By Whitney Johnson

May 18
Hawk

On May 18, 2008 (about a week after receiving my level two Reiki certification) a group of us, and our two puppies were on our way to Michigan to spend the week with friends for a Native American ceremony. Every time we make the journey up North, we see several hawks and usually have the good luck of finding a hawk that has already passed on the side of the road- in Native American tradition the hawk is honored in that it is used to make fans for ceremonial purposes.

This particular trip, my boyfriend Scott spotted a hawk resting in the grass on a highway turn around. When he picked it up it turned it’s head and looked at him, he was still alive, though badly injured. We put the hawk in the van and quickly made our way to the closest vet’s office, which thankfully was about twenty minutes away. During the ride, I offered Reiki to the bird, who was resting in my friend’s arms in the back of the van. I immediately began feeling a burning sensation in my hands, which lasted until we arrived at the vet’s office. We had second thoughts about leaving the Hawk with doctor’s who would most likely euthanize him, but we knew that we could not care for him because of the injury.

When we arrived at the vet the intake took about thirty minutes, and at that point they could not determine the hawk’s future. We left feeling conflicted about whether we did the right thing.

May 23
Bunny

Halfway through the week in Michigan, in the early afternoon on Friday May 23, 2008 several people were cleaning out the sweat lodge and found a rabbit’s nest. We thought nothing of it until after the second round during the lodge a baby bunny, hopped into one of my friend’s lap. We were all amazed to see this tiny little creature away from its mother and seeking our help. We took it outside and she was watched for the duration of the lodge. Instead of returning her where she was found some people decided to try to care for her on their own. This was upsetting because I knew she wouldn't survive. She was so tiny she fit in the palm of my hand.

Several people but a box together for the bunny so she could stay in the house that night. The next morning when we came in she was barely alive and cool to the touch. Even after feeding her milk from an eye-dropper she was still non-responsive. I held her in my hands and asked permission to offer Reiki. My hands grew warm and tingly, she was taking a lot of energy. What a wonderful way to start the day! I had to make my way onto other things so a friend took over. I requested that the baby be reunited with her mother, however unlikely it seemed. Several hours later John said that some of the kids staying with us had found the mother and the bunny was returned to her. It was so amazing to be a part of this little mission!

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Several days after returning from Michigan, Scott called the vet’s office in Lansing. Unfortunately, the hawk had sustained such severe head trauma that it would not recover. The doctor made the hawk comfortable and then put him to sleep. I learned that not every animal that receives Reiki is meant to recover from trauma. In this particular instance, Reiki was able to ease hawk’s pain until he received medical attention. I felt honored to have been in the presence of this bird during his last moments.

June 1
Deer

Early Saturday afternoon on June 1, 2008 my boyfriend, our two puppies, Quincy & Lila and I were walking the trails in a forest preserve in Chicago. This was only the second time I had visited this place, and the first time since receiving my level 2 Reiki certification for animals. After walking for about half an hour, we spotted two fawn about fifteen feet away from each other. One was healthy and alert, while the other was smaller and seemed listless and sickly. There was a lot of foot traffic in the preserve, as many people visit this place during the weekend. A family on bicycles happened upon the deer minutes after we arrived and began taking pictures. After they left, Scott took the dogs further up the hill so that I could offer the fawn Reiki. As soon as I began, the fawn’s ears perked up and his breathing increased. All of a sudden Quincy came running down the hill, saw the fawn and a short unsuccessful chase began, he returned several minutes later. Scott leashed the dogs again and took them away.

I began treatment on the other fawn and immediately her rate of breathing increased and my hands began to feel warm and tingly. She did not move once throughout the entire treatment. I stayed with her for about twenty minutes, as I walked away from the fawn I continued to offer her the treatment. Before coming across the two fawn I had only noticed two turtles sunbathing on a log. Now, I began to see animals everywhere. There was a mallard floating down the river, two geese emerged from the river and were walking toward me. I saw Robins every fifty feet or so. Some of them were perched on branches and some of them flew overhead, but all of them made eye contact with me as if to say that the fawn would be safe. It was such a beautiful experience.

During the fawn’s treatment Scott called the emergency vet to inquire about whether the fawn should be brought in. The doctor explained that mother deer leave their young separate and away from them so, that if they are caught by a predator, their babies are not killed as well. I knew that the smaller fawn was sick, but that it was not my place to remove it from its home. The birds had also done their part to convey to me that the fawn had benefited from the Reiki and that she would survive.

We continued walking through the forest on another more desolate path, which eventually turned into muddy swamp. We saw two doe and Scott moved the dogs past them so they would not be disturbed. I offered them Reiki and they accepted immediately. Once again, my hands grew warm and tingly. They both began slowly walking toward me, intrigued. They stopped about ten yards away looking intently at me. I looked at them several times, but was careful not to maintain eye contact for more than a couple seconds as animals interpret staring as aggressive. I was unsure how close the deer would come to me or what their reaction would be, so I continued to make small movements, so as not to startle them when I ended the treatment. I only spent about ten minutes with them, and then quietly left the area. The time we spent in the forest preserve was magical. It was as if all the animals felt the Reiki, and had come out to say thank you.

About the Author:  Whitney grew up in St. Louis, MO, where there were always pets in her home including dogs, cats, members of the hamster family, fish, rabbits and turtles. She spent four years in south Texas finishing high school and beginning college where she became heavily involved in environmental and social activism. In 2002 she moved to Chicago to finish college, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts. In 2007 Whitney opened an online vintage clothing store, and also displays her photography and collages throughout the city. In the winter of 2008 Whitney adopted two puppies, which became a catalyst for her career change. Months later she received her second level Reiki certification and is learning about the broad spectrum of animal communication techniques. Whitney is taking steps to practice Reiki professionally and plans to receive her Master level next spring. Her goal is to help bridge the gap of understanding between humans and animals, specifically the importance of allowing animals to teach us. You can reach Whitney at reiki.wellness@yahoo.com.

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