Archangel Zadkiel: Mercy, Forgiveness & Divine Memory (+ Tarot Spread)

Archangel Zadkiel, the Jovian archangel of Divine Mercy, holding a golden chalice beneath a radiant violet and sapphire sky

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.

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.

Is Zadkiel the Same as Sachiel?

Many Western esoteric sources treat Zadkiel and Sachiel as variant names for the same Jovian angel. Both names belong to an overlapping textual tradition, and both express qualities associated with Jupiter, including justice, mercy, benevolence and wise expansion.

However, using the names interchangeably can create confusion when we move between planetary and Kabbalistic correspondence systems. For clarity, Angelorum now distinguishes them by office:

Zadkiel or Tzadkiel → Archangel of Chesed and ruler of the Dominions

Sachiel → Planetary angel of Jupiter and Thursday

This distinction does not claim certainty about whether they are ultimately one intelligence or two. It simply provides a consistent framework for understanding their respective roles. You can read more about the historical overlap and the planetary tradition in my guide to Archangel Sachiel.

To help you work consciously with Jupiter’s 2026-27 transit through Leo, I’ve also published a Jupiter in Leo Tarot Spread.

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.

Because Chesed corresponds with Jupiter, some practitioners choose Thursday for devotional work with Zadkiel. However, for planetary work connected with Jupiter and Thursday, Sachiel is the corresponding Archangel.

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.

Zadkiel, Chesed and The Wheel of Fortune

In the Golden Dawn system, Zadkiel is the archangel of Chesed, the fourth Sephirah on the Tree of Life. Chesed corresponds with Jupiter, while Jupiter corresponds with the Hebrew letter Kaph and X The Wheel of Fortune.

The Wheel represents Divine order moving through changing circumstances. Times of difficulty give way to opportunity, while periods of abundance bring new responsibilities. Viewed through Chesed, the card speaks of mercy, generosity, wise stewardship and the right use of influence. It asks us not only whether fortune is turning in our favour, but how we intend to use what the turning Wheel places in our hands.

Archangel Sachiel is the planetary angel of Jupiter and Thursday, while Zadkiel governs the archangelic sphere of Chesed. Both participate in the Jovian current without holding the same office.

The Wheel may therefore be used with Sachiel in planetary work or with Zadkiel when seeking the mercy, wisdom and spiritual expansion associated with Chesed.

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.

Five-card Archangel Zadkiel Tarot spread in rich violet and gold tones against a luminous celestial background with outstretched angel wings. The cross-shaped layout features: 1. Present Situation (left), 2. Hidden Influence (bottom), 3. Zadkiel's Guidance (centre), 4. Act of Mercy (right), and 5. Blessing Through Alignment (top). An optional Divine Message card appears to the right. Elegant gold detailing, sacred geometry and soft clouds reinforce themes of forgiveness, mercy, healing and divine guidance. Angelorum.co branding appears at the bottom.

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.