Some regard Reiki symbols as sacred and secret. They are simply symbols. The sacred lives in their energy.
Each symbol holds an energy, represents a truth, and can be used to invoke its meaning; thus, its effect.
It is important to know that Usui Sensei did not begin attuning others to Reiki with symbols. He initially taught the individual five principles and unique energies each symbol represented. Thus, if one understands the energy, the symbols themselves were not needed to invoke their power.
Cho Ku Rei The first of the Usui symbols is commonly known as The Power Symbol. Pronounced in Japanese as Cho- Koo- Ray, it is learned in Reiki levels 1 & 2. It means Put all the power of the Universe here and is most often drawn by the practitioner’s dominant hand on each of his/her palms before sending treatment. Additionally, it is often drawn on the recipient’s Crown Chakra before a session thoroughly begins. It can be placed wherever the practitioner feels whether on him/herself or the recipient.
Drawing it, imagining it or chanting it three times can invoke Cho Ku Rei.
Sei Hei KiThis the second symbol used in Usui Reiki. It is taught in Reiki level 2 is most commonly known as The Emotional Symbol. It is pronounced Say- Hay- Kee. It means God and humanity become one. It is most often used when there is an emotional release or build up in the recipient.
Invoke Sei Hei Ki the same way as Cho Ku Rei.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen This is Usui Reiki Distant Healing Symbol. It is taught in level 2 and means May the Buddha in me connect to the Buddha in you to promote harmony and peace. Pronounced Hon- Sha- Zee- Show- Nen, it travels unhindered through time and space. It is most often used in distant healings and attunements and is perhaps the jewel of understanding Reiki.
Invoke Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen the same way as Sei Hei Ki.
Usui Master Symbol Dai Ko Myo
The Usui Master symbol, Dai Ko Myo is taught and given in the Master Level. This is the last symbol Usui used in attunements. Like it’s Tibetan sister, it heals the spiritual state of the recipient and connects the individual with his/her greatest potential. It means Great Being of the Universe Shine on Me.
Invoke Dai Ko Myo the same as Hon Sho Ze Sho Nen.
Tibetan Dai Ko Myo or DumoThis beautiful and powerful symbol was not originally taught in Usui Reiki Ryoho. However, the symbol gained so much popularity, it became systematic to include it in attunements. Pronounced Dye- Ko- Myo or Doomo, it Connects the body and the mind in order to grow spiritually. Dumo is used whenever the practitioner feels and often in every session.
Invoke Dumo by either drawing, imagining or chanting its name three times.
(Sources: reikiliving.com)
