"CLOUDED, THE TRUTH IS"" 
- as Yoda might say...
[Copyright © 2011James Deacon]

[While certain angles in each of the symbols shown on this page may vary, in effect they are actually
the same symbol, the differences being essentially down to the drawing styles of different individuals]

The Kumo / Un symbol is claimed by some to be a symbol taught by Hayashi-sensei at a period during the late 1930's. It is claimed that he taught this symbol to at least one student, instead of the more familiar 'CKR' symbol.

Though, as to why Hayashi-sensei supposedly decided to drop Usui-sensei's CKR from the Reiki teachings (after having taught it to Takata-sensei a few years earlier) and replace it with the Kumo / Un symbol, has never been adequately explained.

Unlike the CKR, the Kumo / Un symbol has a very limited application, and is often referred to simply as the “Byosen symbol” - a reference to its primary usage.

Interestingly, in recent years, several 'Independent' Reiki practitioners in Japan started using a version of this symbol; not in place of the CKR, but rather as an additional Reiki symbol, with a significance and function quite different to that assigned to Kumo / Un.

Commonly, it is drawn like this:

And, in this particular usage, the symbol is not called 雲 ( Kumo / Un) but rather: 
浄 (variously written as: Jō, Jo, Joh or Jyo).

This Jō symbol is used specifically  and solely for the release / flushing of toxins from the body.*

The Japanese syllable 'Jō' used here is the same Jō as in 'Jōrei' (the healing system created by Mokichi Okada)

浄 can imply:
to “cleanse”, “purify” or “exorcise”. 

The Jō symbol has its own accompanying  jumon-phrase "O-hikari".

"hikari" means light, the "O" is a term of reverence or respect.

"O-hikari" can, in a Reiki Ryoho context, be understood as the" Spiritual Light" of Reiki.

["O-hikari" also happens to be the term for a 'focusing amulet' worn by Jōrei healers]


And so, this particular version of the symbol, with its accompanying jumon-phrase, and its specific
function / significance,  would seem to lead us in an interesting circle, as, the Kumo / Un ('cloud') symbol first came to light in connection with Reiki practitioners who had also been involved for some time with the teachings of Mokichi Okada.

It is, I feel, particularly significant that, in Jōrei, illness is often perceived in terms of the build-up of “clouds” - negative energies polluting the spiritual body.

When the 'clouds' are dispelled (via the Jōrei healing process), toxins in the physical body dissolve and can then be eliminated.

I cannot help but wonder:

From Johrei "clouds" to a modernday Reiki style's "cloud" symbol -  merely a co-incidence,  or perhaps something else ...

* * * * *

_____

* Using the Jō symbol:

This is how it was explained to me:
First, perform a 'general' treatment (at least, cover: the head, upper back, spine, and abdomen) then, when ready, draw the symbol over the liver area.
The symbol is called "Jō", but this is just its descriptive name.
While drawing the symbol, repeat the jumon-phrase "O-hikari", Twice.
Then place your hands - right hand on top of the left - over the liver area, and let Reiki flow for as long as you feel appropriate.
Finally, treat the kidneys for a few minutes.

That's it!


So, in order to use the symbol, do you need to receive initiation/attunement for it?

Strange as it may seem, the majority of practitioners find that they do not actually need to be 'attuned' to the symbol (at least not in any formal sense).

Simply working (as outlined above) with the symbol and - importantly - its jumon-phrase, on a regular basis seems to build a deepening energetic affinity.  (The jumon-phrase seems to bring its own 'power' with it)

You might like to meditate on the Image/Sound:
As you would do with any of the regular Reiki symbols, let Reiki flow and draw the symbol in the palm of each hand, visualize and feel it pulsate with the Light; and, as you breathe out / intone the jumon-phrase into the symbol, visualize and feel the Breath of Reiki intensifying the symbol's resonance.

You might also choose to seek your own creative ways of developing your personal deepening bond with the symbol.   : )

How to pronounce: "O-hikari":

As is the way with all mantras/jumon, correct pronunciation of "O-hikari"is very important.

Here are links to two sound files, giving the Japanese pronunciation: