Reiki symbols hold immense power in the world of energy healing. These sacred symbols act as keys that unlock higher levels of Reiki energy, allowing practitioners to channel healing energy more effectively. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Reiki master, understanding the Reiki Symbols Meaning can deepen your practice and enhance your healing abilities. In this guide, we will explore the Reiki symbols meaning, their uses, and how they can amplify healing energy. We’ll cover both traditional Usui Reiki symbols and advanced Karuna and Shamballa Reiki symbols and their Meaning to give you a complete understanding of how they function in Reiki healing.
What Are Reiki Symbols and their Meaning?
Reiki symbols are sacred visual representations used in Reiki healing to direct and amplify energy. These symbols, passed down through generations, help Reiki practitioners access different frequencies of healing energy. While these symbols themselves do not hold power, they serve as tools to enhance intention and energy flow.
Reiki symbols can be drawn, visualized, or chanted mentally to activate their healing properties. Each Reiki symbol has a specific meaning, specific purpose, such as strengthening healing energy, clearing emotional blockages, or sending Reiki over long distances.
Reiki Symbols Meaning Level 1 and Level 2
Reiki symbols are typically introduced at Level 2 (Okuden) of Usui Reiki training. At this stage, students learn to use three core symbols to enhance their practice.
- Reiki Level 1 does not require the use of symbols. It focuses on self-healing and direct hands-on healing for others.
- Reiki Level 2 introduces symbols to deepen healing, clear emotional blocks, and send energy remotely.
The 3 Main Usui Reiki Symbols
The most commonly used Reiki symbols come from the Usui Reiki system, the foundation of modern Reiki. These symbols are:
1. Cho Ku Rei (Power Symbol)
- Meaning: “Placing all the power of the Universe here.”
- Purpose: Enhances Reiki energy, offers protection, and clears negativity.
- How to Use: Draw or visualize Cho Ku Rei at the beginning of a session to amplify healing energy. It can also be used at the end to “seal” the energy.
2. Sei He Ki (Harmony Symbol)
- Meaning: “God and Man Become One.”
- Purpose: Helps with emotional and mental healing, balances the subconscious and conscious mind, and supports recovery from trauma.
- How to Use: Apply Sei He Ki during emotional healing sessions or meditation to release emotional blockages and restore balance.
3. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Distance Healing Symbol)
- Meaning: “No past, no present, no future.”
- Purpose: Used for distant Reiki healing, sending energy across time and space. It can also be used for past trauma healing.
- How to Use: Visualize Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen when sending Reiki to a person who is not physically present or when healing past events.
Advanced Reiki Symbols
Beyond the foundational symbols, Reiki Masters and advanced practitioners use additional symbols for specialized healing also called advanced reiki symbols. These include:
1. Dai Ko Myo (Master Symbol)
Dai Ko Myo is known as the Master Symbol in Usui Reiki, representing spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and divine energy. It is the most powerful symbol in the Usui Reiki system, used primarily in attunements and master-level healing sessions. This symbol translates to “Great Shining Light” or “Bright Light”, signifying its role in illuminating the soul’s path and connecting practitioners to the universal source of Reiki energy.
2. Dumo (Kundalini Symbol) – Awakens Kundalini energy and enhances healing
Dumo, also known as Tibetan Dai Ko Myo, is the Kundalini Reiki symbol, associated with awakening and directing Kundalini energy. It translates to “Taking us back to God”, symbolizing the journey of spiritual evolution and self-realization. This symbol is often drawn as a spiral with a lightning bolt, representing the rise of energy from the base of the spine to the crown chakra.
3. Mae Loong(The Fire Serpent) – Aligns chakras and stimulates energy flow
The Fire Serpent, also called Mae Loong, is a non-traditional Tibetan Reiki symbol that aligns, activates, and balances the chakras. It resembles a coiled serpent rising through the spine, similar to the Kundalini energy movement. This symbol is often used in Reiki attunements, helping students align with the energetic frequencies of Reiki.
Karuna Reiki Symbols
Karuna Reiki is an advanced healing system that includes symbols designed for deep emotional and spiritual healing. Some of the most powerful Karuna Reiki symbols include:
- Om(AUM) – The Sacred Sound of the Universe
- Zonar – Used for deep cellular healing and past-life issues.
- Halu – Protects against negative energy and psychic attacks.
- Harth – Helps in heart-centered healing and love.
- Rama – Used for Grounding and Manifestation
- Gnosa – Enhances Intuition and Wisdom
- Kriya – Action and Transformation
- Iava – Help in Breaking Illusions and Limitations
- Shanti –Used for Inner Peace and Tranquility
All 33 Reiki Symbols Explained
1. Cho Ku Rei (Power Symbol)
Cho Ku Rei, often called the Power Symbol or The Light Switch, is a traditional Usui Reiki symbol that amplifies the flow of Reiki energy. It signifies the universal power source, with its meaning often translated as “placing all the powers of the Universe here.” This symbol is used to enhance energy flow, clear negativity, strengthen protection, and boost the effectiveness of other Reiki symbols and healing techniques.
2. Reversed Cho Ku Rei
Drawing this symbol in a clockwise direction generates a distinct energetic effect, differing from the traditional Usui Cho Ku Rei, which is drawn counterclockwise. Experienced Reiki practitioners use this variation to release excess energy from people, objects, or spaces. It is also integrated into healing practices focused on manifestation, abundance, and grounding, as it is believed to help anchor intentions into the physical realm.
3. Sei He Ki (Harmony Symbol)
Sei He Ki, a traditional Reiki symbol, is widely used for emotional and mental healing. It strengthens the connection between the left and right brain, aligning the subconscious with the conscious mind to restore balance and harmony. This symbol is particularly effective for overcoming addictions, releasing deep-seated emotional blockages, alleviating anxiety and depression, and uncovering the root causes of mental or emotional imbalances.
4. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Distance Symbol)
Reiki energy transcends time and space, making Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, the third symbol in the Usui Reiki system, a powerful tool for distance healing. Meaning “having no present, past, or future,” this symbol allows practitioners to send Reiki energy across time and space. It can be used to heal past traumas and karmic patterns, align with one’s highest potential in the present, and shape a balanced future. It is especially beneficial for those who prefer not to receive hands-on Reiki treatments.
5. Shika Sei Ki
Shika Sei Ki is a powerful Reiki symbol for heart healing, designed to open your heart and restore emotional balance. Translating to “love that travels from heart to heart,” it works by clearing blockages and releasing negative emotions that hinder the flow of unconditional love. This symbol helps balance the heart chakra, fostering compassion, deep connection, and inner harmony. It is particularly effective for healing heart-related ailments, anger, anxiety, relationship struggles, emotional stress, and soul fragmentation recovery.
6. Shika So
Shika Sei Ki is perfectly complemented by Shika So in Reiki healing sessions. While Shika Sei Ki focuses on heart and soul healing, Shika So enhances communication and emotional expression. This symbol is particularly effective in balancing the Throat Chakra, allowing individuals to express their feelings clearly and release emotions that no longer serve them. It is also used to address physical imbalances related to the throat, such as thyroid disorders, laryngitis, and other fifth chakra-related issues.
7. Dai Ko Myo (Master Reiki Symbol)
Dai Ko Myo, known as the Master Symbol in Reiki, represents “the embodiment of light” and serves as a gateway to higher spiritual awareness. This powerful symbol enhances spiritual growth, deep healing, and consciousness expansion. It aids in integrating spiritual wisdom into everyday life, releasing past burdens, and clearing energetic blockages on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. Dai Ko Myo is essential for those seeking enlightenment, inner transformation, and a deeper connection to universal energy.
8. Dumo (Tibetan Master Symbol)
Dumo, a non-traditional Tibetan Reiki symbol, is considered a variation of Dai Ko Myo and translates to “taking us back to God.” It represents the sacred flame of Kundalini energy, which awakens spiritual power within. Commonly used in attunements alongside the Violet Breath technique, Dumo is known for its ability to cleanse energy, stimulate Kundalini awakening, enhance creativity, accelerate spiritual growth, and unify mind and body by raising vibrational frequency. This symbol is especially beneficial for those seeking deep transformation and energetic alignment.
9. Mae loong (The Fire Serpent)
Mae loong(The Fire Serpent), also known as the Tibetan Fire Serpent, is a non-traditional Reiki symbol associated with energy awakening and kundalini activation. It is primarily used during master-level attunements, where it is drawn along the spinal cord and Crown Chakra to stimulate energy flow. This symbol helps in aligning and balancing the chakras, grounding energy for inner stability, and promoting deep healing—especially for spinal and back-related issues. It is a powerful tool for those seeking enhanced spiritual awareness and energy activation.
10. Raku (Lightning Bolt Symbol)
Raku also called the Lightning Bolt, is a powerful Reiki symbol for grounding and energy sealing. It is primarily used at the end of Reiki sessions to disconnect the healer’s energy from the recipient and to finalize attunements between teacher and student. This symbol cleanses the central energy channel, guiding chi (life force energy) into the major chakras along the spine. Raku is also effective for releasing negative energy, facilitating karmic healing, detoxifying the body, restoring internal energy, and addressing physical imbalances such as kidney stones and blood clots.
11. Zonar (Karuna Reiki Symbol)
Zonar, the first symbol in the Karuna Reiki system, is recognized by its Z-shape with three infinity symbols and is deeply connected to past life healing, karmic release, and inter-dimensional energy work. Used at the start of a healing session, it prepares the recipient for deep cellular healing, making it one of the most physically impactful Karuna Reiki symbols. Zonar enhances remote healing, helps break toxic relationship patterns, supports overcoming addictions, and clears deep emotional wounds like shame and inadequacy.
12. Halu
Halu, the second symbol in the Karuna Reiki system, is a powerful amplification of Zonar, designed to deepen the healing process and restore balance on all levels. Its pyramid-shaped structure acts as a protective shield, safeguarding against psychological and emotional manipulation while neutralizing negative energy. Halu is particularly effective in dissolving subconscious blockages, releasing the shadow self, clearing illusions and self-deception, and healing trauma related to physical or sexual abuse.
13. Harth
Harth, the third Karuna Reiki symbol, represents pure light, unconditional love, empathy, truth, beauty, and harmony, often referred to as “the heart of Reiki.” It is closely linked to the feminine divine energy and higher spiritual entities like Mary and Kwan Yin. This symbol is particularly effective for healing relationships, fostering deep emotional connections, developing healthy habits, expanding spiritual awareness, and addressing heart-related issues such as fear and grief.
14. Rama
Rama, the final symbol of Karuna Reiki Level 1, embodies balance, grounding, and protection. Associated with Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, this symbol restores harmony between good and evil. It clears negative energy, aligns the chakras, enhances protection, rejuvenates personal energy, and manifests material success. It is especially beneficial at the end of a healing session to bring the recipient back into a state of stability and balance.
15. Gnosa
Gnosa is a Karuna Reiki symbol that facilitates self-awareness, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. It is designed to clear the mind of distractions, deepen the connection between the human and the divine, and enhance intuitive perception. This symbol also strengthens clarity, focus, responsibility, and the activation of higher chakras, making it a valuable tool for those seeking intellectual and spiritual growth.
16. Kriya
Kriya, a Level 2 Karuna Reiki symbol, is associated with action, manifestation, and physical transformation. It helps align energy with the universe, release energetic blockages, and turn intentions into reality. By incorporating Kriya into a healing session, practitioners can ground energy, restore balance, and accelerate the process of achieving personal and collective goals.
17. Iava
Iava, a powerful Karuna Reiki symbol, helps individuals break free from illusions created by learned beliefs and perceptions, allowing them to see reality as it truly is. This symbol enhances self-awareness, dissolves misconceptions, and clears manipulative influences, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their lives and make conscious choices. Additionally, Iava supports planetary healing, guiding practitioners to align with higher wisdom and universal truth.
18. Shanti
Shanti, meaning peace, is a Karuna Reiki symbol that facilitates emotional release and deep relaxation. Many people struggle to let go of past traumas and future anxieties, preventing them from fully embracing the present. By working with Shanti, practitioners can calm the aura, break free from karmic cycles, and cultivate inner peace before and after healing sessions.
19. Om (Aum)
Om (Aum) is a master symbol in Karuna Reiki, widely recognized in Eastern spiritual traditions as the sound of creation. Practitioners use this sacred vibration to cleanse and protect the aura, activate the Soul Star, Crown, and Third Eye chakras, and elevate consciousness. Chanting Om aligns practitioners with the universal frequency, guiding them toward deep meditation and spiritual enlightenment.
20. Mer Ka Fa Ka Lish Ma
Practitioners use Mer Ka Fa Ka Lish Ma, a second-level Shamballa Reiki symbol, to activate and repair DNA, promoting healing at a cellular level. This symbol aids in stabilizing Kundalini energy, clearing negative imprints, and strengthening genetic integrity for future generations. Practitioners also use it for targeted healing, restoring damaged organs, and accelerating recovery.
21. Motor Zanon
Practitioners use Motor Zanon, also known as the Anti-Viral or Anti-AIDS symbol, in various Reiki systems to expel viruses, parasites, and infections from the body. The name itself signifies “to go in and come out,” representing its ability to extract harmful energies and foreign invaders. This symbol is often combined with Cho Ku Rei or Reversed Cho Ku Rei for enhanced potency and is even used by Buddhist monks for exorcism and spiritual purification. It plays a crucial role in removing spiritual, emotional, and physical blockages, supporting DNA healing, and boosting immunity.
22. Palm Master
Palm Master, a third-level Shamballa MDH Reiki symbol, is often found in ancient Eastern statues, signifying the activation of spiritual power through the hands. This symbol enhances energy flow through the chakras and Sushumna energy channel, aligning the Third Eye, Heart, and Pelvis chakras in particular. Palm Master strengthens the connection with divine consciousness, enhances psychic abilities, and grounds practitioners to the Earth’s energy.
23. Amsui
Amsui, a sacred Shamballa Reiki symbol, embodies balance, fulfillment, and planetary healing. It consists of seven unique symbols, each corresponding to the seven chakras, helping practitioners raise their vibration, cut energetic cords, and purify negative energy. Many consider Amsui to be Archangel Michael’s sword, capable of bringing deep energetic cleansing and spiritual transformation.
24. Ho Ka O Ili Ili
Ho Ka O Ili Ili is a Shamballa Reiki symbol that fosters inner confidence, self-respect, and empowerment. It is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to overcome self-doubt, improve self-esteem, and build strong relationships. This symbol helps people gain trust, release insecurities, and express themselves with clarity, making it useful for job interviews, public speaking, and personal development.
25. Abundance
Abundance is a third-level Shamballa Reiki symbol designed to remove energy blockages that hinder spiritual and financial growth. By clearing residual negative energy patterns, it allows practitioners to manifest success in all areas of life, including wealth, personal fulfillment, and purpose alignment. It ensures a steady flow of resources and opportunities, helping individuals reach their highest potential and fulfill their life mission.
26. Antahkarana
Antahkarana is a multi-dimensional Reiki symbol that serves as a bridge between the practitioner and their higher self. Rooted in Sanskrit, “Antah” means inner, and “Karana” refers to cause or essence. This sacred symbol is used to clear energy blockages, restore balance to the aura, and heal emotional wounds. It also neutralizes negative energies in objects, water, or food, making it an essential tool for energetic cleansing and chakra alignment.
27. Vasudha
Inspired by the Swastika in Hinduism, Vasudha represents balance, peace, and prosperity. Practitioners draw it with red and yellow lines in a clockwise flow to attract wealth, protect against psychic attacks, and enhance financial stability. It empowers individuals with confidence and courage, encouraging them to take action toward their dreams and manifest success.
28. Johrei
Johrei represents the divine white light within all beings, channeling pure spiritual energy for healing and purification. This non-traditional Reiki symbol helps practitioners release emotional blockages, cleanse the aura, and restore inner balance. It fosters a deep connection with spirit guides and the divine, promoting positive transformation and overall well-being.
29. Hosanna
The Karuna Reiki symbol Hosanna clears spiritual blockages and deeply purifies energy. Meaning “God, help!”, this symbol has two variations—one for general energy clearing and another for targeted healing. It helps remove obstacles, bring clarity, and dissolve negative influences. Practitioners often invoke Hosanna for protection and divine guidance, calling upon Archangel Michael or Ascended Master Saint Germain for support.
30. Midas Star
Midas Star, originating from Seichim Reiki, is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Named after King Midas, who could turn anything into gold, it represents wealth, success, and fulfillment beyond material riches. This symbol strengthens confidence, clears limiting beliefs about abundance, and enhances personal magnetism. Practitioners use Midas Star to manifest financial stability, harmonious relationships, and joyful living.
31. Len So My
Len So My symbolizes universal love and emotional healing. It helps those who feel lost, disconnected, or unloved, bringing comfort, self-worth, and emotional balance. When drawn over the Heart chakra, it fosters deep healing in relationships and personal well-being. Practitioners integrate Len So My into self-Reiki treatments by activating it on the palms before a session, allowing love to flow freely.
32. Sati
Sati, known as the Aquarian Cross, is a Tera Mai Reiki symbol that represents the union of divine masculine and feminine energies. It balances all seven directions—North, South, East, West, Above, Below, and Within. Sati heals the heart chakra, strengthens relationships, and clears energetic blockages. Practitioners use it in Sati grids to enhance healthy connections or bring closure to relationships that no longer serve their highest good.
33. Koriki
Koriki, also called the Symbol of Happiness, originates from Reido Reiki and consists of Kanji characters representing strength and joy. It invites happiness, positivity, and emotional healing into one’s life. This symbol is especially powerful in reducing stress, supporting cancer treatment, and boosting motivation. Drawing Koriki on doors or entryways blesses the space, allowing only love, abundance, and harmony to enter.
How to Use Reiki Symbols and their Meaning in Healing
How to Use Reiki Symbols in healing proccess is a vital question in the mind of every reiki practitioner. There are many ways to use Reiki Symbols & their Meaning:
- Drawing Symbols on the Body – Apply Reiki symbols directly on chakras, hands, or affected areas to enhance healing energy.
- Visualizing Symbols – Mentally picture the symbols glowing in light to activate their energy during healing sessions.
- Chanting the Symbol Names – Repeating the names of Reiki symbols three times strengthens their effect and deepens their vibration.
- Placing Symbols in a Healing Space – Draw symbols in the air or on objects to cleanse, protect, and elevate the energy of a room.
- Using Symbols in Distance Healing – Activate Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen to send Reiki energy across time and space for remote healing.
- Sealing Energy After a Healing Session – Use symbols like Cho Ku Rei and Raku to lock in healing energy and disconnect from the recipient.
- Incorporating Symbols in Meditation and Self-Healing – Meditate with symbols like Dai Ko Myo to enhance spiritual awareness and self-healing.
FAQs About Reiki Symbols Meaning
1. What are the 3 Reiki symbols?
The three main symbols are Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.
2. Can anyone use Reiki symbols?
Only those attuned to Reiki can activate these symbols effectively.
3. How do Reiki symbols work?
They amplify intention and energy flow in healing practices.
Conclusion
Understanding Reiki symbols meaning can greatly enhance your healing practice. Whether you’re using Usui, Karuna, or Shamballa Reiki symbols, these sacred tools help align energy, heal emotional wounds, and deepen spiritual growth. Start incorporating these symbols in your Reiki sessions and experience their transformative power today!
