Fast facts
Fire or lightning
Grounding, sealing energy
Zigzag or lightning bolt
Western (ICRT)
No Raku symbol
A Modern Addition
The Meaning and Purpose of Raku in Western Reiki
Raku is not a traditional Usui symbol. It was added in some Western Reiki lineages, particularly those from William Lee Rand's International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT).
The symbol means 'fire' or 'lightning.' Its shape is a zigzag, like a lightning bolt. It represents grounding, completion, and the sealing of energy.
Not all Reiki traditions use Raku. Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki and many Western lineages do not include it. If you learned Reiki from a teacher outside the ICRT, you may never have heard of Raku.
What Raku Means and How to Use It
Understanding the grounding symbol.
- Meaning: 'Fire' or 'lightning.' The symbol represents the energy of grounding and completion.
- Shape: A zigzag or lightning bolt. It directs energy downward into the earth.
- In attunements: Some masters use Raku at the end of attunements. It grounds the student and seals the attunement energy.
- After sessions: Some practitioners use Raku to ground clients after deep Reiki sessions. It helps them feel more present and less spacey.
- For self-grounding: You can use Raku on yourself when you feel ungrounded, spacey, or disconnected.
- Not traditional: Raku is not part of traditional Usui Reiki. It is a modern addition from Western lineages.
Raku Symbol
The grounding symbol and its uses.
Grounding
Draw Raku to ground yourself or a client when feeling spacey or disconnected.
Attunement Completion
Some masters use Raku at the end of attunements to seal the energy.
Post-Session
Use Raku after deep Reiki sessions to help the recipient feel present and grounded.
A Modern Symbol
Where Did Raku Come From?
Raku was introduced in some Western Reiki lineages, particularly the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) founded by William Lee Rand.
The symbol is not found in traditional Japanese Usui Reiki. It is not mentioned in the Usui memorial stone or early Japanese records.
Some traditionalists do not consider Raku a 'real' Reiki symbol. Others accept it as a useful modern addition.
If you learned Reiki from a teacher outside the ICRT, you may have never learned Raku. That is fine. Traditional Usui Reiki does not require it.
Practical Applications
When and How to Use Raku
In attunements: Some masters use Raku at the very end of the attunement ceremony. They draw the symbol from the crown of the student's head down to their feet, grounding the energy.
After deep sessions: If a client feels spacey or ungrounded after a Reiki session, draw Raku over their body from head to feet. Intend: 'May you be grounded and present.'
For self-grounding: Draw Raku over your own body from head to feet. Feel the energy moving down into the earth. Repeat until you feel grounded.
To seal energy: Draw Raku at the end of a session (for yourself or others) to seal the healing energy in place.
How Practitioners View Raku
I use Raku at the end of every attunement. It seals the energy. It grounds the student. Without it, I feel the attunement is incomplete. But I know some traditions do not use it. That is fine too.
Raku is useful. It helps with grounding. But it is not necessary. Traditional Usui Reiki works beautifully without it. Use it if it resonates. Do not worry about it if it does not.
Do not feel pressured to learn Raku if your lineage does not include it. Traditional Usui Reiki is complete with four symbols.
Key takeaways
- Raku means 'fire' or 'lightning.' It is a grounding and completion symbol.
- The symbol is not part of traditional Usui Reiki. It was added in some Western lineages (ICRT).
- Use it for grounding, sealing energy, and completing attunements.
- Not all Reiki traditions recognize Raku. Traditional Usui Reiki has only four symbols.
- You do not need Raku for effective Reiki practice.
- If your teacher did not teach Raku, you do not need to learn it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raku a traditional Reiki symbol?
No. Raku is not part of traditional Usui Reiki. It was added in some Western lineages (ICRT).
Do I need to learn Raku?
Only if your lineage teaches it. Traditional Usui Reiki does not require Raku. The four main symbols are sufficient.
What does Raku look like?
Raku looks like a zigzag or lightning bolt. It is drawn in a single stroke.
When should I use Raku?
Use it for grounding, sealing energy, and completing attunements (in lineages that include it).
Can I use Raku if I learned traditional Usui Reiki?
You can, but it is not required. Some teachers add it. Others do not. Follow your teacher's guidance.
Sources
- William Lee Rand, ICRT publications.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings (for contrast).
