Abbreviations and Symbols used in patterns:

1, 2, 3 number of double knots

R ring
SR split ring
CH chain
picot
+ regular join
LJ lock join (joining with shuttle thread)
SWIRL join (joining a few rings at the same time)
PULLED LOOP join (bridging technique)
. close a ring or shape and tighten a chain
RW reverse work
SS switch shuttles
SLT shoe lace trick
WJ WRAP join, AKA Alligator join