Review by Kathleen Prasad of The Reiki Techniques Card Deck: Heal Yourself Intuitively
By Frans and Bronwen Stiene
Published by O Books, 2006

I have just received this beautiful card deck, and as I open the box, I am immediately drawn in by the lovely colors and artwork on the backs of the cards. Definitely Asian-inspired style, thus perfect for a "Reiki card deck," and definitely minimalist lines, which is also so very Japanese. In the introduction booklet, included with this card deck, Frans and Bronwen write, "Each being on this planet has the ability to initiate self-healing--it is your birthright. The techniques in this deck offer each one of you the opportunity to consciously tap into your healing ability, supporting you on your natural path."

And it is with this in mind that I begin my first self-healing session, using the deck. Let's see what Reiki has in store for me. As suggested in the booklet, I center myself and focus on the question, "Which technique will support me most at this point in my life?" And after shuffling the deck, I cut the cards and my hand chooses the card titled, "Remembering." This technique involves a 25 minute self-treatment, focusing one hand each on the head and hara (lower abdomen) for the first 5 minutes, and then putting both hands on the hara for 20 minutes. The card says this technique reminds "your consciousness of your Original Nature."

It is quite amazing to me that I have drawn this card! I am currently five months pregnant, with my first baby, a girl whom we call Indigo. She is kicking more and more inside me each day, and as my tummy pushes outward, I am constantly reminded of my new role to come of "Mother." As this is my first pregnancy, I have been having all the thoughts and feelings that first-time mothers-to-be go through at this impending life-change: especially, will I know how to do this? How perfect for me to be able to focus my treatment on remembering my connection to the Universal Mother within me. Knowing that I have access to all that I need to be the best I can be for my baby.

Within the first few minutes of the treatment, my hand on my forehead begins to buzz with Reiki energy, and as I then move to the final position, with both hands over my lower abdomen, I feel Indigo kick a few times, as if to say, "Hurray, Reiki!" She has been enjoying daily Reiki treatments since my first day knowing I was pregnant. About 5 more minutes pass, and as the energy builds, I begin to feel far away. My hands heat up tremendously, vibrating with healing energy, and I go into a deep Reiki meditative state. The rest of the treatment passes as if instantly, and as the energy begins to subside, I open my eyes and notice by the clock, that it is time to end the treatment. Interestingly, Indigo has been quiet too during this deep part of the treatment.

Being able to connect with my inner consciousness of Motherhood and having my hands over my baby at the same time has been a profoundly peaceful and satisfying Reiki experience. This is the perfect technique for me to focus on in those moments where I feel doubt, uncertainty, or fear of the unknown. Thank you Frans and Bronwen, for providing these cards as tools for my life's journey!

I can't wait to continue exploring with these cards on a regular basis, as I'm sure they will provide many ways to connect to my intuition and heal my inner self. I highly recommend these cards to all Reiki practitioners and Reiki teachers: use them for enhancing your own Reiki journey and use them in your classes to assist your students in deepening their learning experiences. I also recommend these cards to any individual interested in exploring their connection to their intuition and innate healing abilities! You don't need to be trained in Reiki to benefit from the inner knowledge and wisdom these cards can help you uncover. What a wonderful tool this deck is for deepening our connection to the essence of the healing energy of the universe!

About the Author:
Reiki Masters Frans and Bronwen Stiene (pronounced stee-nuh) are authors of the internationally acclaimed The Reiki Sourcebook and The Japanese Art of Reiki, and the very soon to be released A-Z of Reiki Pocketbook. They are also the founders of the International House of Reiki and its educative website www.reiki.net.au and the creators of the only Reiki dedicated podcasts on the internet www.thereikishow.com. With over 18 years of combined experience as practitioners, teachers and speakers in healing and spirituality they have worked with, taught and researched healing in the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia and Japan. They are teachers whose passion is truth, education, support and spiritual development for all. Meet Frans Stiene in Chicago in October when he teaches Shinpiden, a unique Reiki Level III course from a Japanese perspective. Contact Frans and Bronwen at info@reiki.net.au.