The Meaning of Usui Reiki Symbols in Reiki Spiritual Healing
Reiki Spiritual Healing
Reiki spiritual healing entails the transfer of life energy from a healer to a recipient, for the purpose of well-being. This form of alternative medicine was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritualist, healer, and scholar, in the beginning of the twentieth century. Dr. Usui, who studied with groups of Zen Buddhists, and spent years traveling, meditating, and learning, has taught this method of energy healing, with expectations for ethical practicing, and for the ultimate goal of spreading peace and harmony.
Through energy work, healers can treat themselves and others, on all levels. This holistic approach — nurturing, balancing, and energizing on an emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical level — has been an effective, and non-invasive, complimentary form of healing for many people. The four Usui Reiki symbols are used by students to draw higher energies, and focus them for positive purposes. While the symbols are considered sacred, and were once shrouded in secrecy, today their meanings are in the public sphere. They are only effective however, for Reiki healers who have been initiated by a Reiki master. A teacher has to attune a student to the energy of each symbol in order for an individual to have access to this positive flow of spiritual energy.
The Power Symbol
The power symbol, Cho Ku Rei, is the first of the four symbols. Loosely translated, it means, ’let the power of the Universe be here’ or ‘put the energy of the Universe here’. This symbol, which is learned by second degree Reiki students, is used to draw down spiritual, or higher energy.
This energy can than bring power, protection, and positivity to an individual or an object of creativity or healing. For example, the power symbol could be invoked to empower food, so that it will be more nurturing and energizing. It could perhaps be used to strengthen the healing energy of crystals in crystal healing, or simply to encircle oneself or others with healing, protective energy. Another useful application of the first Usui symbol is to dispel negative energy while at the same time sealing in healing energy.
The Emotional Symbol
The emotional symbol, Sei He Ki, can be used for treating emotional issues, which in turn, benefits physical well-being. Meaning ‘remember your self ’ and ‘oneness between God and humanity’, the energy of Sei He Ki represents directing or pointing awareness to oneself, in order to face, and then address emotional problems. Problems with anger, depression, nervousness, as well as addictions and negative habits, all benefit from this symbol. Promoting clarity and understanding, it can also be used to assist in learning and grasping information.
The Distance Symbol
The third Usui symbol, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, facilitates connection and communication. Traveling across both space and time, this symbol can be used by Reiki healers to benefit a person, place, or even an event, which exists elsewhere. It is also beneficial for treating the origins of a problem, which may reside in the past. The distance symbol, sometimes referred to as ’the bridge’, also helps to bridge the connection between spiritual energy and the physical body.
The Master Symbol
The most powerful of the four Usui Reiki symbols, the master symbol is introduced to third degree students. It is Dai Ko Myo, ‘Great Shining Light’. This symbol represents the divine, nurturing energy. It encompasses all of the first three symbols. This is the tool used by Reiki masters to initiate students to the other symbols.
Reiki spiritual healing, and the use of these symbols is intended for personal healing, and inevitably, the well-being of those around the practitioner. The drawing down of spiritual energy was once considered a right of the initiated. Although Reiki does require attunement, anyone can have an understanding of these symbols and pursue the art of energy healing.
Resources
The International Center for Reiki Training <www.reiki.org>.
Heij, Anja. “The Four Symbols of Usui Reiki Ryoho.” (Real Magick). <realmagick.com/articles/08/2008.html>.
“What is Reiki?.” (Usui Shiki Ryoho). <usuireiki-ogm.com>.
Photo Credit
photo by: Marissa Bracke (CC/flickr) <flickr.com/photos/marissabracke/3717384290>.
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