Reiki actually has its basis in two words: Rei meaning universal and Ki meaning energy or life force. Reiki is the universal life force energy that is only channeled by an individual who has been completely attuned to the energy. The initiations or attunements are the continuance of the ancient process that tunes the healer into a high vibration. This will clear a channel used for the flow of energy. Once this channel is open, it will stay that way and the energy is then available for the healer to use for their entire life. This healer is also called a Reiki master.
In order to become a Reiki master, there are three different levels of Reiki that have to be completed. Here is a description of these three levels
1st Degree Reiki
The first degree level of Reiki allows you to learn the way Reiki works. It will also teach you Reiki's history and the different types there are. You will also be a part of your first Reiki energy experience.
Reiki attunement teaches you how to use the Reiki energy to control stress. It will also show you how use the energy for emotional and physical healing.
2nd Degree Reiki
This degree will teach you the concepts and methods of distance healing. This energy is different from what you would normally use as it is a higher level. Second degree Reiki focuses on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of healing.
3rd Degree Reiki
The Third Degree of Reiki teaches you the Reiki symbols and their use. You also will learn different methods of stress management. You will learn the sacred mantras and how to instruct others through the use of different energies. After you have completed this degree, you will be able to complete Reiki attunements. You will become a Reiki master.
Reiki symbols are taught during the Second Degree of Reiki by a Reiki master. In the past, these Reiki symbols were considered sacred. They were used only with the highest integrity. Reiki masters passed these symbols onto their students, but copies were not allowed to leave the teaching areas. Reiki masters helped their students memorize the symbols in the class, but this may account for the many variations today.
The Reiki symbols aren't harmful, but they will only have true power when you activate them during the attunement in Second Degree Reiki.
The Reiki symbols taught to you by your Reiki master are pictures you use in meditation to focus on. The symbol targets the subconscious mind and is a way to put a whole philosophy into a single image.
Reiki masters teach that Reiki symbols are not a source of healing power, but only a visual aid to the healing power from a healer. These symbols are usually keep secret by Reiki masters until their students reach the Second Degree. The Reiki symbols are based upon Kanji, the Japanese writing system. It's possible for different Reiki masters to use different Reiki symbols in their teachings with all the variations out there today.
Reiki symbols are the sacred symbols used to enhance and better the flow your life force energy. As your Reiki master will explain, they are the keys to higher awareness levels and manifestations. These Reiki symbols are used by Reiki masters to provide their students with a way to link the image to the energies represented in the Reiki symbols.
Reiki symbols are used by Reiki masters to connect all the dots to universal life force energy healings. While they are also used to unlock the advanced mind, Reiki symbols will also activate the students faith in what can be done with healing. Reiki masters help students achieve this faith and unlock their mind, while providing the specific Reiki symbols for the energies required for these activities.