Shirushi is the Japanese term for the Reiki symbols. It is believed Mikao Usui was presented with the shirushi in a vision during his satori (enlightenment) when he was first given the knowledge of the great Reiki of the Universe while on a fasting retreat on Mount Kurama.

In traditional Japanese spiritual belief systems it is believed that shapes have power, that words carry spirit and that sounds invoke universal vibrations or energy. These three concepts are the basis of Usui Reiki Ryoho. This belief that shapes have power is the reason the shirushi are used in Reiki and this is the primary mechanism by which the shirushi work. There are four Reiki symbols used in Usui Reiki Ryoho. Traditionally they were known as shirushi number 1, 2, 3 and 4. The shirushi each have a jumon (name) and a kotodama (mantra). The shirushi are used with their respective kotodama to connect to and channel energy within specific frequency ranges.

There are over 140 different forms of energy healing labelled as ‘Reiki’, each with its own methods and theory. The one thing that is common to all forms of Reiki is the channelling of energy for healing purposes. The way the energy is channelled and used varies between the differing forms. If a course is described as a traditional Japanese Reiki (Usui Reiki Ryoho) course, there are certain elements that should be included to ensure it is authentic. At a very minimum, the course should teach the correct use of the shirushi (symbols) and kotodama (a form of mantra) and the correct method of treatment. Of course there is much more to Usui Reiki Ryoho than the shirushi and kotodama.

There are over 140 different styles of Reiki out there and so appreciably it is difficult for anyone looking for a Reiki practitioner or teacher to know what sort of criteria they need to be looking out for.

A Reiki practitioner or teacher should ultimately take responsibility for giving their clients the best treatment they can offer, whilst under their care, with due regard to the client’s medical condition and implications of any medications the client is taking for their condition. A good Reiki practitioner or teacher should also have honesty, integrity and underpinning knowledge of their subject. Don’t be afraid when you ring up for a treatment or Reiki course to ask plenty of questions about how the practitioner or teacher works with Reiki. If the answers they give you seem ambiguous and forced, then look elsewhere.

Learn to stop thinking so much. Intelligence comes from taking the time to trust your intuition and making the decisions that are right for you. Trusting your higher self will enable you to make the best choices. To help yourself do this take up some form of activity which quietens the mind, such as; Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Reiki, meditation, yoga.
2. Stop trying so hard to please other people. You will never make yourself happy if you spend all your time pandering to others. Make your own mistakes and learn from them. If you spend your whole life trying to live up to the expectations of others you will end up blaming them for the direction your life has taken.