The Neophyte's Guide to Reiki Symbols

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