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The Complete Collection

What Are All Reiki Symbols?

How many Reiki symbols are there? The answer depends on who you ask. Traditional Usui has four. Western Usui has five. Karuna has eight. Holy Fire has several.

This guide lists all the symbols across major lineages. You do not need to learn them all. Most practitioners use only the four Usui symbols. But it is helpful to know what exists.

The complete list of Reiki symbols by lineage: Usui Reiki (4 symbols): Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo. Western Usui (adds 1): Raku (grounding symbol). Karuna Reiki (8 symbols): Zonar, Halu, Harth, Rama, Kriya, Om, Shanti, and others (varies). Holy Fire Reiki: Several symbols beyond Usui. Other modern systems (Tera Mai, Seichim, etc.): Their own symbol sets. The core Usui symbols are the most important. Most practitioners only need these four.

Collage of all Reiki symbols from different lineages arranged in circles

Fast facts

Usui Reiki

4 symbols

Western Usui

5 symbols (adds Raku)

Karuna Reiki

8 symbols

Holy Fire

Several symbols

Core symbols

The 4 Usui symbols

Symbols by Lineage

A Complete Catalog of Reiki Symbols

Reiki symbols vary by lineage. Different teachers added different symbols. Some lineages have more symbols. Some have fewer.

Do not feel pressured to learn all of them. The four traditional Usui symbols are sufficient for most practitioners. Other symbols are optional expansions.

This guide lists symbols from major lineages. Use it as a reference, not a requirement list.

Symbols by Lineage

Complete list organized by tradition.

  • Usui Reiki (Traditional Japanese): 4 symbols. Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional/mental), Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance), Dai Ko Myo (master). These are the original and most important symbols. All other symbols derive from or supplement these.
  • Western Usui (Takata Lineage): 4 or 5 symbols. Adds Raku (grounding, completion) in some lineages. Raku is used at the end of master attunements.
  • Karuna Reiki: 8 symbols. Developed by William Lee Rand (ICRT). Includes Zonar (grounding), Halu (clearing), Harth (healing), Rama (compassion), Kriya (transformation), Om (oneness), Shanti (peace), and others depending on version. Requires separate attunement.
  • Holy Fire Reiki: Several symbols. Also from ICRT. Includes Usui symbols plus Holy Fire specific symbols. Multiple versions (Holy Fire I, II, III).
  • Other systems: Tera Mai Reiki (9+ symbols). Seichim Reiki (5-7 symbols). Tibetan Reiki (various symbols). Kundalini Reiki (various symbols). Angelic Reiki (angelic seals).

Reiki Symbols by Lineage

How many symbols in each major lineage.

Bar chart: Usui (4), Western Usui (5), Karuna (8), Holy Fire (several), Other (varies)
1

Usui Reiki

4 symbols. Traditional Japanese. Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.

2

Western Usui

5 symbols. Adds Raku for grounding. Some lineages only.

3

Karuna Reiki

8 symbols. Advanced system from ICRT. Requires separate attunement.

4

Holy Fire

Several symbols. Also from ICRT. Multiple versions.

5

Other Systems

Tera Mai, Seichim, Tibetan, Kundalini, Angelic. Varying counts.

The Original Four

Traditional Usui Reiki Symbols

The four traditional Usui symbols are the foundation of all Reiki. They are taught at different levels: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen at Level 2 (Okuden), and Dai Ko Myo at Level 3 (Master).

These four symbols are complete. You do not need additional symbols to practice Reiki effectively. Many practitioners use only these four for their entire lives.

If you are new to Reiki, focus on learning these four. Master them before exploring additional symbols.

Advanced System

Karuna Reiki Symbols

Karuna Reiki is an advanced system developed by William Lee Rand. 'Karuna' means compassionate action. The symbols are designed for deeper healing.

The eight Karuna symbols include: Zonar (grounding and protection), Halu (clearing negative energies), Harth (healing the heart), Rama (compassion and love), Kriya (transformation and releasing), Om (connection to divine), Shanti (peace), and others.

Karuna Reiki requires separate attunement. It is typically taught to Usui Reiki masters who wish to expand their practice.

Key takeaways

  • Traditional Usui Reiki has 4 symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
  • Western Usui sometimes adds a 5th symbol: Raku (grounding).
  • Karuna Reiki has 8 symbols. Requires separate attunement.
  • Holy Fire Reiki has several symbols beyond Usui.
  • Other systems (Tera Mai, Seichim, etc.) have their own symbol sets.
  • You do not need all these symbols. The 4 Usui symbols are sufficient.

Frequently asked questions

How many Reiki symbols are there in total?

There is no single total. Different lineages have different counts. Traditional Usui has 4. Some have 5, 8, or more.

What are the 4 main Reiki symbols?

Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional/mental), Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance), Dai Ko Myo (master).

Do I need to learn all Reiki symbols?

No. The 4 Usui symbols are sufficient. Additional symbols are optional.

What is the difference between Usui and Karuna symbols?

Usui symbols are the original. Karuna symbols are a modern addition (8 symbols). Karuna requires separate attunement.

Can I use symbols from different lineages together?

You can, but you need attunement to each lineage. Some practitioners integrate symbols from multiple systems.

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Sources

  1. Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
  2. Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
  3. William Lee Rand, ICRT publications (Karuna, Holy Fire).
  4. Various lineage records.

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