The Reiki Cafe 

Recently I was asked why some people use the symbols when doing REiki sessions and others don't. I always use symbols and am curious to why others wouldn't. Any feedback is appreciated.

Love and light,
copper

I'm sure you'll get lots of different replies, but this is my perspective on it :)

When I feel drawn to use symbols during a treatment then I use them, sometimes I just don't feel the need at all. In the beginning I always used the symbols to focus my intention to begin Reiki. But as Reiki has become part of me, I now use them as tools ie if i feel that an area needs a boost of energy then I might use the CKR over that area or SHK for an emotional matter.

I still use the symbols for my distant work, I find they help me to focus my intention to begin sending Reiki and assist me in mindfulness.

Hope this helps

Gentle Blessings
Helen

Thanks for your feedback.

I had been taught that by using the distant symbol on the person you are connecting to them. As in 'may the Buddha in you connect with the Buddha in me'. The other thing that I have found is that when I don't use the symbols before the session my client always (without exception) notices the difference even if I haven't told them.

what do you think?
Copper

That's really interesting. I hadn't really considered the effect of not using symbols on the client as opposed to using them. Can you elaborate in what way they feel the difference?

Gentle Blessings
Helen

I tend to always use the symbols by drawing them on the palms of my hands before each session. It's part of my ritual before giving reiki.

I have, in emergencies, given reiki without carrying out that ritual but then I found that visualizing them worked just as well.

My preference is to use them whenever possible.

Slan agus beannacht leat

Brian

Clients could never really explain just that they didn't feel the sensations the way they had on previous sessions.

I did an experiment with my students...i had them do a short session without symbols then add one at a time doing a short session in between. Not only did they feel the difference but so did the student they were doing Reiki on.

If I'm doing sessions in front of other people like in a fair I only use my eyes to draw the symbols.

I would be interested (if you decide to experiment) how you find it?!!

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my question.

Love and light
copper

Thanks for responding to my email. As you can see from the email I sent Helen I also do the same thing.

I love using the symbols and was really interested to hear why others wouldn't. Not to judge others...just curious.

Love and light,
Theresa

Well, we were given the symbols, so it would be churlish not to use them.

In addition, if they help us to centre and increase our mindfulness, I would continue to use them.

Nice to hear from you,

Slan agus beannacht leat,

Brian

Perhaps using the symbols increases mindfulness during the session and strengthens the channel.

I would like to try this out myself and see what happens. I'll let you know....will persuade hubby to let me try it out on him over the next couple of days :)

Gentle Blessings
Helen

In the early days of reiki here, there were two of us taking turns. She felt something in my back area and eventually it went swosh out. I asked what made the difference. she said she used a symbol. I asked what symbol, it was the CKR. I thought, Boy, I am going to always use the symbols if they make all that much difference. So I do. Who am I to ask?

finality

I think you are right on the money there. They increase mindfullness. I have found that being mindfull of my breathing does the same thing as focusing on a symbol. (and sometimes more)

Walk in beauty,
Rebecca

Obviously, it's because for some of us using symbols doesn't do anything more than working w/ the energy directly does. Although reading a symbol was my intro. to experiencing reiki and it knocked me for a loop, subsequent experience hasn't shown much of a difference when using symbols compared w/ when not using them. Given which, why use them?

Bruce