Karuna® Reiki Experience at Stonehenge - by Lorraine Murray

I was first introduced to any kind of healing by my mum who did spiritual healing. I thought it was all a bit strange but pleasant enough. Then I had my first Reiki treatment back in the 90's and from there decided to learn and eventually practise and teach it. This is of course Usui Reiki - meaning the form of Reiki healing that was founded by Dr Usui in Japan.

Karuna® Reiki

I had heard about Karuna® Reiki but wasn't sure how it could be different. In fact I knew very little about it and hadn't even had a Karuna Reiki healing.... yet found myself booking a place on a course run by William Lee Rand at Stonehenge. William runs the International Reiki Organisation in the States and I had heard a lot about him and also read one of his books - Spirit of Reiki - which is an excellent and technical book.

The main part of the course took place in Glastonbury and the final attunement (deep meditation) was to take place in the circle of stones at Stonehenge. We had special permission to do this and although I was interested - I really didn't have any great expectations. I was just curious.

Stonehenge

It is quite odd for me to describe my experience at Stonehenge. As you approach the Stones you don't see them straight away. There is a open ramp with high walls on either side. As I turned the corner the Stones came into view and unbelievably I felt myself becoming emotional. The closer I moved towards them, the more emotional I felt - tears streaming down my face. In my head all I could hear was my voice say "get a hold of yourself" - yet I couldn't, I simply couldn't. I sat down to try and compose myself - bewildered at this response. Kind words from my colleagues who were also training on the course seemed to offer no comfort. One person - Bev - mentioned that I should take my time moving around the Stones and seeing them from the different angles. Sure enough their size/image and impression seemed to change as I moved around them.

With special permission - we were allowed to go back in after the site had closed to the public so that we could complete our Karuna Reiki training, and of course be attuned. I had calmed down or 'acclimatised' to the energy there so didn't feel upset anymore. I just felt excited about the prospect of being able to go in and touch the Stones. Some of them felt warm to touch - one in particular seem to draw me. I felt I had to say "hello".

It was soon time for our attunement and as we sat in a circle, the meditation begun. I didn't shoot off to another universe or dimension... I simply became more and more aware of the place I was in. The most significant moment for me was the sound - I could only hear one bird singing - as if it was placed at the top of one of the stones in front of me. Then suddenly I realised I could hear all the birds connecting to that one bird - through sound. I don't mean just the birds in this area, county ... I mean all the birds. It was breathtaking.

After many days of happy reflection of the whole experience I came to realise that the visit to Stonehenge was like 'coming home'. I know no other way to put it. Imagine you hadn't seen those you love for years and years and then you come off your flight and your walking towards the arrival gate and there everyone is - cheering and waving. That is what I felt like visiting Stonehenge.

I make no apologies to anyone who thinks I'm nuts. I'm quite a practical and pragmatic person really. I am laying my credibility right out there on the line to tell you about this - but I feel I have to as it was extraordinary. Truly extraordinary. And for those who are skeptical - just remember that you've read this far so the seed has been planted! (An old saying of my Mum's).

As for the Karuna® healing and practise - I didn't think there could be such a difference - but there is. But don't be fooled in to thinking that you must achieve your Karuna® Reiki so you have your tick in the box or a certificate on the wall. It isn't about that. People can or perhaps should only learn it if they have reached Reiki Master Teacher level as the energy is quite intense. It's like a car on a journey - it's better to go slowly up the gears than jump from 1 to 6. Anyway, Karuna® Reiki (Karuna is a Sanksrit word for Compassionate Action) is a deep level of healing which works on many facets and levels. I truly believe that humanity is ready for this level of healing. Usui Reiki has prepared us for it. As for my own healing experience? I felt as if I had been touched by angels.

These beautiful words came from Christine who I met at my Karuna® Reiki training. She lives in South Africa...

When words cannot express what my heart finds too much to hold, my eyes leak

I stand in admiration of this perfect design, I call it divine engineering

Those precious tears come from the well of gratitude I call it healing water

The source of this well is an eternal spring I call love

I have a sense that tears is the ink my soul makes use of to write to my heart.

Please note that I plan to teach Karuna® Reiki from 2008. Please watch the website and newsletter for details.