Closing of the Bones: A Traditional Yucatec Maya Postpartum Ceremony
Once postpartum, always postpartum.
If you have ever been pregnant, miscarried, or chosen abortion- you are postpartum! And if you haven’t yet had a Closing of the Bones ceremony- this post is for you!
*The magic and profound healing that takes place in a Closing of the Bones ceremony brings closure and healing to any pregnancy or birth event.
DURING LABOR, OUR SPIRIT TRAVELS TO THE EDGES OF THE UNIVERSE AND BACK TO RETRIEVE OUR BABY AND BIRTH THEM INTO THE WORLD.
From the moment of conception on, major spiritual, physical, emotional & mental shifts take place within us. No matter the outcome, these changes effect us and we need a formal ceremonial container to mark the closure of this process when it is complete.
Physically, our bones open to let our babies through. There is also a vast spiritual opening that happens during pregnancy and the birthing process. In sacred space, supported by our loved ones, this ceremony a potent way to close the portal and anchor in your new and current reality.
A Closing of the Bones Ceremony is not only beneficial after a full term labor, but also after abortion & miscarriage, and is profoundly healing even years later. *I have recently done multiple Closing of the Bones ceremonies for folks who are 7+ years postpartum!
You will especially benefit if you feel lingering energy that needs healing, tending, and closure. This ceremony is a powerful rite of passage that has expansive benefits for your life.
To ask questions & schedule, message me here
Gift Cards for Closing of the Bones Ceremonies are now available!
This is a most cherished gift to receive during pregnancy or for a new mama!
*If you are trying to conceive and have had a previous pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion, having a Closing of the Bones ceremony dramatically helps to close the chapter of the past and prepare you to bring new life in.
Becoming a Reiki Instructor: Exploring the World of Reiki Training and Shamanistic Techniques
I. Introduction
Are you interested in learning more about Reiki and what it entails? If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explore the world of Reiki and answer some of the most common questions people have about it. Our focus will be on Reiki training and certification, Reiki practice, contradictions and contraindications, and shamanistic techniques that can be used to enhance the Reiki energy. We'll also touch on starting a career in Reiki and the potential benefits it can provide. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of Reiki and discover what it has to offer.
II. What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It was developed in the early 20th century by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Mikao Usui. The word "Reiki" is composed of two Japanese words, "Rei" which means "spiritual" or "universal", and "ki" which means "life force energy". This life force energy is believed to flow through all living things and can be manipulated through Reiki techniques.
Reiki is based on the principle that energy can be channeled through the hands of a practitioner to promote healing. This is done by placing the hands on or near the body of the recipient, with the intention of channeling energy to promote relaxation and healing. Reiki practitioners believe that the energy they channel can help to remove blockages and promote the flow of energy throughout the body.
III. Reiki Training and Certification
Reiki training is typically broken down into different levels, each with its own curriculum and requirements. The three main levels of Reiki training are:
Reiki Level 1: This level is focused on self-healing and learning the basics of Reiki, including the hand positions used for channeling energy. Students learn to channel Reiki energy for themselves and others and are taught techniques for promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Reiki Level 2: This level builds on the skills learned in level 1 and focuses on distance healing. Students learn to send Reiki energy to people, places, and situations that are not physically present. They also learn to use Reiki symbols to enhance their practice.
Reiki Master/Teacher: This level is focused on teaching and training others in Reiki. Students learn advanced techniques for working with energy, as well as how to teach and attune others to Reiki energy.
The length of time it takes to train for Reiki varies depending on the level of training and the program you choose. Typically, a Reiki level 1 training can take one to two days, while level 2 and master level trainings may take several days or even weeks to complete. My Reiki Trainings are typically structured over 3 days for Levels 1 & 2, and an additional 3 days for Master Level classes. It is absolutely necessary to practice what you’ve learned in my classes - during the 3 day courses, the majority of the our time will be dedicated to practicing on ourselves and other students.
It's important to choose a reputable Reiki training program and to receive proper certification. Certification ensures that you have received adequate training and that you are qualified to practice Reiki on yourself and others. Some organizations offer Reiki certification, including the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) and the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT).
IV. Reiki Practice
When it comes to practicing Reiki, there is no "one size fits all" approach. However, there are some general tips to keep in mind to enhance the effectiveness of your practice.
Timing: Many people find that the best time of day for Reiki is in the morning or before bed. This is because your body is more relaxed during these times, making it easier to receive and channel energy; however, the Reiki energy can be worked with at any time of day or night once you are trained.
Preparation: Before a Reiki session, it's important to prepare both physically and mentally. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove any jewelry that could get in the way. Some people also like to take a few deep breaths or meditate to help quiet their minds and prepare for the session.
Benefits: While the benefits of Reiki can vary from person to person, some potential benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and increased overall wellbeing. However, it's important to note that Reiki should not be used as a substitute for professional medical treatment.
Effectiveness: One common question people have about Reiki is whether it really works. While scientific research on Reiki is limited, many people report positive experiences with the practice. The effectiveness of Reiki may also depend on the skill and experience of the practitioner.
Long-term Benefits: In addition to the potential immediate benefits of Reiki, some people also report experiencing long-term benefits from regular practice. These can include increased self-awareness, improved intuition, and a greater sense of connection to others and the world around them.
V. Shamanistic Techniques in Reiki Training
In addition to traditional Reiki training, my courses incorporate shamanistic techniques to enhance the energy healing experience. These techniques provide additional tools for the Reiki practitioner to access the unseen realms, connect with the elements and spirits of nature, and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectivity of all things.
Here are some of the shamanistic techniques that are included in my Reiki courses:
Plant Brushings: This involves using various plants to gently brush the energy field of the client, helping to clear any blockages and promote deep relaxation.
Breathing Aromatic Herbs: Aromatic herbs are used to stimulate the senses and enhance the healing experience. By inhaling the scents, clients can experience deeper relaxation and focus during their Reiki session.
Shamanistic Bodywork: This involves using touch and movement to help release physical tension and energetic blockages in the body.
Herbal Spiritual Foot Baths: Soaking the feet in a warm herbal bath can help promote relaxation and encourage the release of toxins from the body.
Pulse Readings: By feeling the pulse of the client, a Reiki practitioner can gain insight into their physical and emotional state and adjust the session accordingly.
Rattling, Sounds, Songs, Toning: These techniques are used to create vibrational energy that can help to clear stagnant energy and promote healing.
Connecting with loved ones who have passed: This technique involves accessing the energy of loved ones who have passed on to help provide guidance and healing during a session.
Ancestral/Family Healing: By accessing the energy of one's ancestors and family lineage, a practitioner can help to clear generational patterns and promote healing on a deeper level.
Receiving Guidance from the Unseen Realms: This involves accessing guidance and insight from the spirits and energies of the unseen realms, including animal guides, angels, and ascended masters.
Spiritual Cleansing: This technique involves the use of various cleansing tools to clear negative energy from a space or individual.
Visualizations: Guided visualizations are used to help clients access their inner wisdom and promote healing on a deeper level.
Shamanic Journeys: These journeys involve accessing altered states of consciousness to gain insight and guidance from the spiritual realms.
Animal Reiki: This technique involves working with animals and their energetic fields to promote healing and balance.
Remote Sessions: Reiki can be sent across distances, allowing practitioners to provide healing to clients in other locations.
By incorporating these shamanic techniques into Reiki training, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectivity of all things and provide more comprehensive healing to their clients.
VI. Starting a Career in Reiki
Reiki is a practice that can not only help you improve your own well-being but can also provide a fulfilling career path. As a Reiki practitioner, you can work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, hospitals, and even start your own private practice.
If you're interested in starting a career in Reiki, the first step is to receive proper training and certification. As discussed earlier in this article, Reiki training typically involves multiple levels, each building upon the previous one. Once you have completed your training, you will need to obtain certification from a reputable organization.
Once you are certified, there are many career options available to you. Some Reiki practitioners work as independent contractors, providing services in a variety of settings, while others work as employees in wellness centers or healthcare facilities.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for alternative health practitioners, including Reiki practitioners, was $48,720 as of May 2020. However, the actual salary for a Reiki practitioner can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of setting in which they work.
If you're interested in starting a career in Reiki, it's important to do your research and determine the best path for you. Consider reaching out to local Reiki practitioners or organizations to learn more about the profession and get advice on how to get started. With dedication and a passion for healing, a career in Reiki can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
VII. Conclusion
As we come to the end of this article, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of Reiki, its principles, and the potential benefits it offers. Proper training is essential for anyone interested in practicing Reiki, and there are different levels of training available. Reiki can be used for many purposes, and its potential benefits include relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and emotional healing.
Incorporating shamanistic techniques into Reiki training can enhance the energy and provide a unique experience for both the practitioner and the recipient. Plant brushings, breathing aromatic herbs, shamanistic bodywork, herbal spiritual foot baths, pulse readings, rattling, sounds, songs, toning, connecting with loved ones who have passed, ancestral/family healing, receiving guidance from the unseen realms, spiritual cleansing, visualizations, shamanic journeys, animal reiki, and remote sessions are all examples of these techniques.
If you are interested in experiencing the unique and powerful combination of Reiki and shamanistic techniques, I encourage you to inquire about the courses I offer. With proper training and certification, you can unlock the full potential of this ancient healing practice and help others on their journey towards balance and wellness. Don't hesitate to reach out and learn more about how Reiki and shamanistic techniques can transform your life and the lives of others!
One of my favorite ways to work with Reiki & the Reiki Symbols- Social Anxiety & the Witch Wound
For me, one of the most helpful ways to work with Reiki & some of the Reiki Symbols (taught in Level 2) is to change the energy of an uncomfortable situation or interaction either before it happens, or after the fact.
I haven’t really ever thought of myself as someone who gets social anxiety, but I’m realizing lately as I’m working through healing my ancestral lineage that I do have a lot of anxiety around social interactions! It’s not so much anxiety during the interactions (most anxiety that comes up for me during interactions tends more to be me picking up on others’ anxiety which, once I realize, I’m then able to separate from) but afterwards I find myself lingering on certain things that I said. Most of my fear is around feeling misunderstood, and how that misunderstanding is out of my control once the words leave my mouth and the moment has past.
It SUCKS feeling powerless in this way. It’s a huge wound within me that I’m being asked to heal. I’ve come to realize that the root is a fear of persecution stemming from my lineage as a Jewish Koheness. Pretty much since the beginning of Jewish Culture, my people were being blamed, misunderstood & persecuted, just for being them. *Here is my big ancestral healing work*!
Luckily for me, modern persecution in America doesn’t come in the form of physical death. It now comes in this strange way of people trolling on the internet (which I haven’t quite put myself out there enough to receive, but that’s more where I’m being asked to step into), or people pointing the finger saying you’re offensive with or without them looking at their own portion of healing being asked. As I write that last line I feel the fear in me saying it’s not safe to say that! But it’s interesting that my body and nervous system recognize it all in the same way- as a danger to my life; saying it’s not safe to speak up or stand in my power.
As I go further into healing this wounding, I am using many practices to help me come back to my Self- drumming, prayer, working with Tobacco, meditation, ritual, visualization, self-empowerment coaching from my partner Kristian, and REIKI!
To me, one of the coolest ways that I have worked with Reiki is to change the energy around an event or interaction. With the symbols learned in Reiki 2 {Come join us March 3rd-5th for the training!} You can transcend space & time to send healing Reiki energy to a past or future event.
I hold in my space the event that I wish to work with. I then draw 3 Reiki symbols to tap into that event energetically and then I start sending the Reiki energy to it. I have had some of the coolest healing come from this practice! I’ve had people who have been mean to me all of a sudden shift and be kinder. And more importantly, I can feel myself stop dwelling and reliving an event of stress and feel calmness and peace around it. It is POWERFUL and I’m so glad I have this tool and actually used it for this purpose!
If you’re interested in joining the upcoming Shamanic Reiki Levels 1&2 Training, March 3rd-5th 2023, email me! I’m also offering a fun little discount of $100 off the training for anyone who writes me a poem! Email me here for more details and to send your poem over :)
Shamanistic Reiki 1 & 2 Intentions & Special Discount Opportunity!
Hi! I hope you’re having a beautiful day!
I want to share with you my overarching intention for the upcoming Shamanistic Reiki Levels 1 & 2 Training I have coming up March 3rd-5th.
I also want to offer you the opportunity to get $100 off the training! Watch the video below to hear more!
Herbal Ally- Malva
Malva, Mallow, Cheeseweed.
It is one of the earliest cited plants in written history. It nourishes and lubricated the body for easily digested goodness. It is mucilaginous so it helps line and nourish the mucous membranes assisting with digestion, stomach relief, and soothing coughs. It is a good source of minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Selenium, and Vit A & C. It can also sooth a Nettles sting!
How to work with plants as an ally
I like to think of working with plants as an ally the same way you try to make new friends. Introduce yourself and begin to create a relationship with it. Spend time with the plants, listen to them, bring them gifts and love and they will soon open up to sharing their gifts with you!
Herbal Ally- Rue!
Ruuuuda Ruda Ruee! ( My little Rue chant)
Rue is a magnificent herb. It is a power plant that is fully of fire! Watch out! Because if you rub her on your skin and then spend time in the sun- Her volatile oils will cause extreme 2nd degree burns!
She is a great ally for dreaming, healing, and standing in your power. You can actually receive healing directly from her with a sniff and a nibble. Rue is a good thing to self-dose. Taking small bites intuitively. You can definitely over-do it with Rue, resulting in a kind of “burn out” where you might just have to nap for the rest of the day- which isn’t necessarily a bad thing and can be very healing, but make sure you do it on the right day for you!