Self-Forgiveness Release Ritual
Self-forgiveness is often harder than forgiving others. This ritual creates sacred space to acknowledge mistakes without being consumed by them. The burning transforms guilt into smoke and ash, while the mirror work confronts and heals the part of ourselves we have been punishing.
Purpose
Releases the burden of guilt and shame, offering yourself the forgiveness you need to heal and move forward
Optimal Timing
Ingredients
Writing what you need to forgive yourself for
Releasing and banishing guilt
Self-compassion and new beginning
Purification of guilt and shame
Clearing energy after release
Tools Needed
- Fireproof dish for burning
- Mirror
Preparation Steps
- 1Create private, sacred space
- 2Reflect beforehand on what you have been unable to forgive yourself for
- 3Gather courage and self-compassion
Ritual Steps
- 1Light the black candle saying: I illuminate what I have kept in shadow
- 2On the paper, write everything you need to forgive yourself for - be specific and honest
- 3Read what you wrote aloud, allowing yourself to feel the weight of it
- 4Look in the mirror and say: I see you. I see your mistakes. I see your humanity.
- 5Light the white candle saying: I choose to release myself from this burden
- 6One by one, burn the papers in the black candle flame, letting them fall into the fireproof dish. As each burns, say: I forgive myself for this. I release this guilt. I am human, and I am worthy of forgiveness.
- 7When all papers are burned, wash your hands in the salt water
- 8Light the sage and cleanse yourself and the space
- 9Look in the mirror and say: I forgive you. You did the best you could with what you knew then. You are forgiven. You are free.
- 10Extinguish the black candle. Let the white candle burn safely
- 11Dispose of ashes in running water or bury in the earth
Correspondences
Safety & Ethics
- •This can bring up intense emotions - be gentle with yourself
- •Some actions require amends to others as well as self-forgiveness
- •Forgiving yourself does not mean the action was acceptable - it means releasing the ongoing self-punishment
- •Consider therapy for deep guilt or shame that does not release
Continue Exploring
People Also Ask
Releases the burden of guilt and shame, offering yourself the forgiveness you need to heal and move forward
Timing is half the spell
Lunary shows you when moon phases, planetary hours, and your transits align for this intention.
Explore the Grimoire
Continue your cosmic journey through Lunary's library of astrological wisdom.