The Four Reiki Symbols Meanings and How to Use Them

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The Reiki symbols are an important part of the Reiki practice. They are a tool to connect the practitioner to the higher self. The four Reiki symbols were found by Dr. Mikao Usui in a Sanskrit book and he implemented them in the Reiki teachings.

Although these 4 Reiki symbols are not required to perform the Reiki healing practice they help the therapy to be more effective in healing the patient.

The first three symbols are taught during the second degree of Reiki teachings, whilst the fourth symbol is taught in the 3rd and final degree of Reiki. The 4th symbol is also referred to as the Master symbol. This symbol heals the soul and works on a genetic and cellular level.

It is taught in the final part of the Usui Reiki Master training. Because the symbols work on a subconscious level, once the student is initiated into the symbols they will stay with him for life even if he is using them or not. Note that it is necessary to go through the Second Degree Attunement before using the symbols.

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The symbols need to be either visualized or drawn. When drawn it is highly important that no one sees them but you. Some people use their tongues to draw the symbols on the top of their mouths for example. As a Reiki healthier you can use the symbols to draw them on the body of the patient.

You do not have to be a Reiki Master to use these symbols. You can take advantage of them in any situation in your life to help enhance whatever you are doing and even help improve your physical and emotional state.

To get started on the journey of Reiki healing and Reiki symbols have a look at this unique coloring book with Reiki symbols, healing affirmations, and more.

1st Reiki Symbol – Cho-Ku-Rei

How to Activate the First Reiki Symbol

The Cho Ku Rei Reiki symbol can be used alone or as an activator for the other symbols. An example of using this symbol is drawing it with your hands or drawing it on top of the mouth with the tongue. You can also say the symbol three times silently as you draw it.

Benefits of Cho Ku Rei Symbol

• CKR activates the 2nd Degree Reiki energy.
• CKR activates all other symbols.
• CKR offers protection on all levels.
• CKR cleanses energies in your home, office, car, etc.
• CKR helps balance your life.
• CKR can be sent along with a gift on a sticker.
• CKR can be used on food, plants, animals, etc.
• CKR can be used to help your career; draw symbols under your desk, under your cash register, telephone, diary, computer, etc.

You can use it for whatever you want to bring positive energy to. People or things can bring some benefits to your life just on their own.

2nd Reiki Symbol – Sei Hei Ki

The second of the four Reiki symbols, the Sei Heiki symbol is associated with the balance between the left and right brain. Sei means birth or coming into being while Heiki means balance or equilibrium.

It is highly important to never let anyone see you drawing it unless he or she is a second-degree practitioner or a Reiki master. There are multiple ways to effectively apply the Sei Hei Ki symbol.

How to Use the 2nd Reiki Symbol

• You can use this symbol drawing it in mid-air in the direction you wish Reiki to go.
• You can draw it with your tongue on the top of your mouth and then project it on the top of your hands as you use them on your client.
• Visualize the symbols strong and white on the top of your palms before you place them on your client.
• Or visualize a strong white Sei Heiki symbol projected from your Third Eye Chakra on the back of your hands as you are using them on your client.
• Or you can draw the Sei-Heiki symbol on your palms using the index finger before you place them on the client.

How to Activate the 2nd Reiki Symbol (Reiki Sandwich)

To activate this 2nd symbol you must use the so-called Reiki Sandwich: draw and quietly intonate the Cho Ku Rei symbol after which on top of it you draw and intonate the Sei Heiki symbol; then repeat the first step as in the image and redraw and intonate gain the first Cho Ku Rei symbol on top of it.

The Reiki Sandwich can be used on persons that you feel have mental or emotional blockages. It will help release them allowing the healing process to begin.

You can also use it for your benefit to get answers to questions or on something you don’t understand. Write it down on a piece of paper and below it draw the Reiki Sandwich. Your answer will come to you intuitively.

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Benefits of the 2nd Reiki Symbol

• Works on drinking, drugs, or smoking addictions.
• SH works on relationship problems.
• SH works on nervousness, fears, and phobias.
• SH works on anger, sadness, or other emotions.
• SH works on improving memory.
• SH balances energies in your home, workplace, or in crystals.
• SH offers protection on all levels.

3rd Reiki Symbol – Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen

The third Usui symbol is used for distant (absent) healing. Similarly to the 2nd symbol, the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol works in combination with the Cho-Ku-Rey symbol. This symbol is also used to send healing energy back in time or in the future.

Time and space are irrelevant for the 3rd Reiki symbol. You can send it back into your childhood or past life, or send it to future events such as operations, interviews, and business meetings.

Further Reading: The Five Principles of Reiki

How to Use the 3rd Reiki Symbol

• You can use the HSZSN drawing it in mid-air in the direction you wish Reiki to go.
• You can draw it with your tongue on the top of your mouth and then project it on the top of your hands as you use them on your client.
• Visualize the symbols strong and white on the top of your palms before you place them on your client.
• Or visualize a strong white Sei Heiki symbol projected from your Third Eye Chakra on the back of your hands as you are using them on your client.
• Or you can draw the Sei-Heiki symbol on your palms using the index finger before you place them on the client.

How to Use the 3rd Reiki Symbol with Other Symbols

To activate Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen you must first draw it and quickly intonate the Cho Ku Rei symbol. Then on top of it, you draw the HSZSN symbol again and quietly intonate it after which you draw and intonate the Cho Ku Rei symbol once again.

Benefits of the 3rd Reiki Symbol

• HSZSN works on channeling Reiki to a person in another country
• heals the past present and future
• works on world peace
• heals the inner child
• helps treat patients with burns who cannot be touched or where there is a risk of infection through touch
• works on children while they sleep or rest
• you are only limited by your imagination. Believe and succeed.

4th Reiki Symbol, The Master Symbol – Dai Ku Myo

The last one of the four reiki symbols is constructed from a combination of three kanji characters. It spells as Dai Ku Myo which means great bright light or great shining light. 

This Master symbol is a representation of the divine. It cures illnesses from the very source by healing the aura and energy fields. Other meanings of the 4th symbol as Great Being of the Universe, Shine on me, or Treasure House of the Great Beaming Light.

The Dai Ku Myo is the symbol of intuition, creativity, and spiritual connection. It is the only symbol added in the traditional Usui Reiki master training.

It activates the energy of Self Empowerment and it works on cellular and genetic levels. Many people have changed life careers because of the use of this symbol. It initiates self-discovery and the true life purpose.

If you want to clear negative energies or for protection the Master symbol is perfect. The Dai Ku Myo symbol is a symbol that heals the soul. All bodily ailments come from an imbalance or from a blockage of the energy body (pranamaya kosha).

How to Activate the 4th Reiki Symbol

• draw DKM with your palm center
• draw DKM with your finger
• visualizing the DKM
• drawing or projecting the DKM with or from the third eye location
• intoning internally or externally the symbol’s name three times.

Where to apply the 4th Reiki Symbol

First, draw the symbol on your hands/palms and then project it on the areas such as:

• on the client’s crown chakra.
• on areas to be healed.
• on to the clients’ hands/palms.

It is important to remember that you must not become dependent on the Reiki symbols in your healing sessions. These are mostly tools to enhance and focus your healing energy. Not all masters make use of them to have good results. After the Reiki 1 Attunement, the healing process is on, regardless of whether you use the four Reiki symbols or not.

Benefits of Dai Ku Myo, the 4th Reiki Symbol

• Dai Ku Myo helps eliminate blockages at all physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
• DKM helps with empowerment, enlightenment, unity, and wakening of the soul
• DKM can make positive changes in your life and create a new better self.
• DKM helps create more harmony and balance in your daily life.

The Four Reiki Symbols Activation Note

When it comes to the four Reiki symbols and Reiki healing, the intention matters the most rather than the method used. Therefore you can use your imagination to activate these symbols and experience their benefits. As long as your intention is positive, you can use whatever method of activation you wish.

Final Words

When it comes to the four reiki symbols they are a great tool for healing and attracting good health. Use them as you see fit and let us know how they work for you in your healing practice or your everyday life.

You can use them as a Reiki master healer or take advantage of them as a regular person and draw them with or tongue or in mid-air. Or draw them however you see fit, however, take note that nobody must see you drawing them if you want to be effective in whatever intention you might use them for.

You can use them for your career and success, for your health and well-being, or for the health of others. You can also use them to attract relationships and the desired partner. Also when drawing them don’t forget to quietly intonate their spelling.

Learn more about using the Reiki symbols here on this other blog or watch this video about how Usui Reiki Symbols are used if you are a visual learner.

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