Reiki

This is primarily a summary of Reiki from the book Psychic Empath: 5 Books in 1, published by the Spiritual Awakening Academy with some of our own comments in this font. (No copyright date or author is given in the book.) 

Introduction 

The opening words of the introduction are, “Reiki healing allows you to connect with the energies of the universe and use it in a way that encourages the body to heal itself. It can be used to treat aches and pains, overcome allergies and headaches, and even heal chronic or painful diseases. The results depend heavily on your abilities and your mindset, as it is important to be receptive to the Reiki energies for them to result. Often the emotional and physical health problems that we struggle with stem from blocked energy channels in the body.” 

A key phrase here is “Reiki energies.” And it is the nature of these “energies” that is a core concern. Also, in the introduction we read that Reiki “is actually a powerful energy that is inside all of us.” Of chief concern is the nature of these energies, and few clues are given in the Reiki section that describe or identify these energies nor what they are or where they come from. 

It is our conviction that these “energies” are demonic spirits. 

Reiki Healing 

“Reiki is a form of therapy that promotes healing and balance in life,” per the author of the book, and “The focus of Reiki is to improve or increase the flow of positive energy through the use of energy that flows from the hands of the practitioner.” 

The word Reiki originates from the Japanese word for Rei, referring to a “higher power,” “power of the universe,” “spirituality,” or “universal power,” and Ki refers to energy or life force. Reiki therefore is associated with power and energy. 51 

The origins of Reiki are unknown but are thought to be ancient. Dr. Usai, a Japanese Buddhist monk, studied Reiki and discovered its benefits and made it known to others. 

Reiki is developed through training sessions or classes in a series of attunements. The power of Reiki develops over time as it helps to clear and heal the mind, allowing a stronger flow of positive energy transferred from one place or person to another. 

There are several forms or types of Reiki. Jikiden Reiki is the most traditional and original form of Reiki practiced today. It is also known as Eastern Reiki, as it is closely related to the way it was initially used when first developed. It is known as the purest form of Reiki. It is said that the healing process is spiritual, yet it is claimed that it does not aim to change or conflict with the different beliefs of other people and is said to work regardless of a person’s religion or faith. The core of the process is channeling energy, which energy is supposedly universal and available to everyone. 

Usui Reiki is also known as Western Reiki and is said to be a spiritual healing but through physical means. This means that light or energy is “transferred or channeled through the hands from one person to the other.” It is a process, the author states, that involves the transference of universal energy. It is claimed that Usui “is used as a way to help those who have passed away to transition or move from the current physical existence to an afterlife or spiritual existence.” 

Frequently the unknown author of the piece on Reiki states something similar to this quote: “There is no conflict with other people’s faiths or beliefs” (p. 27). It is at minimum disingenuous and at worst a complete fabrication, especially as seen from a Biblical point of view. 

Karuna Reiki focuses on developing a “deep sense of love and spreading it to others through the practice. While the first two forms of Reiki focus on the physical healing process, along with the spiritual, Karuna Reiki aims to use more spiritual healing as a way to treat or improve others mentally and psychologically.” 

There are those who combine these three forms of Reiki and those who do find that Karuna Reiki is superior to the others. Its main goal is the “extension of love and care to yourself and the people around you. In doing this, the energy transfer is of a higher level and can promote healing more effectively as a result.” 

Sekehem Reiki (also known as Sichim Reiki) comes out of Egypt and is an extension of the worship of the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet. Here the energy channeled is like vibrations full of light that reject negativity and pain. Essential oils are also used with Sekehem. It is said that the benefits of Sekehem are, one, 52 

“a deeper sense of awareness and focus in life;” two, “it promotes connections with other people, and gives a strong sense of enlightenment and spirituality along with inner peace and acceptance;” and three, “provides for stronger and faster healing” (p. 31). 

Lightarian Reiki makes use of both Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki. It is said there are eight bands or levels of energy in Reiki which create a path to higher awareness and spirituality. Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki focus on the first two bands and the other six are reached via Lightarian Reiki. These bands connect a person with the Ascended Masters, or a higher sense of being. 

The book’s author states that in Lightarian Reiki one can progress through higher forms or energy that will be of benefit for clients, since one is channeling a higher form of energy faster and stronger than other forms. 

It is concluded that Usui Reiki is the most popular method practiced in North America. But then comes praise for Karuna Reiki and for those who practice that version. Those who do so “often need to report to their Spirit Guides, Angels, and their Higher Self, and then afterwards they feel their presences at times” (p. 34). 

Two points: First, we find the connection with the Akashic Records (see the following chapter on the Akashic Records,) the Lords, Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones. “Connection” is a deceptive concept, as it really is possession by demonic spirits. The Ascended Masters, Lords, Masters, Teachers, Loved Ones are all evil spirits ruled over by the master deceiver Satan. Some who practice Reiki and the Records are aware of this but feel trapped and helpless. These sad people are forced to cope with the ravages that come from demonic invasion and will have a strong repulsion for anything that is actually holy. 

Second, over the last fifty or so years, we have engaged in the casting out of demons, and this not by elaborate rituals but by simple ministry as we see in Scripture. I have three books on this subject. The most recent and shortest is The Deliverance Handbook, which describes how demons are cast out of those who want this deliverance. 

Over the years, many hundreds of people have received this common and biblical ministry, and some via Zoom. This work is necessary, because the so-called spirit guides, angels, higher selves, spirit animals, etc. are demons in disguise. How many are caught up in this unscientific, unverified charade conducted by channelers, psychic therapists, energy workers, mediums, and life coaches who employ methods like Reiki and work with Akashic Records? Their “clients” are unaware of what they are getting into and are taken advantage of by evil spirits that only bring everlasting tragedy.53 

Benefits of Reiki 

Now a listing of the so-called benefits of the various forms of Reiki that are sprinkled throughout the book, with our comments in italics. 

1. Does not require you to convert into another religion. 

It is often said in the book that Reiki is not a religion. But no Bible-faithful Christian would practice Reiki, as it is not only another religion, but it is based on occult practices. 

1. Helps you deal with past-life issues. 
2. Helps you be more mindful and in the moment. 
3. Noninvasive. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

1. Can help ease panic attacks, fatigue, and muscle pain. 
2. Heals the body on a cellular level. 
3. Helps with self–image problems. 
4. Assist in the manifestation of goals. 
5. Improves your ‘inner light’ and your ability to sense the energy around you. 
6. Can assist a dying person’s soul transcend peacefully to the afterlife. 
7. Can balance the chakras in the body. 
8. No need to convert to other religions. 
9. Promotes wholistic health and well–being. 
10. Is sage for use by pregnant women. 
11. Gives a person the ability to heal others. 

It is made plain that Reiki will not work on someone who cannot open their mind and body to the flow of energy. This, of course, opens the door for demonic possession, as all the natural safeguards against an evil spiritual world are closed down or rejected. The passive state of consciousness, the altered state of consciousness, the shamanistic state of consciousness—these are all terms for opening up the mind and body to spiritual entities, all of which are of a demonic nature. After some period of time, the Reike practitioner realizes this, but most will not back away or attempt to protect their clients. A large motivation is greed, as many channelers and mediums and Reike counselors make a great deal of money from their clients.54 

Symbols of Reiki 

There are five traditional symbols of Reiki. These were developed in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui who received the revelation of the symbols following a 21-day fast. The symbols will be drawn or displayed by the Reiki master during treatments. 

Those who advocate Reiki healing methods believe that these symbols are essential tools in the world of Reiki healing. They are considered to be the keys to open the doors to higher levels of awareness, and thus are considered holy and sacred. The symbols are said to be “guiding tools,” so students and masters can focus on the energy they hold within them. 

First is the power symbol. It is also known as cho ku rei and represents the increase and decrease of one’s power and appears as a coil. This symbol regulates the energy as it contracts and expands. This symbol is used to begin a Reiki healing session, which is said to increase the practitioner’s power. Also, it is the power symbol to get rid of negative energy. 

Second is the harmony symbol, also known as sei hi ki, and has to do with mental and emotional healing and appears as a bird’s wing dashing on the wave flowing across the ocean. This symbol is used to help people recover from traumas and for treating addictions and depression. 

Third is the distance symbol, also know as sha ze sha, and is displayed as a tower or pagoda. It has to do with sending energy across distances. This is said to help people go over their personal issues, and also to bring energy from great distances and heal at distances. 

Fourth is the master symbol, also known as dai ko myo, and represents everything about Reiki. The symbol looks like a combination of multiple symbols and shows the users who have ascended their levels to finally becoming masters. It is used to gain enlightenment, especially for those who desire to become Reiki masters. 

Fifth is the completion symbol, also known as raku, and symbolizes the intention of closure. A lightning bolt is the picture of this symbol. At this point a person is “attuned,” the process to become a Reiki healer is complete and they will see this symbol. This symbol is used to bring closure and rise with 55 

the awakened energy. This symbol can be visualized at the ending of a Reiki session. 

Reiki and the Chakras 

It is said that Reiki is chakra work. It means that Reiki masters work on the seven main energy centers they think lie along the spine in the subtle body. Beginning with the crown chakra at the head, where light energy is absorbed, this energy then travels to the core where light is absorbed through the feet. 

Chakras are not static points but are moving light wheels, and Chakra means “wheel.” The theory is that light and energy are compromised, blocked, etc., and then physical and mental and spiritual harmony are disturbed. So, the Reiki master then goes about aligning and cleansing the chakras. 

The goal is for a free flow of energy travelling up to the crown chakra. This is also referred to as Unio Mystica and is the mystical union of yin and yang. And it is only here where Reiki folks believe is the summit of synthesis, where lasting fulfillment is possible. 

The benefits of balanced chakras are said to be the following: 

1. It releases blocked emotional and physical energy. 
2. Eliminates confusion and gives one confidence and motivation. 
3. Makes one feel and look younger. 
4. Makes one feel more in touch with your intuition. 
5. Provides for stronger emotional connection with others. 
6. Helps to overcome lying in favor of telling the truth. 
7. Makes one more comfortable and self-confident. 
8. Produces a better memory. 
9. Gives more energy and motivation. 
10. Helps one connect with their subconscious mind. 
11. Helps with dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc. 
12. Helps to think more clearly and promotes creativity. 
13. Gives one mental toughness. 
14. Improves one’s overall health. 

The core idea here is this: The trouble is always negative energy, and it is everywhere. And a balancing of the chakras means a path to a more balanced life.56 

Levels of Reiki 

Reiki comes in different levels or degrees, of which it is claimed, there are three. 

The First Level is the practitioner’s initiation. Here comes the basic instruction of what Reiki is, its history, and the methods used, along with group practice sessions. This is followed by the attunement, which must take place before moving to the second level. This state is done through the working of the Reiki master. 

Here now is the possession of the practitioner by demonic spirits, commonly known as demons. It is a spiritual experience and will not usually seem dark and dangerous by the practitioner, but it will rather be a startling and powerful experience that captivates. It is all about power, the fundamental draw of the demonic and occult world. Even the power to heal and comfort is central. This ‘otherness’ makes it all appear beneficial and good. 

The Second Level is where first level Reiki people practice on others, all the while making use of the symbols and gradually “expanding or opening more energy channels” (p. 60). 

In this level the Reiki masters provide those attuned with the symbols for power harmony, and distance. 

It is thought that some Reiki masters combine levels one and two. 

Channeling is a key component of Reiki. In the second level is where prospective masters learn various techniques to channel energy. It is really all about how to open a person to invasion by evil spirits. 

The Third Degree, otherwise known as Inner Master or Master Attunement, represents a student’s mastery and who becomes then a teacher of Reiki as well as a practitioner, and therefore acquires the means to attune others and can then open up energy channels on a much deeper level. And at this point, “you can even put up your own practice and become a practitioner like the other Reiki masters across the globe” (p. 61). 

Reike Healing Hand Positions 

How does Reiki lower stress and help the body heal? Largely it has to do with the power of the energetic vibrations in the Reiki practitioner’s hands. “These vibrations are then passed from the practitioner to the client to induce healing.” (p. 64-65) It is also true that yoga, acupuncture, qugong, and shiatsu, to name a few, do much the same. The focus of Reiki is to restore the biofield’s or unified field’s balance like those practices named above. Some say that Reiki is more similar to meditation than these other energy therapies. 

The base concept is that we humans have types of energy that run through us and around us. These can get out of balance or blocked, and Reiki, along with other processes, like those named above, are said to restore and correct these 57 

energy flows and balances. 

Reiki practice is very passive. The master’s hand does not even move for most of the period of treatment. The hands are held steady on or over and above a chakra or place of pain, and then energy flows are corrected—this is the working concept. 

The practitioner is mostly meditating as is the patient while forces work on the vibrations and energy flows. The patient, prior to this, is taught how to move into a passive state of mind and depend on unseen forces to bring about the desired result. 

Again, we call attention to the passive, altered, or shamanistic state of mind, which is what is really going on in Reiki as well as a number of other wholistic healing practices. There is no Biblical precedent for this. Christianity does not speak of mindlessness or mindfulness, but rather a simple prayer for healing and nothing more. Some will “lay hands on” but this is no transfer of power nor is it magical in any way. It is simply a time-honored way of praying. 

What is involved in a Reiki Session? 

At the outset, the “recipient” is lying down or upright in a comfortable chair. The practitioner’s hands are placed in multiple locations like the head, back, and belly, and never on any private parts. Injured areas are concentrated on. 

It is said to be a realignment of energy, unblocking flows of energy, which are thought to bring healing. 

The experience of the patient varies. Sometimes there is little to be felt, other times there is a warmness, or coolness, sometimes a pulsating effect supposedly caused by energy flows. The patient’s role is to relax and trust in the practitioner’s skills. 

The Reiki session is meant to infuse the patient with love. It is said that Reiki opens one up to the power of the universe’s unconditional love. A person is said to sense a connection to everyone and everything around them. 

It is also said that “Reiki chooses you” (p. 7). No one then consciously decides to become a Reiki healer, they are called to this by a higher power. And there are a whole host of blessings that then come to this chosen person. 

Reiki and Meditation 

Meditation is a major part of Reiki and there are two basic forms of it. One is to clear the mind of all thoughts, and the second is to focus on a specific question, concern, or situation. “With Reiki meditation, the focus is on Reiki energy rather than any other subject. During a Reiki meditation, you focus on the universal energy as it is within you, around you, and within everything around you. You want to feel connected to that energy to create a feeling of tranquility, 58 

connection, and peace” (p. 80). 

Reiki meditation also works with “affirmations,” said to be “a positive sentence that will affect your conscious and subconscious mind” (p. 93). These are to be repeated continuously and visualized so that the affirmation will become reality. Reiki meditation is also used to “heal the auric field,” which “surrounds human energetic bodies” or “energy field” and must be in sync with chakras, as well as mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. “When all the chakras and energy bodies are in harmony and are working well together you will be full of vitality and have a sense of wellness” (p. 83). 

Reiki depends upon feelings and a highly subjective and complex set of internal circumstances. There is absolutely no scientific validation for the existence of energy fields, either large ones or small ones, plus the mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. Both the Reiki practitioner and the patient must commit to a very strange and esoteric formula, and this necessity will result in demonization. It is the devil’s playground. 

Meditation to heal the karmic past 

This is intended to heal deep emotional wounds and other family patterns of dysfunction. It is intended to continue for at least two weeks. 

It begins with lying down, then bringing attention to your breathing and offer thanks to Reiki for your healing. Then ask Reiki and Universal life-force energy to guide you on your healing path. Then ask for guidance and assistance from your spirit guides and any other Masters of healing in the Universe. Close your eyes and relax, inhale and exhale. Then use your third eye to feel that Reiki energy beaming through your crown and filling your whole body. . .and it goes on and at the end the instruction is to “release the meditation and give gratitude to Reiki with a gassho” (p. 101). 

Notice the phrase “your spirit guides.” Of course, those committed to Reiki would not understand that these entities are actually demonic spirits. People committed to Reiki and other forms of occultic practices will most often state they have a spirit guide and also a spirit animal living inside of them. So at least two spirits indwell them, often more, and these are merely evil spirits. I know this, because over the decades I and many others have cast these out of people. This is well known by those who have been involved in deliverance ministry. 

Where does the Reiki energy originate? 

It comes from the Higher Power, which is found on a dimension, which is higher than the physical world that people have come to know. However, the real source of the Reiki energy is within oneself. “The energy comes from a transcendental part of oneself, which is linked to an inexhaustible healing energy 59 

supply” (p. 102). 

It is heart breaking to read this sort of deception. We live in an era of an explosion of systems and practices like Reiki, and also an era when Christianity is on a major decline. The vacuum here is being filled in with practices, however spiritual, exciting, and helpful they may seem to be, but which lead to invasion by evil spirits and also result in a separation from reality, thus opening oneself up to mental illness. 

Is the Reiki system a type of religion? 

The book’s author(s) answer “No.” Though it is spiritual, it is not considered a religion, and to practice Reiki, one does not need to change religion. 

Perhaps some would buy this, but a Christian guided by the Scripture would not. A staunch atheist would not either. Some religious forms would accept this, however, two of these being Hinduism and Buddhism. My experience is that Buddhism is often the launching pad for practices like Reiki. 

It is interesting to find Reiki adherents say their practice is not a religion. Of course, it is; in fact, it is an all-consuming religious practice. The claim that it is not a religion and that anyone can be involved in it and not lose whatever faith they have is a false and dangerous idea. 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia on December 21, 2021 

(This article is about the Japanese pseudoscientific healing practice.) 

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, which is a subset of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. 

Reiki is a pseudoscience and is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. It is based on qi (“chi”), which practitioners say is a universal life force, although there is no empirical evidence that such a life force exists. 

Clinical research does not show reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, or anxiety and depression; therefore it should not replace conventional medical treatment. There is no proof of the effectiveness of reiki therapy compared to placebo. Studies reporting positive effects have had methodological flaws. 60 

Scholarly evaluation 

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. 

In criticizing the State University of New York for offering a continuing education course on reiki, one source stated, “reiki postulates the existence of a universal energy unknown to science and thus far undetectable surrounding the human body, which practitioners can learn to manipulate using their hands,” and others said, “In spite of its [reiki] diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated …” and, “Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing.” Several authors have pointed to the vitalistic energy which reiki is claimed to treat, with one saying, “Ironically, the only thing that distinguishes reiki from therapeutic touch is that it [reiki] involves actual touch,” and others stating that the International Center for Reiki Training “mimic[s] the institutional aspects of science” seeking legitimacy but holds no more promise than an alchemy society. 

A guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation states, “Reiki therapy should probably not be considered for the treatment of PDN [painful diabetic neuropathy].” Canadian sociologist Susan J. Palmer has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members. 

Evidence quality 

A 2008 systematic review of nine randomized clinical trials found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki. Depending on the tools used to measure depression and anxiety, the results varied and were not reliable or valid. Furthermore, the scientific community has been unable to replicate the findings of studies that support reiki. The review also found issues in reporting methodology in some of the literature, in that often there were parts omitted completely or not clearly described. Frequently in these studies, sample sizes were not calculated, and adequate allocation and double-blind procedures were not followed. The review also reported that such studies exaggerated the effectiveness of treatment and there was no control for differences in experience of reiki practitioners or even the same practitioner at times produced different outcomes. None of the studies in the review provided a rationale for the treatment duration and no study reported adverse effects. 61 

Safety 

Safety concerns for reiki sessions are very low and are akin to those of many complementary and alternative medicine practices. Some physicians and health care providers, however, believe that patients may unadvisedly substitute proven treatments for life-threatening conditions with unproven alternative modalities including reiki, thus endangering their health. 

Obviously and unfortunately, this article does not identify demonic possession as a safety concern. 

Training, certification, and adoption 

There is no central authority controlling use of the words “reiki” or “reiki master.” Certificates can be purchased online for under $100. It is “not uncommon” for a course to offer attainment of reiki master in two weekends. There is no regulation of practitioners of reiki in the United States. 

Twenty-nine

On Being a Counselor

“Kent, remember what I told you about my mother.

You’ve got to promise me that you will never tell

another living soul. I’ll just die if you do.”

“I assure you, I will never mention it to anyone,

not even my wife.”

(One month later.)

“Kent, now my husband knows. You must have told

him because no one else knew. How could you? I’ll

never trust you again.”

         

My college major was psychology. I left a graduate

program in counseling to attend Golden Gate

Baptist Theological Seminary. It seemed natural

enough to combine pastoral ministry and counseling;

I perceived of myself as a pastor/counselor.

Following my involvement in the “Jesus

Movement” I developed a counseling ministry, in the

70’s particularly, called the Marin Christian Counseling

Center. Christian counseling was a subject of great

interest during that particular time and, of course, it

continues to be. As a pastor with counseling skills I

thought I would be able to help people overcome

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For Pastors

emotional and spiritual based problems. For ten years

I spent four days a week with as many as six, seven,

sometimes eight appointments a day. All kinds of

people made appointments—people in the church,

people outside the church, Christians, and non-

Christians. I never charged a penny.

People would reveal their innermost secrets, deep

dark stuff, sometimes details of their lives they really

hadn’t intended to divulge; it would just come out. Too

often I would know way too much.

During the counseling process itself revelations of

past events did not seem to pose any threat. However,

I now had information that might prove damaging

should it get out. Even the closest relationships are

subject to strain, and sensitive, personal information

disclosed in a counseling situation may be problematic

once the strength of the counseling bond diminishes.

This is especially applicable for pastors who do indepth

(more than simple pastoral ministry) counseling

with members of the congregation.

I have discovered that when people go through a

life crisis and disclose intimate details of their lives,

though it seems okay at the time, when the crisis is

past, they may be embarrassed and uncomfortable in

the pastor’s presence. It may even be necessary for the

person to find another church. This has happened to

me more than once. Therefore, I have determined not

to be a counselor or confessor if I can avoid it.

People will confess their sins and if such repentance

arises naturally out of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, well

and good. But to set oneself up as a qualified counselor,

one ready to hear and handle the deep, dark,

complicated things—I think this is a mistake for the

pastor.

137

On Being a Councelor

We are called into the pastoral ministry not into

the work of the psychotherapist, analyst, or counselor.

When, however, someone lays a problem before me

and asks for advice or counsel I respond, “I am not a

counselor, I am not a therapist, and I receive no

compensation for counseling.” (I ought also to disclose

that I have neither a license nor malpractice insurance.)

It is not unusual for a person who is not a member

of my congregation to offer to pay me for my time. My

answer is: “There is no charge. If you want to make a

donation to the church, you can.” And I will only say

that if absolutely pressed. I prefer that no money

change hand at all.

Pastoral ministry is what I will do, however. I can

tell a person what the Scripture says about a particular

issue, I can pray with and for somebody, I can relate

some of the things I have learned in my life and

ministry, but beyond that I hope not to go. I will listen

carefully, I will actively share what I feel is helpful,

and I may be able to recommend someone who would

be better qualified and trained than myself.

And so it is that I don’t want to know too much

about an individual. I want to be the pastor/teacher. I

do not want to be the counselor. Pastoral psychology

and counseling are taught in our seminaries and Bible

colleges and I am not saying that is an error or wrong.

I’m saying simply that as a pastor I would rather not

engage in it.

As I have already stated, I get to know more than I

ever wanted to know acting as a counselor, but

secondly, it is an extraordinarily time-consuming

process. Not only does counseling require large blocks

of time, it is emotionally draining as well. To hear of

the pain, suffering, and grief of others is a difficult thing.

What is it that is said, “Psychiatrists have the highest

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For Pastors

suicide rate of any profession.” Whether this is true or

not I don’t know, but I know there is an incredibly

high attrition rate for people who engage in

psychotherapeutic work.

The job of the pastoral minister is to preach the

gospel and help those who are converted to grow up

into the stature of the fullness of Jesus. And people

are to work out their own salvation with fear and

trembling. I don’t want to have a person develop a

relationship with me that they really need to have with

Jesus. I would rather have them view Jesus as their

counselor. Jesus is the Counselor, the Advocate, the

Paraclete, the One who comes alongside to help. I

would rather see an individual develop a strong

devotional life and learn to trust the Lord to be their

counselor. I am then free to be the pastor/teacher.

         

  Do you want to function as a counselor?

  Do you perceive a difference between pastoral

counsel and the counsel of a licensed therapist?

  Have you experienced the betrayal of confidence?

 Crystal Healing

The focus of this chapter is on a book by Alana Fairchild titled, Crystal Masters 333: Initiation with the divine power of heaven & earth, Blue Angel Publishing, 2014, and by going to her website, www.alanafairchild.com, it will be plain that she is fully qualified to present crystal healing. She is, however, different from many of those who identify healing with crystals. She connects with crystals via ascended masters. More on this later. 

On the back cover of Alana’s book is the following:

YOU HAVE WISE SPIRITUAL GUIDES FROM THE

MYSTICAL WORLD OF CRYSTALS AND ASCENDED MASTERS.

THEY ARE READY TO HELP YOU ON YOUR

PATH OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH NOW.

Notice the phrase “Spiritual guides” above. Notice also the phrase “Ascended Masters.” These are very real entities, but they are demonic spirits who are under the authority and control of the prince of demons, Satan. Alana is bowing down to the “god of this world” who has blinded the minds of those who submit to these guides and masters (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

On the inside cover of Alana’s book is the following:

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

FROM THE CRYSTAL MASTERS

We, your guiding Ascended Masters, love you without condition

We help you remember and fulfill your divine life mission

We remind you to let go of your doubt and trust yourself completely

We help you remember that you, just like us, are divinity

By use of crystals one can be in touch with divine spiritual entities, and the 128 

reader must ask, what is the nature of these entities? Are they divine, angel like, highly evolved spirits, or something else? Our testimony is that they are demonic spirits pretending to be something divine and desirable. 

And how does it all work, you must ask? Supposedly, it is quite simple. All it takes is obtaining a crystal, trusting in the spiritual power flowing from it, placing it just so, and using your psychic intuition, along with meditation and mindfulness—you are now opened to receive spiritual beings, ascended masters, which are in reality evil spirits. 

We reach to you from within your own heart 

We are always with you, never apart 

We guide you to heal yourself and in doing so, the earth 

You are a sacred mid-wife, helping her rebirth 

Yes indeed, within you now, even at the core, one’s heart. And they will never leave you either. Sounds good? The only way they will leave is if someone who is a follower of Jesus, in the name and power of Jesus Christ, casts the demonic spirits out. 

We speak to you through signs, through intuition and dreams 

We call you to trust in what you feel, all is not as it seems 

We ask you to trust in the divine plan that is at play 

Surrender into it now, let the divine have its way 

The weird cacophony of the demons inside one’s body and brain distorts reality, but one is to trust in the divine plan. It can be said that demons are divine in that they are not human or animal or anything else that is tangible. Demons intend to crush and pervert human beings, since we are made in the image of God. 

It is your job to be all that you can possibly be 

To live, to feel all that you feel, to know you are free 

Choose love over fear, we’ll help you if you ask 

We are always supporting you in your divine life task 

Sounds good? Makes sense? It does, but only if one has a relationship with the Lord Jesus, but such is not the case. Instead, it is a relationship with one or more demons. (However many there may be in a person, there is usually one head demon, the first one to enter into a person who had opened up to the demonic kingdom.)129 

Over the course of four decades now, we have helped those who have unwittingly involved themselves in occultic/psychic processes and who have sought out deliverance from them. Very often, it is communicated to the one indwelt by demons that they will never leave and that no one can make them leave. This is a profound lie. We have found that, if a person begins to seek help, the demonic attacks pick up steam, since the demons know their time is now limited, and they want to derail the deliverance process. 

Fairchild writes that, to become an ascended master means to agree to be an initiate, and when that happens, one is no longer subject to “the karmic law of rebirth” (p. 11). So, rebirths no longer go on; rather, one exists in a spiritual dynamic able to help others become in tune with psychic therapies, among which are crystal healings. And one of the skills necessary to cultivate is being able to move into and out of altered states of consciousness. She says, “I had been doing it in my spiritual channelling and healing work” and the “healing” part was the use of crystals (p. 12). 

The “channelling” above was something Alana would do for hours at a time while she was writing her book. So, the material in it really comes to Alana via ascended masters. She writes, “It is channelling that has created most of this book, and so obviously I hold it in high esteem” (p. 16). 

Her experience is that not all who channel are in touch with true and mature ascended masters. To assure that she connects with only the purest, she prays, “I call upon the true Ascended Master who loves me unconditionally” (p. 16). 

Crystals and their cleansing 

“How do I work with the crystals?” is a short piece that is most relevant to what we hope to present in this chapter. The whole of it is that crystals have energy in them, and sometimes they need to be cleansed. She writes, “You can cleanse all crystals by visualizing a vibrant violet light, flecked with white” (p. 18). The cleansing removes that which is not pure in the crystal. That which is cleansed is negative energy. And one should not expose a crystal to water or sunlight. 

While cleansing a crystal one can say, “I call upon the beings of unconditional love who can assist with cleansing my crystal and transmuting negative energy into unconditional love. Through my own free will, so be it” (p. 18). 

Crystal Angels 

Every crystal has its own angel, Alana states, and may be called a nature spirit, an oversoul, or deva. “These crystal angels are the spirit, consciousness, wisdom and vibration of the entire crystal ‘species’” (p. 19). And these beings are called upon to perform healings. 

So then, when holding a crystal, one works with the energy of that 130 

particular crystal, its angel. And the practitioner calls upon the crystal angel for the healing. And it need not be that the actual crystal be present, since the angel of the crystal will be present. Alana writes, “Through connecting with the angel we can call on the healing energy of the crystal anyway” (p. 19). 

Energy healing is a term that describes working with crystals, it is all about energy, and the vibrations and energy of crystals can be the healing agent. This is the core of working with crystals, and each crystal has different energy. 

This is not dissimilar to Reiki, as it also has to do with moving energy and vibrations around, or releasing energy, or unblocking energy. 

The Crystals 

From page 23 to page 339, Alana describes one crystal after the other, 18 of them. Each section looks like these examples: 

ASCENDED MASTER LAO TZU (Eastern Wisdom) 

ZINCITE (power) 

INITIATION INTO BALANCE 

And 

BUDDHA (Compassion) 

PERIDOT (Increase) 

INITIATION OF THE BODHISATTRVA VOW 

And 

ASCENDED MASTER MOHER MARY (Protection) 

CELESTITE (Serenity) 

INITIATION OF TRUST 

The first line states the name of the personage—each one is identified with a figure in history or fantasy. The second line states the name of the crystal, here Zincite, Peridot, and Celestite. And the third line has to do with the need or act. 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia, July 4, 2022 

Crystal healing is a pseudoscientific alternative-medicine practice that uses semiprecious stones and crystals such as quartz, agate, amethyst or opal. Adherents of the practice claim that these have healing powers, but there is no scientific basis for this claim. Practitioners of crystal healing believe they can 131 

boost low energy, prevent bad energy, release blocked energy, and transform a body’s aura. 

In one method, the practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras; or else the practitioner places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy. Scientific investigations have found no evidence that such “energy grids” actually exist, and there is no evidence that crystal healing has any greater effect upon the body than any other placebo. 

Where the practice is popular, it fosters commercial demand for crystals, which can result in environmental damage and exploitative child labor to mine the crystals. 

Origins 

In Plato’s account of Atlantis, crystal healing is also mentioned. According to Plato, the Atlanteans used crystals to read minds and transmit thoughts. The first historical documentation of crystals originated from the Ancient Sumerians (c. 4500 to c. 2000 BC). The Sumerians used crystals in their magical formulas. 

Writings dating back as far as 400 BC make observations about the powers different crystals were believed to emit. Often if a negative incident occurred, a specific stone would be used in an attempt to counteract the negative effect. This was done by wearing amulets or other talismans around the neck with specific stones. 

The origins of crystal healing is tied to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, India, Ancient Greece, or Ancient Rome. 

Ancient Egyptians mined for crystals and used them to make jewelry. Crystals or gemstones were also used in practice, for their metaphysical properties. Specifically, they used crystals as aids for health and protection. They often would bury a lapis lazuli scarab with their deceased, with the belief that it would protect them in the afterlife. Additionally, in Ancient Egypt amulets were used to ensure the well-being of the individual. The amulet’s shape, decoration, inscription, color, material, or ritual performed with the amulet dictated its power. Amulets were worn or placed on the body, in the form of stones, piercings, rings, necklaces, or other jewelry. The Egyptians used amulets to benefit their afterlife, often representing an Egyptian deity and their specific powers. Amulets were also placed on mummies or in between the mummy’s bandages, with funerary pieces usually being larger than those worn by the living. In funeral practices they also used headrest amulets, these were full-size headrests placed in tombs to protect the dead, they also symbolized the deceased rising and being revived, and the sun rising between two hills, which 132 

symbolized resurrection and rebirth. 

The Ancient Greeks assigned a multitude of properties to crystals. The word ‘crystal’ is derived from the Greek word “krýstallos” which translates to “ice”. The Ancient Greeks believed that clear quartz crystals were a water that had frozen to the point where it would remain in its solid form. The word “amethyst” in Ancient Greek language means “not intoxicate.” Amethyst was worn as an amulet that they believed would aid hangovers or prevent intoxication. 

Precious stones have been thought of as objects that can aid in healing— in a practice known as lapidary medicine—by a variety of cultures. The Hopi Native Americans of Arizona use quartz crystals to assist in diagnosing illnesses. Both Pliny the Elder and Galen claimed that certain crystals had medicinal properties. In Europe, the belief in the healing powers of crystals (and in particular crystal amulets) persisted into the Middle Ages. The alleged medicinal properties of precious stones, as well as other powers they were believed to hold, were collected in texts known as lapidaries, which remained popular in Medieval and Early Modern Europe until the 17th century. 

Across cultures, different stones can symbolize or provide aide for different things. An example of this is rose quartz. In Egypt, it was believed rose quartz could prevent aging, but the Romans used rose quartz as a seal to signify ownership, while in the Middle Ages it was used in healing potions, today rose quartz is known as the “love stone” and is used to balance emotions and heal anger and disappointment. 

Introduction to the New Age movement 

New Age crystal healing ties to three cultures, British, Indian, and Native American. British culture has a Pagan history which has inspired many people who practice modern-day witchcraft. Indian culture uses crystal healing as a form of holistic healing and is written in the holy texts of Indian culture. 

New-age healing in the Western world has ties to the British, and more specifically paganism. While many people may not want to practice animal sacrifice, modern practices have simplified many ancient rituals and practices, making them more available and attractive to those in Western society. Western astrology is also used with crystals, and ties into modern paganism. Practitioners believe certain stones align with and share properties with certain planets. Using astrological birth charts someone may also use types of stones that are compatible with their star signs. 

In the Vedic texts of Hinduism, specifically the Garuda Purana and Graha-gocara, there is a lot of information about the importance of crystals in Indian culture. In these texts Hindu Demigods trick the Vedic demon Valla into attending a pretend sacrifice ritual and after allowing himself to be tied to a stake, Valla learns the demigods are not pretending and the Demigods 133 

dismember Valla, whose body parts turn into gem seeds which contain talismanic powers, made more powerful the purer the gem. Vedic crystal practices is still alive in modern India and are used by both the older and younger generations. 

Tibetan refugees practicing Buddhism used crystals in meditation as malas, or prayer beads and many other people in Indian culture still use crystal healing when modern medicine does not work or is unattainable. 

Native American culture and crystal healing have been passed down through generations through word of mouth, due to this many traditions and secrets have been lost due to the extinction of many indigenous languages. In native cultures there are two important principals when it comes to crystal healing, meditation, and respect. Meditation varies from person to person but usually includes good thoughts and a healthy mindset when handling crystals. In Native American culture crystals are considered an entity and you must show respect to the stones, you can also show respect to the crystals through respect of the Earth. In native traditions they can use the crystals by wearing them to benefit from healing vibrations, either one at a time or several but the stones should never touch, or tinctures can be made with the stone and water and then administered internally. 

Contemporary use 

New Age 

In the English-speaking world, crystal healing is heavily associated with the New Age spiritual movement: “the middle-class New Age healing activity par excellence”. In contrast with other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), participants in crystal healing view the practice as “individuated”, that is dependent on extreme personalization and creative expression. Practitioners of crystal healing purport that certain physical properties such as shape, color, and markings, determine the ailments that a stone can heal; lists of such links are published in commonly distributed texts. Paradoxically, practitioners also “hold the view that crystals have no intrinsic qualities but that, instead, their quality changes according to both participants. After selecting the stones by color or their believed metaphysical qualities, they place them on parts of the body. Color selection and placement of stones are done according to concepts of grounding, chakras, or energy grids. 

Crystal healing today is often featured in jewelry and is used side by side with yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. Often people turn to crystal healing when they become dissatisfied with modern medicine and people are looking to revive cultural traditions from older generations. Today the use of crystal healing is typically used by middle and upper-class individuals because they have the time and resources to seek out this type of alternative medicine. More affluent people are also able to afford better quality crystals. 

Twenty-eight

What Title to Use

“How shall we refer to you on the wedding

announcement?”

“I like ‘Most Holy Reverend Doctor’. It has a ring

to it don’t you think?”

         

Just what or who are we? The usual titles are

“reverend,” “minister,” or “pastor,” and some like

to use “Doctor” if they have an earned doctorate.

Though I have an earned doctorate, a DMin., (not an

academic, but practical degree) I do not use it. It sounds

pretentious. I reserve “Doctor” for medical doctors,

dentists, and other medical specialists. But I will use

the term, also, for university, college, or seminary

professors if they have an earned Ph.D. or Th.D., but

that is about it. I restrict my use of the title because I

noticed that I was too pleased with being called “Dr.

Philpott”.

One day I introduced myself as Doctor Philpott to

a small group that included a rather well known medical

doctor. The M.D. gave his name, Doctor so-and-so. It

embarrassed me. He intended, I felt, to embarrass me.

He knew my doctorate had something to do with

133

What Title to Use

theology, and he could, I think, sense the kind of selfimportant

way in which I announced myself. That was

the last time I pulled that. I do not use the title in the

Yellow Pages of the telephone book, and I do not use

the term on my stationary or my business card. I have

no quarrel with others who do use it, however.

“Pastor” is the designation I use. I do not like the

title “reverend” maybe because I do not feel very

reverent most of the time. And I do not know what

“reverend” means exactly except that it is a ministerial

designation. The term “minister” is appropriate. When

I sign a wedding document (at least the ceremonial

certificate) I declare that I am a “Minister of the

Gospel.”

Essentially my function is to pastor a church, so

that is the title I use. When I meet people for the first

time they often don’t know how to address me. I will

generally extend my hand and say, “My name is Kent

Philpott” thereby letting them know how I prefer to

be called. If people ask “How am I to introduce you?”

or “How am I to list you on the program?” I will say,

“After my name should read, ‘pastor.’” And if they

want more than that I say, “Pastor of Miller Avenue

Baptist Church.” But generally, upon introduction, I

give my full name without title.

The question comes up, “How are kids to refer to

you?” I may not have the right spin on this, but I just

introduce myself to them as “Kent”. If a parent wants

to say, “This is Pastor Philpott”, or “Pastor Kent”, or

“Reverend Philpott” I let it go at that. However parents

wants to instruct their child to refer to me I will accept.

I will not correct a child but will let them call me

anything they want to.

Robes, clerical robes—though not the subject of

this chapter, I do not want to come up with a separate

134

For Pastors

chapter about robes—deserve some comment. I have

worn robes yet never felt comfortable with them. One

Sunday morning I tripped on the stole on my way up

to the pulpit and thereby generated a chorus of giggles.

I would not mention this topic except that I have met

too many ministers who take what I consider to be too

great a delight in dressing up in robes and other

religious garments. Robes were developed in an era

when the office of minister was undergoing a transition

from servant to shaman, or servant to magician. Special

garments symbolized extra ordinary powers. That is

one theory anyway, and another is that robes help set

the ministry apart or call attention to the specialness

of Christian ministry. I have little objection to this latter

view, but clothes should not be what makes the

ministry special.

If a particular denomination or church traditionally

uses robes, fine, ignore what I have said here all the

while keeping in mind our tendency to think of

ourselves more highly than we ought.

         

  What title do you prefer?

  What does the old term, “puffed up” mean to you?