Reiki symbols and meanings

Reiki is a spiritual practice that uses different alternative medical techniques. Reiki was developed in 1922, by a Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. Reiki is primarily a stress management and relaxation technique, but it also promotes spiritual healing. Reiki uses technique known as "the palm healing" to transfer healing energy in form of KI through their palms. KI is an unseen life force or vital energy that flows through every living being. When this energy is low, an individual is more prone to diseases and mental fatigue. When the KI is high, person feels good and healthy. Like many other sorts of alternative medicine, Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing, so yes, reiki can be seen as one of the relaxation techniques for anxiety .

Stages of Reiki mastery

Reiki masters are qualified according to the different degrees of mastery. At the first degree, Reiki practitioners have the ability to heal themselves and the others. When they progress to the second degree they are able to heal others from a distance using the specialized symbols. The grandmaster level is the third stage of development and it involves ability to teach and attune others to Reiki.

Reiki symbols

Reiki practitioners on the second and grandmaster level use special sacred symbols and words to induce the healing and protection at great distances. The symbols are handed down from master to master, in the process of initiation. There are four principle Reiki symbols.

CHO KU RAY, pronounced as "choh-koo-ray", is also known as the power symbol. The meaning of this symbol can be translated as "god and man coming together" or "I have the key". The symbol is primarily used to increase Reiki power, draw the energy from around and focus it on the target. The symbol is also used for spot treatments, to clean negative energies, for spiritual protection and empower other symbols.

SEI HEI KI, pronounced as "say-ay-key", is also known as the mental or emotional symbol. The meaning of this symbol is "key to the universe". The symbol is primarily used for mental or emotional healing and soothing of the mind. It is useful for psychic protection, cleaning, in meditation, in balancing brain's hemispheres, for removing addictions, for healing past traumas, and restoring emotional balance and harmony.

HON SHA ZE SHO NEN, pronounced as "hanh-shah-zay-show-nen", is also known as the distance symbol. The meaning of this symbol is "The God in Me Greets the God in You to Promote Enlightenment and Peace". This symbol is used for healing over distance and time.

DAI-KO-MYO, pronounced as "dye-ko-me-o", is also known as the master symbol. This is the most powerful of all symbols and it can only be used by Reiki masters. The primary usage of the symbol is to heal the soul and diseases and illnesses in the aura fields. This symbol provides enlightenment and piece, sharpens the intuition and psychic powers.