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.
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.
What Cho Ku Rei Does in a Reiki Session
Cho Ku Rei is used to focus, strengthen, and stabilize Reiki. It does not replace the practitioner, the attunement, or consent. It gives the session a clear energetic instruction.
It focuses Reiki
The symbol gives attention a specific place to gather. Practitioners use it over the body, the hands, the room, or an object.
Like placing a lens in front of scattered light.It increases intensity
Cho Ku Rei is traditionally called the power symbol because it is used when the practitioner wants stronger or more concentrated flow.
Like turning up the volume without changing the song.It grounds the work
The vertical line and spiral give the practice a centered, earth-connected quality, especially at the beginning or end of a session.
Like placing a weight at the bottom of a hanging thread.It seals intention
Many practitioners draw it after another symbol or after treating an area to affirm that Reiki is present and complete.
Like closing an envelope after writing the message.
The Shape
The Symbolism of Cho Ku Rei
The vertical stroke is often interpreted as the descent of universal energy into the practical world. It is the line between heaven and earth, spirit and body, intention and action.
The spiral is the gathering motion. It brings scattered attention inward and concentrates it. In practice, that is why Cho Ku Rei is used for power, protection, purification, and grounding.
The final movement completes the instruction. The symbol says: not somewhere else, not later, but here. This is why many translations point to the same central idea: place the power here.
What Cho Ku Rei Is Used For
Power
Increase Reiki flow
Draw over the hands, body area, or treatment space before beginning.
Protection
Create a boundary
Draw around yourself, the room, or the doorway with clear consent-based intention.
Grounding
Stabilize energy
Draw over the hara, feet, or the treatment space at the end of practice.
Purification
Clear an object or area
Draw over water, crystals, treatment tables, or a room before use.
Amplification
Support other symbols
Use before or after Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, or Dai Ko Myo.
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
The shortest useful version of this page.
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.
What is Cho Ku Rei used for?
It is used to increase Reiki flow, protect a person or space, ground energy, purify objects, and amplify other Reiki symbols.
What does Cho Ku Rei do?
It focuses intention and concentrates Reiki energy where the practitioner directs it.
What is the symbolism of Cho Ku Rei?
The vertical line is often read as the connection between universal energy and the physical world. The spiral gathers and concentrates that energy.
Do I need to activate Cho Ku Rei?
In practice, yes. Draw or visualize it with Reiki attunement and intention. Activation does not need to be elaborate.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki symbol teachings.
