Updated : 2021
window menu and symbols
select symbol in Adobe Illustrator symbols panel
right side menu
"place symbol instance" command
go to the artboard
re-size placed symbol and re-position
This does require an open document as well as the ability to add the symbols (artboard etc not locked). The placed symbol can now be manipulated in Adobe Illustrator.
go to the symbols panel
select symbol
drag to the artboard