Fast facts
Place the power of the universe here
Increase energy, protect, ground
Vertical line + clockwise spiral
Level 2 (Okuden)
CHO koo ray
The Invocation
The Meaning and Purpose of Cho Ku Rei
Cho Ku Rei is the most fundamental Reiki symbol. It is often the first symbol students learn. It is also the most frequently used.
The literal translation is 'place the power of the universe here.' The 'power of the universe' is Reiki itself. You are asking the energy to gather, focus, and intensify.
The shape is a spiral. A spiral represents energy moving inward and outward. It gathers power. It focuses energy. It also represents the vortex of creation.
What Cho Ku Rei Means and How to Use It
Understanding the power symbol.
- Literal meaning: 'Place the power of the universe here.' This is an invocation. You are calling Reiki energy to gather at this location.
- Symbolic meaning: The spiral represents the journey inward to the self and outward to the universe. Both are connected. Healing yourself heals the universe. Healing the universe heals yourself.
- Clockwise direction: Cho Ku Rei is drawn clockwise (right-turning). Clockwise draws energy in. Counter-clockwise would push energy out. Direction matters.
- Three rotations: Traditional Cho Ku Rei has three clockwise rotations of the spiral. Three represents past, present, future. Body, mind, spirit. The three levels of Reiki.
- The horizontal line: The final horizontal line 'locks' the energy. It completes the symbol. It signals that the power is now present.
- Not a magic spell: The symbol works because of your intention and attunement. The shape alone has no power. Your intention activates it.
Cho Ku Rei Symbol Breakdown
Stroke order and meaning of each element.
Vertical Line
Represents the connection between heaven and earth. The invocation. 'Place the power of the universe here.'
Clockwise Spiral
Three rotations. Gathers energy. Focuses power. Represents past, present, future. Body, mind, spirit.
Horizontal Line
Locks the energy. Completes the symbol. Signals that the power is now present and active.
Breaking Down the Words
The Meaning of Cho Ku Rei in Detail
Cho Ku Rei is three Japanese words. 'Cho' means 'to place' or 'to put.' 'Ku' means 'the universe' or 'the heavens.' 'Rei' means 'spirit' or 'power.' Together: 'place the power of the universe here.'
Some translate it as 'put the power of the universe here.' Others say 'may the divine light gather here.' The essence is the same: you are calling Reiki energy to this location.
The words are not spoken aloud by most practitioners. You draw the symbol. The meaning is held in your intention. The energy follows your intention, not your words.
Practical Applications
When and How to Use Cho Ku Rei
At the start of a session: Draw Cho Ku Rei in the air over the recipient. Intend: 'Reiki energy, flow here.' This increases the energy flow for the entire session.
Over painful areas: Draw Cho Ku Rei directly over the area of pain. Intend: 'May Reiki flow to this area.' Hold your hands there. The energy increases.
For protection: Draw Cho Ku Rei around yourself or your space. Intend: 'May this space be protected.' The symbol creates a protective energy field.
For grounding: Draw Cho Ku Rei over your lower abdomen (hara). Intend: 'May I be grounded and centered.' This connects you to the earth.
To purify objects: Draw Cho Ku Rei over an object (crystals, water, food). Intend: 'May this be cleansed and energized.'
To boost other symbols: Draw Cho Ku Rei first, then draw other symbols on top of it. Cho Ku Rei amplifies their power.
How Practitioners Use Cho Ku Rei
I draw Cho Ku Rei at the beginning of every session. It sets the energy. It tells Reiki to flow. It protects me and the client. It is my most-used symbol. I also draw it on my water bottle, my crystals, and my treatment space. It is simple but powerful.
Cho Ku Rei is a tool. It is not magic. It works because of your intention and attunement. Do not become dependent on it. Reiki works without symbols. But Cho Ku Rei makes the work easier. Use it when you need more power.
Do not use Cho Ku Rei to force energy where it is not wanted. Reiki always flows for the highest good. Trust the energy. Do not try to control it.
Key takeaways
- Cho Ku Rei means 'place the power of the universe here.' It is the Reiki power symbol.
- The symbol increases energy flow, grounds, protects, and purifies.
- The shape is a vertical line with a clockwise spiral (three rotations) and a horizontal line.
- It is taught at Reiki Level 2 (Okuden).
- Use it at the beginning of sessions, over painful areas, for protection, and to boost other symbols.
- Intention matters more than perfect drawing.
Frequently asked questions
What does Cho Ku Rei mean in English?
It means 'place the power of the universe here' or 'put the power of the universe here.'
How do you pronounce Cho Ku Rei?
CHO koo ray. All syllables are pronounced clearly. Equal stress.
When should I use Cho Ku Rei?
Use it at the start of sessions, over painful areas, for protection, grounding, purifying objects, and to boost other symbols.
Does Cho Ku Rei work without attunement?
No. The symbol requires Reiki attunement to work. Without attunement, it is just a drawing.
Can I use Cho Ku Rei on myself?
Yes. Draw it on your own body or visualize it. It is very effective for self-healing.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki symbol teachings.
