Fast facts
4 main symbols
Varies by tradition
Power
Emotional
Distance
Master
The Core Four and Beyond
Understanding the 5 Symbols of Reiki
Traditional Usui Reiki has four main symbols. These are the standard symbols taught in most lineages.
Some traditions include a fifth symbol. The fifth symbol varies by lineage. Some call it the Usui Master Symbol. Others have different variations.
The core four symbols are the foundation. The fifth symbol is an addition, not a replacement.
The 5 Symbols
The four core symbols and the fifth variation.
- Cho Ku Rei: Power symbol. Increases energy flow. Protection. Grounding.
- Sei He Ki: Emotional symbol. Heals emotional wounds. Releases mental patterns.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: Distance symbol. Healing across space and time.
- Dai Ko Myo: Master symbol. Attunements. Spiritual connection.
- 5th Symbol: Varies by tradition. Some lineages include the Usui Master Symbol. Others use Raku or other variations. Karuna and Holy Fire traditions have additional symbols.
The 5 Reiki Symbols
The four core symbols and the fifth variation.
Cho Ku Rei
Power. Protection. Grounding. Increases energy flow.
Sei He Ki
Emotional healing. Mental patterns. Balance.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance healing. Past and future.
Dai Ko Myo
Master symbol. Attunements. Spiritual connection.
5th Symbol
Varies by tradition. Usui Master Symbol, Raku, or others.
The Core Symbols
The Four Main Reiki Symbols
Cho Ku Rei is the power symbol. It increases energy flow and provides protection.
Sei He Ki is the emotional symbol. It heals emotional wounds and releases mental patterns.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is the distance symbol. It allows healing across space and time.
Dai Ko Myo is the master symbol. It is used for attunements and spiritual connection.
The Added Symbol
The Fifth Symbol in Different Traditions
Some traditions include a fifth symbol. The fifth symbol varies by lineage.
Some call it the Usui Master Symbol. Others use the Raku symbol. Karuna Reiki and Holy Fire Reiki have additional symbols.
The fifth symbol is not used in all lineages. It depends on your tradition.
What Practitioners Say
I use the four main symbols. I learned them in my training. I have not learned a fifth symbol. The four are enough for my practice.
Different traditions have different symbols. The core four are the standard. Additional symbols are variations. Choose the tradition that resonates with you.
Do not get caught up in the number of symbols. The core four are powerful. Additional symbols are useful. But the practice is the point.
Key takeaways
- Traditional Usui Reiki has four main symbols.
- Some traditions include a fifth symbol.
- The fifth symbol varies by lineage.
- The four core symbols are Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo.
- Different traditions have different additional symbols.
- The number of symbols depends on your tradition.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 5 Reiki symbols?
The four main symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo. The fifth varies by tradition.
Is there a fifth Reiki symbol?
Some traditions include a fifth symbol. It is not used in all lineages.
What is the Usui Master Symbol?
Some traditions include the Usui Master Symbol as the fifth symbol. It varies by lineage.
What is the Raku symbol?
The Raku symbol is used in some Western Reiki traditions. It is not a traditional Usui symbol.
Do all Reiki traditions have the same symbols?
No. Different traditions have different numbers and types of symbols.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
