Hello everyone,
This is my first ever forum post!
I have had my reiki 1 and reiki 2 attunements- my reiki 2 was about 15 months ago. Since then, when doing self treatments I often find that the reiki feels like it flows more easily and stronger when I do not use the reiki symbols. Or, when I do not intentionally set specific time for a reiki self treatment, it sometimes starts flowing and usually feels stronger than when I do set time to do it intentionally.
I wondered if this is a common experience for others on this forum, and why this is. Could it be that having been attuned to the symbols, I do not necessarily have to visualise them or 'draw' them on to my hand or chakras, and that for some reason this process for me almost limits the reiki flow?
I am glad I have decided to join this forum, as I do not have anyone to talk to about this sort of thing. I often have so many thoughts and wonderings and would love to share them!
Hi DD
Reiki symbols are just "training wheels" to help some people get in contact with working energetically more specifically. The symbols help some people and may hinder others. Some people resonant with them and others see no meaning in them. This is because of individual differences and differences in cultures. After all Reiki as taught is from an Oriental perspective.
If you find that you don't need/resonant in the use of the symbols but the healing given has an effect, personally I wouldn't worry about it and just carry on.
RP
Hi Diana's Dance,
Well, there is meaning to the symbols if you study them and look at the roots of where they originate from, but that's not absolutely necessary to use them in Reiki.
Once you're attuned to the symbols, just having the pure intent of what's required from the healing will provide the correct energy, naturally incorporating the symbols without having to consciously draw or intone them. Sometimes though, drawing or intoning them can just help to apply the focus of intention on what is needed.
Each treatment we give ourselves or others will differ, sometimes it will feel more strong or more weak, or we may not even feel anything, but that doesn't mean that we're not benefitting. It can vary depending on what emotional, mental, physical or spiritual 'ills' we have at the time. The best thing to remember is the one of the principles that says "Just for today, be free of worry" 😉
You say you haven't got anyone to talk to about this. Do you not have access to speak with your Reiki Master/Teacher? I'm sure if you looked around your local area you'd probably find quite a few other people who practice Reiki and maybe even run local Reiki Shares that you could go along to, for practice and to discuss things.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
I don't really feel the reiki flow when I am self treating! I use the symbols as part of my intention for the treatment both on myself and for others. But if you don't feel the symbols are helping then do what seems right for you...don't worry if what you do or experience is different to others. Intention is all in reiki and as ong as your intention is clear thats all that matters
You can meditate on the symbols and feel their energy. In this way you will be able to connect with them better. Also, symbols can be used to heal people, situations and events in our life. So do not limit yourself to self treatment and experiment with a variety of things.
The symbols are taught on the second degree because they add another level to the use of the energy. If you feel they hinder you right now, don't worry, just 'go with the flow' and carry on doing what you are doing.
The more you use Reiki the more you'll become more sensitive to the subtle energies, and then you might use the symbols as an extension of your work. For instance the CKR can be used clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on what is needed.
Research them, meditate and practice with them, and see what will work best for you.
You're in the best place to ask questions. 🙂
I would have to say that the clockwise CKR is a more recent Western ('new age'?) introduction to Reiki, and is not rooted in original Japanese techniques or symbolism.
The 3 key symbols provided with Reiki actually cover all necessary areas, and it's always surprised me that some people have felt a need to introduce more symbols.
All Love and Reiki Hugs