My Journey Through Reiki Training at Good Knight Castle
Why I Keep Coming Back
By Mara Linaberger
I first heard about Reiki when I was 35. A flyer for a local Reiki share caught my eye, and I eagerly showed it to my mentor, excited about this “new” discovery. Her response surprised me: “You already have that energy, you are it. You don’t need to study it or chase it.”
She was right, of course. At that age, my attention was drawn to anything that felt sparkly or magical. I was seeking externally what I already carried within.
When I Finally Said Yes
Years later, when I met Sophia West and learned she taught Reiki, the question arose again: should I take the classes? But this time, something had shifted. I’d settled into my own energy. My curiosity stemmed from a more humble place—I wondered what would be taught, and how it would fit with my current understanding.
That shift in intention made all the difference. Because I came to Reiki from a place of genuine curiosity rather than seeking validation, I found it incredibly beneficial. I gained a name for what I was naturally doing. I learned structures to have in place should I choose to practice professionally. But most importantly, I gained a community of practitioners I could rely upon when I needed help, offering my support in return when they needed it.
What I Didn’t Expect
I’ve been studying with Sophia since around 2018. I’ve completed all three levels of Usui Reiki—Level 1, Level 2, and Master. I’ve taken Karuna Reiki as well.
But what surprised me most wasn’t the certifications or the techniques. It was the experiences.
The meditations where you go to meet the energy, or the Reiki symbols you’re being connected to—what used to be called attunements and are now called placements and ignitions—these brought me images and sensations that were unexplainable outside of the class space. I’d receive messages and inspirations for things I hoped to be doing, guidance on things to let go of, and a general feeling of divine support and presence in my everyday life that I hadn’t always realized was there.
Even more striking was how much my experience connected to that of my classmates. We often shared stories of visions that were similar and overlapping. It made me think it couldn’t be just coincidence that we were seeing similar things. Rather, it made me recognize how deeply interconnected we all are.
Witnessing Transformation
I’ve had the chance to experience a classmate’s cat bringing its spirit into class on the demonstration table to be healed, and the powerful relationship its owner developed with it as a result. That cat became an integral part of her Reiki healing practice.
I’ve seen students release old pain and trauma in ways that made them look literally years younger in just a few moments’ time. And I’ve experienced it myself.
Specifically, Sophia’s Quantum technique is the most powerful strategy for releasing trauma from my body I’ve ever experienced. I’ve been able to transform trauma into deep wisdom and acceptance of myself—shifting the energetic imprint of the emotions into positive affirmations that are spreading deep understanding and mastery in all areas of my life.
I experienced that quantum process while attending one of the Quantum Retreats at the Castle, and it fundamentally changed how I move through the world.
Why Sophia’s Teaching Is Different
Sophia’s methods are rooted in Usui—mainly in structure and lineage—but what she does is pure alchemy in action. She is fully present to the particular students who show up and to the questions they ask, and then teaches according to that mastery. Quite often she channels precisely the ideas that are needed for that particular group of students.
This means no two classes are ever the same.
I know this as a fact, because I generally try to retake the various levels of Reiki with Sophia on an annual basis as a refresher in the energies. Each time, I receive exactly what I need in that moment of my journey. Each time, the attunements feel different. Each time, the group energy creates something unique.
If you’re looking for a standardized, by-the-book training that’s identical every time, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a living transmission that meets you where you are, that responds to your actual questions and struggles, that connects you with the specific wisdom you need right now—this is it.
The Sacred Geometry Addition
This February, Sophia is adding something new to the intensive: a Sacred Geometry training on Friday. I’ll be taking it for the first time myself, so I can’t speak from experience yet. But I do know that sacred geometry—the universal patterns that appear throughout nature, from spirals in seashells to the structure of crystals—is considered the language of creation itself. These patterns exist at the intersection of the physical and the divine.
I’m excited to add this dimension to my understanding of healing and each of our connection to the divine. If sacred geometry teaches us to recognize the divine blueprint running through all things, and Reiki teaches us to work with the life force energy flowing through all things, then bringing them together feels like a natural evolution.
I suspect that, like everything Sophia teaches, it will be exactly what this particular group of students needs at this particular time.
If You’re Curious About the February Intensive
The Reiki Intensive runs February 9-13, offering everything from Reiki 1 & 2 through Master level, plus the new Sacred Geometry training on Friday. Then, for those who want to go deeper, Karuna Reiki is available February 16-17. You can even purchase an All Access Pass and work through all levels – that’s why its called an INTENSIVE!
Karuna Reiki works with a different set of symbols and energies than Usui Reiki. While Usui focuses on universal life force energy, Karuna (which means “compassionate action”) specifically addresses deeper emotional and karmic patterns. It’s particularly powerful for shadow work, releasing ancestral patterns, and healing at the soul level. You must be Reiki Master level to take Karuna.
You can take portions or the full intensive, online or in-person at the Castle.
If you’ve been curious about Reiki—or if, like my younger self, you’ve been chasing something sparkly—I’d encourage you to ask yourself: Why now? What am I truly seeking?
If the answer comes from a place of humble curiosity, of wanting to understand what you already sense within yourself, then this training might be exactly what you need.
Not because Reiki will give you something you don’t have. But because it will help you recognize and work with what’s already there—and connect you with a community of others doing the same.
And if you’re wondering whether you should retake a level you’ve already completed, the answer is yes. The energy will be different this time. You will be different this time. And that’s exactly the point.
Mara Linaberger is Secretary of the Board of Directors at The Good Knight Network and a long-time student of energy healing and spiritual transformation.
