Learning to use Reiki for self-healing and treating others is a lifelong pursuit. The practitioner is a perpetual student, constantly learning new truths about the divine nature of the universal life energy into which he taps. Indeed, it is a continuous path of discovery.
The system practiced in the U.S. follows the original teachings of Hawayo Takata. Her system provided a number of Reiki symbols that are used to access and channel the universal healing energy. These icons are also used to support the attunement process performed by a Master.
Below, we'll introduce you to the four original Reiki symbols taught by Takata. They are the Power, Mental/Emotional, Distance, and Master symbols. You'll discover their purpose as well as their symbolic meaning and power.
Power Symbol
Named Cho-Ku Rei, this emblem's purpose is to increase the practitioner's power when he accesses the divine energy. It helps the devotee focus that energy into a central point, strengthening its potency.
The name of this sign is loosely translated to mean "place the power of the universe here." It helps to form a protective bubble around the student and protects him from the negative emotions of those around him. Also, by focusing Reiki energy around a central pivot, the student can be more effective in treating himself and others.
Mental And Emotional Symbol
This image is named Sei-He-Ki, which means "the key to the universe." The name has also been translated to mean "humanity becoming one with the Divine." Its purpose is multifold. Like the Power emblem, it offers the practitioner protection, though it functions as a defense against our own emotional turmoil rather than the negativity of others. It also helps the student fuse his thoughts with his spirit, achieving a higher level of mental and emotional purity in the process.
When advocates of Reiki endure bouts of physical or mental illness, the catalyst is often found within their emotions. The Mental/Emotional icon helps to clear the imbalance, paving the way for a more harmonious connection to the universal energy. It can help dispel anxiety, depression, anger, and other unproductive and damaging emotions.
Distance Symbol
Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen is the Distance symbol. It means "the Buddha within me connects to the Buddha within you for mutual enlightenment." Because much of Reiki healing is performed over great distances, practitioners need an emblem that eliminates the limitations of time and space. The Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen transcends these limitations and allows the advocate to heal wounds that have emerged from past transgressions. This healing can be performed in person or from around the globe.
The Master Symbol
This image is named Dai-Ko-Myo Usui, which is loosely translated to mean "the whole energy" or "humanity and universe." While other Reiki icons are shared with students at Levels II and III, the Master symbol can only be harnessed by a Master. This emblem provides healing to the practitioner's soul in preparation for the attunement process. It helps the Master reach a new level of spiritual enlightenment while honing his psychic capacity and natural intuition.
It is possible for a student of Reiki to tap into the universe's divine energy without relying on the Power, Mental/Emotional, Distance, and Master symbols. That said, these icons provide substantial leverage that amplifies the practitioner's effectiveness when treating others or himself. They help to balance the inner turmoil that washes through each of us. They also help us to focus and transmit healing energy to others regardless of the time and distance that separates us.
Use them, meditate upon them, and learn how these symbols can dramatically improve your life and your ability to help others. You'll find they're an indispensable tool for tapping into Reiki energy.
