Good Friday blessings, Angel Hearts! This is a solemn day in the liturgical calendar, but I want to use the theme of the day, Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, to highlight the metaphysical teachings about this event. This is why our theme for today’s pick-a-pile Tarot readings is self-forgiveness.
Take a few deep breaths. Centre yourself. When ready, choose Pile One, Two, or Three. Scroll down to your message.
Go To:
- Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Pick-a-Pile Tarot Reading 1
- Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Pick-a-Pile Tarot Reading 2
- Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Pick-a-Pile Tarot Reading 3
Tarot Spread: The Self-Forgiveness Crossroad (feel free to use today’s spread for your own reading if you prefer)
- The Wound – What part of yourself are you struggling to forgive?
- The Lesson – What wisdom is available from this experience?
- The Path – How can you begin or deepen the process of self-forgiveness?
You can find my Tarot reading services HERE for more personalised guidance. As always with general readings, only take what resonates.
The Psychology and Spiritual Power of Self-Forgiveness
Self-forgiveness is not a thing in traditional Christianity, yet psychology consistently affirms its transformative power. Below, we explore why it’s essential to the healing process and how metaphysical Christianity offers a more empowering path.
Why Self-Forgiveness Matters for Mental Health
From a psychological point of view, self-forgiveness plays a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to release chronic guilt, shame, and self-punishment, creating space for healthier self-esteem and emotional resilience.
In a study, researchers found that individuals who practised self-forgiveness experienced significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety, better physical health and higher overall life satisfaction (Toussaint et al. 2015). When we hold onto past mistakes without forgiving ourselves, we reinforce inner narratives of unworthiness and self-blame, leading to rumination, emotional paralysis, or maladaptive behaviours. However, the research also emphasises the importance of accountability. Self-forgiveness isn’t about narcissistically sweeping everything under the rug; it’s about acknowledging our shortcomings so that we can transform and become more… well, Christ-like.
The Role of Self-Compassion
Self-forgiveness is intimately connected with self-compassion. Dr Kristin Neff, author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, explains that treating ourselves with kindness in moments of failure is not weakness—it’s what allows growth to happen. She writes, “Self-compassion is not a way of judging ourselves positively; it is a way of relating to ourselves kindly, embracing ourselves as we are, flaws and all.”
Without self-forgiveness, we often internalise the harshest aspects of our culture, upbringing, or spiritual conditioning. The result? A disconnected, punitive inner life that struggles to evolve. Typically, this is mirrored by toxic relationships.
When Forgiveness Is Outsourced: The Problem with Traditional Christian Doctrine
In traditional Christian teachings, self-forgiveness is rarely emphasised. Instead, the focus is on externalised forgiveness, granted by God through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. According to this doctrine, human beings are inherently sinful and can only be forgiven through belief in Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.
This belief system, while offering divine absolution, can create psychological tension. If forgiveness is only accessible via an external transaction, the individual is left disempowered. We become dependent on an outside force and belief in the right doctrine.
From a psychological point of view, this model hinders self-agency. This, in turn, can lead to persistent guilt, spiritual anxiety, and a fear-based relationship with an externalised divine. In some cases, especially in people prone to religious scrupulosity or low self-esteem, the belief that “only God can forgive” reinforces the notion that they are unworthy of grace unless they receive outside validation by a church authority figure.
A Metaphysical Christian View of Forgiveness
Metaphysical Christianity offers a radical reframe that empowers the soul to take part in its own rectification. From this perspective, Yeshua is not just a historical figure or external saviour, but a teacher of righteousness and an avatar of Christ consciousness within every human being. It’s important to note that Christ is not a name but means ‘anointed.’
The crucifixion is seen not as a singular atonement event, but as a universal pattern: the surrender of the ego and the rebirth of the soul into higher consciousness. This pattern was already in place in many myths and cultures before Christianity emerged. Within this ancient pattern, self-forgiveness is not blasphemous. Instead, it becomes the initiation point into divine wholeness.
As the modern metaphysical teacher Joel S. Goldsmith wrote:
“The Christ is not a man, nor is it a historical figure. The Christ is the name of the divinity in man—his true Self.”
In this light, forgiving oneself is an act of remembering who we are, i.e. divine being temporarily wearing the mask of separation. Rather than denying Yeshua’s role, the metaphysical Christian embraces it as a symbol of what is possible for all of us. We participate in resurrection when we forgive ourselves, love ourselves, and rise into the higher frequency of grace.
This model supports both spiritual sovereignty and psychological integration. It allows us to shed the chains of inherited guilt and step into the living presence of the Christ within.
1. Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Tarot Reading
Card 1: The Wound – Judgement
You may be holding on to shame over a decision or action that still echoes in your life. Judgement appears as both a call and a mirror. This is not about condemnation but awakening. What are you still judging yourself for? The card invites you to answer your call to wholeness.
Card 2: The Lesson – Six of Cups
The situation relates to your past—possibly childhood, or a past version of yourself who didn’t know better. The 6 of Cups reminds you that innocence and regret can coexist. Reflect on what a younger you needed at that time. Would you deny them forgiveness if they were standing in front of you?
Card 3: The Path – Queen of Cups
Healing begins with self-compassion. The Queen of Cups urges you to mother yourself emotionally. Create space to grieve, forgive, and nurture your emotional body. A ritual bath, a written letter to your past self, or simple daily kindness can shift the energy
2. Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Tarot Reading
Card 1: The Wound – The Hanged Man
You’re caught in a suspended state—perhaps punishment through inaction, fear of moving on, or chronic self-blame. The Hanged Man suggests you’re seeing the world upside down because it’s time to see yourself differently. What if this moment of stuckness is the seedbed of your healing?
Card 2: The Lesson – Five of Swords
This card points to a past conflict—possibly one where you felt you let yourself down, acted out of fear, or were unkind. The lesson is about integrity. Sometimes, our worst moments teach us who we do not want to be. You have the right to reclaim your values.
Card 3: The Path – The Star
Hope is not naive—it is sacred. The Star offers spiritual renewal through the acceptance of your imperfections. When you stop demanding perfection of yourself, you create room for grace. The path forward is simple but profound: forgive, release, and return to your inner light.
3. Good Friday Self-Forgiveness Tarot Reading
Card 1: The Wound – Eight of Swords
You’re feeling trapped—mentally bound by an inner critic who speaks with your voice and is part of your programming. The 8 of Swords shows that your current story is self-imposed, but that early programming preceded and now dictates it. This card gently asks: Who told you that you weren’t worthy of grace?
Card 2: The Lesson – The Empress
Self-worth is your birthright. Perhaps your mother failed to teach you this because she never knew her own worth. The Empress invites you to rewrite the her-story of your bloodline through nourishment, love, and embodiment. This is not about denying past pain, but about tending to the soil of your being so new life can take root. Your value does not hinge on perfection.
Card 3: The Path – Knight of Pentacles
Progress may be slow, but it is steady. This card reminds you to commit to the daily work of healing. Keep showing up. Practical routines, journaling, and self-forgiveness rituals can help you create a life free of mental torment, grounded in compassion.
You can find more pick-a-pile tarot readings by clicking this link.
