5 Unconventional Ways I Use Reiki Symbols To Build A Practice That Actually Feels Like Mine

I used to think it’s disrespectful to go beyond traditional teachings.

But then, I learned this:

If we repeat what it has been said without inserting our personalities, we’re not living as humans but operating as machines.

For years I practiced Reiki as I was taught.

I followed every hand position…

Used the same three symbols…

And never wondered:

“What if there’s more?”

But as I grew, I realized that Reiki is not a rigid system.

It’s a living, breathing form of spiritual expression. Its symbols aren’t locked in time. They are energetic keys, and your spiritual growth determines which doors they open. The moment you allow your curiosity to be your guide, fear washes away and opportunities arise.

My biggest win wasn’t gaining access to fancy knowledge.

It was the freedom to build a personalized practice.

The same freedom I know you can experience.

So, let’s make the first step together…

Why Do We Use Reiki Symbols

Reiki symbols are like spiritual keys.

One opens the front door, another the basement, and then, you have other keys for your jewelry box, a wardrobe, or even a secret door. But, in energy work, these doors aren’t immediately apparent. It’s your job to discover them through spiritual growth.

Reiki symbols can help accelerate this process.

In fact… each symbol represents a “kotodama” (in Japanese culture) – which translates as “spiritual language”.

Therefore, each Reiki symbol is a cumulation of spiritual concepts ready to lift your vibration while empowering you with the ability to tap into new manifestations of the universal life force energy.

It’s why so many symbols exist.

Experimenting With Reiki Symbols Beyond Self-Treatment

Just like everything else, Reiki has evolved.

Throughout the last century, practitioners noticed they can use one symbol for a variety of applications while channeling new ones with different attributes.

This was possible due to:

  • Meditation.
  • Exploration.
  • Introspection.

It would be unreasonable to think we know everything about Reiki, spirituality, and the universe.

Yet, many disagree.

They are tied to traditional teachings and can’t accept going beyond these boundaries. But spiritual growth doesn’t mean staying stuck in what a handful of people knew one hundred years ago. It’s about growing into the next version of ourselves while honoring the heritage.

Personally, I accept both arguments.

But, it’s like saying we are no more than flesh and blood. Still, once you look beyond your physical manifestation, you understand there’s more of ‘you’ out there.

Reiki is adaptable.

You can integrate it in many practices.

For example: I’m Christian and raised Orthodox. I still go to church, practice fasting, use the Cross sign, and pray to God. But, this doesn’t inhibit my spiritual curiosity. – In fact, it accelerates it.

Same stands true for Reiki symbols.

5 Unconventional Uses Of Reiki Symbols

1. Energetic Protection

  • Activate a large Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki on your front and back, head to toe.
  • Activate Cho Ku Rei parallel to the ground, around your feet.
  • These two activations will help remove any stagnant energies from around you and create an “energetic sandwich” as a protection field.

2. Home Cleansing

  • Choose a room you want to cleanse.
  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki in each corner.
  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen + Dai Ko Myo on the ceiling and visualize a pyramid of light taking shape, stretching on the whole height.
  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen + Dai Ko Myo in the center of the room to further enhance the cleansing effect, raise the vibration, and promote harmony.

3. Improve Sleep

  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki on your pillow to clear any residual energies and even entities. These accumulate over time due to stress, anxiety, and even dreams.
  • Activate the same two symbols on the third eye chakra with the intention of balancing the melatonin levels.

4. Support Others

  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen + Dai Ko Myo in your palms.
  • Activate the same sequence in front of you to open the energetic gateway for sending distance healing to the person you’re trying to help.
  • Channel universal energy for their greater good or a specific outcome. Always add: “With the Divine will.”
  • This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour.
  • Be patient and make sure you either do this live (online), or when the person is ready to receive distance healing. Both cases require their consent.

5. Cleansing Food & Drinks

  • Activate Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki + Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen + Dai Ko Myo above your food and/or drink.
  • Channel universal energy with the intention of removing energetic toxins and stimulating their nourishing effect.
  • Spend about 5 minutes in this position.

Reiki Is Dynamic And Flexible

Reiki isn’t limited to hand positions.

It’s a versatile type of energy healing that evolves with the practitioner. From specific meditations and chakra integration to distance healing and protection, Reiki offers a diverse spectrum of applications.

Same stands true for Reiki symbols.

The secret to tapping into Reiki’s full potential: experimentation.

Be courageous and seek answers beyond standard teachings.

While the self-treatment is the core of Reiki, feel free to explore the vast and beautiful world of energy healing once you establish balance.

The only limitation is… YOU.