Reiki Glossary

Reiki Glossary

This Glossary is an aid to assist you in understanding the many different concepts and practices in Reiki.

Advanced Reiki Training - (also known as Level IIIa, Reiki Master Practitioner, or "Personal Mastery Level" in the Usui/Tibetan Systems) A collection of techniques / practices added to the Dr. Hayashi-Takata System of Reiki in the west. Advanced Reiki Training generally consists of Reiki Crystal Grids, a healing Attunement, the Antahkarana symbol, Reiki Guide Meditation, Psychic Surgery, Reiki Symbol Meditation. Most closely associated with Raku Kai Reiki and William Rand's Usui Tibetan Reiki.

Antahkarana Symbol - The Antahkarana is an ancient healing and meditation symbol that has been used in Tibet and China for thousands of years. It is a powerful symbol and simply by having it in your presence, it will create a positive effect on the chakras and aura. When doing healing work, it focuses and deepens the actions of the healing energies involved. When meditating with the symbol on your person or close by, it automatically creates what the Taoists call the great microcosmic orbit wherein the psychic energies that would normally enter the crown chakra enter the feet and travel up the back of the body to the top of the head and then down the front to the feet again, thus grounding the person to the earth and creating a continuous flow of energy through the chakras. It will also neutralize negative energy, that has collected in objects such as jewellery or crystals simply by placing the object between two symbols, In addition, it will enhance all healing work including Reiki, Polarity Therapy, Chiropractic Hypnotherapy, Past Life Regression etc. These positive effects have been confirmed over and over by the improved results noted by those using the symbol and by clairvoyant observation by those trained in sensing changes in the aura and chakras.

Attunements - Attunements empower people to use Reiki on themselves and others and facilitate a connection to the Reiki source. Attunements are performed by a Reiki Master-Teacher during the initiation ceremony of a Reiki student.

Beaming - Beaming is a technique of distant healing. You can send Reiki through the air by filling and surrounding your hand (s) with Reiki, then direct it (through your will, vision, and thoughts) to the desired target.

Breath of the Fire Dragon (See also "Violet Breath") A special breathing technique used to place the Reiki symbol in the crown of the student during an Attunement. It is also used in Raku Kai to develop the microcosmic orbit and strengthen the Reiki channel and promote health.

Byosen (See Also "Scanning") - A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan.

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Chakras - Chakras are energy vortices on the energy body that comprise part of the energy system. They are Indo-Tibetan in origin and were added to Reiki in the Raku Kai system of Reiki. They are currently commonly taught in many forms of Reiki. Chakras were not part of the Japanese Reiki Practices or Mrs. Takata's practices.

Cho Ku Rei - The First Reiki Symbol. Cho Ku Rei is commonly called the "Power" symbol in the Western Styles of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) but is called "Focus" in Traditional Japanese Reiki and in Japan. Some meanings for the symbol might be "God is here", or "put the power here".

Cleansing (21 day cleanse) - Cleansing (also "clearing") is a process of the body removing toxins and realigning the energy fields following a Reiki treatment or Attunement. It is important to wash your hands with cold water before and after a Reiki healing session to both cleanse energetically and physically. Regarding Attunements, some practitioners feel this process takes 21 days or can be so severe it can cause a "healing crisis". Many other practitioners feel that the reaction to Attunements and treatments is individual and lasts as long as is necessary for the individual. Cleansing was taught in the original system but was seldom thought to last more than a day.

Dai Ko Mio - (also known as the Usui Master Symbol) The Dai Ko Mio is the Master symbol used in the all Reiki Systems. It is the symbol for the Ultimate Source of Love, Light, Harmony and Healing. It is sometimes translated to mean the "Great Shining Light".

Distant Attunements - An Attunement that uses the Reiki Distant Symbol (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) to perform the Attunement on someone not physically present. A logical extension of Reiki Distant Healing and the Distant Symbol.

Distant Healing - This is sending Reiki energy for the purpose of healing someone not physically present. This uses the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Distant Symbol) and a variety of techniques such as the photo technique, Reiki stacks, healing lists, or teddy bear technique for a point of focus.

Distant Symbol (See - Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) - The Third Reiki Symbol. The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a combination of Japanese Kanji (symbol language) that can mean "no past, no present, no future" which represents the timeless original purity of the source of all and the spirit of man. A translation might be "To act in the Realization of Absolute Beingness" (Thanks to Gabriel Shivers for that definition).

Dumo (also known as "Tibetan Master Symbol") - The Dumo is a "Tibetan" Symbol that is part of the William Rand Usui/Tibetan System as well as used by various Independent Reiki Masters including Diane Stein. This symbol is also referred to as the "Tibetan Dai Ko Mio". This symbol is thought to unify the body and mind. It is reported to work with fire in the base chakra by igniting the Sacred flame (i.e., the Kundalini energy). It is believed to pull negative energy and disease from the body and mind.

Empowerments - Any process to help another develop the ability to use an energy or technique. The Reiju technique was an empowerment used by Usui to pass the Reiki energy to others.

Energy Exchanges - Dr. Usui discovered the concept of energy exchange after experiencing what he perceived as energy leaches, those who did not desire healing, only wanting the benefit of the session when it was free. In order to keep the universe in balance Dr. Usui said that there must be a charge for Reiki services and teachings. The term "energy exchange" means just that, in our society energy is expressed most frequently as money.

Fire Serpent (See Also Nin Giz Zida) - A "Tibetan" symbol used in the Usui/Tibetan tradition. The Fire Serpent represents the "Sleeping Serpent" coiling at the base of the spine. The fire Serpent is used during an Attunement with horizontal line over top of crown, snaking down the spine, and spiralling clockwise at base of spine; grounds energy into lower (feet to tailbone) body. By reversing the spiral (counter-clockwise) starting at base of spine, snaking up spine and ending with horizontal line over the crown; it pushes energy up to four upper chakras. It does not allow energy to escape out of crown chakra. The fire serpent connects and opens all chakras. It opens the central channel allowing the flow of Kundalini fire. It can be used in healing or meditation for more balance and receptivity.

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Gakkai - The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai was the original organization that Mikao Usui Founded which continues to practice and teach Reiki in an unbroken line since the passing of Mikao Usui. The Gakkai's practices are referred to as Reiki Ryoho, or "Reiho". The emphasis is more on a spiritual awakening and healing. The system takes longer to learn than its counterpart in the west. .

Global Reiki Masters Association (GRMA) - The Global Reiki Masters Association (GRMA) is an International Association of Reiki Masters. The members are a diverse group who respect all Reiki Practices. The GRMA tries to provide truthful information, training, and empowerment about Reiki. The GRMA is dedicated to spreading the Gift of Reiki throughout the world to all that need and wish to have the Gift of Reiki in their lives. The GRMA was founded by Joseph "Running Wolf" Sparti so that all the wish to learn Reiki are able to do so free of the control of others. The GRMA sponsors Free Worldwide Distant Master Attunements several times per year. These Singular Master Empowerments are performed by the membership of the GRMA.

Hand Positions - Hand positions refer to the specific hand positions used when performing a Reiki treatment. The Reiki practitioner places their hands on specified positions and lets the Reiki flow into the recipient's body at these points to facilitate healing. It appears that in Usui's Original Practices there were five positions and then he used Reji and Byosen to sense and scan for other locations to be treated. In Traditional Japanese Reiki, which is of the Dr. Hayashi line, there are seven positions. In the Dr. Hayashi-Takata line there are twelve. Other Reiki systems may use different numbers of positions.

Hatsurei ho - This is a meditation and breathing technique that was used by Usui. It is still used in Reiki Ryoho as practiced by the Gakkai. It is a technique that empowers the practitioner by increasing and enhancing their Reiki channel and their connection to the Reiki source. It is also to help the practitioner grow spiritually. It includes a self cleansing ritual as well as two different meditation practices.

Hayashi (Chujiro Dr. Hayashi, Dr. Hayashi) - Dr. Chujiro Hayashi was made a Reiki Master in 1925 and was a student of Usui. Dr. Hayashi was a retired officer from the Japanese Navy. He opened a Reiki clinic, which was more along the lines of a medical model. Dr. Hayashi made some modifications in the system including a heavier emphasis on the symbols and Attunements, and most likely developed the 12 standard hand positions from in use in the west today. These hand positions allowed Reiki to be given by several practitioners at once. This group healing technique was used in his clinic. He was the teacher of Hawayo Takata.

Healing Attunements - A non-initiatory Attunement technique thought to "increase healing" developed by William Rand. The procedure does not initiate the recipient into Reiki as a practitioner.

Healing Crisis - May happen when the recipient of a Reiki treatment or Attunement experience a "release" and goes into an emotional or physical "crisis". As your body balances itself and begins to eliminate the toxins that have built up, you may experience some period of discomfort, A healing crisis may have only slight symptoms or they may be quite severe. In all cases a healing crisis is a good sign. It means your body is clearing out toxins and on its way to feeling better. In most cases, the discomfort will pass in a day or two, or at the most a week. Once the release has passed, you will feel much better.

Hui Yin Point - It is part of William Rand's Usui/Tibetan practices and Diane Stein's Work. Located at the sacral base chakra, contracted in Tibetan Reiki attunements to prevent energy escaping.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen - The Third Reiki Symbol The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a combination of Japanese Kanji (symbol language) that can mean "no past, no present, no future" which represents the timeless original purity of the source of all and the spirit of man. A translation might be "To act in the Realization of Absolute Beingness" (Thanks to Gabriel Shivers for that definition).

Independent Reiki Masters - A term used to describe people who are Reiki Masters that are not aligned with a particular school. They might use various different approaches with techniques from many schools. The vast majority of Reiki Masters in the west are Independent Reiki Masters.

Initiation - The ceremony performed by a Reiki Master-Teacher to open a student’s energy centres, empowering them with the ability to channel Reiki.

Intent - Reiki is an Intent driven system. Intent is the key to using the Reiki energy in healing and Attunements.

International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) -A group of Reiki professionals who agree to abide by a set of ethics which protect both the healer and the client. Offering members Liability Insurance makes checking them out a plus. They do require copies of your Reiki Certifications in order to join the organization.

Johrei - Johrei is a religion or spiritual practice that was developed by Mokichi Okada, a contemporary of Mikao Usui. He founded Sei Kai Kyu Sei Kyo better known as Johrei and as the Johrei® Fellowship. Like Reiki, Johrei also uses Reiju to empower its followers. A "Johrei Reiki" was developed from Raku Kai Reiki using the White Light (Johrei) symbol as part of its practices and Attunements. The name was changed to Vajra Reiki after some legal entanglements over the use of the word Johrei. The Fellowship maintains a website at www.Johrei.com.

Karuna ® - Karuna means “Compassionate Action”. Enlightened beings are working to end suffering on Earth and have this quality within them. They incessantly send an unlimited amount of healing energy and guidance to us. However, everyone is not receptive to it. As you develop the inspiring quality of compassionate action within yourself, not only are you helping others, but you also are becoming more receptive to the Karuna that is being sent to you by all these enlightened beings, thus your own healing is accelerated. Karuna is a healing system started by William Rand from his learning new symbols and Kathleen Milner's healing system which became Tera Mai® Reiki and Seichem. It is claimed to be "higher frequency" than Usui Reiki. It was formerly known as Sai Baba Reiki but the name changed due to legal complications from using the Sai Baba name. This system has been developed by William Lee Rand of the International Center for Reiki Training.

Karuna Ki - Karuna Ki is the Compassionate Heart Energy and Healing System developed by Vinny Amador from work with Tera Mai and Karuna. It shares common symbols with Karuna Reiki® and Tera Mai® Reiki but adds many new meditations, mudras and other techniques.

Levels in Reiki (See Also - Sho-den, Oku-den, Shinpi-den) - Reiki is traditionally taught in the West in three levels.

Level I - Generally includes the Reiki Principles, the hand positions, Reiki History, and you receive the Reiki Attunements. In traditional schools there are four Attunements done at the first level. In other schools, including the Tibetan/Usui schools, there may be a combined level I Attunement. Some schools teach that Reiki I heals on the physical level.

Level II - Generally includes the three Reiki Symbols (Power, Mental/Emotional, and Connection symbols)Mental/Emotional Healing, Distant Healing, and another Attunement. The Tibetan/Usui school adds the techniques scanning and beaming. Some schools teach Reiki II is "emotional healing".

Level III (Master/Teacher Level) - Generally includes the Usui Master Symbol (empowerment symbol) and its meaning and application, The Attunement process and practice in its application, and how to teach others. Some schools teach that Reiki III is for Spiritual healing.

Some traditions (the Usui/Tibetan Schools and other various Independent Practitioners) have added a Level IIIa in between Level II and the Master/Teacher Level. Level IIIa is often called Advanced Reiki Training (ART). Some of the techniques that might be included here are: Reiki Meditation using the symbols, using the symbols for manifesting goals, Reiki and crystals, making a Reiki crystal grid, Reiki meditation to meet your "Reiki guide", Reiki Healing Attunement, the Tibetan Antahkarana symbol and a meditation for its use, the Hui Yin position and the Violet Breath.

Lightarian Reiki -Jeannine and Christopher Jelm founded the Lightarian Institute for Global Human Transformation in Sedona, Arizona USA in 1997 as a non-profit educational organization to provide simple, yet effective and powerful Attunement Programs from the Angelic Realms and the Ascended Masters. These celestially-inspired, channeled attunements are designed to support the spiritual transformation that is taking place on Earth at this time!

Lavender Flame Reiki -The Lavender Flame of Quan Yin is a fraction of the Violet Flame of Transmutation. It is part of a triad of energies sourced from that flame, namely Purple, Amethyst and Lavender. All of the energies sourced from Violet have something to do with transformation, transmutation, purification or divine alchemy. In the case of Lavender we deal mostly with purification and divine alchemy, that is clearing the unwanted and turning our experiences into the Light.
The Lavender Flame is a more gentle version of Violet with nurturing aspects and a definite Feminine feel to it. Lavender soothes away negative energies, slowly purifying our fields and bringing us back to our balance. It clears the blocks we may have put up against the Feminine Divine as the result of social or religious conditioning. It brings a feeling of peace and mercy with it and as a result, may be used when Violet seems too strong an energy for us. Lavender embraces us, nurturing away our traumas and is good for those of us who need Mother's Love.

Master Symbol (See Also Dai Ko Mio) - The Dai Ko Mio is the Master symbol used in the all Reiki Systems. It is the symbol for the Ultimate Source of Love, Light, Harmony and Healing. It is sometimes translated to mean the "Great Shining Light".

Master Teacher - A person who has received the initiations for each of the degrees of Reiki and is able to perform the initiation ceremony. Master was not used in Japan or by Usui but started by Hawayo Takata.

Meditation - Different methods of focusing, breathing designed to bring about a heightened state of consciousness and/or enlightenment. In Usui Reiki Ryoho the most important and prominent is the Hatsurei Ho.

Mental Emotional Symbol (See Also "Sei Hei Ki") - This is the second Reiki symbol. It is thought to help heal on the mental and emotional levels in the body. It is also called the "Harmony" symbol in Traditional Japanese Reiki.

Mikao Usui - Reiki was discovered and developed by Usui who was a Buddhist monk. Born in Japan ,Aug. 15, 1865 in a small village of Taniai, located near Nagoya. He studied Kiko (japanese version of Qi Gong) on Mt. Karuma when he was young. When Usui got older he decided to go on a 21 day retreat fasting and meditating on Mt Karuma in which he had a enlightening experience. A powerful spiritual light entered his head in which he was attuned to Reiki. He used Reiki on himself and others. In 1922 he started a society called "Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai" meaning Usui Reiki Healing Society. He developed six levels of Reiki. The word Reiki Master is not used in Japan nor was it used by Usui. Hawayo Takata created this title(1970). Usui wanted Reiki to be available to everyone and thought Reiki was a way for people to experience the Divine. Usui transitioned over on March 9, 1926, they say after he suffered a stroke while teaching.

Nin Giz Zida (See Also Fire Serpent) - A "Tibetan" symbol used in the Usui/Tibetan tradition. The Fire Serpent represents the "Sleeping Serpent" coiling at the base of the spine. The fire Serpent is used during an Attunement with horizontal line over top of crown, snaking down the spine, and spiralling clockwise at base of spine; grounds energy into lower (feet to tailbone) body. By reversing the spiral (counter-clockwise) starting at base of spine, snaking up spine and ending with horizontal line over the crown; it pushes energy up to four upper chakras. It does not allow energy to escape out of crown chakra. The fire serpent connects and opens all chakras. It opens the central channel allowing the flow of Kundalini fire. It can be used in healing or meditation for more balance and receptivity.

Non-Traditional Reiki - Reiki in the Dr. Hayashi-Takata (Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition) that has been modified .This might include the addition of distant Attunements, additions of crystals, Angels, other symbols, different Attunements, and other things. The Master are generally Independent Reiki Masters.

Power Symbol (See Also "Cho Ku Rei") - The First Reiki Symbol. Cho Ku Rei is commonly called the "Power" symbol in the Western Styles of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) but is called "Focus" in Traditional Japanese Reiki and in Japan. Some meanings for the symbol might be "God is here".

Raku - A lightening-like symbol that is used at the end of Attunements to separate the energies of the Master and student. Most commonly used in the Usui/Tibetan and Raku Kai Traditions.

Raku Kai Reiki - A system of Reiki developed by Arthur Robertson. Arthur Robertson was a student of Iris Ishikuro (one of Takata's 22 Master). The system incorporated Ralf Jensen's Master Frequency Generator Plates, The "Tibetan" practices of the Hui Yin, and Breath of the Fire Dragon (i.e., Violet Breath), the Tibetan Symbols (Raku, Dumo, and the Fire Serpent), the ® Sui Ching Water Ritual, and Iris Ishikuro's use of the White Light Symbol (Johrei). This school has influenced or led to the development of the Usui/Tibetan Schools, Vajra Reiki, as well as Karuna Reiki® and Tera Mai® Reiki.

Radiance Technique- A school of Reiki developed by Barbara Weber Ray, who was one of Takata's 22 Masters. Barbara claimed that she had information from Takata that was not given to the other Master. This school has also been known as Real Reiki®. It originally had only three levels, but currently has six.

Reiho - A shortened name for Reiki Ryoho or Reiki ho. It refers to practices and the system used in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

Reiji - Reiji is the ability to find or spot imbalances in the body. It develops naturally as you practice Reiki. Consistent practice in healing others leads to the ability to be guided to the cause of the recipient's problem. This knowledge will be known even before scanning the person's body

Reiki - Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a system of Enlightenment and a Hands on Healing art developed in the early 1900's by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - Rei and Ki, meaning Universal Life Force Energy. The term "Reiki" is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it. The original system by Usui was called Usui Reiki Ryoho. There are many variant's of Reiki being practiced these days. Included in this list might be Usui Shiki Ryoho, "Traditional Reiki" of the Takata-Furumoto line as practiced in America, Traditional Japanese Reiki developed from Dr. Hayashi's Students in Japan and practiced in Canada, Various Non-Traditional Reiki Styles practiced by Independent Reiki Masters, Usui-Tibetan Reiki, Tibetan-Usui Reiki, Raku Kai Reiki, Tera Mai(tm) Reiki, Angelic Reiki and many others.

Reiju - The original empowerment used by Mikao Usui to pass on the Reiki energy. Reiju developed into the Attunements that are used in Usui Shiki Ryoho and in all western Reiki systems.

Reiki Alliance - An organization formed in the Western World by Mrs. Takata's 22 Master following her death. The organization was formed by Mrs. Takata's granddaughter, Mrs. Phyllis Furumoto. The Alliance claims to represent "Traditional" Reiki. Its practices represent the Dr. Hayashi-Takata lineage. Mrs. Furumoto went from forming the Alliance to calling herself "Grandmaster" of Reiki and lately the "Spiritual" Lineage holder. The Alliance maintains a requirement that the master level should cost Ten Thousand Dollars. An attempt was made by the Alliance in 1997 to trademark the name "Reiki" and Usui Shiki Ryoho which failed in most countries.

Reiki Circle - A Reiki Share is a gathering of Reiki Practitioners who join together for a combination social/healing session. It can last anywhere from 3-4 hours or be an all day event. It depends on who is hosting the share and how many people are in attendance on how long the share is. The concept of a "share" is for practitioners to participate in giving and receiving Reiki in a atmosphere of friendship and love. Participating in a share is a beneficial way of honoring one another as healers. Reiki Shares are also commonly referred to as "Reiki Circles." A share consists of many healing hands on one person at a time. One person lays on a table and the participating practitioners gather around the person laying hands upon him/her facilitating a massive flow of reiki energies. Group energies are often much stronger. It is a wonderful and often profound experience!

Reiki Crystal Grids - A technique that charges crystals with Reiki and then places them in a geometric design. The purpose is to create a protective grid or to use it to send continuous healing. It is most commonly taught in the Usui/Tibetan Schools, and is a part of the Level IIIa curriculum. It is an add-on technique to the system in the Western Reiki practices.

Reiki Ethics - A set of guidelines for the personal and professional conduct of Reiki practitioners. An example might be not sending distant Reiki without permission. These vary from Master to Master and School to School.

Reiki Guides - A belief that there are specific "guides" or spirits that work with Reiki and individual practitioners. Some refer to these as "Ascendant Masters", "Spirits", or "Guides". The belief in them varies to beings that help with Reiki to beliefs like Diane Stein's that the Reiki Guides do the Attunements and facilitate treatments. This is an add-on to the system in the western world that was popularized by Diane Stein in her book "Essential Reiki" and is taught as part of William Rand's Level IIIa class.

Reiki History - The stories of Mikao Usui and the development of Reiki.There are several versions from the Christianized version told by Mrs. Takata that is used in the Reiki Alliance to the historically accurate version that you can find in books like Frank Arjava Petter's "Reiki Fire". Most generally contain the thematic elements of Mikao Usui searching for a system of healing, meditating on Mt. Kurama, becoming enlightened, discovering he could heal, and starting a school to teach others to heal themselves.

Reiki Master Practitioner - A recent term used to describe people who have taken the Level IIIa or "Personal Mastery" classes that some Master offer. Generally these people have received the Reiki Master Attunement but are not given the Level III Master symbols or instructions for attuning others.This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.

Reiki Master Teacher - The original term for a Reiki Teacher in the Western World in the Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition. It refers to those that have completed the Level IIIb and know the Reiki master symbols and how to attune others. This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.

Reiki Principles - A series of five principles written by the Meiji Emperor and used by Usui in Reiki Ryoho. There are many different sets of these. These are designed to help empower the student and to bring about an awakened mental and spiritual state. The most accurate translation might be, "The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings, The spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses, For today only do not anger, do not worry. Be Grateful and Do your work with appreciation. Be kind to all living things. In the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer, Think this in your mind, chant this with your mouth.

Reiki Stacks - A technique used for sending distant Reiki. The recipients and inanimate objects or situations that are to receive Reiki are placed on a list. Reiki is send to all on the list. Users of the technique are warned by its developer, Reiki Master Anthony Glenn Agee, to not make the stack more than 10 people because he believes the energy multiplies or increases the higher you go up the list. (Other Masters do not find this to be the case). It is believed that you can "save" stacks to use at a later time.

Reiki Treatment - Receiving Reiki from a Reiki practitioner for the intent and purpose of healing. It generally consists of a practitioner placing their hands on various hand positions on the recipient's body and generally takes about 60 minutes. Treatments can be done both in person and distantly (or called remote treatments).

Scanning (See Also "Byosen") - A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan.

Seichim Reiki - Seichim was discovered by Patrick Ziegler in 1980 after a spiritual experience in the Great Pyramid in Egypt and after receiving Sufi Empowerments from a Sufi Master. The Seichim Reiki (also known as Renegade Reiki) system was developed by T'Om Seaman, Ken Lowry, and Phoenix Summerfield.

SKHM - The current practice of Seichim by Patrick Ziegler. It is an empowerment type system that utilizes a connection to the SKHM energy source and earth mixed together in the heart. It uses "emotional release" as part of the process and as an indication that a connection has been made. It is very similar to Druidic practices such as the Twin Powers Meditation taught in some Druid Schools.

Sei Hei Ki (See Also - Mental/Emotional Symbol) - This is the second Reiki symbol. It is thought to help heal on the mental and emotional levels in the body. It is also called the "Harmony" symbol in Traditional Japanese Reiki.

Shoden - The First Teachings in Reiki Ryoho as taught in the Gakkai in Japan. It generally consists of The five principles, basics of using the system, The Waka Poetry of the Meiji Emperor, the hand positions, and Excerpts from the Handbook of Reiki Treatment (to guide treatment), and Questions and Answers from Usui.

Shinpiden - The fourth teaching or "Mystery Teachings" in the Usui Reiki Ryoho practices in Japan. It consisted of Kouketsu ho, Breathing out method (healing with the breath), The Reiki Group Treatment, Healing by sending a thought or wish, the Reiki Circle, and how to perform Reiju or the empowerment.

Takata (Mrs. Hawayo Takata) - A student of Chujiro Dr. Hayashi and the first Reiki Master to be allowed to teach Reiki in the western world. She is the person most responsible for the spread of Reiki in the west today. Most western lineages come from Mrs. Takata.

Tera Mai®Reiki - A school of Reiki developed by Kathleen Milner. This school draws from the Raku Kai Reiki line, and also adds a number of "channeled" symbols and procedures that Kathleen believes a "higher" being gave her on the "inner planes".

Tibetan Reiki - A school of Reiki that believes to have found the original practices from Tibet. There are a number of additional levels as well as a number of different symbols that are a mix of Sanskrit and Japanese Kanji. Tibetan Reiki is also used generically to describe Usui/Tibetan and Tibetan/Usui Reiki.

Tibetan Master Symbol (See Also "Dumo") - The Dumo is a "Tibetan" Symbol that is part of the William Rand Usui/Tibetan System as well as used by various Independent Reiki Masters including Diane Stein. This symbol is also referred to as the "Tibetan Dai Ko Mio". This symbol is thought to unify the body and mind. It is reported to work with fire in the base chakra by igniting the Sacred flame (i.e., the Kundalini energy). It is believed to pull negative energy and disease from the body and mind.

Traditional Japanese Reiki - A school of Reiki developed by Dave King in Canada. Traditional Japanese Reiki was developed from information from the Dr. Hayashi line in Japan that does not include the Takata lineage. It was developed and is practiced in the west.

Traditional Reiki - This term generally refers to the practices of the Reiki Alliance and those that follow closely the Takata lineage.

Usui Shiki Ryoho - This refers to Reiki of the Dr. Hayashi lineage. This can include Reiki in the Dr. Hayashi-Takata Lineage. It is the most common practice of Reiki in the western world. This system uses Attunements and a heavy reliance on the Reiki symbols.

Usui Reiki Hikkei - This is the Usui Reiki Handbook that Mikao Usui Gave to his Students. It contained four Parts. Part one was the "Teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho". Part two was an "Explanation of Instruction for the Public". Part three was the Ryoho Shishon or "Method of Healing Guide. Part four was the Meiji Renno Gyosei or "Poems of the Meiji Emperor".

Usui Reiki Ryoho - This refers to the practice of Reiki as Usui practiced it and as it is still practiced in Japan in an unbroken line since Usui. This system uses meditations, such as Hatsurei ho, and other practices so the person can develop spiritually and heal. Empowerments such as Reiju are used (rather than Attunements) to help the student clear the channels and to help pass on the Reiki energy.

Usui/Tibetan Reiki - A school of Reiki that built on the work of Arthur Robertson's Raku Kai Reiki. It has four levels being Level I, Level II, Level IIIa, and Level IIIb. The system added a number of techniques such as using crystals, guides, healing Attunements, as well as various "Tibetan" symbols. This system was made popular by William Rand and Diane Stein.

Vajra Reiki (See also Johrei) - A system of Reiki that uses some of the Tibetan Material as well as the White Light (Johrei) symbol.

Violet Breath (See also "Breath of the Fire Dragon") - A special breathing technique used to place the Reiki symbol in the crown of the student during an Attunement. It is also used in Raku Kai to develop the microcosmic orbit and strengthen the Reiki channel and promote health.