Two traditions
Angelic Reiki and Usui Reiki
Both are called Reiki and they are not the same practice. The difference is in where each tradition understands the energy to come from, and what the practitioner is doing while you rest.
Usui Reiki is the original Japanese system of Reiki, developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. It focuses on channelling universal life-force energy through the hands to support relaxation, balance and overall wellbeing.
Angelic Reiki is a more contemporary form of energy healing that combines Reiki principles with a spiritual focus on angelic guidance and higher-dimensional healing. Practitioners work with the intention of connecting to angelic energy to support emotional, energetic and spiritual healing.
Both are gentle, hands-on or distance-based energy healing practices, but Angelic Reiki has a stronger emphasis on angels, spiritual connection and intuitive guidance, while Usui Reiki is rooted in the traditional Japanese Reiki system.
Where they differ
- Origin
Usui Reiki
Developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century.
Angelic Reiki
Developed by Kevin and Christine Core in the early 2000s. Within the Angelic Reiki tradition, the system is described as having been channelled through Archangel Metatron.
- What it is
Usui Reiki
A Japanese system of energy healing centred around Reiki, often described as universal life-force energy.
Angelic Reiki
A hands-on energy healing system described within the tradition as channelling the high-frequency energy of the Angelic Kingdom of Light.
- Main focus
Usui Reiki
Focuses on relaxation, energetic balance and supporting overall wellbeing through Reiki energy.
Angelic Reiki
Combines Reiki principles with spiritual guidance associated with angels, archangels and ascended masters.
- The practitioner's role
Usui Reiki
The practitioner channels Reiki through their hands and generally follows specific hand positions or intuitive placement.
Angelic Reiki
The practitioner is viewed as a conduit rather than the director of the healing. Within the Angelic Reiki framework, the angelic realm is understood to guide the healing energy according to the recipient's needs.
- Spiritual element
Usui Reiki
Can be practised as a spiritual system or simply as an energy and relaxation practice.
Angelic Reiki
Strong emphasis on angelic consciousness, spiritual connection and higher guidance.
- Healing approach
Usui Reiki
Traditionally focuses on supporting energetic balance throughout the body and encouraging deep relaxation.
Angelic Reiki
Often described as working across the physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual levels of a person.
- Hands-on
Usui Reiki
Usually gentle touch or hands held slightly above the body.
Angelic Reiki
Usually gentle touch or hands held slightly above the body.
- Distance sessions
Usui Reiki
Yes. Distance Reiki is also practised within many Usui Reiki lineages.
Angelic Reiki
Yes. Angelic Reiki can also be offered remotely.
- What a session may feel like
Usui Reiki
Often experienced as calming, restorative and deeply relaxing, with sensations such as warmth or tingling sometimes reported.
Angelic Reiki
Often experienced as deeply relaxing, meditative and inward, with some people reporting sensations of warmth, imagery, emotion or deep stillness.
- Do you need to believe in angels?
Usui Reiki
No particular spiritual or religious belief is required.
Angelic Reiki
No. You do not need to have a particular spiritual belief. You can simply come with an openness to relax and receive the experience.
Terms such as “Angelic Kingdom of Light”, angelic energy and Archangel Metatron come from the spiritual teachings and tradition of Angelic Reiki. They describe the belief system of the modality rather than scientifically established mechanisms.
Neither tradition diagnoses anything, and neither is presented here as better than the other. This page does not claim an outcome for either. They are different traditions with different ideas about where the energy comes from and what the practitioner is doing while you rest.
What Jessie practises
Jessie trained in Angelic Reiki with Gabriela Johnson of Soul Magnolia, to Professional Practitioner level. She does not practise Usui Reiki, and sessions at Angelic Reiki NZ are Angelic Reiki.
Where this comes from
The descriptions of Angelic Reiki above are the ones the tradition publishes about itself. The sources are listed so you can read them directly.