SUPERIOR – On March 8, New Age beliefs and spiritual healing will come to Mineral County as classes in Reiki begin to be offered in Superior.

Robin Dent has begun to hold Hummingbird Usui Reiki Attunement classes out of her cabin in Superior. She will hold classes for all three levels of attunement. This form of Reiki incorporates laying on hands, aspects of shamanism and quantum to heal as well as provide positive energy in a person’s life.

“It’s a modality of health care where people can engage in their own health and self healing,” said Dent.

Usui Reiki uses a universal life force, which is what connects everything in the universe from humanity to the spiritual power of the Earth itself. This is also known as Chi energy. Dent described the use of Reiki as god-like with the aspect of laying on hands. Laying on hands is a way to transfer energy by touching the other person or passing a hand over the area.

The classes help guide people to attune with this spiritual energy and allow them to harness it.

She has also incorporated a shamanic ceremony to her teaching, which allows a person to connect with the natural world around them. She said a hiker could connect with the trees around them to get a new sense of enlightenment and appreciation of nature.

The awakening ceremony opens with Dent activating the chakras throughout the body. Chakras are points on the metaphysical body where life force energy enters. They are typically marked by symbols on charts. Dent names the symbols then draws them on the person’s hands and body before closing their aura. She also gives an initial quantum prayer to bless the student with their awakening and the connection to the world.

Dent described the first level of attunement as a very joyful experience.

“The first level is all about God’s joy,” said Dent.

After the awakening, students are given a certificate to commemorate the occasion. Dent also gives students a list of different chakras, prayers and symbols they can use.

For people without much money, Dent is willing to make special arrangements for compensation in lieu of payment for the first level of the class. She said in the past she has had a person make deviled eggs or cookies to bring to the group when they were unable to handle the financial cost.

While her own system puts the Holy Spirit as the source of the energy, Dent said she could accommodate any theology. She said a Buddhist would have no reference in their beliefs for God, so she removes those references and replaced them with religiously neutral terms. She uses the same policy for atheists and agnostics.

Dent became involved in Reiki when she was 14. She said a doctor at Western Montana Clinic referred Reiki to her as a way to manage her chronic pain. After 13 years, she reached the master level where she could pass the attunement on to others.

Dent’s cabin is located near Flat Creek. She also has a location in Missoula where classes are held.

More information about the classes, or arranging appointments, can be found by calling Dent at 549-8901 or by email at robinkurt@bresnan.net.