Reiki Symbols (Part 1)

With so many questions surrounding the Reiki Symbols, I felt it would be a good time to write a brief article about them and their purpose or use.

Like many Reiki practitioners, years ago I received teachings about the Reiki symbols during my level two Reiki class. I have read books and I have researched the symbols more online. But it wasn’t until I studied more about Reiki and Energy with well respected International Master Teachers that I realized a perspective not taught by Western practitioners concerning the Reiki symbols.

It is upon realizing that one of the symbols was written in Japanese characters that I decided to investigate their origins and find out the more about them.  Well, of course, as the universe would have it, I met a Japanese woman on a flight to NYC in 2008; we had a five hour conversation surrounding this subject along with my many Energy Healing Teachings from International Teachers, I explored all that I have been taught and would like to share this with you. So let’s start here…

The Reiki system was born in Japan by Dr. Usui. Certainly, Dr. Usui referred to older things to put his methodology together. The hands-on method had already been used by Hindus, Jesus Christ, Aborigines and others. The energy involved, the Ki, was and still is the root of the entire body of Chinese medicine, where it is known as chi. He himself was a Tendai Buddhist and the symbolic concepts he introduced as healing tools were sacred Buddhist notions.

Now, let’s have a general discussion on the use of symbols in Reiki, things to know about symbols…

A lot of controversy is made of the Reiki symbols. Everyone wants to learn them; some would say they are so exotic and exciting or secret and sacred to use. Some may say they add a little spice to the mix? That is all very well, but let’s get some insights here and looks at a different perception as well.

Symbols are merely a kind of tool or a trigger as some may say. They do not carry power in themselves. Some people believe that a much-used symbol is very powerful because using it is like tapping into a reservoir of all the power invested in them. I’m not saying this isn’t true, but even if it is, it hardly applies to the case we are interested in. Reiki is too new and it seems no two practitioners, at least in the West, teach them exactly the same way. It is merely your intentions surrounding the symbols you call on and your intentions when and how to use them.

So, then, if the symbols are nothing more than tools or triggers to bring forward your intentions, the energy, then they are useful because they help train the mind in such a way as to instantly trigger a certain function in a reflex, and therefore unconscious (or subconscious?) way. This way, instead of having to focus on doing this or that, the tracing or calling of the symbol you are attune to can get it going instantly while you can concentrate on something else.  On the other hand, it has been said, this kind of trigger does not have to be a symbol. It can be a sound, a gesture, a formula, an image, etc.

Dr. Usui, in the tradition of sacred writing characteristic to his Asia origins, chose calligraphies-symbols, doesn’t mean you have to slavishly use them.. If you choose not to use them, you are not practicing Reiki since they are an integral part of it.

Naturally, if you don’t use them, you’re not practicing Reiki since they are an integral part of it. I practice Reiki daily; I do call upon the symbols and find it to be a huge part of my personal spiritual practice.  I have found the guidance and intention set with each symbol has never failed me, and that is personally speaking.  Every one has their experience.

Tracing them accurately is your least worry, your intentions attached to the meaning, understanding and use of them is where the importance lies. Strictly speaking, if you are just going to learn how to trace them then they have as much to do with Reiki as a dollar-store dream catcher has to do with Indians. The value of a symbol resides in its efficiency as a trigger. Whether you use them, the originals, symbols you further modify yourself, symbols you make up or symbols you bring in from other traditions, you will not lose efficiency. If you forget how to draw a symbol in the middle of a working, you can still move forward on intent, which is all you actually need anyway. Energy flows where your intent is. Everything else is just there to help until the day you can control your energy as naturally as you can move an arm.

First, learn the symbols, and practice with your intent. My personal experience with each symbol varies, and of course it would, my intent with each one is directed from all I have learned and respect with each one and in the energy I am calling upon.
Many practitioners, traditional and modern, feel the symbols must not be disclosed to the un-initiated/not attuned. While I agree they should not be disrespected and used frivolously, which would indeed weaken them, I am against pointless secrecy (knowing the symbols cannot replace a true initiation as intended by Usui), so no, I have no qualms publishing my study and experience of them.

My next article will disclose more information surrounding the Reiki Symbols: Tracing them? Their order? Single symbol and/or sets?  Traditional Reiki Symbols and much more… Namaste’

Sharing with Love n Lite,
Kimberlee Cusumano,
Reiki Master Teacher,
Intuitive Communications
Author of The Secret Of Reiki Home Study Package