I was introduced to this book at about the same time as I did my Rieki 1, and found it to be exactly what I needed at that time to help clarify the amazing things that were happening to me. I went on to do my Reiki 2 and am now an apprentice master. I have lent my copy of this book to several Reiki friends who in 9 out of 10 cases have gone on to buy their own copies. The information is clear, easy to understand and of great benefit to not only those considering Reiki, or those new to Reiki, but also those who are starting to teach Reiki, it covers the whole range, and does it very well. The reason I have not given this book the full five points, is due to the overly heavy emphasis on incest, wicca & feminism, these subjects are out of place in this Essential Reiki book, there are other arenas for discussing and dealing with these subjects.