Fast facts
4 symbols
4 or 5 (adds Raku)
8 symbols
Several symbols
Different systems, different counts
Advanced Symbol Systems
Understanding the '6 Symbols' Question
If you learned traditional Usui Reiki, you know four symbols. So where does 'six symbols' come from?
The answer is that different Reiki systems have different numbers of symbols. Karuna Reiki has eight. Holy Fire has several. Other modern systems have their own sets.
When people ask about 'six Reiki symbols,' they are usually referring to advanced systems like Karuna Reiki (which actually has eight). The exact number varies.
Symbol Counts by System
How many symbols in different Reiki traditions.
- Traditional Usui Reiki: 4 symbols. Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo. The original and most important set.
- Western Usui (some lineages): 5 symbols. Adds Raku for grounding and completion. Not universal.
- Karuna Reiki: 8 symbols. An advanced system from ICRT. Includes Zonar, Halu, Harth, Rama, Kriya, Om, Shanti, and others.
- Holy Fire Reiki: Several symbols. Also from ICRT. Includes Usui symbols plus Holy Fire specific symbols.
- Other modern systems: Tera Mai Reiki (9+ symbols), Seichim Reiki (5-7 symbols), Tibetan Reiki (varies), Kundalini Reiki (varies).
Symbol Counts by Reiki System
Comparison of symbol counts across lineages.
Traditional Usui
4 symbols. Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
Western Usui
4 or 5 symbols. Adds Raku in some lineages.
Karuna Reiki
8 symbols. Advanced system from ICRT.
Holy Fire
Several symbols. Also from ICRT.
Other Systems
Tera Mai, Seichim, etc. Varying counts.
The Compassion System
Karuna Reiki Symbols (8 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 depending on version.
Karuna Reiki requires separate attunement. It is typically taught to Usui Reiki masters who wish to expand their practice.
The Modern Evolution
Holy Fire Reiki Symbols
Holy Fire Reiki is another modern system from the ICRT. It includes the traditional Usui symbols plus additional Holy Fire symbols.
The Holy Fire symbol represents a distinct energy that practitioners describe as more refined, faster, and more powerful than traditional Usui Reiki.
Holy Fire Reiki has evolved through several versions. The symbol set has changed over time.
Key takeaways
- Traditional Usui Reiki has 4 symbols. Western Usui sometimes has 5 (adding Raku).
- Karuna Reiki has 8 symbols. Holy Fire Reiki has several symbols beyond Usui.
- The '6 symbols of Reiki' typically refers to advanced systems like Karuna Reiki.
- More symbols do not mean 'better' Reiki. Traditional Usui Reiki is complete.
- You only need symbols from the lineage you are attuned to.
- Do not feel pressured to learn advanced symbols. Master the basics first.
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, 6, 8, or more.
What are the 6 Reiki symbols?
The '6 symbols' likely refers to Karuna Reiki (which actually has 8) or another advanced system. Traditional Usui has 4.
Do I need to learn 6 symbols?
No. Traditional Usui Reiki with 4 symbols is complete. Advanced symbols are optional.
What is Karuna Reiki?
An advanced system from William Lee Rand with 8 symbols focused on compassion and transformation.
Is Holy Fire Reiki the same as Usui Reiki?
No. Holy Fire is a modern system that includes Usui symbols plus additional symbols. It requires separate attunement.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- William Lee Rand, ICRT publications (Karuna, Holy Fire).
