Reiki Symbols Level 2: Cho Ku Rei and Sei He Ki

cho uk rei

The first symbol in Reiki 2 is cho ku rei (CKR). This symbol greatly increases the power of the Reiki you channel. Initially, you will consciously invoke this symbol at each chakra and at any time you wish to establish protection. As your intuition develops, CKR will automatically arise in your awareness as needed. At first, be very diligent in drawing, visualizing, and invoking this symbol. With practice, it will become familiar and automatic to you.

According to Diane Stein, the line at the top of the CKR represents Shiva (masculine energy of the universe). The vertical line represents the energy that emanates from heaven to earth. The spirals represent Shakti (Goddess energy). Note that the spirals touch the diagonal line a total of seven times, corresponding to the seven chakras. Start drawing the symbol from the top left, followed by a downward stroke. This is followed by a series of 3 spirals in a clockwise direction, crossing the vertical line.

(The symbols are not shown in this article. Your Reiki Master will show you the symbols when you are ready for them. Of course, you can find them online if you are curious. Again, make sure you are well prepared for practicing advanced Reiki.)

Just like in Reiki 1, you can ask your patients if they have any physical ailments they would like to heal. Discussing those issues helps you focus the intent of CKR. As your patient describes their physical symptoms, your attention and intent are focused specifically on those symptoms.

Cho Ku Rei (clockwise)

increase power
Protect your chakras
Focus on physical healing.
Protection on walls, aura and other places
Empower water, food and plants
energize crystals

Cho Ku Rei (counterclockwise)

Alternatively, the Cho Ku Rei orbits can be drawn counterclockwise. Generally, the function is the same as with the clockwise symbol. In the early stages of your Reiki 2 training, practice using the symbol in both directions until your intuition guides you as to which is most appropriate at the time. Counter-clockwise CKR is used to disperse energy, remove negativity from cysts, and remove negativity from auras. Finally, you can use it to ground the soles of your feet. Ultimately, your intention during a healing is of the utmost importance. Reiki’s universal intelligence leads energy through you like a channel. So instead of intellectualizing and working on your techniques, just relax and let the Reiki flow. Many students push themselves too hard and push their energy, exhausting themselves in the process.

Sei He Ki: The Emotional Symbol

The second symbol in Reiki 2 is sei heki (SHK). This symbol focuses on emotional and purification issues. During healings, you can be inspired to ask your patients questions. Follow your intuition and you will know what to ask. SHK helps patients to release negative emotions. Combining the power of SHK with compassionate and timely questions creates a powerful synergy between Western psychological practices and Eastern energy disciplines. Start with general questions such as “Is there an emotional problem in your mind that you would like to heal? Is there a situation in your life that you would like to overcome?” More specific questions will intuitively arise on their own. This topic is discussed in more detail in my article on therapeutic communication.

Some sources define SHK as “God and humanity become one”. The SHK symbol resembles the two sides of the human brain. The left side combines angles with straight lines, representing the left side of the human brain, being logical and linear. The right side is curved, which represents human creativity and imagination. As you gain experience with SHK you will understand for yourself its esoteric meaning and how to apply it in healing situations. Its main characteristics and uses can be summarized as follows: