The Knight of Swords and Holding Bullies Accountable
He tells you why they don't deserve your forgiveness!
Each Friday, I will pull a card and write a blog post about an important topic to me based on what the card represents.
And this morning, I pulled the Knight of Swords (Juvenile of Wind in the Penguin deck). And you know what?
The perfect topic for this is why I don't think bullies deserve forgiveness, especially if they don't take accountability, which most bullies don't unless they see the light.
You know the Knight of Swords energy well, don't you?
That unyielding, righteous force that refuses to back down in the face of injustice.
This assertive Tarot archetype is your alley, your kindred spirit when it comes to the thorny issue of dealing with bullies and abusers.
Unlike the wishy-washy "let's all just forgive and forget" crowd, you're not about to let these perpetrators off the hook.
No, sir, not on your watch. When the Knight of Swords energy takes over, you're a force to be reckoned with - stubborn, principled, and utterly unwilling to compromise your accountability standards.
"Forgiveness is earned, not freely given," the knight would thunderously declare. And you couldn't agree more.
Why on earth should you be expected to pardon someone who has repeatedly trampled all over your boundaries, your self-worth, and your very right to exist in peace?
Bullies don't get automatic absolution, not in your book.
Forgiveness Is Letting The Perpetrator Off the Hook In My View
By the way, I realize that some may see that forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving the perpetrator, and some believe it simply means releasing resentment.
However, that is not how I see forgiveness. I see it as being compassionate and empathetic towards those who inflict harm and letting them off the hook.
Nope, not me. I am a firm believer in everyone being responsible for their actions no matter what trauma they are dealing with.
There is never an excuse to harm others for no reason.
Far too often, the onus is placed on the victim to be the "bigger person" and forgive their tormentor, even if that person has shown zero remorse or effort to reform their ways.
But you recognize the profound injustice in this dynamic.
Why should the injured party be the one to extend grace when the perpetrator hasn't made any meaningful amends?
The Knight of Swords energy understands that true forgiveness can only come after sustained changed behavior, not as a convenient excuse to avoid accountability.
"No more excuses," the knight would growl. "It's time for them to face the consequences of their actions."
Forcing Victims of Abuse and Bullying to Forgive Is Damaging
And you wholeheartedly agree. Forcing forgiveness onto victims is not only unfair, but it can also be deeply psychologically damaging.
When you're constantly told to "let it go" and "move on" before you're truly ready, it invalidates your genuine pain and struggles.
It suggests that your suffering doesn't matter and that you should suck it up and accommodate the people who hurt you.
Screw that noise. You're not about to be gaslighted into complacency, not when it comes to your healing journey.
The Knight of Swords would fight tooth and nail against anyone who tries to pressure you into premature forgiveness, and you're more than happy to wield that mental sword alongside them.
The truth is that forgiveness is a complex, deeply personal process that others can't dictate.
It has to arise organically when the victim feels ready and safe enough to let go—not when it's demanded of them as a moral imperative.
Anything less is a disservice to their recovery and growth.
Those Who Tell Victims to Forgive Bullies Are Tossing Toxic Positivity
And let's not forget the unspoken privilege inherent in the demand for forgiveness.
Those who breezily spout platitudes about forgiveness are usually the ones who have never had to endure the sting of abuse or the scar of trauma.
They don't know what it's like to have your very self violated, your boundaries trampled, your spirit crushed.
So you'll kindly tell them to take a hike. You don't owe forgiveness to anyone, least of all the bullies and abusers who've inflicted so much pain.
That's a debt they must earn through sincere remorse, changed behavior, and a demonstrated commitment to making amends.
Anything less is just another form of victimization.
The Knight of Swords would nod approvingly at your stance.
This is a hill they're willing to die on, and you're more than happy to stand your ground alongside them.
Bullies don't get a free pass, not in your world.
It's time they learned that their actions have consequences - and that true healing can only come when held accountable.
So keep wielding that mental sword! Keep challenging the narrative of easy forgiveness and insist that justice and accountability come first.
The road to redemption is long and arduous, and it's not your job to pave the way for those who've hurt you.
Your well-being, your safety, your right to reclaim your power - that's what matters most.
And the Knight of Swords will be right there with you, standing firm against anyone who tries to rob you of that hard-won progress.
By the way, the Knight of Swords does not condone revenge or let hatred of them take over.
Two wrongs don't make a right. The best thing is to not give a crap about them and be indifferent, and even that can be challenging depending on how much trauma the bully put you through.
However, it is the healthiest way to be so you can move forward and work on yourself.
If you want to join the Creative Tarot Circle on Facebook, I would love to have you! I am putting out more engaging content on there.
🌹🌻🌸💐💚💜❤️🌼😍🥰
Timely and appreciated. Thank you!