Category: Mental Health; Career & Purpose | Reading Time: 4 Minutes
Let me take a wild guess: You are not exactly a master at setting boundaries. In fact, the guilt usually gets the best of you before you can even open your mouth.
Your coworker asked you to cover their shift for the third time this month. You were already exhausted. You had firm plans to watch Netflix and not speak to another human being for at least 12 hours.
But what did you say? “Sure, no problem! Happy to help!”
And now you are sitting in your car, gripping the steering wheel, feeling that hot, sour bubble of resentment rising in your throat.
You aren’t mad at them for asking. You are mad at yourself for saying yes.
You have a leaky soul.
You think that if you dare to draw a line in the sand, people will stop loving you. So, you let them track mud into your spiritual house because you are terrified that if you shut the door, they won’t knock again.
Cat Philosophy 101: The Hiss is a Kindness
Look at Mimi (our beloved, sleek black cat). If you try to pet her belly when she isn’t in the mood, what does she do?
She doesn’t write you a three-paragraph apology email explaining why she can’t accept pets right now but “hopes you circle back later.”
She hisses.
It’s quick. It’s clear. It’s undeniable.
Humans often think hissing is mean. It’s not. It is efficient communication.
Biologically, a hiss is not an attack; it is a Warning Shot. A cat doesn’t hiss because it hates you. It hisses because it loves itself enough to protect its peace.
It is saying: “I don’t want to bite you, so I am giving you a fair chance to back off.”
It is a kindness that prevents the fight before it starts. By being “nice” and swallowing your feelings, you are actually being less kind than a cat, because you are letting resentment build up until you inevitably explode.
The Queen of Swords is Not a B*tch
In Tarot, the Queen of Swords is the patron saint of the Hiss.
She sits on her throne, holding a giant sword upright. Notice something important: She isn’t swinging it. She isn’t chopping heads off. She is just holding it perfectly still.
She is silently saying: “I see the truth. I speak clearly. And you will respect my space.”
Maybe you won’t believe me if I said people get scared of her card. They think she looks cold; some people don’t want the cold label on them.
But She isn’t cold. She’s just clear.
She knows that her energy is expensive, and she isn’t giving it away for free anymore. She doesn’t confuse “love” with “submission.”
How to Hiss Gracefully
You need to channel her energy. You need to learn how to Hiss without feeling like a monster.
A “Human Hiss” doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be firm.
- The Text Hiss: Not answering immediately. (Your time is yours).
- The Social Hiss: “I’m not available for that.” (No explanation needed).
- The Work Hiss: “I can help with this, but it means [Other Project] will be delayed.”
The Challenge
Take a look at your emotional architecture: Where are your walls too low? Where are you letting people trample your garden just because you’re afraid to close the gate?
Stop being “nice” and start being honest.
Tonight, ask the Pawracle the uncomfortable question: “Where do I need to hiss to protect my peace?”
Disclaimer: TarotPaw content is for entertainment and spiritual support only. We are cats, not doctors, lawyer, or financial advisor. This content is not intended to replace professional (medical, legal, or financial) advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis, please contact a professional or call your local emergency services.
