The Cho Ku Rei Symbol is one of the five Usui power symbols that is used mostly in the practice of Usui Reiki of spiritual healing. It is thus commonly known as an Usui power symbol. However, in the recent past, the symbol has been integrated into other forms of Reiki as well. The phrase can be broken down into three main bits- ‘Cho’ which means a curved sword, ‘Ku’ which signifies producing wholeness and ‘rei’ that stands for a mystical power that cannot be explained. In order to understand the above, it is important for you to ask, what is Reiki? Reiki is a practice for self-healing. It brings about self-healing by reducing stress and promoting a healthy mind and body by regulating energies in, out as well as around the body. The phrase ‘Cho Ku Rei’ literally translates into ‘Place the power of the universe here’. This symbol is primarily a symbol of protection from negative energy. It is believed that drawing or visualizing the Reiki power symbol provides a boost in energy levels of the practitioner. The symbol is initiated only when an individual has reached the second degree of Reiki attunement. You can also use it with other Reiki symbols to achieve more power. This particular symbol is used for physical, mental as well as emotional healing. When is the symbol used? It should be remembered that power symbols in the practice of Reiki have no power in and about themselves. It is only when it is attuned with the Reiki practice that the symbol starts showing its effects. You can use the Reiki Cho Ku Rei symbol either at the beginning of the session or at the end of it. It is believed that when used at the beginning of the practice, it can accelerate Reiki energy whereas when used at the end of the session, it can seal off energies thereby rendering a better mental and physical disposition. In most cases, your Reiki master will inform you about when you can start using the Choku Rei symbol. In the age of the internet, Reiki symbols are no longer a secret. However, experts advise that instead of acquiring knowledge of the symbols from the internet or a book, it should be initiated by the master during the practice of the art itself. Experienced practitioners of Reiki and regular users of its symbols believe that the power symbol should be infused into your daily routine and not be used only when you require healing. The Cho Ku Rei symbol is activated by saying it thrice and it works by providing more power to the Reiki practitioner. How is the symbol drawn? Traditionally, the Cho Ku Rei Reiki symbol is drawn anti-clockwise. However, you can draw it clock-wise too. It depends on your intention behind the Reiki practice. While drawing the symbol, you might wonder about what it stands for; the horizontal line that you draw symbolizes the source of the Reiki. On the other hand, the vertical line that you draw from the horizontal one is the flow of energy and the spiral that stems from the foot of the vertical line and touches it at the middle represents the seven chakras. Benefits of the Cho Ku Rei symbol 1. The Cho Ku Rei symbol is primarily a power symbol. However, you can assign multiple utilities to it. The symbol can be used as a light switch and help you heal body pains. 2. The Cho Ku Rei can also help cleanse a room and remove all possible unwanted energies from the room. All you have to do is either draw or visualize the symbol on the walls or ceilings of the room and focus on purifying the room. 3. Crystals or other valuable objects can also be protected from the evil eye by drawing the Cho Ku Rei symbol either on or above it. 4. We all value our family and loved ones. By drawing the symbol directly on your loved ones, you can further ensure their safety and well-being. 5. You can also draw the symbol of food and water to remove impurities and toxins. 6. Drawing the Cho Ku Rei symbol in your workplace and on files and other important documents also help in gaining perspective and enhance work efficiency. Besides drawing the symbol on the bodies and on objects for protection, practitioners of Reiki who use this symbol often draw it on their palms before they start their sessions. However, there might be times when it is not possible to draw the symbol physically. At times when travelling outdoors or in the midst of crowded places, the symbol can be drawn using the Third Eye Chakra or within your mouth using the tongue as well. How does Cho Ku Rei help in Self-Healing? The Cho Ku Rei symbol will help you if you are trying to heal from depression or looking to boost your self-esteem. By removing negative energies from within, it heals the mental make-up of the individual and provides a stronger disposition. By removing negative energies, the power symbol fills the individual with positivity and hope. The power symbol can also be used for spot treatment. You can also gain relief from acute injuries by drawing the symbol on particular spots of the body. Further, it is also known to reduce the negative side effects of medicines and improves their effectiveness. The benefits of Reiki get doubled with the knowledge of power symbols. These symbols are based on the Japanese writing system, Kanji. Though all the symbols are known to hold the key to a higher mind (namely the mental symbol, Reiki distance symbol, master symbol and the holy fire symbol), the power symbol or the Cho Ku Rei is known to be all-pervasive and sacred. The reiki healing symbols help you to look within and access the universal field for curing and balancing. By drawing and distributing new and positive energy, the power symbol manages to ward off negative energy.