Reiki symbols are sacred tools used in Level 2 (Okuden) and above. Each symbol has a specific purpose, mantra, and method of drawing. They are not merely drawings but focal points for intention and energy.
Cho Ku Rei
Japanese: Choku Rei
Meaning: Place the power of the universe here
Purpose: Activate, amplify, and focus Reiki energy on a specific location; power boost
Level: Level 2 (Okuden)
Mantra: Cho Ku Rei (cho-ku-rei)
How to draw: Draw a spiral shape - typically a counter-clockwise spiral that can end with a vertical or L-shaped stroke; variations exist in stroke direction
Use cases: Increase power of Reiki; focus energy on specific area; clear negative energy; protect spaces; activate other symbols
Traditional view: Shinto concept of Kami (divine being); mantra 'Choku Rei/Naohi' points to inner natural state of being
Modern interpretation: The 'light switch' symbol - connects practitioner to Reiki energy like turning on a light; used first before other symbols
Sei He Ki
Japanese: Seiheki / Sei Heiki
Meaning: Harmony / Natural disposition / Emotional calmness
Purpose: Balance emotions; clear mental/emotional blockages; heal habits and addictions
Level: Level 2 (Okuden)
Mantra: Sei He Ki (sei-he-ki)
How to draw: Draw a curved stylized shape resembling a wave or half-moon with a crown-like top; consists of strokes forming a symmetric pattern
Use cases: Emotional/mental healing; anxiety; depression; stress; breaking habits; addiction support; balancing left and right brain; emotional trauma
Traditional view: 'Seiheki' means natural disposition; in Zen points to original way of being before habits and confusion of self
Modern interpretation: Mental/emotional symbol; balances emotions; used for habit change and emotional release; key to doorway between physical emotional and mental bodies
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Japanese: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Meaning: My original nature is right mind / The Buddha in me reaches out to the Buddha in you
Purpose: Enable distance healing across time and space; connect with the interconnectedness of all beings
Level: Level 2 (Okuden)
Mantra: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (hon-sha-ze-sho-nen)
How to draw: Draw a complex symbol of approximately 20 strokes based on Japanese kanji characters; the most complex of the three Level 2 symbols
Use cases: Distance/absent healing; sending Reiki to past traumas; sending Reiki to future events; connecting with people not physically present
Traditional view: Translation from Zen concept of Shonen Sozoku (right mind continuity); about interconnectedness and non-duality not just distance; energy follows the mind
Modern interpretation: The distance/absent healing symbol; transcends time and space; 'there is no past no present no future there is only the now'
Dai Ko Myo
Japanese: Dai Ko Myo
Meaning: Great shining light / Great bright light within
Purpose: Deep healing of the soul/self; used in attunements; represents oneness with universal life force
Level: Master (Shinpiden)
Mantra: Dai Ko Myo (dai-ko-myo)
How to draw: Draw a complex symbol with multiple strokes; the traditional Usui master symbol; variations exist between traditions
Use cases: Attunements; deep spiritual healing; healing at the soul level; used before other symbols in master-level practice
Traditional view: The original Usui Reiki master symbol; deeply connected to spiritual awakening; represents the great bright light within
Modern interpretation: The master symbol; used for attunements and the highest level of healing; represents the highest vibration of Reiki energy
Dumo
Japanese: Dumo (Tummo / gTummo)
Meaning: Take us back to God / Tibetan Kundalini fire
Purpose: Cleansing; purification; kundalini awakening; used during attunements with Violet Breath
Level: Master (Shinpiden) - Tibetan traditions
Mantra: Dumo (doo-moe)
How to draw: Draw a flame-like symbol representing the kundalini fire rising through the chakras
Use cases: Cleansing body/room/circumstance of negative energy; purification; attunement process; kundalini awakening; crystal cleansing
Traditional view: Not part of original Usui Reiki; first used in Reiki context by Arthur Robertson in Raku Kei Reiki system; represents Tibetan equivalent of Kundalini
Modern interpretation: Tibetan Master symbol; works with root chakra fire; dissolves karmic knots and energetic blockages; used with Violet Breath in attunements
Raku
Japanese: Raku
Meaning: Diamond thunderbolt / Lightning bolt
Purpose: Ground and seal the attunement process; separate energies between master and student; completion
Level: Master (Shinpiden) - Western/Tibetan traditions
Mantra: Raku (ra-koo)
How to draw: Draw a vertical lightning-bolt shape with zigzag strokes descending downward
Use cases: Seal attunement; ground student; close chakras after attunement; separate master and student energies; lift negative karma
Traditional view: Not part of original Usui Reiki; origin speculated as Tibetan; introduced by Iris Ishikuro in Raku Kei Reiki
Modern interpretation: Completion/grounding symbol; used at end of attunement to ground and seal; creates separation of energies between master and student
Fire Serpent (Nin Giz Zida / Mae Loong)
Japanese: Nin Giz Zida
Meaning: Lord of the Good Tree / Kundalini in action
Purpose: Open the recipient to Reiki; awaken Kundalini; link the chakras; prepare for attunement
Level: Master (Shinpiden) - Tibetan/Karuna traditions
Mantra: Nin Giz Zida / Mae Loong
How to draw: Draw a serpent-like coiled shape; traced over the back and crown chakra during attunement
Use cases: Opening chakras; attunement preparation; awakening kundalini; linking chakras; making recipient more receptive
Traditional view: Origin traces to Mesopotamian/Sumerian deity 'Lord of the Good Tree'; not part of original Usui Reiki
Modern interpretation: Used in Tibetan and Karuna Reiki for chakra opening and attunement preparation; represents Kundalini energy in action
Hallo / Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen variant
Japanese: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (modern variant)
Meaning: Various modern interpretations exist
Purpose: Some traditions use slightly different drawings or additional symbols
Level: Level 2 (Okuden)
Mantra: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
How to draw: Variations in drawing exist between traditions; the core meaning remains consistent
Use cases: Same as standard HSZSN uses
Traditional view: Different traditions may draw symbols slightly differently but they point to the same spiritual concepts
Modern interpretation: Modern variants and additional symbols exist in various Reiki schools; some traditions add non-traditional symbols