by Kathie Lipinski, RN
One of the joys of Reiki is learning and using the Reiki symbols. We are more connected to the source of divine guidance, intelligence and power once we are attuned to Second Degree Reiki and given the symbols. The power of the symbols becomes clear to us when we begin to use them. How and what they can be used for is a question often asked. The symbols and their uses are discussed at length in 'Reiki: The Healing Touch,' the Reiki I & II manual by William Rand. This article describes the power symbol and the mental/emotional symbols in ways that I have been inspired to use them.
Being a visual person, I have found that the symbols, if I look at them in a certain way, often tell me what they do. The lines and the shapes of the symbols have a meaning and energy of their own.
The Power Symbol
The power symbol, when translated, means 'put the power of the universe here.' The top horizontal line represents 'shiva' or the male energy of the universe. The line coming down represents the energy coming down to earth or down the spinal column. The spiral represents 'shakti,' the female, or earth energy. The spiral then crosses the vertical line seven times representing the seven chakras.
To me, that spiral often represents a cocoon of protective energy, much like being in a labyrinth. The power symbol can be used to create a sacred or protective space around you. You can imagine yourself within that spiral, protected by Reiki energy. If you feel threatened by people around you, or are surrounded by negativity, you can imagine yourself within that labyrinth and the Reiki energy creates a protective field around you. The energy vibrates around you and sends the energy out as well. Another example is that if someone is verbally attacking you, you can envision a power symbol in front of you, protecting you like a shield and keeping their negativity out of your energy field.
Before I send my children to school each morning, I put a power symbol over the top of their head with the intent that they are surrounded and protected by Reiki energy all day. This can be done with pets as well.
Putting the power symbol on each chakra and in the palms of your hands, clears your channel and empowers your hands before giving a treatment. Placing the power symbol over the crown of the person's head creates a cocoon of Reiki energy around the client and a sacred space to work in. Putting the symbol over the back of the heart and end of the spine (low back) when you end the treatment seals the energy in.
The power symbol can be visualized in the palm of your hand when you go to shake someone's hand. This way you are bringing the power of Reiki to your encounter and giving the other person a blessing.
Placing the power symbol on medication before you take it has the effect of helping your body to receive the medication with the least side effects. The power symbol placed over your meal before you eat serves as a blessing for the food, removal of negative energies by anyone that handled the food, and receiving the food so that it truly nourishes your body.
One of my favorite ways to use the power symbol is when I fly. I have a Reiki ritual that includes visualizing the distant healing symbol laying down in front of the plane and becoming a 'Reiki bridge' of safety to my destination. Then I imagine the power symbol spiral coming down over the nose of the plane to the tail (including the wings), placing the entire plane in a protective cocoon of Reiki energy.
The Mental/Emotional Symbol
This symbol translates to mean 'God and humanity become one.' The sharp angles on the left side of the symbol represent logical, linear, or male side of the brain. The curves on the right side represent the intuitive, creative, imaginative or female side or right brain. So one can see how using this symbol balances the left and right sides of the brain and helps in any mental (thinking, analyzing, studying) or emotional (feeling) situation.
The mental/emotional symbol can be used on yourself (or others) when feelings of fear, anxiety, anger or depression come up. The Reiki energy helps to calm the emotion and help one see clearly. It is often said that many illnesses begin as blocked emotions. The next time an uncomfortable emotion (fear, sadness, anxiety, anger) comes up (for you or your client), don't try to stop it. It is there for a reason. Take a deep breath, activate the symbol, place your hands on your heart chakra and solar plexus chakra and give yourself Reiki. Imagine the power symbol there as well. Stay with the emotion and allow yourself to feel it. Wait with it. Thank it for coming up. And then release it.
Other uses for the mental/emotional symbol are when trying to learn something new. You can place the symbol on the paper or book, asking that Reiki energy help you to understand it more easily or clearly. Or, place your hands on top of your head, activate the symbol, and allow it to relax your brain so concepts or ideas will enter (and stay) more readily.
This symbol is also helpful in healing relationships. This can be between friends, lovers, family, peers, bosses, etc. What the Reiki energy does when this symbol is used is harmonize the situation between people. It helps calm the emotions so one can see the situation clearly or see it from the other person's perspective. Reiki cannot be used to control the relationship, but works for the highest good. Reiki brings about the best outcome for the relationship and/or the situation.
A visualization that I use when asking for healing between two people is to imagine that the two people are standing on opposite sides of the mental/emotional symbol. The Reiki energy comes up like a cloud of smoke and fills the symbol. The energy then comes out of the symbol and surrounds the two people involved in a cocoon of Reiki energy so that they are bathed in healing energy.
These are just a few ways that you can use the symbols. Allow yourself to work with them more closely, feel their energy, meditate with them, and let them tell you what they do.
