In learning the answer to “What is Reiki?” it is essential to understand the importance and use of Reiki symbols. We will start today with the Cho Ku Rei Usui Level I Reiki Power Symbol.
First, some important background: This article is not meant to replace formal Reiki training classes and attunements. Having been a Reiki practitioner since 2018 who has done numerous hours of in-person certification courses before opening my own successful practice, I invite you to see this overview as a very preliminary introduction to the concepts, which are best explored in depth, face-to-face.
I would also like to share that in addition to being a Reiki therapy practitioner, I am also an artist, and have hand drawn each of the symbols here for you, with love. With that background in place, let’s move on to the lesson!
Cho Ku Rei
During a Reiki certification course and attunement, the first Level I Usui symbol you learn is Cho Ku Rei: the Power Symbol. It is drawn as I’ve shown above: Starting up top and making an upside-down “L” shape, then spiraling the hand three times in concentric curves, touching the vertical line seven times.
Some versions have the spiral stopping before the last intersection, but the version here is the most common. It’s somewhat challenging to learn, but not as complicated as the Level II symbol, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen!
The First Symbol and Chakras
Here’s the amazing part of drawing the CKR symbol: These seven points of intersection correspond with the seven chakras or energy centers of the body! Above, I’ve colored each of the chakra colors so you can see where they fit.
In my drawing below, I’ve sketched a human form behind the symbol so you can see where each of the points match chakras. Isn’t that amazing? I interpret the eighth point up top as activating the Soul Star Chakra above the body, which is associated with a white aura.
The Reiki Power Symbol
The purpose of this “Reiki Power Symbol” is to activate the flow of Reiki energy, and thus launch the chakra balancing session. The name (sometimes written “Choku Rei”) translates roughly as “Focus the energy of the universe here.”
I find this symbol incredibly empowering and effective to use when drawn with the eyes behind closed lids, directly after I do my first hand placement on a client. There is something so satisfying about the “Line, line, curve, curve, curve” movement of drawing Cho Ku Rei, and sometimes I begin to see aura colors almost immediately after activating it.
Cho Ku Rei, in Sum
I hope this article about the Reiki Power Symbol, along with information about the five Reiki Principles, is a helpful introduction to some of the central aspects of Reiki relaxing touch. What would you like me to explain and illustrate next in the realm of energy work? Do share!
Interested in purchasing any of my Reiki artwork for printing or posters? Reach out with this contact page!
The creator of this site, Lillie Marshall, is a Reiki practitioner who is certified in three different kind of energy work, including Usui and Kundalini Reiki. She began her formal training in 2018, and now runs Healing Touch “L” Reiki in Boston, where she has become one of the top-rated practitioners in Massachusetts, conducting hundreds of sessions with clients. Having been a public school teacher for many years, Lillie is passionate about writing articles to educate people far and wide about the wonderful, natural benefits of Reiki for wellbeing and balance. Find her on social media at @HealingTouchL.