Reiki symbols allow practitioners to focus Reiki energy for specific purposes. The Power Symbol connects universal energy with individuals and is used at the beginning and end of sessions to increase energy flow. The Emotional Symbol resembles a human head and eliminates negative feelings to restore emotional balance. The Distant Symbol is difficult to draw and acts as a bridge between spirit and body, permitting distant healing. The Master Symbol connects individuals to their highest potential.

1. Different Reiki Symbols and their meaning
Usui Reiki symbols are sacred and are to be kept confidential. They are only revealed to
those who are about to be initiated into the Second or Third degree of Reiki. The reason for
this is explained later in this article. However, it is possible to discuss their nature, how they
work and their history while we continue to honor this trust.
Reiki symbols are an important and very interesting part of Reiki practice. They allow one to
focus the energy of Reiki for specific purposes. (For a detailed explanation of what the
symbols can be used for, see the book, "Reiki, The Healing Touch," or the audio cassette
tape set, "The Reiki Class" offered in this issue.)
1. POWER SYMBOL or CHO-KU-REI
This symbol is represented as an anti-clockwise spiral with a vertical line ending with an
horizontal one. The translation of its title is cho= connect the, ku= power or energy with and
rei= soul, universe, unity. Thus, the main purpose of this symbol is that of connecting the
power of the universe with the individual. In other words, the Power Symbol was
interpreted as “God is here” or “let all the power of the Universe come here/ to this
individual”.
The Power Symbol is used at the beginning of the Reiki session in order to enable the flow of
Ki through the patient or during the session to increase the flow of energy when a more
profound healing is needed. Other uses of this symbol includes empowering the Reiki
crystals enhancing the positive effects of all the other Reiki symbols, individual protection
and clearing a certain area or item of negative energy. Used at the end of the Reiki session,
the Power Symbol has the meaning of sealing the session’s effects acting like a “so be it!”
statement.
2. EMOTIONAL SYMBOL – SEI-HEI-KI
The Emotional Symbol resembles a human head and it means “pointing the arrow to
awareness” (sei= pointing to, hei= bow, arrow and ki= light, life force, awareness). This can
be interpreted in two major directions: either to let the divinity enter your soul and restore
the internal balance or to bring your attention to feelings, emotions and psychological
features as they are affected by negative energy and must be treated.
The Emotional Symbol is used in order to bring back the emotional balance. Most diseases,
both emotional and physical have as source an accumulation of negative thoughts which
affects one part of the body. The Emotional Symbol eliminates that negative feelings and
brings back the equilibrium needed for a healthy body and mind.

2. 3. DISTANT SYMBOL – HON-SHA-ZE-SHO-NEN
The Distant Symbol is probably the harder to draw due to its numerous lines and shapes.
This is also the reason for which many variations of this sign have been recorded. The words
which compound the name of this symbol have the following translation: hon= spirit, origin,
universe, sha= mind, surviving, ze= be, being, sho= emotion, nen= body, attention.
The Distant Symbol is like a bridge uniting the divinity with the individual, the body with its
soul, heaven and earth. In addition to that, it is the symbol which permits the practitioner to
travel through space and time and perform at distance healing.
4. Master Symbol: Sai Ko Myo
The Usui Master symbol, Dai Ko Myo is taught and given in the Master Level. This is the last
symbol Usui used in attunements. Like its Tibetan sister, it heals the spiritual state of the
recipient and connects the individual with his/her greatest potential. It means Great Being
of the Universe Shine on Me.