A practitioner sits down for a session, hands hovering over the recipient’s crown. They have been attuned to Reiki for years. But the energy that rises now feels different — warmer, denser, pulsing in a way that does not match the familiar flow of ki. They are not doing Reiki. They are doing Seichim. The confusion between these two systems is common, and it starts with the symbols.
Seichim (also spelled Seichem or Sekhem) and Reiki are two distinct energy-healing systems with different origins, symbol sets, and philosophical foundations. Reiki was developed in Japan in 1922 by Mikao Usui; Seichim was formalized in the 1980s by Patrick Zeigler, drawing on claimed Egyptian temple traditions. Their symbols differ in form, meaning, and how they are used in practice.
Where Do These Systems Come From?
Reiki’s history is well-documented. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist, underwent a 21-day meditation on Mount Kurama in 1922, after which he received the ability to channel rei-ki (universal life energy). He founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and taught a system of hand positions, symbols, and attunements. The symbols — Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo — were introduced later, likely by Usui’s student Chujiro Hayashi, and further codified by Hawayo Takata in the 1930s.
Seichim’s origins are more contested. The name itself is a modern English rendering of the Egyptian Sekhem, meaning “power” or “might,” associated with the goddess Sekhmet. In the 1980s, American healer Patrick Zeigler claimed to have received the system through channeled contact with Egyptian priestesses during a visit to the Great Pyramid. He published a manual in 1988 outlining a set of symbols and an attunement process distinct from Reiki. Later practitioners, such as Linda Colibert, merged Seichim with Reiki to create “Seichim-Reiki” hybrids, but the pure system remains separate.
The human consequence of this difference: a Reiki practitioner who picks up a Seichim manual will find symbols that look nothing like the ones they know. The attunement process also differs, Seichim attunements often involve a “heart opening” that feels more intense than the gentle crown-to-heart flow of Reiki.
How the Symbols Differ
The symbols are the most visible difference between the two systems. Reiki uses four primary symbols, each with a specific function:
- Cho Ku Rei – a clockwise spiral, often called the “power symbol.” Used to increase or focus energy.
- Sei He Ki – a set of curves resembling a wave or dragon. Used for emotional and mental healing.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen – a series of kanji-like strokes. Used for distance healing across time and space.
- Dai Ko Myo – a complex character meaning “great shining light.” Used for attunements and spiritual connection.
These symbols are drawn in the air, visualized, or placed on the body. They are considered sacred and traditionally kept secret until the appropriate level of attunement.
Seichim uses a different set, though the number and names vary by lineage. The most common are:
- The Seichim Symbol – a circle with a central dot. Represents the unity of spirit and matter, the source of all energy.
- Zonar – a star-like shape with intersecting lines. Used to activate the energy field and connect to the earth.
- Harth – a symbol resembling a heart with a cross. Focuses on emotional healing and grounding.
- Mona Lisa – a symbol said to represent the feminine aspect of the divine. Used for deep spiritual release.
The Seichim symbol (circle with dot) is often drawn first in a session, much like the Cho Ku Rei in Reiki. But where Reiki’s power symbol spirals outward, Seichim’s central dot is a point of stillness. The practitioner places the index finger on the dot and pulls it outward, creating a field of energy that feels like a warm sphere.
What the Practices Look Like
A Reiki session follows a standard sequence: the practitioner places hands on or above the recipient’s body in a series of positions (crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacrum, root, plus limbs and back). The symbols are used to direct energy, often at the beginning of the session or when a blockage is felt. Distance healing is a core component, using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol to send energy across time and space.
Seichim sessions are less standardized. The practitioner may begin by drawing the Seichim symbol over the entire body, then use Zonar to “activate” the energy field. Hand positions are similar to Reiki, but the focus is often on the heart center. The practitioner may also use a “Seichim wand” (a crystal or metal tool) to direct energy, though this is not universal. Distance healing is possible but less emphasized; Seichim is often taught as a system that works best in person, with the recipient present.
The attunements differ significantly. Reiki attunements are typically done in a group or one-on-one, with the master using symbols and intention to open the student’s energy channels. Seichim attunements are often more experiential: the master may guide the student through a meditation that “downloads” the symbols directly into the energy body. Some practitioners report that Seichim attunements feel more intense, with a sensation of heat or pressure in the chest.
Philosophy: Energy as Flow vs. Energy as Presence
Reiki’s philosophy is rooted in Japanese spirituality. The energy is called rei-ki, universal life force, and the practitioner is a channel, not a source. The five Reiki principles (just for today, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, work diligently, be kind to others) guide the practitioner’s life. The goal is balance and healing on all levels.
Seichim draws on Egyptian cosmology. The energy is called Sekhem, the creative power of the universe, often associated with the goddess Sekhmet (lion-headed, fierce, protective). Where Reiki is gentle and flowing, Seichim is described as “hotter” and more direct. Practitioners often say it works faster but requires more grounding. The philosophy emphasizes spiritual transformation over simple healing: Seichim is meant to burn away karmic patterns and accelerate the soul’s evolution.
This difference shows in the symbols. Reiki’s Cho Ku Rei is a spiral that draws energy in and focuses it. Seichim’s Zonar is a star that radiates outward, like a burst of light. One is a lens; the other is a torch.
Common Misconceptions
“Seichim is just Egyptian Reiki.” No. Seichim has its own symbol set, attunement process, and philosophical framework. While many practitioners blend the two, the systems are independent. The claim that Seichim is “older” than Reiki (predating Usui by millennia) is unsupported by historical evidence. The modern Seichim system was created in the 1980s, though its proponents argue it is a revival of ancient temple practices.
“You cannot practice both.” You can, and many do. Some lineages teach Seichim-Reiki as a combined system. However, the symbols and energies can conflict if used without understanding. A practitioner who uses Cho Ku Rei and Zonar in the same session may find the energy chaotic. It is better to learn one system thoroughly before adding another.
“Seichim is more powerful than Reiki.” Power is subjective. Reiki is gentle and works on subtle levels; Seichim is intense and works on denser ones. Neither is “better.” The choice depends on the practitioner’s temperament and the recipient’s needs.
FAQ
Can I learn Seichim if I am already a Reiki master?
Yes, but you will need to be attuned to Seichim separately. The symbols and attunement process are different, and your Reiki training will not automatically transfer.
Which system is older?
Reiki has a verifiable history dating to 1922. Seichim as a modern system dates to the 1980s, though it claims ancient Egyptian roots. No primary sources confirm those claims.
Do the symbols conflict?
They can. The energies are different in frequency. Some practitioners combine them successfully, but it is recommended to keep sessions separate until you understand both systems deeply.
Is Seichim recognized by Reiki organizations?
No. Seichim is not part of the Usui Reiki lineage. It is a separate system taught by independent practitioners.
The choice between Seichim and Reiki is not about which is “right.” It is about which energy resonates with you. Reiki offers a gentle, well-documented path with a global community. Seichim offers a more intense, less structured approach with a focus on spiritual transformation. Both have their place. For a deeper look at how Reiki compares to other energy systems, see our guide to Reiki energy. You can also explore the glossary of Reiki symbols and learn about Reiki attunement levels to understand how these systems are taught.