Dear Hearth_Reiki,
I enjoyed reading your post. :)
Evaluating what we are taught is always a good idea wether it is Reiki or not. A teacher opens the door but the student must walk through it and hopefully beyond it.
I believe that what you wrote is true, that the symbols are a way to attach to meaning & intent. Repetition or repeated use of the symbols sets the intent within us. Each of us processes information a bit differently and some utilize the symbols more than others. Some need the symbols & that is OK.
A picture is worth a thousand words!
When the light bulb goes on, the darkness receedes!
As for teachers, he or she did what he/she was to do: introduce you to the concepts, open the door. The rest is up to us.
peace & joy,
holobon
