When we talk about the symbols for Reiki practice, we are basically referring to the first three of the four traditional symbols. These are, the Power Symbol or "Cho Ku Rei" in Japanese, the Mental and Emotional Symbol or "Sei Hei Ki"; and the Distance Symbol or "Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen".

Today, many different forms of Reiki have incorporated their own symbols, but these three continue to be regarded as the original ones. Some Reiki Masters considered these symbols sacred and thought it fit to keep them secret. But they soon realized that people with no knowledge on this ancient healing therapeutic method will find little or no use of these symbols, so they have been more open to sharing them since.

The first symbol for Reiki or "Cho Ku Rei" literally means 'place the power of the universe in here'. This symbol is basically used as an energizer and for protection. This symbol can help clean a room of negative energies. It can also increase the intensity of the Reiki way of healing. The practitioners also often use this symbol to protect themselves and their close ones from others that may intend to harm them.