Rose Reiki vs. Usui Reiki: What's the Difference?
When people think of Reiki, they often associate it with Usui Reiki, the traditional Japanese healing system founded by Mikao Usui. However, there are different forms of Reiki that have emerged over time, each carrying its own unique energy and focus. One such practice that is lesser-known but deeply powerful is Rose Reiki.
Unlike Usui Reiki, which is widely practiced and recognized, Rose Reiki is a more specialized healing modality that works with the energy of roses and the Divine Feminine. It is deeply connected to heart-centered healing, love, emotional and spiritual transformation. If you’re curious about how Rose Reiki differs from Usui Reiki and which one might be right for you, this guide will explore their unique qualities, energies, and purposes.
What is Usui Reiki?
Usui Reiki is a form of Reiki that was founded by Mikao Usui in 1922 in Japan. This system of healing is based on the belief that energy, known as “Ki” or “Chi,” flows through all living things and that disruptions or blockages in this flow can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances.
In Usui Reiki, the practitioner channels this universal life force energy through their hands to the recipient, allowing the energy to flow into the areas of the body, mind, and spirit that need healing. This practice is simple, non-invasive, and deeply relaxing. It uses hand positions on or above the body, with the intent to harmonize the recipient’s energy field, promote relaxation, and support healing on all levels.
Usui Reiki emphasizes balance, healing, and stress reduction, often guiding the recipient into a deeply peaceful state. It is highly structured, with a system of symbols, attunements, and levels of mastery. The practice can be performed on oneself, others, or at a distance.
What is Rose Reiki?
Rose Reiki is a sacred healing practice that blends rose alchemy with the nurturing essence of the Divine Feminine. Unlike Usui Reiki, which primarily focuses on balancing life force energy, Rose Reiki focuses on the energy of alchemy, it supports transmutation of darkness and integration of light. It is rooted in the heart of Mary Magdalene, Sisterhood of the Rose, and Christ Consciousness, working with the frequencies of unconditional love, feminine wisdom, divine grace, and spiritual transformation.
Rose Reiki aligns with the frequency of Love as the Universal Life Source, drawing upon the energy of the womb as a creative centre and the heart as a source of deep wisdom. It works deeply with the Rose codes from the astral planes, which are powerful, high-vibrational energies for transformation. Rose Reiki is associated with Divine Feminine archetypes such as Mother Mary, Kwan Yin, Mary Magdalene, Sophia, Isis, and Lady Nada, all of whom embody compassion, grace, and sacred wisdom.
Rose Reiki emphasizes heart-centered healing and spiritual alchemy. It works through the Rose (Pink, White or Gold) Ray, a frequency carrying energetic codes of love, purity, and divine guidance. This practice is particularly powerful for healing emotional wounds, especially those related to: relationships and sacred union, self-worth and confidence, forgiveness and emotional release, deep womb and heart healing, the evolution of the Lightbody and spiritual awakening.
Unlike structured Reiki systems that follow predefined symbols and rules, Rose Reiki is guided by the intuition of the heart and divine guidance. It works directly with the soul and root causes of energetic misalignments, helping individuals move through their healing with deep love and compassion.
If you feel called to work with Rose Reiki, it is recommended to receive an attunement and guidance on working with this energy (scroll down for links). Since it is a specialized practice, a foundational understanding of energy healing and rose alchemy is essential.
A Rose Reiki healing session is typically enhanced with a variety of metaphysical tools, such as:
Crystals to boost energy frequencies
Essential oils, flower essences, and herbs for profound energetic support
Clearing smoke (incense or sacred herbs) for purification
Candles to establish a sacred atmosphere
altar honouring the Divine Feminine, directions, elements,
This practice is rooted in feminine healing traditions drawn from various pagan and spiritual backgrounds, promoting creativity and devotion.
Rose Reiki is a deeply intuitive, heart-centered approach that invites you to explore the sacred mysteries of healing, transformation, and divine love. Whether your goal is to heal, awaken, or spiritually evolve, Rose Reiki offers a beautiful and meaningful journey ahead.
Key Differences Between Rose Reiki and Usui Reiki
Foundations & Origin
Usui Reiki: Founded by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, it is grounded in traditional Japanese healing practices and the philosophy of life force energy. It is focused on balancing energy throughout the body, mind, and spirit.
Rose Reiki: A form of New Earth energy healing that focuses on the Divine Feminine and the energy of roses. It was channelled to specifically address emotional, spiritual, and heart-centered healing, deeply intertwining with the qualities of compassion, nurturing and love.
2. Philosophy & Approach
Usui Reiki: Based on a set of ethical principles known as the Five Reiki Principles, which guide the practitioner and recipient toward a more balanced and harmonious life. The emphasis is on healing, stress relief, and spiritual growth.
Rose Reiki: Focuses on embracing the Divine Feminine and the healing energies of Love, Light and Compassion. The practice encourages emotional self-care, releasing emotional wounds, and stepping into one’s true essence with grace and beauty.
3. Energy Focus
Usui Reiki: Channels the universal life force energy (Chi) to promote balance and healing. The energy is considered neutral and can be used for any type of imbalance or healing need. Usui Reiki follows specific rules and steps identified by Mikao Usui. These rules did not change much since its creation, but some parts do get upgraded by the student’s of the lineage. As a practitioner of Usui Reiki, you don’t really have the ability to spread your healing energy and work with other energetic systems. You also must be attuned to begin working with this energy.
Rose Reiki: Channels the Pink Ray, Divine Feminine, and Rose frequencies, this practice emphasizes emotional healing, self-love, and compassionate transformation. It's especially beneficial for individuals looking to recover from past traumas and who are ready to embrace deeper love and connection. Rose Reiki energy exists in the etheric realms, making it accessible to everyone without the need for specific attunement, unless desired. In contrast to Usui Reiki, Rose Reiki is powered by energies from the 5th dimension and beyond, requiring practitioners to undergo their own transition into the 5D. This involves understanding and embodying the principles of Divine Feminine energy, engaging in loving-kindness meditations, and taking heart-centered actions.
4. Tools, Symbols, and Attunements
Usui Reiki: This practice employs specific symbols and mantras to channel energy and promote healing. It consists of three levels: Shoden, Okuden, and Shinpiden, each featuring its own unique set of attunements and symbols. To obtain a Reiki attunement, you must complete Reiki Level 1, which typically includes receiving the attunement and a certificate of completion after the class. Following the class, it is advisable to engage in 21 days of self-healing through Reiki before practicing on others and to advance to Level 2. Once you are certified at Level 3, you are permitted to teach Reiki and charge full price for your services.
Rose Reiki: This practice does not depend on a predetermined set of symbols. Instead, it utilizes crystal rose grids, sacred symbols, elements, rose essential oils, flower essences, and heart-centered meditations to enhance the healing experience. The focus is on fostering a deep inner connection rather than relying on external symbols. An attunement is provided distantly, along with instructions on how to receive it, how to work with the energy, and general insights about the alchemy of these energies. You are free from a linear approach to energy healing. After receiving your attunement, you can share this energy with others for a financial exchange.
Which One is Right for You?
Selecting between Usui Reiki and Rose Reiki hinges on your personal healing needs and the energies you wish to connect with. Ultimately, it's about discovering the path that resonates with your spirit and fosters your growth and transformation. Regardless of the method you choose, remember to prioritize applying it to yourself first. Both practices hold significant value; however, your initial question should be: which energy do I resonate with the most?
Take the time to conduct in-depth research on the founders, their lineage, and current practitioners. When selecting a teacher, verify their credentials. While Usui Reiki attunements are often available online at a low cost, receiving one does not guarantee proficiency in Reiki. There are many factors to consider, and if you still have questions or need assistance in making your decision, feel free to reach out to me for guidance.
Personal Story with Usui Reiki and (Magdalene) Rose Reiki
I have received Usui Reiki Level 1 attunement in 2012 after about a few years of receiving regular energy healings from other practitioners. I fell in love with the energy and practiced regular, eventually earning certifications for all levels and becoming a master teacher of Reiki. I applied the energy regular in my healing practice and attuned many students. In 2020, I became a Magdalene Rose Priestess and shortly I was blessed with Magdalene Rose Reiki attunement by Mary Magdalene and Sisterhood of the Rose, and later I received a Rose Reiki attuneemnt by Ishtara Ammuna Rose. I never looked back at Usui Reiki for my personal practice or my clients, however, I do offer classes and attuments for all levels of Usui Reiki.
Is your heart calling to align with the energy of Mary Magdalene? Receive your attunement to support the process of energetic connection to the Divine Feminine ⤵
7 Spirals of Self-Mastery — Embark on a journey through the 7 Spirals of Self-Discovery, led by the Roses and Ascended Masters of the Divine Feminine. The 7 Spirals offer a structured approach to healing emotional wounds, overcoming past traumas, transforming challenging circumstances, and creating a life that is easier, more comfortable, abundant, and filled with purpose.
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