Shirushi Number 1

Is one part of the Ki component of Reiki and is used to connect and channel low frequency energy for treating any physical conditions, such as illnesses and injuries.

Shirushi Number 2

Is the other part of the Ki component of Reiki and is used to connect to and channel higher frequency energy for treating emotional conditions, such as stress and emotional trauma.

Shirushi Number 3

Is the ‘Oneness’ symbol, and is not actually a healing symbol but a connection energy that is used to create oneness within and connections to others. This shirushi is used to connect across space and time and is always used with either shirushi number 1 or shirushi number 2 for the treatment.

Shirushi Number 4

Is the ‘Empowerment’ symbol, and is used in the Denju or attunement process and is given to students when they take a Reiki Master course. Shirushi number 4 can also be used for healing at specific points on a Reiki teacher’s path.

There is a school of thought that believes the shirushi are unnecessary and are nothing more than a focus point for students. I have even seen the shirushi described as ‘training wheels’ that students will eventually grow out of. This is a particularly Western belief and is taught by some Western Reiki teachers. Removing the shirushi from Reiki takes away some of its effectiveness and denies a big part of its spiritual and cultural heritage. The shirushi are an essential element of Usui Reiki Ryoho and need to be used correctly to ensure the energy is channelled externally to the practitioner and at the required frequency to treat the presenting condition. The shirushi need to be visualised and drawn accurately. Students should practice drawing the shirushi as much as possible to become familiar with them. Drawing the shirushi repeatedly commits them to memory, not just visually, but physically too. A Reiki practitioner should be able to ‘see’ the shirushi as soon as they think of its jumon (name).