Reiki Attunements and Symbols

Written by: Lightweaver

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Time to read 7 min

Reiki Symbols: Tools for Healing and Transformation

What Are Reiki Symbols?

Reiki symbols are more than just tools for those practicing Reiki, a transformative energy healing technique that originated in Japan in the late 19th century. These symbols are a language, a way of communication between the practitioner and the universal life force. They act as keys that unlock and guide a pathway to healing and balance.


But what makes these symbols so special? They are neither merely visual cues nor random drawings. Rather, they are signposts for the mind, pointing the way to specific energy frequencies. It's like tuning your radio to the perfect station, where clarity and reception are at their best. That's how Reiki symbols work—they help tune your energy to the frequency that promotes healing and well-being.

Unlocking the Energy: The Role of Reiki Symbols

Reiki Symbols play an instrumental role in enhancing a practitioner's ability to connect to the universal life force. In this context, imagine these symbols as the bridge that connects your conscious thoughts and intentions to the subconscious vastness of the universal energy field.


These symbols amplify the healing process, focusing the energy and the practitioner's intention on the area that needs healing. They serve as a language that the universal life force understands, creating a deeper connection between the practitioner and the energy they seek to harness.

Cho Ku Rei - The Power Symbol

The first of these powerful symbols is Cho Ku Rei, roughly translating to "place the power of the universe here." It is used to increase the practitioner's power or ability to channel energy. Think of it as turning up the volume on your radio. This symbol amplifies the healing process, focusing the energy where it is needed the most. It's often drawn at the beginning of a Reiki session to enhance the healing power, but it can also be used at any point during the healing process where increased energy flow is required.

Sei Hei Ki - The Emotional Healing Symbol

The second key symbol in Reiki practice is Sei Hei Ki. Meaning "God and man become one," this symbol primarily focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of healing. Sei Hei Ki works like a key, opening up the mind and emotions to release negativity, stress, and blocked energy. It promotes peace and harmony, balancing the mind and spirit, and offering emotional relief in times of stress or trauma.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen - The Distance Symbol

The third main Reiki symbol is Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, a symbol transcending the physical dimensions of time and space. Translating to "no past, no present, no future," this symbol allows Reiki healing to cross any distance, making remote or distance healing possible. Whether it's different rooms, cities, or even countries, this symbol carries the healing energy to the recipient no matter where they are.

Enhancing Your Practice: The Reiki Attunement Process

Now, having a set of keys is beneficial, but knowing how to use them is what makes them truly powerful. That's where the Reiki Attunement process comes in.


The attunement process is a ceremony that transfers the ability to use Reiki symbols from a Reiki Master to a student. This procedure opens the student's energy channels, allowing them to tap into the universal life force energy and use Reiki symbols effectively.


Attunement is a crucial part of Reiki training. It doesn't just give the practitioner access to these symbols; it fine-tunes their ability to channel Reiki energy, enhancing its flow and potency. Moreover, the attunement process initiates a cleansing period within the practitioner, helping them clear out old, negative energy patterns, and making way for new, positive energy to flow through.

Why Reiki Symbols and Attunement Matter

Reiki symbols, coupled with the Reiki attunement process, are integral to the practice of Reiki. They enable a practitioner to channel healing energy more effectively and efficiently, assisting individuals in dealing with physical, emotional, and mental health issues.


Beyond this, Reiki and its symbols offer a pathway to personal transformation. They foster self-awareness, promoting a sense of peace and harmony within oneself and with the universe. This practice encourages compassion, empathy, and a deeper connection with the universal life force.

The world of Reiki symbols, when combined with the Reiki attunement process, offers a powerful toolkit for self-healing, transformation, and personal growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned Reiki practitioner or a newcomer to this profound healing art, mastering these symbols and understanding their usage can guide you on a path of profound personal growth, inner peace, and well-being.


In a world increasingly turning towards holistic and natural healing methods, Reiki symbols and their proper application could indeed be the keys you need to unlock your fullest potential. So, why not start today and embark on your journey to discover the power within?

Reiki Symbols in Other Traditions

Reiki has evolved in different ways across various cultures and traditions. Some traditions have maintained the traditional symbols passed down from Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, while others have incorporated additional symbols to enhance their practice. Here's a look at some symbols from other Reiki traditions.


Karuna Reiki® Symbols

Karuna Reiki® is a type of Reiki developed by Reiki Master William Lee Rand. The term "Karuna" is a Sanskrit word that means "compassionate action." This system of Reiki introduces additional symbols to address specific healing needs, emotional states, and spiritual growth:


Zonar: This symbol is said to help heal past life issues and karmic patterns. 

Halu: This symbol is used for healing and clearing negative patterns. 

Harth: This symbol represents unconditional love and heals the heart. 

Rama: This symbol aids in grounding and manifesting goals.


Seichim Reiki Symbols 

Seichim(pronounced say-keem) is a system of Reiki that incorporates ancient Egyptian healing symbols in its practice:


Cho Ku Ret: It is similar to the traditional Reiki symbol Cho Ku Rei and is used for increasing healing power. 

Ensof: This symbol helps in connecting with the infinite energy of the universe. 

Djed: This symbol is used for grounding and stabilizing energy. 


Tera Mai™ Reiki Symbols 

Tera Mai™ Reiki was developed by Kathleen Milner after receiving what she describes as direct attunements from the Ascended Masters. Some symbols used in this tradition include:


Zonar: Like in Karuna Reiki®, Zonar is used for healing past life and karmic issues. Antahkarana: An ancient symbol used for healing and meditation, often used to connect with higher levels of consciousness. Raku: Also known as the "fire serpent," this symbol is traditionally used in the attunement process to ground the student after the process is complete. 


Each of these Reiki traditions introduces different symbols to target specific healing intentions, emotional states, and stages of spiritual growth. However, it's important to remember that the symbols' effectiveness is not necessarily dependent on their quantity or variety, but rather on the practitioner's intent, focus, and connection with the universal life force energy. Regardless of the tradition, the key to successful Reiki practice lies in the understanding and mindful use of the symbols as guided pathways to healing and transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone use Reiki symbols?

In traditional Reiki practice, the use of Reiki symbols is typically reserved for those who have undergone a Reiki attunement process, usually at the second degree (or level) of Reiki training. This attunement is performed by a Reiki Master and is believed to open the student's energy channels, allowing them to effectively use the symbols.

What is the purpose of the symbols in Reiki?

Reiki symbols act as tools to help focus and channel the universal life force energy. They serve as bridges between the practitioner's conscious intent and the energy they aim to manipulate. Each symbol has a unique purpose, such as enhancing healing power, promoting emotional healing, or enabling distance healing.

How many symbols are there in Reiki?

In traditional Usui Reiki, there are four main symbols. However, other Reiki traditions, such as Karuna Reiki® or Seichim Reiki, incorporate additional symbols. The number can vary greatly depending on the specific tradition or school of Reiki.

How are Reiki symbols activated?

Reiki symbols are activated by drawing them either in the air, on the palms of your hands, or in your mind, and then visualizing them entering the person or situation you want to heal. This is often accompanied by saying the name of the symbol either out loud or silently to yourself.

Can I use Reiki symbols for self-healing?

Absolutely. Reiki symbols can be used for both self-healing and healing others. Many practitioners incorporate Reiki symbols into their personal meditation or self-care practices.

Can Reiki symbols do harm?

Reiki is guided by a spiritual consciousness and can never do harm. It always works for the highest good of all involved. The symbols are tools for channelling this energy and can't be used to cause harm.

Do I need to believe in Reiki symbols for them to work?

While belief or faith can enhance your experience with Reiki, it's not a requirement for Reiki to work. Reiki energy flows regardless of belief. However, having an open mind and a positive intention can certainly enrich your Reiki experience.

Do Reiki symbols work instantly?

Reiki energy can start working immediately, but the results may take time to manifest physically. Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is often a process that unfolds over time. It's also important to note that Reiki works in conjunction with the body's natural healing processes and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment.

How often should I use Reiki symbols?

The frequency of using Reiki symbols depends on the individual and the situation. Some practitioners use them daily in their self-care routines, while others may use them less frequently. It's crucial to listen to your intuition and use the symbols as you feel guided.

Can I combine Reiki symbols?

Yes, Reiki symbols can be combined depending on the healing needs of the individual or situation. For example, a practitioner may use the Power symbol to enhance the energy flow and then the Emotional Healing symbol to focus on specific emotional issues.

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