What are Reiki Symbols | Reiki Symbols and Their Meanings

Now that you have learned about what is reiki and how it works, you must be interested to know about the different reiki symbols and their meanings. This article will help you explore the different reiki symbols and their significance in depth.

First of all we will try to understand how the concept of ‘reiki symbols’ fits into reiki. We will then explore the history, importance, practical applications and the meaning of the different Usui reiki symbols. Additionally, we will also know other important information linked to these symbols. So, read ahead to gain valuable insights on the various reiki symbols.

Introduction to Reiki Symbols

Reiki healing is a holistic Japanese practice that focuses on channeling universal energy to heal and balance energy centres like ‘chakras’. ‘Rei’ in reiki means universal or spiritual, while ‘ki’ in reiki means life force or energy. It was first developed by a Japanese individual named Mikao Usui. This took place in the 20th century. Ever since then, reiki has gained worldwide popularity as a way of gentle healing and immense balance. 

Now, reiki is a very deep concept to understand. Reiki practitioners include several techniques to heal. This consists of hand movements, visualization, and certain ‘symbols.’ It is believed that these symbols help in balancing the certain imbalance that happens due to different reasons in the body. 

Reiki symbols are highly powerful, spiritual and sacred. They are major tools that provide healing effects while transcending the boundaries of time and space. The reiki symbols are considered secret and are usually shared by a reiki teacher or master to his or her students only. The passing of symbols not only creates a deep spiritual connection between the two individuals but also helps in bridging the healing well. 

History of Reiki Symbols

Origin of Reiki Symbols:

Founded in the 20th century, the history of the reiki symbols can be traced back to the same. A Japanese Buddhist as well as a seeker of spirituality developed reiki. He is said to be Mikao Usui. A believer in various ancient healing techniques and methods, Mikao Usui always remained interested in healing techniques linked with Jesus and Buddha. He would explore ancient scriptures and wonder about the methods. His major experience at Mount Kurama changed his entire life and the world. He received a gift of reiki energy healing through which he started healing the people.

Introduction of Mikao Usui’s given symbols

An important moment in the history of reiki was Mikao Usui’s introduction to reiki symbols. Sources like Sanskrit scriptures, Tibetan scriptures and Japanese scriptures helped him derive these symbols. Mainly, Mikao Usui created and divided four symbols named Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and Dai Ko Myo. Cho Ku Rei represents the symbol of power. Se He Ki represents mental and emotional healing. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a distance healing symbol whereas Dai Ko Myo is the master of healing symbols. All of these symbols together combine to heal the energy centres with strength and efficiency. 

Evolution of Mikao Usui‘s symbols with time

Various branches and schools of reiki emerged as Japan evolved with time. Many practitioners added more symbols to the list of reiki symbols. Other practitioners modified the existing symbols. No matter the number and existence of symbols, Mikao Usui’s symbols are considered the most important and vital ones. With modern teachings, the evolution of reiki continues to exist. 

The key Reiki Symbols

Here we would introduce the key Reiki symbols that are mostly used during Reiki healing procedure and discuss the meanings of each of these symbols in details. The symbols are:

1. Cho Ku Rei or the Power symbol
2. Sei He Ki or the Harmony symbol
3. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen or the Distance symbol
4. Dai ko Myo or the Master symbol
5. Raku or the Completion symbol

Now let us discuss in details about each of these symbols.

Cho Ku Rei:

This symbol holds the central point in reiki practice. Believed to amplify the flow of reiki, it translates into the phrase ‘the place of power of the universe here.’ A coil, vertical line and a loop are the core of this reiki symbol. Each component provides a unique meaning. Its uses include the following:

1. Balancing of chakras and clearing any kind of energy blockages.
2. Providing other reiki symbols with strength. 
3. Providing the ability to charge other water or crystals with a healing energy.
4. Providing a quick boost of energy during a reiki session.
5. Enhancing the healing energy for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Sei He Ki:

Sei He Ki is an important symbol in the list of reiki symbols. It is the most preferred symbol for mental and emotional healing. Used with other symbols, this symbol translates to “remember to be humble” and “god and humanity becomes one.” A series of curved lines and a loop represent Sei He KI. Its uses include-

1. Healing from emotional trauma and wounds.
2. Healing from stress or anxiety.
3. Healing from any other negative emotion.
4. Restoring emotional balance.
5. Releasing mental distractions.
6. Receiving mental clarity and so on.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen:

This is the main symbol for distance healing. It has to be learned by the student to heal someone from far away and not present in the region where the practitioner is. It translates to “The Buddha in me connects with the Buddha in you to promote harmony and balance.” This symbol is primarily used for sending Reiki energy to individuals or situations that are not physically present. It represents the concept that energy and intention have no limitations, enabling distant healing. Its major uses include-

1. Heals karmic problems and issues.
2. Heals from any distance.
3. Connects with the higher self.
4. Healing past traumas. 

Dai Ko Myo:

Dai Ko Myo is one of the last and the greatest symbols of all. It is the master symbol. Translating to “enlightenment”, it is of great importance in reiki. A lot of people find it difficult to draw as it is a very complex symbol. Some practitioners can use a certain type of hand positions or movements to draw Dai Ko Myo. Its uses include-

1. It provides spiritual healing.
2. It fulfills a being with empowerment.
3. It cleanses the aura.
4. It improves intuition.

The Raku Symbol:

Raku is also one of the master-level reiki symbols. It is taught after the education of the first three symbols, which include the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Sei He Ki and Cho Ku Rei. Once this symbol is practised, a person is healed on a deeper level compared to other symbols. 

Using reiki symbols in practice

Respecting reiki symbols is the first step towards bringing them into practice. Accepting and having faith are the other key steps. Getting attuned is the third step whereas clearing intentions is the fourth. Also, drawing these symbols with focus is highly important. 

Conclusion

This article shares information about reiki symbols including their translations and uses. It also shares their origin and evolution in-depth. Moreover, each and every symbol is discussed in detail separately to know the exact meaning and knowledge about them. Lastly, the article focuses on using reiki symbols. Having faith and accepting the symbols with respect is the key to the learning process.