August 04

Letter From The Editor

Reiki Federation Ireland is going from strength to strength.

Our membership continues to rise and we are committed to represent all of our members to the best of our ability.

We are very encouraged by the connections and relationships that we have built with many organizations on your behalf in our short life.

One of our main objectives after the AGM last November was to have RFI represented on FICTA. We are pleased to let you know that we have achieved this.

The National Reiki week which was organized by our Public Relations Officer, Patricia Sheehan resulted in very favourable publicity for Reiki and RFI.

VHI has agreed to have a link from their website to RFI's website. This is planned to be activated towards the end of September.

On the subject of websites we have received many compliments from our members about the RFI website. Thank you for your feedback.

The RFI committee are your representatives. At all times we want to remain very connected to our members. This Newsletter is an excellent way for each member of the Federation to share ideas and introduce topics that other members might find interesting.

Angela Gorman

Send articles & correspondence to:
editor@reikifederationireland.com

F.I.C.T.A - update

RFI is delighted to let you know that we have been accepted as members of FICTA. This was one of RFI's main objectives for this year.

Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations (FICTA) is a network of professional associations working in the field of complementary and alternative therapies in Ireland. It functions as an umbrella body for complementary and alternative therapies and operates on a national and strategic policy level. Its purpose is to promote the formal recognition and advancement of complementary and alternative therapies in the State , to provide a strong and clear voice of complementary therapy in Ireland, to raise the profile of the health care provided and promote official recognition of its integrity.

Brigid Maher our Chairperson and Mary Tuohy our Vice - Chairperson attended the FICTA AGM held on April 24th in Kilkenny.

Brigid is the official representative of RFI on FICTA. She is also the Director on the board of FICTA Skillnet.

FICTA Skillnet is currently pioneering training in Complementary Therapy with a view to standards, professionalism, regulation and promotion of best practice from within the sector. The core of this training programme is the development and delivery of the "Safe Practice and Business Skills for the Therapist" course. Courses are in the process of being developed at present. If interested in finding out more you can contact Orlagh Denneny at 097 86009.

Practitioner Referral List

We are delighted to refer practitioners who have supplied our membership secretary with the data that is required for inclusion on our practitioner referral list.

You need to send copies of each Reiki certificate that you have received and a copy of your malpractice insurance to the address below. Please note that we cannot recommend any practitioner that does not have current malpractice insurance. When your malpractice insurance expires it is the responsibility of each practitioner to send a current copy of insurance to RFI.

Our membership secretary has not received the relevant data from some of you. We encourage you to send it in as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation. More details can be found on our website.

Membership Enquiries & Applications:

Email: membership@reikifederationireland.com
Phone: 087-981 9366

Reiki Circles

We would be delighted to hear from any members of RFI who are facilitating Reiki exchanges and circles for people who have done Reiki workshops.

If you would like us to list your Reiki circle on our website please send your details with phone no., the venue and dates to the editor.

RFI is not responsible for any regulations and requirements that are needed to run these evenings. This is the responsibility of the facilitator.
Contact Angela at 087 274 9701 or at editor@reikifederationireland.com.

National Reiki Week - a great success!

Thank you to all who supported the National Reiki Week which took place from the 17th to 24th of April. Patricia Sheehan who organized this wonderful event was overwhelmed by your participation.

One hundred and forty five people throughout Ireland gave Reiki to the general public free of charge. Nineteen venues were used including libraries, community centres, schools and a hospice.

As a result of your collective goodwill and energy 2,942.70 euro was donated to the People in Need Telethon.

Patricia now holds a greater dream for a National Reiki Week in 2005. She would like to have a support team of six people across the country who are interested in helping organize next years event.

Patricia can be contacted at 01 8202116 / 086 3576142

RFI - Reiki Questionnaire form

Malpractice insurance companies require that Reiki practitioners fill in questionnaire forms with each client on the first visit. On subsequent visits any changes in a client's details can be noted on the form.

It is considerate to ask the client if they would like to fill in the form themselves or would they prefer you to do it for them. A person who is dyslexic or someone who has difficulty with reading and writing could be very embarrassed when confronted with a form. Elderly people are usually delighted when the practitioner writes down the information on their behalf. It is important to have the client sign their signature at the end.

We are aware that many of you are experienced practitioners and are very happy with your current questionnaire forms. However, we are also aware that some of you may not have had any training in this area as some Reiki teachers do not include it in their module.

One of our objectives is to raise the standard of Reiki practice. We are enclosing a questionnaire form which the committee drafted. This is a form which we are comfortable with any of our members using.

At our AGM someone asked the question-"why is it necessary to fill out a questionnaire form when the universal energy knows where to go and will not do any harm?" This is a good question.

Reiki practitioners are not medical doctors and do not diagnose. They may not even have an understanding of the conditions and medications that are listed on the questionnaire form. However, this form could be invaluable if your client had a medical emergency in your Reiki practice and required medical help. Wouldn't it be nice to let the doctor or medics know what the person was allergic to and what medication they were on! The name of the client's GP and medical history would be of enormous assistance in such a situation. It is highly unlikely that this would occur but it could. Everyone has their learning opportunities and that can include a multitude. To have appropriate records of your client in such an event would probably go down much better than telling the medical team that the "universe will provide!"

In the highly unlikely event that one of your clients decided to sue you, your malpractice insurance company would want you to provide them with your records.

The client should be the first priority in any Reiki practice. It is up to us to provide our clients with a professional service. If you were sending a relative to someone for a Reiki treatment, chances are you would like the practitioner to keep good records.

We trust that you understand why we are emphasizing these points. RFI wants to ensure that the general public is presented with the most professional standards possible from our members.

A copy of the questionnaire form can also be found on our website: www.reikifederationireland.com

RFI Social Gathering and AGM

The 2005 AGM was mentioned in the last edition of Reiki Today. We wanted to give you plenty of notice as we are aware of your busy schedules.

We have now decided to have the AGM and the social gathering on the one weekend. As we have members from all over the country we thought this would make it easier for you.

The venue will now be the Spa Hotel in Lucan. The social gathering will be on Saturday the 5th February. We plan to get things going at about 3pm. Details will be given closer to the time.

If any of you have talents or ideas which you would like to contribute to the day we would like to hear from you. Contact Patricia Sheehan at 01 8202116/ 086 3576142. The focus of the gathering is on fun, laughter and making new friends.

We have negotiated a deal for our members for the Saturday night of 50 euro per person sharing and 65 euro for a single room. This includes breakfast.

The AGM will be held the following day, Sunday 6th February from 11am to 3pm at the latest.

The social gathering is a wonderful opportunity to become connected with your Federation and the people that give it life. The AGM is a chance for you to have a voice in the decision making process.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there. It will be a wonderful moment to celebrate the success of RFI and applaud all of your contributions to date.

We will supply you with further details closer to the date.

Post of Honorary Secretary

After much commitment and hard work for RFI, Sinead Gorman has decided to resign from her post as Honorary Secretary. Due to new work commitments and relocation she feels it's time to step down from her post. We wish her well with her new adventures.

We are looking for someone to fill her post until the AGM in Feb.

Requirements:

- Second Degree Reiki

- Computer Skills

- Good organizational ability

- Available to attend RFI meetings (last Wed. of each month)

If interested contact our Chairperson, Brigid Maher at: 01 8686070 or 087 2340994

Reiki article in VHI magazine

Reiki was featured in a very positive way in the summer edition of the VHI magazine - "Its all about Living."

The article revolves around an interview given by our Vice - Chairperson, Mary Tuohy. The fact that it appeared in such a publication helps anchor Reiki as a credible and popular Natural Healing Method.

The full article can be found on our website under the article section:www.reikifederationireland.com

Book Review - The Magus of Java

Teachings of an Authentic Taoist Master - Kostas Danaos

A remarkable documentary called Ring of fire featured on US television in 1998 and captured the interest of thousands. This four part series documented the adventures of two brothers through the many colours and shades of Indonesia.

While filming in Java one of the brothers contracted a severe eye infection which would ultimately lead him to a remarkable energy worker who called himself John Chang. This man demonstrated his mastery of chi by generating an electrical current within his body, which he used to heal the eye infection.

Captured on film John Chang then displayed his power of psychokinesis as he repeatedly moved a matchbox across the floor about two feet to his outstretched hand. More remarkable to those observing was his demonstration of pyrogensis - the ability to create fire, using his focused chi to instantly set fire to a newspaper.

The cameras also captured Chang's ability to use his electricity like chi to move energy through the acupuncture points of his client whose muscles and skin visibly vibrated as if plugged into an electrical outlet.

Thousands of people went in search of John Chang following the documentary. To date Chang has only accepted five people as apprentices. Kostas Danaos is one of them.

The Magus of Java is a story about the apprenticeship of Kostas Danaos with the amazing John Chang. During his years of study, Danaos witnessed the remarkable and is a messenger of what lies latent within us all.

Chang is portrayed as the last representative in the lineage of his teachings, called Neikung. After centuries of secrecy Chang is now revealing the knowledge of its existence to be revealed to the world.

Chang is described as having mastered skills like levitation, bi-location, psychokinesis and invisibility.

For those of you who wish to stretch your minds beyond the mundane and desire to occupy a part of your brain where all these things are possible I strongly encourage this book. Enjoy

Mercury and your Teeth

Fish and the high content of mercury contained within them is something which has been very newsworthy in recent months. Pregnant women and women breast feeding have been advised not to eat tuna more than once a week.

What has not been discussed in any big way in this country is mercury poisoning as a result of mercury fillings.

A growing number of dentists in the U.S.A are becoming very concerned about the repercussions of mercury fillings and root canals. I spoke to a holistic dentist recently who explained that each tooth is energetically connected to specific organs and glands in our body. He claimed that mercury fillings disrupt energetic flow through the meridians.

If you are interested in finding out information that your dentist may not have shared with you a good website to visit is: www.toothwisdom.net

Hermitage Retreat - Glendalough

One of the best kept secrets I stumbled upon last year was the Cillin Hermitage Retreat in Wicklow.

Just outside Larch Hill on the grounds of the parish church of St. Kevin you will find the perfect place to retreat from the world and indulge yourself with peace and quite in very comfortable surroundings.

Run by the parish , the five Cillins or hermitages are very comfortable self catering units. Pleasant to the eye , these stone houses are spacious with a bed/living room a small kitchen and bathroom. They each have an open fire place. There is a choice between twin bedded or single bedded Cillins.

Glendalough is within walking distance and the general area is a haven for people who love being in nature and walking.

All the conveniences of restaurant, shop and pub are nearby.

There is a minimum two night stay. The cost for a single Cillin is 45 euro per night and is 65 euro for a double.

For more information or to book you can contact 0404 45777 or visit www.glendalough2000.com

Reiki and Christians

Any of the healing arts that are rooted in the East tend to be viewed very suspiciously by certain fanatical religious groups. Most experienced Reiki practitioners and teachers are aware of this.

It is understandable that many practitioners and teachers might be lost for words if caught off guard by a person entrenched in such limited thinking. Statements like 'Reiki is the work of the devil' or 'rituals are being carried out at Reiki classes' may seem ridiculous to an educated person. However , very often Reiki practitioners are tongue tied when it comes to responding.

I was delighted to see a new section on William Rand's website which is titled 'Explaining Reiki to Christians'. It is well worth a look, especially for those who have little experience in dealing with religious aggression towards Reiki. His website address is www.reiki.org. Go to the current topics section and click on 'Explaining Reiki to Christians'.

A basic understanding of energy from a scientific point of view is invaluable when validating Reiki. There is an excellent book which explains the science behind what we do. It is well worth a read - Energy Medicine: The scientific basis of Bio-energy Therapies by James L., Ph.D Oschman. This book is available through Amazon.

Upcoming events:

• Shaman from Peru- visits Ireland

Glendalough is accustomed to visitors of every kind and has been host to a variety of sacred and spiritual ceremonies over the years.

A unique event is taking place on Monday 6th of Sept. from 5pm to 7.30pm. The Head of the Quero nation from Peru will be facilitating a sacred ceremony focused on earth healing .

The evening will also provide a chance to explore the Mayan Prophecies and Inca Rites.

For those who are interested in sharing in this unique experience you can contact Heaven and Earth Holistic shop :046 9060600

• Reiki evening - Kathleen Milner

Kathleen Milner will be in the Red Cow Moran Hotel on Friday the 24h of Sept. at 7pm. For more details contact Breed Neylon at 01 8227072

• Health Fair Navan - Sat. Oct. 10th

There will be a health fair in the Ardboyne Hotel , Navan on Sat. 10th of Oct. It starts at 11am and finishes at 7pm. Free talks throughout the day. There is a 5 euro admission.

• Health Show-RDS - Oct. 25th to 27th

The Autumn RDS Health Show will be held from the 25th to 27th of Oct. A variety of speakers will be giving free talks each day.

Reiki Today - Advertising Rates

The next edition of Reiki today is going to have space allotted for advertising. This will give any of you who would like to advertise an opportunity to reach a specific audience.

Initially we are going to feature 1/4 page and 1/8 page ads. We wish to maintain a balance between newsletter content and advertising.

ADVERTISING RATES

1/8 page............17 euro  

1/4page............27 euro

Copy Deadline for November issue is the 15th Oct.

Please Note: RFI reserves the right to refuse ads, articles and edit submissions. A proof of your ad can be sent to you on request via Email.

Ads to be submitted to:
Fax: 018370831
Email: editor@reikiferationireland.com
Address: Angela Gorman,
46, Walnut Rise, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Payment must be received before your advertisement can be considered. Cheques or postal orders payable to Reiki Federation Ireland can be sent to the address above. No Cash please.

On the Committee