What exactly does the title of Reiki Master mean? There is no one definition, as the title has come to include those trained to various levels and traditions of Reiki. This level was originally called ‘Mystery’ training, and was changed to Master later.
There are no real Masters of Reiki, or Universal Life Force Energy.  For me, the title suggests that the student is committed to their own personal growth and to living a life in alignment with Reiki and the Reiki Principles. It is not about being perfect or enlightened but rather the allowing of Reiki energy and Spirit or Source energy to work through us for the highest good. We do not master the energy, but perhaps strive to gain mastery over ourselves through service and conscious practice.

There is only one Level 3 attunement, so in fact they almost could be considered the same level. There is certainly an overlap if you take the two trainings separately, but the Reiki Master Teacher element is to prepare Reiki Masters to be able to pass on Reiki to others vis the attunement process and become a teacher. Not all Level 3 students will require this, but some will be drawn to teaching others.  

There are always suggested timeframes that differ from teacher to teacher. I would advise a good amount of time be spent using Reiki energy on oneself and others before even thinking about Level 3. Some Reiki Masters require 2 years, and some do not object to students doing all levels in quick succession. I wish for all my students to feel confident and know what they are doing, and to able to demonstrate a high level of competency and professionalism so that they are offering the best service to others, with the fullest respect for Reiki and the lineage that has been passed down to you.  At the moment, I suggest one year minimum since your Level 2 certificate.
Some do not want to teach, but feel Level 3 is the next step on their spiritual development pathway. Some practice Reiki for a good while and then later feel called to teach others. To teach it well you will need to have been immersed in it for some time as a personal practice. Reiki Master Teacher is not necessarily ‘a higher qualification’ than Level 3 Practitioner, it is more a question of your aptitude, calling, desire and life plan. There is always a period of integration after every Reiki attunement, and Level 3 is no different. Some people do not even realise I offer Level 3 training, because it is rarely advertised. This is because I prefer to have those who feel ready and want to commit to a deeper level of service come forward. The right people ask when the time is right.
After your Reiki Master Teacher class, you may need some time before teaching others while you gain confidence, and this is a process we can discuss and I can help with.

Of course. You may not feel you want to teach soon, but after a while at Level 3 perhaps you feel a desire to teach and help others to benefit from learning Reiki. When we teach Reiki we find that our learning constantly increases, a great way to learn about a subject is having to teach it to others!
If you want to learn how to teach, as opposed to just learning information and receiving an attunement, then you’ll also want to select a teacher whose teaching style, philosophy and attitude seem compatible with your own. You can get a sense of me from my blog and testimonials, but I also require a phone conversation before committing to teach any additional Reiki Master Teachers.  

Reiki Level 3a (Master Practitioner) is 2 days, and Reiki level 3b is those 2 same days plus an extra day. There may be more ad hoc meetups, phone calls, practice sessions etc, depending on requirements.

You need to chat with me- Email me at janie@janiewhittemore.com