There are moments in life when the greatest miracle is changing the past—not by altering what happened, but by replacing the narratives of lack and betrayal we’ve carried for years with mercy and understanding.
Old hurts, regrets and disappointments can weigh heavily on the heart, colouring how we see ourselves, other people and even the Divine. Archangel Zadkiel is traditionally associated with Divine Mercy, inviting us to release bitterness, embrace forgiveness and discover the wisdom often hidden within our most challenging experiences.
Associated with the expansive influence of Jupiter and the Sephirah Chesed on the Tree of Life, Zadkiel reminds us that true spiritual growth is rooted in compassion rather than blame. His guidance encourages us to meet life’s lessons with generosity of spirit, trusting that grace is always greater than our mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll explore who Archangel Zadkiel is, how he is understood in angel magic, his traditional correspondences, and a five-card Tarot spread designed to help you receive his guidance.
Jump Menu
- Who Is Archangel Zadkiel?
- Archangel Zadkiel in Angel Magic
- Archangel Zadkiel and Forgiveness
- Archangel Zadkiel and Divine Memory
- Archangel Zadkiel and The Wheel of Fortune
- Archangel Zadkiel Correspondences
- Prayer to Archangel Zadkiel
- The Archangel Zadkiel Tarot Spread
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Archangel Zadkiel?
The name Zadkiel (Hebrew: צדקיאל, Tzadqiel) is usually translated as “Righteousness of God” or “Justice of God.” The name combines tzedek (righteousness or justice) with El (God).
Although Zadkiel does not appear by name in the canonical Bible, he has long been recognised in Jewish mystical and Western esoteric traditions as an archangel associated with Divine Mercy, forgiveness and benevolence.
Many traditions identify Zadkiel as the angel who intervened when Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, staying his hand at the final moment. While Scripture simply refers to “the Angel of the Lord” (Genesis 22), later traditions attribute this act of mercy to Zadkiel. Whether understood literally or symbolically, the story beautifully reflects the qualities most often associated with him: compassion, restraint and trust in Divine Providence.
Zadkiel is also closely linked with Jupiter, the largest of the classical planets. In both astrology and ceremonial magic, Jupiter symbolises expansion, generosity, wisdom, justice and blessing. These qualities harmonise naturally with Zadkiel’s role as an angel of mercy, reminding us that true abundance begins with an open heart.
In many Western esoteric traditions, Zadkiel is identified with the Jovian archangel Sachiel, and the two names are often used interchangeably. I follow this convention on Angelorum, using the names interchangeably while recognising that some magical systems distinguish between them.
Archangel Zadkiel in Angel Magic
Working with Archangel Zadkiel centres on opening ourselves to Divine Mercy.
Forgiveness is perhaps his best-known gift, but forgiveness is only part of the story. Zadkiel also helps us cultivate wisdom through experience, heal painful memories, release limiting beliefs and recognise opportunities for growth that may have been hidden by disappointment or regret.
His influence is gentle rather than dramatic. Instead of demanding instant transformation, Zadkiel encourages patient reflection and gradual inner change. We begin to see that our past does not define us and that every challenge has the potential to become a source of compassion, resilience and understanding.
This makes Zadkiel a wonderful archangel to invoke during periods of emotional healing, spiritual study or whenever you’re seeking greater perspective on life’s events.
Thursday, the day traditionally ruled by Jupiter, is considered especially supportive for devotional work with Zadkiel. However, heartfelt prayer and sincere intention are always more important than perfect timing.
Archangel Zadkiel and Forgiveness
Forgiveness is often misunderstood.
It does not mean pretending that something painful never happened. Nor does it require us to excuse harmful behaviour, abandon healthy boundaries or immediately reconcile with someone who has broken our trust.
Instead, forgiveness is the gradual release of the emotional burden that keeps us bound to the past.
Sometimes that burden takes the form of resentment towards another person. Sometimes it is directed towards ourselves. We replay old mistakes, wishing we had acted differently or believing we are somehow beyond redemption.
Zadkiel reminds us that mercy begins at home.
When we allow ourselves to receive Divine Mercy, we often find it easier to extend compassion to others without sacrificing discernment or self-respect. Forgiveness becomes an act of liberation rather than obligation, creating space for healing, wisdom and renewed hope.
Archangel Zadkiel and Divine Memory
Alongside mercy and forgiveness, Zadkiel has long been associated with the spiritual power of remembrance.
This association is about far more than remembering facts or recalling names. It points towards a deeper kind of remembrance: remembering who we truly are beneath fear, shame and limiting beliefs.
Life has a way of teaching us through experience. Every joy, disappointment and challenge leaves its mark, shaping the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what is possible.
Not all of those stories are true.
Working with Zadkiel encourages us to revisit the past with fresh eyes, recognising the wisdom gained through experience without becoming trapped by it. We begin to remember not only what happened but also the strength, resilience and grace that carried us through.
In this way, memory becomes a source of healing rather than suffering.
Archangel Zadkiel and The Wheel of Fortune
The Tarot card I most strongly associate with Archangel Zadkiel is the Wheel of Fortune.
Like Jupiter itself, the Wheel reminds us that life moves in cycles. Times of challenge eventually give way to opportunity, while periods of abundance invite gratitude and wise stewardship. Nothing remains fixed forever.
Seen through Zadkiel’s compassionate perspective, the Wheel of Fortune encourages us to trust Divine timing rather than clinging to disappointment or resisting change. Every turn of the Wheel offers another opportunity to respond with greater wisdom, patience and faith.
Rather than asking, “Why did this happen to me?”, Zadkiel gently encourages a different question:
“What is this experience teaching me?”
That shift in perspective often marks the beginning of genuine transformation.
Archangel Zadkiel Correspondences
The correspondences below can help you create a simple devotional practice centred on Archangel Zadkiel. Think of them as symbolic supports rather than strict rules. Sincere prayer and openness of heart are always more important than having every correspondence perfectly aligned.
Day of the Week: Thursday
Planet: Jupiter
Sephirah: Chesed (Mercy)
Corresponding Tarot Arcanum: The Wheel of Fortune
Colours: Royal blue, violet and deep purple
Crystals: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Blue Sapphire and Charoite
Incense: Frankincense, Cedarwood or Rosemary
Essential oils: Lavender, Rosemary or Angelica
Flowers and herbs: Hyssop, Valerian, Meadowsweet, Wood Betony and purple flowers
Psalm: Psalm 103
Prayer to Archangel Zadkiel
Beloved Archangel Zadkiel,
Angel of Divine Mercy and sacred remembrance, I invite your loving presence into my life today.
Help me release the burdens of the past with grace and courage. Where resentment has taken root, sow compassion. Where regret has clouded my vision, reveal the wisdom hidden within my experiences.
Guide me to forgive without losing discernment, to show mercy without abandoning truth, and to recognise every challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Strengthen my faith in Divine timing. Help me remember who I truly am beneath fear, self-judgment and old stories that no longer serve me.
Please also assist me with:_________________________________
Thank you for your guidance, your compassion and your unwavering presence.
So be it and so it is.
Reasons to Invoke Archangel Zadkiel
You may wish to pray to Archangel Zadkiel when seeking help with:
- Forgiving yourself or another person
- Healing painful memories
- Releasing resentment or bitterness
- Developing wisdom through life’s experiences
- Cultivating compassion and patience
- Remembering your true purpose
- Expanding spiritually through grace rather than striving
- Seeing a difficult situation from a higher perspective
The Archangel Zadkiel Tarot Spread
This five-card Tarot spread explores how Archangel Zadkiel’s energy of mercy, wisdom and transformation may be working in your life at this time.
1. Present Situation
Where am I now? What circumstances or inner landscape is asking for my attention?
2. Hidden Influence
What unseen belief, emotion or memory is shaping this situation?
3. Zadkiel’s Guidance
How is Archangel Zadkiel inviting me to respond?
4. Act of Mercy
What needs to be forgiven, released or accepted so that healing can begin?
5. Blessing Through Alignment
What blessing becomes possible if I follow this guidance?
Optional Angel Card: Divine Message
Take your time with this final message. It often reveals the deeper spiritual lesson woven through the entire reading.
How to Use This Spread
Begin by finding a quiet place where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
If you wish, light a blue or purple candle and spend a few moments breathing slowly, allowing your thoughts to settle. You might like to begin with the prayer above or simply invite Archangel Zadkiel’s presence in your own words.
Shuffle your Tarot deck while reflecting on the area of your life that most needs mercy, healing or fresh perspective. When you feel ready, lay out the five cards in order.
Rather than interpreting each card in isolation, notice how they speak to one another. What patterns emerge? Does the guidance in one position illuminate another? Where is the invitation to see yourself or your circumstances with greater compassion?
If you choose to draw the optional sixth card, allow it to serve as the closing word of the reading.
When you’ve finished, spend a few minutes journalling your insights and noting any practical actions you feel inspired to take. Close with a prayer of gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Archangel Zadkiel mentioned in the Bible?
Not by name. However, later Jewish and mystical traditions identify Zadkiel with the angel who stayed Abraham’s hand before the sacrifice of Isaac.
Is Zadkiel the same as Sachiel?
Many Western esoteric traditions use the names Zadkiel and Sachiel interchangeably because both refer to the Jovian archangel associated with Jupiter and the Sephirah Chesed (Mercy).
On Angelorum, I follow this convention, using Zadkiel and Sachiel as different names for the same archangelic intelligence. However, it’s worth noting that some magical systems distinguish between the two.
What does Archangel Zadkiel help with?
Archangel Zadkiel is most often associated with mercy, forgiveness, healing memories, spiritual wisdom, compassion and seeing life’s experiences from a higher perspective.
Which Tarot card corresponds with Archangel Zadkiel?
I associate Archangel Zadkiel primarily with the Wheel of Fortune because Zadkiel is the ruling angelic intelligence of Jupiter, the planet that corresponds with this Tarot arcanum. Together, they symbolise Divine timing, expansion, wisdom and the ever-turning cycles of life.
Lisa Eddy — Tanit Iris LeFay
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