Fast facts
Healing others, symbols, distance
Second attunement
Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance healing, professional practice
Level 1 (Shoden)
The Practitioner Level
What Reiki Level 2 Training Includes
Level 2 is often called the 'practitioner level' because it enables professional practice. After Level 2, you can charge money for Reiki sessions and offer distance healing.
The heart of Level 2 is the three symbols. Each symbol has a specific purpose: power, emotional/mental healing, and distance healing. You learn to draw, activate, and use each symbol.
Level 2 also deepens your ability to heal others. You learn to treat specific conditions. You learn to give distance sessions. You learn to work with emotions and mental patterns.
What You Learn in Level 2
A complete breakdown of Okuden training.
- Second attunement: You receive another attunement. This deepens your energy channel and activates the symbols.
- Cho Ku Rei (power symbol): Meaning 'place the power of the universe here.' Used to increase energy flow, ground, protect, and purify. Drawn as a vertical line with a clockwise spiral.
- Sei He Ki (emotional/mental symbol): Meaning 'the earth and sky meet.' Used to heal emotional wounds, release mental patterns, balance emotions, and heal relationships.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance symbol): Meaning 'no past, no present, no future.' Used to send Reiki across space and time. Enables distance healing, past life healing, and future event healing.
- Distance healing techniques: How to send Reiki to someone not physically present using the distance symbol and intention.
- Professional practice: Ethics, client intake, session pricing, and business basics for professional practitioners.
- Treating specific conditions: How to use symbols for specific physical, emotional, and mental conditions.
Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) Overview
The three symbols and their uses.
Cho Ku Rei
Power symbol. Increases energy. Protection. Grounding. Purification.
Sei He Ki
Emotional/mental symbol. Heals emotions. Releases mental patterns. Balance.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance symbol. Healing across space. Healing across time. Past and future.
The Three Keys
The Three Reiki Level 2 Symbols
Cho Ku Rei is the power symbol. It increases the flow of Reiki energy. Use it at the beginning of sessions, over painful areas, to protect yourself, and to purify spaces.
Sei He Ki is the emotional and mental symbol. It heals emotional wounds, releases mental patterns, balances emotions, and heals relationships. Use it for anxiety, depression, trauma, and habits.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is the distance symbol. It allows healing across space and time. Use it for distance sessions, past event healing, future event healing, and karmic patterns.
You will learn to draw each symbol, activate it with intention, and apply it in healing sessions.
Healing Across Space
How to Do Distance Reiki After Level 2
After Level 2, you can send Reiki to anyone, anywhere, at any time. You do not need to be in the same room. You do not need to be in the same country.
To do distance Reiki, you use the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol. Draw or visualize it. Focus on the recipient (using their name, location, or photo). Intend to send Reiki.
You can do distance sessions in real time (both of you sitting at the same time) or asynchronously (you send at your convenience). Many practitioners offer distance sessions as a primary service.
Recipients often report feeling heat, tingling, or deep relaxation during distance sessions, even when they do not know the session is happening.
What Teachers Say About Level 2
Level 2 is when students become practitioners. They learn the symbols and realize they can help people anywhere in the world. It is empowering. They also learn responsibility. Symbols are powerful. Use them wisely.
Take your time between Level 1 and Level 2. Practice self-Reiki daily for several months before moving on. The symbols will be more effective if you have a strong foundation. Do not rush.
Level 2 allows professional practice. But being attuned does not automatically make you a good practitioner. Practice on friends and family first. Get feedback. Develop your skills before charging money.
Key takeaways
- Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) teaches three symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.
- You receive a second attunement that deepens your channel and activates the symbols.
- You learn to use symbols for power, emotional healing, mental clearing, and distance healing.
- After Level 2, you can practice Reiki professionally (charge money).
- You can offer distance Reiki sessions to anyone, anywhere.
- Take time between Level 1 and Level 2 to build a strong self-practice foundation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Level 2 take?
Typically one to two days. Some schools offer multi-week courses.
How much does Level 2 cost?
Typically $200-$500. Prices vary by teacher and location.
Do I need Level 1 before Level 2?
Yes. Level 2 requires Level 1 attunement. Some schools require a waiting period (e.g., 3-6 months).
Can I do distance healing after Level 2?
Yes. You learn the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol specifically for distance healing.
Is Level 2 required for professional practice?
In most traditions, yes. Level 2 is considered the 'practitioner level.' Level 1 is for self-healing and informal practice.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki Level 2 teaching materials.
