of all books dedicated to the craft of Reiki, but it is a great guide. For those who don't know about Reiki, it is the art of holistic hands-on healing with the use of sacred symbols drawn on the palms of the hands of the practitioner and on the "patient" in order to start the flow of healing energy from his or her God. (I know that is a rough definition, but please understand that there are whole books dedicated to what Reiki is.) The reason why this book is so controversial is because, as far as I know, Diane decided to publish the actual drawings of the symbols which is considered taboo. The symbols are supposed to be secret -- only revealed to the people who actually get an attunement (and people who have not received a Reiki attunement cannot perform Reiki on another person. Although that has been questioned as well.) Because of this, Diane has been looked upon as a type of "black sheep" of the Reiki community. However, I personally am not one for secrecy and find her book extremely informative. Most Reiki guides keep out so much information on Reiki, because it is considered "secret" that their manuals for first-time practitioners can be confusing. Obscure references do not make a master of the student. Personally, I've had practitioners of my own become confused and ask questions constantly. After having them buy her book instead, they understand more. In other words, despite the fact that Diane's book "crosses the line" in some areas, she explains in great detail what each symbol means, when they are given to practitioners as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use them. She also says that one cannot perform Reiki without the attunements and that each level a person goes through they are able to receive more symbols to work with. She also includes others she has personally discovered for experimentation as well. Diane's book is not perfect, but thorough and informative. Through the history of Reiki, it has been documented that Hawayo Katata (the last Grand Reiki Master) gave different but similar symbols to her 12 students she attuned to Reiki Master status. Why, no one really knows. In other words, the symbols are slighly different to many Reiki practitioners and hers are not considered the absolute correct ones. But then again, everyone in the Reiki community claims that their symbols are the correct symbols. When it comes down to it, there is a "power" symbol, an "emotional healing" symbol, "distance" symbol, "master" symbol and an "attunement" symbol that most everyone uses. How they are drawn is the actual debate. Do I recommend this book to beginner Reiki students? It really should be up to their teachers. Some teachers are very informative and give out pamphlets on their methods and the individual symbols. Unfortunately, I've met students whose teachers don't give any direction at all and are very confused or eager to learn more. This book is a great start to those practitioners who want more information, but other texts should be considered as well in order to make a well-rounded practitioner. Reiki Masters have nothing to lose with looking at this book. As for people who have not received Reiki attunements and want to learn more, I suppose that this book is a good choice, but personally I have to say that I bought this book before I received my first attunement and honestly it didn't make a lick of sense until I actually became a practitioner. Then again, this is my own experience. A thorough manual in addition to other Reiki books, a good reference for Reiki Masters as well as giving new ideas and not necessarily a good book for non-Reiki practitioners, but give it a try as well. Otherwise, I recommend personally looking up teachers in your personal areas as well as surfing the internet for information.
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Summary: book which i feel every person should read who is spiritual
Review: For the first time i felt that someone was with me all the way long, reading the book. This book give the complete information about the reiki, in very easy manner from first degree to third degree in non-traditional way. I felt Diane Stein was alway with me telling where i should give much importance in reiki to get maxmium benefit. After reading this book i become more confident in my life, change's start taking in my life. I feel i found what i am looking for. I know their is much more to learn...,this is the good book to start with a new life. I thank Diane Stein from my heart.
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Summary: Proceed with caution!
Review: If you can get past the egotism, the unprofessionalism, and the nonsense, you may glean some useful information in this book. Most Reiki people I know have a copy of this book, my own RMT included, but anyone with an ounce of sense doesn't use it as the be-all and end-all of Reiki books. As my RMT has always taught me, trust your instincts, and trust your hands. My instincts from the first told me this was not the book for me, and this was before I was even attuned.
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Summary: The Best Reiki book out there....
Review: Diane Stein is incredible! She's the only person who was brave enough to publish the secret chinese symbols associated with second degree and third degree reiki attunements. I was shocked when I read this book because no one has ever had the guts to actually write down these symbols and meditations. Miss Stein has made reiki accessible to anyone...now you don't have to pay over $10,000 for the workshops and classes. Having attended her workshops I can guarantee you that she is a true reiki master. Her healing powers are amazing...her students really benefit from the teachings of a true healer.
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Summary: The Biography of Diane Stein
Review: What a shame that critical information is combined with the life of Ms. Stein. I agree with so many of the other reviewers on the topics of her slant on gender, emphasis on wicca, the impossibility of giving 150 attuements, etc. The book is full of information that is fed by her intense ego. Those who know Reiki know that the ego MUST be left behind. Stein continually refers to herself in a manner that places her far above anyone who disagrees with her belief system. I have been on the receiving end of a Reiki session by the hands of an EGO filled SO-Called Reiki Master. The adverse effects included attachments and physical illness. Thank goodness I searched further or I would have turned away from Reiki entirely. As I read the book it was apparent to me that the cause of the negativity I experienced was due to ego as well as a negative spirit of the practioner. Ms. Stein is the pure representation of the negativity I experienced. After more research into Ms. Stein I have come across the information that expounds on the gender slant. Refusing to train or treat men. Is that the Reiki way? Please Ms. Stein check your prejudice at the door. As well as the credentials you lack. The critical information that bears truth is so over shadowed by her bad karma that it is shameful. I intend on taking the advice of many of the reviewers and reading the recommend books. I cannot say enough to those who are new to Reiki do more research! Ms. Stein is a poor representation of Reiki. Reiki is beauty, love-Gods love, harmony, understanding, light and so much more. It is helpful to all. Do not pick up this book and make a decision on Reiki. Educate yourself, talk to several Masters and receipients of Reiki. Then make up your mind. One last word to Ms.Stein-do us all a favor and in the future, when you wish to discuss your life, do it in a seperate book. If you had done so this time, you might still have your credibility in tact.
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