Of course the story of the headless horseman is fictional, but the reality of how guilt can affect our lives is not.
In an article by Carol King at http://www.authentic-self.com it says, "It is possible to spend your entire life blaming yourself for this and that, feeling guilty because you did this or that and living in fear of the consequences of this and that. This way of living has you immobilized because you are dwelling in the past (the guilt and blame for what has been) and you cannot enjoy your future (for fear of the consequences of what has been)."
Don't sit in the past of guilt and blame. Take action, don't let guilt hold you back from self-forgiveness. Get out there and slay your headless horseman.