Fast facts
Power, protection, grounding
Emotional healing, mental patterns
Distance healing, past/future
Attunements, spiritual connection
Each symbol has a specific purpose
The Four Purposes
What Each Symbol Is Used For
Reiki symbols have specific purposes. Each symbol is used for a different aspect of healing.
Cho Ku Rei is for power and protection. Sei He Ki is for emotional healing. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is for distance healing. Dai Ko Myo is for spiritual connection.
The symbols are tools. Use the right tool for the right job.
Symbol Purposes
What each symbol is used for.
- Cho Ku Rei: Use for power and protection. Increase energy flow. Ground energy. Protect your energy field. Purify spaces. Start Reiki sessions.
- Sei He Ki: Use for emotional healing. Heal emotional wounds. Release mental patterns. Heal relationships. Balance emotions. Address habits and addictions.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: Use for distance healing. Send Reiki across space. Heal past events. Send Reiki to future situations. Heal karmic patterns.
- Dai Ko Myo: Use for attunements. Deepen spiritual connection. Heal at the deepest level. Connect to the source of Reiki. Self-mastery.
Reiki Symbol Uses
What each symbol is used for.

Cho Ku Rei
Power. Protection. Grounding. Purify. Increase energy flow.
Sei He Ki
Emotional healing. Mental patterns. Relationships. Balance.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance healing. Past events. Future situations. Karmic patterns.
Dai Ko Myo
Attunements. Spiritual connection. Deepest healing. Source connection.
Power and Protection
How to Use Cho Ku Rei
Use Cho Ku Rei for power and protection. Draw it at the beginning of Reiki sessions to increase energy flow. Draw it over painful areas to direct more energy.
Draw it around yourself to protect your energy field. Draw it in a room to purify the space. Use it to ground your energy.
Cho Ku Rei is the most commonly used symbol. It is the foundation of many Reiki sessions.
Emotional Healing
How to Use Sei He Ki
Use Sei He Ki for emotional healing. Draw it over the heart to heal emotional wounds. Draw it over the head to release mental patterns.
Use it for relationships. Draw it to heal relationship wounds. Use it for habits and addictions. Draw it to release the emotional patterns that drive them.
Sei He Ki brings emotional balance. It soothes the heart and calms the mind.
Distance Healing
How to Use Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Use Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen for distance healing. Draw it to send Reiki across space. It works for anyone, anywhere.
Use it for past events. Draw it to heal childhood trauma or past relationships. Use it for future situations. Draw it to send Reiki to upcoming challenges.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen transcends time and space. It connects you to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Spiritual Connection
How to Use Dai Ko Myo
Use Dai Ko Myo for attunements. It is the primary symbol used in opening Reiki channels for new students.
Use it for spiritual connection. Draw it to deepen your connection to the source of Reiki. Use it for self-mastery. Draw it to align with your highest purpose.
Dai Ko Myo is the master symbol. It represents the great shining light. It is the highest symbol in Usui Reiki.
Key takeaways
- Cho Ku Rei: power, protection, grounding.
- Sei He Ki: emotional healing, mental patterns.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: distance healing, past and future.
- Dai Ko Myo: attunements, spiritual connection.
- Each symbol has a specific purpose.
- Symbols are tools. Intention is the key.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cho Ku Rei used for?
Power, protection, grounding. It increases energy flow and provides protection.
What is Sei He Ki used for?
Emotional healing and mental patterns. It heals emotional wounds and releases mental blocks.
What is Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen used for?
Distance healing. It allows healing across space and time.
What is Dai Ko Myo used for?
Attunements and spiritual connection. It is the master symbol.
Do I need to use all the symbols?
No. Use the symbols that are appropriate for your session. Each symbol has a specific purpose.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.





