Fast facts
4 main symbols
May add 5th
Power symbol
Emotional symbol
Distance symbol
Master symbol
The Symbol Count
The Number of Reiki Symbols by Tradition
The number of Reiki symbols depends on the tradition. Traditional Usui Reiki has four main symbols.
Some Western traditions add a fifth symbol. Some lineages have additional symbols.
The core four symbols are the standard. They are used in most Reiki lineages.
Symbols by Tradition
How many symbols in each tradition.
- Traditional Usui Reiki: Four symbols. Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional), Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance), Dai Ko Myo (master).
- Western Usui Reiki: Sometimes five symbols. The four plus a fifth variation.
- Karuna Reiki: Additional symbols beyond the four. Eight or more.
- Holy Fire Reiki: Additional symbols and techniques.
- Tibetan Reiki: Additional symbols.
- Usui/Hayashi/Takata: The standard four.
Reiki Symbols by Tradition
Number of symbols in different traditions.
Traditional Usui
4 symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
Western Usui
Sometimes 5 symbols. The four plus a fifth variation.
Karuna Reiki
Additional symbols beyond the four. Often 8 or more.
Holy Fire Reiki
Additional symbols and techniques beyond the four.
The Core
The Four Main Reiki Symbols
Cho Ku Rei: The power symbol. Increases energy flow and protection.
Sei He Ki: The emotional/mental symbol. Heals emotional wounds and releases mental patterns.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: The distance symbol. Allows healing across space and time.
Dai Ko Myo: The master symbol. Represents the great shining light. Used for attunements.
Variations and Additions
Additional Symbols in Other Traditions
Some traditions add a fifth symbol. This is often a variation of the master symbol.
Karuna Reiki has additional symbols. These are taught at advanced levels.
Holy Fire Reiki has additional symbols and techniques.
The additional symbols build on the core four. They are variations, not replacements.
What Practitioners Say
I use the four main symbols. They are enough. They cover power, emotion, distance, and spiritual connection. I do not need more.
Different traditions have different numbers of symbols. The four main symbols are the core. Additional symbols are variations. Choose the tradition that resonates with you.
Do not get caught up in the number of symbols. The four main symbols are powerful. Additional symbols are useful. But the number is not the point. The practice is the point.
Key takeaways
- Traditional Usui Reiki has four main symbols.
- Some Western traditions add a fifth symbol.
- Karuna Reiki has additional symbols.
- Holy Fire Reiki has additional symbols.
- The four main symbols are Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo.
- The number of symbols depends on your tradition.
Frequently asked questions
How many Reiki symbols are there in traditional Usui Reiki?
Four main symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo.
How many Reiki symbols are there in Western Reiki?
Sometimes five symbols. The four plus a fifth variation.
How many symbols are there in Karuna Reiki?
Additional symbols beyond the four. Often eight or more.
What are the four main Reiki symbols?
Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional), Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance), Dai Ko Myo (master).
Are there more than four Reiki symbols?
Yes, in some traditions. Karuna Reiki, Holy Fire Reiki, and other traditions have additional symbols.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
