New Reiki Master Joins South Windsor Salon

Cassie Karzar can recount the time when she first interacted with the energy that makes up the universe. At the time, she was still learning the technique of Reiki.

“I was in the middle of work [as a hostess at Mill on the River at the time],” she said. “I was standing at the hostess station, and all of a sudden I felt energy. I tapped on someone’s shoulder and I felt my energy and their energy. It was kind of weird but I’ve gotten used to it now.”

Karzar, 20, is now a Reiki master after taking classes at Bountiful Blessings in Wethersfield, with instructor Jo Homar. She began classes in October of 2015, and completed the courses in February of this year. Reiki, Japanese for “universal life energy,” is a method of healing through touch. It takes energy from the universe, and channels the natural healing process, restoring well-being physically and emotionally.

“Reiki gets rid of all negative energy and can clear blockages,” Karzar said. “If someone is having arm issues, it can be due to what is happening in the chest. When [the blockage is cleared], everything relaxes.”

To become a Reiki master, three core classes must be completed. The first two classes cover the basics and required information, while the third delves into performing the technique itself. Karzar also takes Shaman classes, which revolve around meditation and spirits.

Though learning Reiki is not a lengthy endeavor, it is not something that can be rushed.

“It’s not like it’s a long process, but you do need to take breaks for a certain time period [30 days between classes] for it to all settle in,” Karzar said.

Though Karzar wants to take things a step further. She will be traveling to Japan in the fall, Reiki’s place of origin. She hopes to enhance her knowledge on the original form of Reiki, in addition to visiting temples and furthering her involvement in Shamanism. Shamanism is a religion that comprises communicating with spirits. Karzar hopes to connect Shamanism to her mastery in Reiki.

“As much as I like Reiki, I would like to go on to the more Shamanic side of it,” said Karzar. [Shamanism] is more soul work, with meditating and soul-retrieval.”

Karzar has recently begun training in a volunteer program at Hartford Hospital as a practitioner of Reiki. When Karzar’s training is completed she will be able to help in the cancer center. While going through chemotherapy, cancer patients can simultaneously be treated with Reiki.

Karzar was also able to make personal connections in the program’s orientation classes. There, she met her friend Sam Collins, a practitioner of another remedy technique called craniosacral therapy. Craniosacral therapy acts as alternate medicine that relieves pain via gentle manipulation of the skull, in order to employ natural rhythm to the central nervous system. Karzar and Collins have practiced their respective techniques on one another to gain experience.

“My friends and family have all volunteered to let me practice on them, so I’ve had a lot of time to work on people since becoming a Reiki master,” said Karzar.

Reiki involves spiritual balance, and is a practice that can bring people together; those who practice it, and those who are healed from it.

“Reiki isn’t religious, but it is definitely spiritual,” said Karzar. “You develop a bond with the people you learn it from, and if you take classes with others, you bond with them too. You feel more connected to people.”

Karzar has recently joined Insparations salon in South Windsor, where she will be offering 30 minute, 45 minute, and one hour sessions of Reiki. You can schedule an appointment by contacting the salon at (860) 644-7331.

Story and photo by Vincent Gallo (Special to Patch)