Reiki Symbols and Their Meanings

In this blog post, you'll learn all about Reiki symbols. We'll explain what they are, how to use them, and why they are important in Reiki practice. 

We'll also show you each symbol you receive at different levels of traditional Reiki, so you can understand their meanings and benefits.


What are the symbols used in Reiki?

Reiki symbols are tools that help practitioners focus on the specific energy the receiver needs, but they're not essential. 

Usui originally taught Reiki without using symbols, and practitioners can effectively use Reiki without them, as taught in Reiki level 1. 

There is no right or wrong way to practice Reiki; it's about finding what works best for you. 

All that is required is the intention to use Reiki for the highest good.


What are the three symbols of Reiki Level 2?

During Reiki level 2, your teacher will introduce you to three different symbols Cho Ku Rei, Sei Hei Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. 


The “Cho Ku Rei” Reiki symbol

The cho ku rei Reiki symbol increases the power of energy flow, often used at the beginning of a session for a power boost and at the end to seal healing energies. 

It provides protection on all levels, assists in targeting specific areas needing healing, creates a positive atmosphere by clearing negative energies, empowers other Reiki symbols when used before or after them, and enhances both personal and business relationships.


The “Sei He Ki” Reiki Symbol

The sei he ki Reiki symbol is essentially a harmony symbol that balances the right and left sides of the brain, promoting internal and external peace. 

It is used to address mental and emotional issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addiction

This symbol helps heal emotional problems like:

  • Nervousness
  • Anger 
  • Sadness 

It also helps improve memory, aids in overcoming addictions like smoking, alcohol, or drugs, assists in finding lost objects, and helps heal headaches caused by emotional or mental stress.


The “Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen” Reiki Symbol

The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen Reiki symbol is primarily used to send healing energy across any distance, whether to someone in the same room or on the other side of the world. 

This symbol is used to treat future situations by promoting the best outcomes, healing past traumas or issues from past lives, maintaining the harmony of body, mind, and spirit, and channeling energy to distant people or events. 

It allows practitioners to connect with those not physically present and address both past and future events.


What is the master symbol in Reiki?

During Reiki level 3, your teacher will introduce you to the following symbol: Dai Ko Myo.


The “Dai Ko Myo” Reiki Symbol

The Dai Ko Myo Reiki symbol has the highest vibration and is most transformative at the spiritual level, enhancing the healing of the soul by targeting the subtle layers of the aura and upper chakras. 

This healing of the spiritual self can lead to mental and physical healing and also aids in healing karma. 

Known as the "all-purpose healing" and "empowerment" symbol, it represents personal empowerment, love, and all that is Reiki. 

It is used to:

  • Open channels during Reiki attunements
  • Enhance the connection between the practitioner and universal energies
  • Heal chakras and the aura
  • Provide enlightenment
  • Increase psychic and intuitive abilities. 

The master symbol, Dai Ko Myo, activates the highest level of Reiki energy and is crucial for attunements and spiritual connection.


Can you do Reiki without using symbols? 

As we mentioned before, Reiki symbols aren’t necessary to channel your energy. In Reiki Awakening Academy we teach a type of Reiki that requires no symbols or hand positions, we only use our intuition as a guide.

You can check our FREE Introduction to Practical Reiki here. 

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