Download the PDF Guide + Reference for this lesson to better understand how to draw and use the following Reiki symbols.

Symbols have been used for centuries to convey messages and when used by large groups, can hold a specific vibration. Although practitioners can effectively utilize Reiki energy without the use of the symbols, the symbols help to amplify the energy during a session.

Like being attuned to Reiki, once a student has been attuned to the Reiki symbols, they will be connected at a conscious and subconscious level to those symbols for life.

As your understanding of the Reiki symbols deepen through use, you will be able to determine for yourself how you use the symbols in your practice.

The Reiki symbols can only be used for good.

During the attunement, the Reiki Master connects the Reiki student, Reiki energy and the symbols. From that point on, the student will draw on the intentions of the symbols to channel Reiki energy at an amplified rate. The student needs to be attuned to the symbols in order to connect with their power.

The symbols can be used when working with others or self. The intention that is held when using the symbols is very important.

You may find it helpful to visualize the symbols as live energy. You may see colors when using the symbols such as white. You can draw the symbols in your mind and see them placed above various parts of the body of the recipient.

Cho Ku Rei - The Power Symbol

The first symbol is Cho Ku Rei (CKR), pronounced cho-koo-ray. It means “placing all the power of the universe here.” It is the power symbol and considered an amplifier. This symbol is sometimes referred to as the “light switch” because it powers on and activates the other symbols.

CHO – To remove illusion in order to see the truth.

KU – Penetrating, like a sword slicing through.

REI – Universal and present everywhere.

The Cho Ku Rei symbol cuts through and releases resistance. The esoteric meaning of the symbol is dis-creation, illness and disease are creations being constantly recreated. The Cho Ku Rei symbol can help to unravel these progressions.

The Cho Ku Rei symbol ‘turns on’ the second degree energy. Without this symbol, the practitioner is still channelling only first degree energy. It can be used alone or as an activator for all the other symbols. Reiki’s infinite wisdom will bring about whatever is needed.

When using the symbol you will want to silently intone the words Cho Ku Rei three times as you draw it. If you have a difficult situation, you may find it helpful to write the problem down on a piece of paper and draw the Cho Ku Rei symbol over the top of the writing. Then place the paper in the palm of your hands for a few minutes.

Use the Cho Ku Rei Symbol For:

• Activating other symbols
• Protection
• Cleansing
• Balance
• Food, drink, plant, animal, etc.
• Career (under desk, telephone, computer, etc)
• Home (under doormat, pictures, cup boards, etc)

Sei Hei Ki - The Emotional Healing Symbol

The second symbol is the Sei He Ki pronounced say-hay-key. This is the emotional and mental symbol used primarily for emotional and mental healing. Sei-He Ki balances the right and left brain.

SEI – means birth, coming into being.

HE KI – means balance.

Reiki Sandwich (Yum!)

To activate the Sei-He Ki symbol, draw the Cho Ku Rei symbol while intoning the words Cho Ku Rei three times. Then draw the Sei He Ki on top of (or beside) the Cho Ku Rei and intone the words Sei He Ki three times. Finally, draw the Cho Ku Rei on top of (or beside) the Sei He Ki remembering to intone the words Cho Ku Rei three more times.

A Reiki sandwich can be used to release any mental or emotional blockages in a person and allow the healing process to begin.

Visualize the Reiki sandwich beaming from your third eye chakra and entering the third eye chakra of your client. As you intone the words, add the intention that it will be used by the bodymind of the client if it is for their highest good.

Alternatively, draw the symbols on your hands and then place them over the client’s third eye chakra. This is often helpful when you are working with a person with addictions, wanting weight loss or to release unwanted habits.

The Reiki sandwich can be applied with all of the normal hand positions. If you are working with a person who has an imbalance such as cancer, leukaemia or other immune system disorders, you can visualize thousands of Sei He Ki symbols penetrating every cell in the body of the recipient.

When you have an issue you need more clarity on or you are seeking a solution, write it down on a piece of paper and draw the Reiki sandwich shown on the previous page over it. Your answer will come to you intuitively.

Use the Sei Hei Ki Symbol For:

• Anger
• Depression
• Mental Illness
• Drug/Alcohol abuse
• Memory/Attention
• Relationships
• Finding lost items

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen - Distance Healing Symbol

The third Reiki symbol is the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (HSZSN). This symbol is known as the distance healing symbol, and is used to transcend time and space. Like all of the other symbols, the Cho Ku Rei symbol is used first to activate the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.

The HSZSN gives the Reiki practitioner the ability to channel Reiki across space. Reiki can be sent to a person across the room or in another part of the world.

The HSZSN also allows the practitioner to bridge time from the present to the past or future. Reiki can be sent back to heal a childhood problem or even further still to a past life.

Future situations such as operations, interviews or business meetings can be improved by sending Reiki in advance. Time has no relevance when the HSZSN symbol is used.

To activate the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol you must first draw the Cho Ku Rei intoning the words Cho Ku Rei three times. You then draw the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen on top of the Cho Ku Rei and intone the words Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen three times. Finally, draw the Cho Ku Rei on top of the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and intone the words Cho Ku Rei three more times.

You can also incorporate the HSZSN into the Reiki sandwich. This complete sandwich would include the CKR, then SHK, CKR, HSZSN, then CKR.

Use the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen Symbol For:

• Healing the past
• Enhance future conditions
• Heal across time and space
• Preparation for upcoming events

Ready for more Reiki symbol tips? Refer to the Reiki: Level I, II, and Master Manual here!