Uniting Energies of Healing: Exploring the Parallels Between Reiki and Mormon Priesthood Blessings

Some of my most cherished childhood memories are when my dad would give me priesthood blessings. If I was ever sick or stressed, he would grab a chair from the kitchen, sit me down, place his hands on my head, and ask God to bless me. These blessings would almost always end with both of us in tears and a reaffirmed faith in God’s grand plan.

Within the Mormon Church, the priesthood is considered the sacred authority and power to act in the name of God. It’s seen as a responsibility bestowed upon worthy male members. The priesthood plays a central role in performing ordinances, conducting sacred rituals, and providing leadership within congregations.

The formal ritual of a Mormon priesthood blessing begins with an individual expressing their desire for a blessing, either for themselves or someone else. They seek out a priesthood holder, typically a close family member or a member of their local congregation, who is authorized to perform the blessing. During the blessing, the priesthood holder will place their hands on the head of the person receiving the blessing, invoking the power of God to heal, comfort, and provide guidance according to the individual's needs.

Along with blessings of comfort and healing, Mormons use the power of the priesthood in other religious ceremonies to bless and administer sacred ordinances. These instances include baby blessings, baptism, confirmation, ordination to priesthood offices, the sacrament, patriarchal blessings, and temple ordinances.

Women and the Priesthood

Throughout its history, the LDS Church has maintained a male-only priesthood policy. This policy is rooted in interpretations of scriptural teachings and historical practices, which emphasize the distinction between gender roles within religious leadership.

Some individuals maintain a traditionalist perspective, aligning with the longstanding male-only priesthood policy. They view the separate but complementary roles of men and women within the Church as integral to God's plan and believe that women exercise their divine authority in different spheres.

Others, like myself, advocate for greater inclusion and expanded opportunities for women within the priesthood. Many of us seek a more egalitarian approach, emphasizing the spiritual gifts and leadership potential that women possess, striving for increased female representation and decision-making power within the Church's governing bodies.

Unfortunately, based on the current teachings and interpretations of doctrine within the LDS Church, it is likely that the formal ordination of the priesthood will continue to be exclusive to men. The male-only priesthood ordination is seen as part of God’s divine design, providing men with unique leadership and service opportunities while affirming the important role of women in nurturing and supporting their families and communities. Any changes to the priesthood ordination would require significant shifts in fundamental understandings and interpretations of scriptural texts that have formed the basis of current practices.

As a woman who’s religious practices root from the Mormon church, I’ve spent a lot of time grieving this staunch view of gender roles within spiritual rituals. I know that I have just as much power as men do, and I believe it is my divine right to practice that. While I’ll likely never be given the right to practice this within the context of the LDS faith, I’ve spent a lot of time cultivating personal rituals that allow me to use the power of God in my own life, one such practice being Reiki. In this blog post, I’d like to delve into the commonalities between Reiki and Mormon priesthood blessings, shedding light on their shared focus on healing, energy transfer, and the power of intention.

What is Reiki?

Reiki, pronounced "ray-key," is a Japanese healing practice that involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to recipient through gentle touch or hovering hands slightly above the body. The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "rei," meaning universal or spiritual, and "ki," meaning life force energy. This energy, also known as "qi" or "prana" in other traditions, flows through all living beings and is believed to be essential for their vitality and well-being.

The roots of Reiki can be traced back to ancient healing practices found in various cultures, including Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Taoism, and Indian Ayurveda. The concept of the "laying on of hands," which involves channeling healing energy through touch, is an integral part of Reiki and can be found in many traditional healing modalities worldwide. The modern practice of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk, in the early 20th century. Usui sought to understand the healing methods used by spiritual leaders such as Jesus and the Buddha.

In addition to the laying on of hands, Reiki practitioners incorporate hand mudras into their practice. Mudras are specific hand gestures or positions that stimulate energy flow in the body and mind. They are used to focus intention, balance energy, and enhance the healing process.

Similarities of Reiki and Mormon Priesthood Blessings

Both Reiki and Mormon priesthood blessings emphasize the idea of channeling divine energy for healing purposes. Reiki practitioners believe in tapping into the universal life force energy, while those performing priesthood blessings connect with the power of God. In both cases, the practitioner or priesthood holder acts as a conduit, directing this healing energy towards the recipient.

The "laying on of hands" is a fundamental aspect of both Reiki and Mormon priesthood blessings. Reiki practitioners place their hands gently on or near the recipient's body, while priesthood holders physically touch the head of the individual receiving the blessing. This tactile contact serves as a catalyst for energy transfer, promoting relaxation, balance, and healing.

Intention and faith are crucial elements in both practices. Reiki practitioners set their intention to channel healing energy, while priesthood holders offer blessings with the intention of invoking God's power and healing influence. In both cases, the faith and belief in the efficacy of the healing process are vital, as they open pathways for the energy to flow and create positive changes in the recipient's well-being.

Both Reiki and Mormon priesthood blessings recognize the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They aim to restore harmony and balance across all aspects of an individual's being. Whether it is addressing emotional wounds, providing comfort, or seeking guidance, both practices offer a holistic approach to healing by addressing the multifaceted nature of human experiences.

Both Reiki and Mormon priesthood blessings are viewed as complementary to conventional medical care and not as replacements. Reiki practitioners and members of the LDS Church acknowledge the importance of seeking appropriate medical treatment, professional advice, and utilizing available resources to address physical and mental health concerns. These practices are seen as additional sources of support, enhancing the healing process alongside other approaches.

Inclusivity of the Reiki Practice

Unlike Mormon Priesthood blessing, which have specific gender requirements and worthiness restrictions, Reiki does not impose any stipulations related to one's gender, worthiness, or personal background. Reiki practice is an inclusive and accessible healing modality that is open to all trained individuals, irrespective of their gender or worthiness.

The ability to practice Reiki is primarily dependent on receiving appropriate training and attunements from a qualified Reiki master or teacher. As long as an individual has completed the necessary training and attunements, they are empowered to practice Reiki and channel healing energy to themselves and others. This inclusivity fosters a welcoming environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences can engage in the practice of Reiki to promote well-being and healing.

As a woman seeking to use my personal spiritual powers to heal and bless myself and others, Reiki has become a powerful avenue for me to tap into those abilities. It’s been inspiring for me to learn about the similarities of these two practices, allowing myself to appreciate the energetic power of my root religion while finding opportunities to transcend its boundaries and affirm my personal, innate desire for energetic healing.