Home » » Reiki Therapy » The Use of Symbols in Reiki

The Use of Symbols in Reiki

© Reverend Dina Ely

At Reiki level II, we learn the first of the Reiki symbols. They are the Power Symbol, the Emotional Healing Symbol, and the Distance Healing Symbol, respectively. At level III we learn the final Master symbol.

That's in Usui Reiki, of course. Spin-offs like Tibetan Reiki teach you many more symbols! Symbolism and Reiki seem to go hand-in-hand.

I ask myself often whether or not I ever benefited from the use of the Reiki symbols. I'd have to say "yes, at first". The symbols--especially the distance healing symbol--were very helpful in connecting me with the energy, and the focus necessary to maintain contact with my target.

That said, I rarely use the symbols now. I am familiar with the methods behind the symbols and their use is like a crutch I've cast away.

Most Masters will tell you this is how it should be. It is the traditional feeling that the symbols are for novices and are no longer necessary when you become intimately acquainted with the practice of Reiki.

There should be no shame whatsoever, however, in still using the symbols even if you are a seasoned practitioner. They are meant to help you practice Reiki; if you feel you need the help or simply desire the boost in focus, then by all means continue to use them! There is no harm in doing so.

The methods for utilising the symbols are as diverse as the multitude of Masters in the world today. Just like every Master has a different way of teaching, every practitioner approaches the symbols in his or her own unique way.

Personally I learned to draw the distance healing symbol on the backs of my hands with a tattoo marker. I then focused on the "temporary tattoo" to connect with my target.

I also have a pendant of the Reiki power symbol that I used to utilise that symbol's power.

You should arrive upon a way of incorporating the symbols into your Reiki practice that makes you feel comfortable.

And don't feel limited to only the traditional symbols, either! Practitioners have all sorts of symbols that help them practice Reiki. Even the concept of a Reiki "spirit guide", a being that helps you harnass and channel Reiki energy, is essentially a symbol.

Personally, a symbol I enjoy using is a white rose. I picture white roses as being objects imbued with Reiki power, and I draw power from them. It's a simple and quick exercise I do when I need to connect to Reiki in a jiffy, without the formality of a full Reiki session. (Hence, the white rose image I created for the footer of all my articles here at Suite!)

The copyright of the article The Use of Symbols in Reiki in Reiki Therapy is owned by Reverend Dina Ely. Permission to republish The Use of Symbols in Reiki in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.