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.
Reiki Symbols by Lineage
How many symbols in each major lineage.
Usui Reiki
4 symbols. Traditional Japanese. Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
Western Usui
5 symbols. Adds Raku for grounding. Some lineages only.
Karuna Reiki
8 symbols. Advanced system from ICRT. Requires separate attunement.
Holy Fire
Several symbols. Also from ICRT. Multiple versions.
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
The shortest useful version of this page.
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.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- William Lee Rand, ICRT publications (Karuna, Holy Fire).
- Various lineage records.
