Explore The Best Reiki Books Segmented From Beginner To Advanced

Reiki books are an excellent way to explore different perspectives through your own voice.

Knowledge is power and a crucial part of our development.

This article is designed to help practitioners find the best Reiki books for their level and add another brick to their temple of wisdom.

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Best Overall

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui – if you’re just starting out.

REIKI, Usui & Tibetan, Level III/ART Certification Manual, Advanced Reiki Training – a good read for more advanced practitioners.

Your Seven Energy Centers: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Vitality – if you’re interested in chakras.

Magick of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual, & Spiritual Development – go beyond the standard practice.

Table of Contents

This quick Reiki books guide is split into 3 main categories. Depending on your expertise level, you can use the links below to jump directly to the preferred section.

Reiki Books For Beginners

• You are curious about Reiki, maybe you’ve gone to a session or two but are still looking to see if this is something you want to pursue.
• You had the Reiki level 1 attunement and you’re now confused and overwhelmed with the amount of information that has been given to you.

Go to beginners >>

Reiki Books For Intermediate Practitioners

• You’re now a level 2 or 3 Reiki practitioner. You’re knowledgeable about the hands-on technique but want to progress and learn as much as you can about Reiki.

Go to intermediate >>

Reiki Books For Advanced Practitioners

• You understand the concept of Reiki and have experience with the first two levels of Usui Reiki Rhoyo.
• You want to discover more techniques or go deeper into what a Reiki Master really means.

Go to advanced >>

Reiki Books For Beginners

THE ORIGINAL HANDBOOK OF DR. MIKAO USUI

– by Mikao Usui and Christine M. Grimm

If you’re a beginner looking to learn more about the hands-on method, this guide is a great starting point. It leaves out any modern approach to Reiki and only focuses on the basics.

It really is a reflection of the techniques presented inside. Its power lies in its simplicity, just like Reiki.

One useful section is about how to address a few physical functional disorders. You learn what hand positions to use and why.

Even today, after so many years of practice, I discover something new each time I revisit specific sections of the book. This happens because I understand things differently today than I did when I first read it. I find a lot of value in this exercise, and I encourage you to do the same.

As a side note: this is not Mikao Usui’s book, but it is considered to have been built on some of his original notes.

Reiki Healing For Beginners: The Practical Guide With Remedies For 100+ Ailments

– by Karen Frazier

This book really changed my perspective on how a Reiki book for beginners should look like.

Even though some information could be placed in the intermediate section, I still believe the author did a great job of presenting everything in an easy to understand format.

It’s like a knowledge journey through Reiki’s history and all the way to the benefits it brings. On the way, you learn how to use Reiki for different physical and emotional imbalances.

Bottom line, it’s a well-written book that any beginner can benefit from.

YOUR SEVEN ENERGY CENTERS: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Vitality

– by Elizabeth Claire Prophet

This is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to learn how the energetic system influences our physical body. It’s a great guide regardless of the spiritual practice you perform.

The book explains, in detail, what each chakra is responsible for, and the elements it resonates with. You learn how to activate and use them to improve your life.

While it has all the ingredients needed to get started, and more, it’s easy to follow and understand.

The Reiki Bible: The Definitive Guide To Healing With Energy

– by Eleanor McKenzie

This Reiki book focuses mostly on the practice and its benefits. It’s a perfect fit for someone with level 1 who wants to strengthen her/his knowledge.

But that’s not all. Once you get more experienced, there are also some high-quality descriptions on how to practice Reiki with advanced techniques.

It follows a traditional approach and helps the reader implement the essential knowledge. This leads to a proper understanding of self-treatment based on intention, disciple, and practice.

Therefore it’s a useful guide to have and an excellent support to come back to each time you feel the need for a refresher.

Self-Healing with Reiki: How to Create Wholeness, Harmony & Balance for Body, Mind & Spirit

– by Penelope Quest

An amazing read, especially for a Reiki level 1 students.

It focuses more on healing methods rather than complicated techniques and makes the practice really easy to understand.

The book is split into 4 sections, offering a balanced and gradual learning experience.

• The first part emphasizes that true healing comes first from within. By acknowledging that everything has a spiritual cause, you can bring the real root of the problem to the surface and heal it;
• The second part explains the process of self-treatment through the power of universal energy;
• The third part focuses on the importance of healing the physical, mental, and emotional levels;
• The last part explores the idea that Reiki is more than just a way to find balance in the physical plane, but an engine for spiritual growth;

The Essence of Reiki 1: Usui Reiki 1 Manual | Practitioner Level (The Essence or Reiki)

– by Garry Malone

This Reiki book is ideal for beginners who wish to get more in-depth with level 1.

Although it does offer a comprehensive history, it does not overdo it with boring details. 

This is also a very good read for those of you who want to understand what Reiki is before going through the attunement process.

Each Reiki Master has different ways of teaching. This is a good thing because we get to experience variation in our learning journey.

NOTE: This book might be out of print, but the Kindle version is available. If you do have a local bookstore with a section for “spirituality” then it’s a good idea to ask there as well.

A Sandy Grave

– by Donna McDine

If you have a young reader at home or want to diversify your stories, “A Sandy Grave” might be the adventure you’re looking for. The story follows a group of friends who discover men poaching whale teeth at the beach and decide to take action. It helps educate the reader and bring awareness to the environmental issue of illegal hunting in general. The story is also a great example of teamwork and friendship. Finally, it’s another take on the responsibility we want to see in the world.

Donna is a fellow Reiki practitioner and an example of how you can positively influence people in numerous ways. She’s a guide and educator who uses her love for this world to make an impact.

Reiki For Beginners: A Complete Introductory Guide

– by ReikiScoop

“Reiki For Beginners” is our way of answering the most common questions and guiding those interested in Reiki to get started.

You’ll find out what Reiki is, what to expect, and if it’s something you want to pursue before investing time and effort.

Learn more about the “Reiki For Beginners” guide >>

Reiki Books For Intermediate Practitioners

An intermediate Reiki practitioner has a good understanding of the fundamentals and regularly uses this spiritual practice.

This is the time when new, inner experiences surface and questions arise. It’s when one might want to explore Reiki further and try things that don’t follow a specific pattern.

Flexibility is one of Reiki’s best traits.

There is no right or wrong way of doing it, but it’s always better to have the proper support for the level you are at. The path you travel on will be smoother and less confusing.

With clear and to the point information, these Reiki books gave me the courage to take that next step.

Reiki Healing for Beginners: Unlocking the Secrets of Aura Cleansing and Reiki Self-Healing. Learning Reiki Symbols and Acquiring Tips for Reiki Meditation and Reiki Psychic

– by David Filipe

This Reiki book is an excellent fit for the practitioner who “mastered” the first degree of Reiki and has a decent understanding of the second level.

It’s designed to get you unstuck and make progress from this point on. With detailed explanations of Reki’s origins, symbols, and techniques, this book teaches how to better connect to the universal life force energy and your inner-self.

As the title suggests, it offers “tips and tricks” for practicing and meditating with Reiki for a better spiritual understanding of its essence.

Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art

– by Diane Stein

Although a bit controversial, Diane Stein’s book is one of the best on the market.

It covers Reiki from a more modern perspective with elements from the so-called “new age”.

Symbols and techniques are described through illustrations and clear explanations suited for Reiki level 2 and 3 practitioners.

Some might not resonate with this approach. Even so, I believe it’s a wonderful book to own as it offers a slightly different way to look at Reiki. This can become very useful for someone looking to widen their horizon.

Reiki for Life (Updated Edition): The Complete Guide to Reiki Practice for Levels 1, 2 & 3

– by Penelope Quest

If I were to describe this book in one sentence, it would be:

“The essential information for becoming a better Reiki practitioner.”

If you are stuck or find Reiki complicated for any reason, this book will shed some light on your perception of Reiki. It’s a straightforward guide without too much esoteric information.

I highly recommend this book if you are at crossroads and wish to crystalize your Reiki knowledge.

Reiki Explorer Level 1&2

– by Jessica A Miller

Jessica Miller is a highly trained Reiki teacher with a solid set of knowledge.

Her book is the extension of her awareness and wisdom placed together in this beautifully illustrated piece.

She really does a wonderful job offering clear information on Reiki techniques and the practice itself. The book also includes illustrations and indications of how to practice Reiki on others.

Her experience is reflected in her work and any of her books it’s worth every penny.

The Essence of Reiki 2 – Usui Reiki Level 2 Advanced Practitioner Manual: The Complete Guide to the Second Degree Usui Method of Natural Healing

– by Adele Malone

Most of Adele’s work is a must-read. Still, I consider this one to be ideal for the level 2 Reiki practitioner.

Don’t be put off by the “advanced” in the title. It’s perfectly suited for the intermediate level. It includes many essential details crucial to one’s progress from level 1 to 2.

The Reiki Symbols are described in an informative manner that will help you remember their uses when practicing self-treatment.

Also, it gives an interesting spin through the symbolic references to the origins of Reiki. Aside from this, it’s a concise and easy to consume Reiki book.

Reiki Books For Advanced Practitioners

I would like to start this section with my personal favorite:

Magick of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual, & Spiritual Development

– by Christopher Penczak

This book was an excellent guide when I needed to transition into a more advanced Reiki levels.

It’s one of my favorites because it has a more mystical approach than other Reiki books. It describes symbols and techniques in very unique ways.

Although the author has a lot of experience with magick, he doesn’t blend it with Reiki. He rather explains the differences and describes Reiki for what it really is: a healing art and a method for spiritual development.

This book will help you understand how to use Reiki as a spiritual practice and answer many questions advanced masters might have. It’s an emphasis on spiritual growth and how to use Reiki for this purpose.

You can read an in-depth review here.

Reiki Between Myth And Reality

– by Ovidiu Dragos Argesanu 

Argesanu is a controversial author, but you can learn a lot from him if you choose to listen and do the work. His teachings offer new and more in-depth insights into Reiki.

I chose this book for the advanced section because it has a different perspective. I guess you have to have a good understanding of Reiki and accept how others see the world before reading it.

The author has more than 25 years of experience with Reiki and other spiritual practices. He tried many things, helped a lot of people, and learned from several masters, priests, and fellow practitioners. That’s why he includes both the good and the ugly when it comes to energy transfers.

It’s a “spicy” book, with extensive information on Reiki and how to use it to protect yourself.

REIKI, Usui & Tibetan, Level III/ART Certification Manual, Advanced Reiki Training

– by Gail Thackray

By far one of the best Reiki books out there with advanced, comprehensive, and detailed information.

As some reviews suggest: “this takes it to a whole new level”, and I absolutely agree.

Ideally, you should master the first two levels to fully benefit from the information in this book. The author does a fantastic job presenting the different types of attunements in great detail.

I find this book valuable because it includes information on spirit guides and how to harmoniously heal your past. This is a topic rarely mentioned in Reiki books.

Any serious practitioner should own this title.

Reiki Master Manual: Including Advanced Reiki Training

– by William Lee Rand

Last but not least, I should mention the great manual of Mr. William Lee Rand.

He is the founder of Karuna Reiki and the International Center for Reiki Training.

This is more than a Reiki book. It’s rather a comprehensive manual.

You can find a lot of details about what are the responsibilities of a Reiki Master and what it means to be a teacher. This can come in hand when you’re ready to have students or simply extend your knowledge.

How Reiki Books Are An Essential Part Of Our Practice

Less talk, more action.

You can only learn Reiki through practice.

Some would say…

But experience showed me that it’s smart, even healthy, to sometimes pause and reflect.

Using the Reiki hand positions in isolation is a simplistic approach.

This doesn’t mean Reiki won’t work.

It just means that if you understand what you are healing, how Reiki is more than an “alternative”, as some like to call it, and how it can become a path towards spiritual evolution, your experience (and results) will reach a whole new level.

But this requires awareness and acknowledgment.

These are assets you can develop through practice and solid knowledge. The latter can come from personal experience, seminars, and of course, Reiki books.

Indeed, it takes time, but remember that this is not a sprint.

The beauty of this art form is that it’s a never-ending story. There isn’t an end goal to it.

Step by step, day by day, you evolve, and your understanding grows with you.

With time other questions arise, and your curiosity will take you places you never thought existed.

This happened to me, and I hope you’ll experience the same.

Maybe today is one of those days.

What’s important is to be aware that listening to what others have to say and accepting their opinion, even if you don’t agree with them, is a solid strategy for upgrading your practice.

Sometimes you come out more confused.

Other times you experience ‘a-ha’ moments that get you unstuck.

The best results are when you match your present needs with the right Reiki books.

And this can be tricky.

It’s not as easy as it seems, and there’s no perfect formula for it.

I can tell you first hand that it takes a while to even define what you need, let alone find a solution for that.

That’s why I’ve decided to build this article.

To help you make an informed decision moving forward.

It might not be perfect, but it’s exactly what I wish I had when I struggled to find the right information.

Use it as a guide and a way to navigate through the noise.

One Last Word

Obviously, there are many Reiki books out there to choose from.

Like Reiki, there’s no right or wrong way to approach the subject. I believe that my experience can help you save time when choosing the Reiki book suited for your level.

I know that I would have benefited a lot from this segmentation and hope that now it will act as a great starting point for you.

I’m sure some of these Reiki books will make a difference in your life as they did in mine. What matters most is to understand, practice, and apply.

Don’t forget that healing only takes place when you combine knowledge with action. Be sure to balance the two and make slow but steady progress.

Reiki will be your guide to healing on all levels and strong support for spiritual growth.

How To Read A Reiki Book Effectively

NOTE: This is a recommendation from personal experience, and you are the only one who can decide if it’s useful or not.

I see Reiki books as manuals.

It’s information you want to benefit from and apply in your practice. Therefore, they are not here to entertain us, so ideally, you should consume them with a purpose.

It took me a while to do this effectively, and I want to share my experience with you.

I find 2 methods very useful and believe they will add a lot of value to your efforts.

[1] Go Deeper Into One Subject

If there is one thing you resonate with and the time has come to “master” it, then read as many books on the topic as possible.

You’re looking for different perspectives and details that stand out.

When you go through similar Reiki books, you discover the ideas that repeat themselves. They represent the core. It’s the foundation that you’ll use to build everything on.

You might adjust what you already know, but the majority of information won’t change.

The difference is made when you discover things that stand out. You may resonate with some and dislike others. What’s important is to know of their existence and use them where you see fit.

This way, you broaden your knowledge on the topic, become comfortable with it, and build your own opinion.

It’s a way to evolve and eventually master the topic.

[2] Read To Learn

This is not as rigid as it sounds.

If you love Reiki, you’ll find pleasure in anything related.

But it’s a difference between skimming through a book and actually learning something. It doesn’t matter how you ended up buying it or how quickly you finish.

This is not a contest.

What matters is what you get out of it.

Take your time to understand the message and how you can benefit from the information.

Here’s what works for me:

• Go from cover to cover and only read the titles of each chapter. Visualize it as a whole and become familiar with the story. Let the main idea travel your mind, beginning to end. This will prevent you from not seeing the forest for the trees.
• Stop treating your Reiki book like it’s borrowed from a library. You are aiming for a healthy set of knowledge, not a pretty bookshelf. Take notes on the way and revisit them after a few weeks. The best time to learn is after you have finished the book and let the information rest for a while.
• Make associations. Relate the information with real-life events. This will help you remember them understand how they work.

Get An e-Reader For Your Reiki Books

Kindle is my favorite medium for reading. Even though I love owning physical books, it’s something about this device that makes me want more.

Here are a few key elements that make me a fan.

• Adjust the intensity of the light to your needs. It’s often a challenge to find good lightning when you read a physical book. The natural light is a blessing, but that only lasts for so long. A Kindle device solves this problem most of the time;
• It’s lightweight and can be easily stored. For one reason or another, this feature enables people to read more;
• One of my favorites is the display. It resembles a regular piece of paper that is very pleasant to the eyes in natural light;

I still read physical books from time to time, especially those I really want to own and make notes on. But I can’t stay away from my Kindle device for too long. The easiness of using it adds a different flavor to the overall reading experience.