"No Biting!"

From the Gaian Tarot, Strength; from the Goddess Oracle, Oshun:

          "No biting!" was the phrase I heard when I pulled this card. When children are between the ages of 1 to 3, this is a defense to which they often resort. With three grandsons, we have used that admonition a lot. My exasperated husband even asked the vet for a couple of "will bite" stickers at one point. As adults we learn to use words instead of teeth to express our displeasure, but words can be used as weapons too. What is said can often leave more damage than an actual bite and take longer to heal. The lovely, serene woman on the Strength card cautions me to pause and take a breath instead of lashing out. Oshun, the Brazilian goddess of the waters, was known for her love of beauty. She seems to invite the woman and her lion to come enjoy the sensual side of life, letting their senses be given time to play. The five senses can be used to short-circuit my emotional brain when it becomes impatient, frustrated or angry. Take a moment to answer these questions:

• What beauty or wonder makes me pause with appreciation (here now or elsewhere)?
• What smell makes me close my eyes with enjoyment?
• What feels delightful against my skin?
• What makes me smile when I hear it?
• What taste makes me sigh with pleasure?

If you mindfully went through those five questions, I bet there was a brief moment when your emotions were calmed like the resting lion. Oshun is right - focusing on the senses can bring me pleasure and serenity.