Fast facts
Spiral, vertical, horizontal
Flowing curves
Complex character
Elegant character
Intention over perfection
The Complete Guide
Drawing All Four Reiki Symbols
There are four main Reiki symbols. Each has a different shape and purpose. Each is drawn differently.
Cho Ku Rei is a spiral. Sei He Ki is flowing curves. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a complex character. Dai Ko Myo is an elegant stroke.
Practice each symbol separately. Intention matters more than perfect form.
Step by Step
Instructions for all four symbols.
- Cho Ku Rei: Draw a vertical line down. Spiral clockwise up three times. Draw a horizontal line through the spiral.
- Sei He Ki: Draw a flowing curve left to right. Draw a second curve underneath in opposite direction. Draw a vertical stroke connecting them.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: Draw the complex character in 5-7 strokes. Practice from a reference image. Focus on flow, not perfection.
- Dai Ko Myo: Draw the elegant flowing character in 4-5 strokes. Practice from a reference image. Focus on grace and flow.
All Four Reiki Symbols
Step-by-step guide for each symbol.
Cho Ku Rei
Power symbol. Vertical line, clockwise spiral, horizontal line.
Sei He Ki
Emotional symbol. Two flowing curves, vertical stroke.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance symbol. Complex character, 5-7 strokes.
Dai Ko Myo
Master symbol. Elegant flowing character, 4-5 strokes.
The Power Symbol
How to Draw Cho Ku Rei
Draw a vertical line downward. This grounds the energy.
From the bottom, spiral upward clockwise three times. This gathers energy.
Draw a horizontal line through the spiral. This stabilizes the energy.
The shape resembles a coiled spring or a target.
The Emotional Symbol
How to Draw Sei He Ki
Draw a flowing curve from left to right. This represents the sky, the spiritual.
Draw a second curve underneath, flowing in the opposite direction. This represents the earth, the physical.
Draw a vertical stroke connecting the two curves. This brings them together.
The shape resembles flowing water or waves.
The Distance Symbol
How to Draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Draw the complex character in 5-7 strokes.
Practice from a reference image. The symbol resembles a Japanese kanji.
Focus on the flow of the strokes. Do not worry about perfection.
Intention is more important than perfect form.
The Master Symbol
How to Draw Dai Ko Myo
Draw the elegant flowing character in 4-5 strokes.
Practice from a reference image. The symbol resembles a Japanese kanji.
Focus on grace and flow. The symbol is beautiful.
Intention is more important than perfect form.
Key takeaways
- Cho Ku Rei is a spiral with vertical and horizontal lines.
- Sei He Ki is two flowing curves with a vertical stroke.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a complex character with 5-7 strokes.
- Dai Ko Myo is an elegant flowing character with 4-5 strokes.
- Practice each symbol separately.
- Intention matters more than perfect form.
Frequently asked questions
How many Reiki symbols are there?
Four main symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo.
Do I need to draw the symbols perfectly?
No. Intention is more important than perfect form.
What order should I learn the symbols?
Start with Cho Ku Rei, then Sei He Ki, then Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, then Dai Ko Myo.
Can I draw the symbols with my finger?
Yes. Drawing in the air with your finger is a common practice.
Should I draw the symbols from memory or with a reference?
Start with a reference. Practice until you can draw them from memory.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
