What is Sekhem (Seichim) Reiki?

Sekhem (Seichim) Reiki is an energy system that takes its name from a word found in the ancient Egyptian temples, meaning “power, strength”. In its present form it was brought forward by the American Reiki Master Patrick Zeigler. It is described as a strong yet gentle, loving energy.

Its prerequisite is the Usui Reiki Master attunement; in other words, it is one of the next steps for people who have already travelled some way along the Reiki path.

Sekhem and Seichim: one root

The hieroglyph for Sekhem appears on the walls of temples, pyramids and tombs; the word was used often in sacred documents but never explained to ordinary people. Different sources write it Seichim, Say-Keem, Say-Sheem or Se-Kem; all come from the same root.

In myth the energy is linked with Sekhmet, the lion-headed Egyptian goddess. Sekhmet is described as a force that protects what is good; by the end of her story she becomes a figure who pulls down only what needs rebuilding, and who gives healing.

How the system came about

The story rests on a night in 1980 in the Great Pyramid at Giza. Meditating in the King's Chamber, Patrick Zeigler experienced an electric-blue light coming down onto his heart; all night it turned above his heart in a movement like the sign of infinity.

Zeigler was later initiated by a Sufi sheikh in Sudan, and on returning to America he studied Reiki with Barbara Weber Ray. Seichim was born from these three strands meeting: the pyramid experience, Sufism and Reiki. Read this not as a historical document but as the system's own story.

How it differs from Usui Reiki

Seichim has much in common with Usui Reiki. In the system's own description, the difference is that its vibration is stronger: it can be directed to a particular place and its intensity can be changed. That is why it asks to be used consciously.

Even so, it is not described as a harsh energy; a sense of unconditional love is presented as the clearest thing that sets it apart. Because its story begins with a light coming down onto the heart, I always think of Seichim together with the heart chakra.

What does the course cover?

• The system's symbols and their uses.
• The infinity meditation.
• The Seichim hand positions.
• Grounding and protection practices.
• Distance work with an energy ball (Chi Ball).
• Seven attunements: each is built on the one before, and all seven are given in a single session, in order.

A short practice that returns to the heart

Even without the course, you can open a small door to the system's emphasis on the heart today. Sit comfortably, rest both hands on the middle of your chest and watch your breath for a few minutes. With each out-breath, silently say a kind sentence to yourself: “I am here, just as I am.”

This is not a Seichim technique; it needs no symbol and no attunement. It is simply a plain way of turning the idea of unconditional love towards yourself first.

Who is it for?

For people who have received the Usui Reiki Master attunement, want to deepen their energy work and are looking for a heart-centred path. Seichim belongs to the second tier of energy systems; it is best taken without hurry, once your Usui foundation has settled.

Like all energy work, Seichim is complementary: it does not diagnose and does not replace treatment. For any physical or mental health complaint, see your doctor first. Like Karuna Ki, Seichim is one of the systems built on an Usui foundation.