The coronavirus posed severe problems when the December 2019 outbreak in China rapidly spread to the United States. By the end of March 2020 with no antiviral drug or vaccine for COVID-19 available, lockdowns were being instituted all over the world, not just in the U.S. With conditions changing so rapidly, Reiki practitioners and teachers experienced restrictions for giving Reiki to others, unless they were part of the same household. These restrictions also prevented people from teaching Reiki classes in-person, which up until the pandemic, was generally how classes were held. These circumstances limited the practice of Reiki and restricted the number of Reiki practitioners to those already trained. But two developments brought a solution to these circumstances. William Lee Rand received a method for online Reiki training, and with it, a higher quality of Reiki energy which integrates our spiritual awareness with the technology of the internet to adapt to a swiftly changing world.

Motivated by a desire to help, William prayed and sought spiritual guidance. During this time of need, the Divine realms heard and listened to the world’s collective vision and prayers through the power of Reiki energy. On 03/20/2020, during the spring equinox and a session with Colleen Benelli, William and Colleen received a unique ignition which enabled them to give placements and ignitions at a distance and teach distant Reiki classes. Also, the Reiki energy’s strength and quality increased, allowing them to pass this new ability on to others through distant Reiki classes.  

Throughout the history of Reiki, we can observe how Reiki energy is continually developed. Usui Sensei’s first decision when he received Reiki was to spread Reiki throughout the world. To quicken the pace of this development, he said the most important quality for a Reiki Master to have is to continually seek to develop the quality and quantity of Reiki energy they can channel. Usui Sensei, Hayashi Sensei and Takata Sensei felt guided to adapt and develop Reiki according to the needs of the people. Similarly, we received an extraordinary new Reiki light to lift us, guide and empower us to enter a state of unification more easily on Earth.

If anyone is wondering about the validity of teaching remote Reiki classes, it is important to note that Mrs. Takata, one founder of Western Reiki, taught remote Reiki classes. In a Reiki book that included some of her handwritten letters, she explained how she could teach via telephone and with letters, and through remote initiations, and she stated that she only did this when it seemed absolutely necessary, such as when the recipient was in a hospital or far away and in obvious need.