[Tanemon]

I basicallyacree with Steff on most points.

Originally Posted by Steff

I have received my Reiki 1 attunements and the cleansing that followed has been dreadful and awakening. I am, almost literally, a different person as a consequence, and that is actually a good thing in my case

In my case, I too became a changed person - and for the better! I did not go through any sort of uncomfortable cleansing period, but instead just felt cleansed, more integrated, more alive, more in touch with people and with nature. (Might have been because of my background of many years of yoga meditation and growth processes.)

Originally Posted by Steff

I'm pretty sure internet attunements are entirely feasible, but in my opinion, you gain much more from interacting with other people at the outset, and I'm not just talking about teachers here. Everyone in a Reiki class brings something of their experiences into the room and that can only be of personal benefit to the student.

A class is good. The background, the theory, and the history of Reiki taught in the classes are good things - and, yes Stef, the personal presence of the teacher and fellow students is good. You can get the attunement from a distance - it doesn't actually come "over the internet" as such - but you'd miss out on much of the good stuff that happens in the groups that actually get together physically.

Originally Posted by Steff

I did Reiki 1 over a weekend, some courses last up to 10 weeks, but the costs are all roughly the same. I wouldn't choose to learn over the internet because I need discipline in my studies, but I daresay it's possible.

Usually with a class, you get plenty of chance to practice giving sessions to fellow students after you're attuned. Some Reiki masters organize a "Reiki share" amongst their students, and this is a group that meets maybe once a week to give each other hands-on sessions and to enjoy each other's company and discuss things.