For those of us in the western world a great emphasis is placed upon the use of Reiki symbols. Seen as an integral part of the Reiki practice and for many practitioners the symbols are the Reiki energy. Over time new information has come to the fore, which suggests that the need for the symbols is not as important as was once assumed. The Dr. Mikao Usui Reiki Association based in Japan, do not use symbols for attunements with their ‘Gakkai’ students.
It would appear that Dr. Mikao Usui introduced the symbols into the Reiki technique for the benefit of his students. Dr. Mikao Usui chose the symbols very carefully to represent the many facets of the Reiki energy. His reason for doing this was because some of his students couldn’t accept that they were able to do Reiki, so the symbols were introduced to give the Reiki student focus and control of the energy. ‘Gakkai’ students today are shown the symbols out of historical interest but they do not use them.
Personally I feel that the need for symbols is down to personal preference and belief. I don’t use the symbols for healing or distant healing as I find that the intent to send healing in whatever form is sufficient for the Reiki energies to work. So whatever you chose to do and whatever you are comfortable with is right, it is still Reiki.
