Symbols Used In Reiki Energetic Healing

Reiki Symbols

A Reiki Practitioner commonly uses “Reiki Symbols” as a method to focus healing energies.   There are four symbols in Usui Reiki.   Other systems of Reiki have created more symbols to be used in addition to the original four Usui Symbols.   Each symbol has a purpose.   

It is my opinion, however that Reiki symbols are not entirely necessary.  The focus of energy comes from the practitioner, not the symbol.   The symbol is, however, very useful to assist the practitioner in focusing the energy.   In theory, once a Reiki Practitioner gets really accomplished in focusing energy, the symbol is no longer required.    It is kind of like training wheels on a bicycle.  The caveat is that it may take a few decades to lifetime to aquire that level of proficiency of focusing energy. With that said, I use Reiki Symbols all the time.

Please Note:   There are variation in Reiki Symbols from one teacher or another.   That doesn't diminish the effectiveness of a symbol.   One version of Cho-Ku-Rei is not better than another version...  

*Note:  For information on Reiki, please look at my post called What is Reiki.




Secrecy of Reiki Symbols

With the first Reiki attunement, no symbols are taught.  The Reiki level 1 attuned individual is able to do energetic healing using hands on methods to focus energy.   The energy of a Reiki 1 practitioner is the same energy of a Reiki master!   Remember, the energy does not come from the practitioner.  The practitioner simply is a conduit of energy.   A channel of energy.   The energy comes from the Universal Divine Source, what some people call God.
Reiki students are actually taught the first three symbols after they are attuned to Reiki Level 2.

Flourite Crystals with Engraved Reiki Symbols

 
The first symbol they are taught is Cho-Ku-Rei. ( Top Left )

Cho-Ku-Rei roughly translates to “Put the energy of the universe here”   Some call it the Power Symbol.   It is used to focus the energy to a specific location, or to amplify the energy.    I believe it to be the most commonly used of all the Reiki Symbols.  

The next symbol taught is Sei-He-Ki ( Top Right )

This symbol is also known as the Mental Emotional symbol.   It’s translation is 'God and humanity become one.'    It is also used for physical or emotional dependency issues, such as addictions.  Commonly used to ease fears, reduce anxiety, calm, etc.   This symbol is very effective with Autistic Children,  and those suffering with anxiety disorders.

The Third Symbol is Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen ( Bottom Left )
 
Known as the Distance Symbol .   It translates as “May the Buda in me connect to the Buda in you”.   This is used for distance healing.    While many practitioners of Reiki know this to be true, it is also used for transcending time. 

How could this be used?   

Here are some scenarios:  

• Let’s say a patient is going to get surgery in two weeks.   A Reiki practitioner can send healing energy to the person in the future, to be received in two weeks during the surgery.  
• A person is traumatized by an event that happened in the past.   You can send healing energy with the mental/emotional symbol to the person in the past when the event happened.   This often has a profound effect of the person in the present.
• You are going for a job interview tomorrow!   You can send yourself the same mental/emotional energy into the future, with the intention of supreme confidence.

When using the Distance Healing symbol, often the practitioner uses something to represent the person receiving the Reiki…  For instance, a picture of the person, a stuffed teddy bear representing the  person, etc.  

Master Level 

When the practitioner reaches the level of Reiki  Master (Reiki 3), they are taught the last symbol. 

Dai Ko Myo ( Bottom Right )
Which translates to “Great Spirit of the Universe, Be My Friend.”  This symbol is used to amplify the power of the other symbols, in addition to being used to attune new Reiki students.
For several years, these symbols were secret, and the students sworn to secrecy. Today, diagrams of the Reiki symbols can be readily found printed in books and on the Internet.
There is still controversy among Reiki practitioners over whether or not these symbols should be kept private.
Whenever any Reiki symbol is to be used, the practitioner recites it three times. This may be done aloud or mentally, as the practitioner traces the symbol in the air over the recipient's body.