Foxes are graceful, agile, intelligent, yet wild animals. It is no wonder that many people call them their spirit animal! While there is nothing wrong with that, knowing about fox symbolism will go a long way. After all, it will make having a fox spirit animal even more meaningful and beautiful. But the question still stands. What even is the symbolism of a fox? How can one utilize it to make their life better? And how does one know their spirit animal is a fox? Read on to find out!
What is the Symbolism of a Fox?
If you are a Millenial or Gen Z-er, you’ve probably heard of the iconic song “What Does The Fox Say?” And if it has done anything to millions of people, it was to wonder about what foxes sound like. And why not? It is a mystery that many people don’t even know the answer to. Amazingly, though, it is also one of the symbolisms of a fox. They have an elusive nature which also makes them hard to catch. It is thus this nature that makes them the icon of irresistible mysteries.
In connection to this, foxes also symbolize cleverness. Their sharp nature makes them difficult prey to catch. This makes them the perfect candidate as the symbol of intelligence. Their ability to observe the world silently also makes them a symbol for acute observation. In order no one will be able to catch them, they make themselves aware of their environment.
The spatial awareness that these animals have is quite impressive! It also goes for their own efforts to catch their own prey. They symbolize patience and reasonable risk-taking as they do not just pounce without thinking. Just as they do not act rashly so others will not catch them, they also do this to catch others.
But that is not all. They also symbolize spirituality. For some, they are the symbols of spirit guides in the spirit world. Many people believe that their lithe nature gives them the ability to cross between dimensions with ease. They give the souls crossing over to the next life the peace that they need so they will no longer fear for the death of their mortal body.
What about the bad side?
Unfortunately, the fox symbolism also includes a few negatives. Their cleverness can border on being cunning and deceitful! If you have heard of the saying “sly as a fox,” this is where it comes from. Because of the fox’ ability to outsmart everything and everyone, they came to symbolize intelligent yet dubious individuals.
Another negative fox symbolism is being manipulative. It goes without saying that these animals know how to use their environment to their advantage. But this can also come at a price. They are willing to manipulate things even if it will hurt others. This is why they have come to symbolize such a negative trait. But in such an environment as the wild, this is to be expected. If the human world can be a treacherous place, then how much more the dense forests that foxes live in?
What does having a Fox Totem mean?
Before answering this question, it is important that one must have a firm understanding of what a totem animal is. Predominant in Native American traditions, a totem animal is a person or a tribe’s spiritual guide. They are different from spirit animals with whom one feels a connection with for one reason or another. However, this connection is not expected to last as long. On the other hand, totem animals are bound to people in this life and the next. Once a person feels lost, one can look to their totem animal to give them the guidance that they need.
Having a fox totem can therefore allow someone to be guided through tricky situations. Indeed, those with fox totems can clearly see through trickery, no matter how much someone tries to hide it. They are able to act accordingly, and prevent further damage from happening. If needed, a person’s fox totem can help them steer the situation to their favor.
A sense of humor is also common among those with a fox totem. But this can be dangerous, though. Their idea of “humor” borders on harmless jokes and straight up cruelty. Once they get their mind set on doing some pranks, you might as well expect to call 911! Someone is going to get hurt, and these people are just going to laugh and think it’s hilarious. That is, until someone brings up the possibility of a lawsuit.
On a deeper level…
But while this may seem like these people are just straight up dumb, they aren’t. They are actually very intelligent. No matter how stressful things may be, they will always think of a way out. For them, it is not a matter of where they are or what is happening. It is all about how they can use what they have at the moment to weasel their way out.
It is also this ability that allows them to fit in, regardless of the situation. Their observation abilities help them find ways to be regarded as part of something, even if they are strangers to it. Just as the fox camouflages to avoid being caught, those with fox totems blend with the crowd. One moment they are there, standing out in the crowd. But they end up being part of the faceless crowd next.
What is the fox spiritual meaning?
In terms of spirituality, the fox symbolism can differ. Numerous cultures and religions have their own interpretations on the spiritual significance that foxes have. It is therefore up to their adherents to determine whether or not they are to follow such interpretations or not. Regardless of what the fox means to a certain group of people, they will always be significant.
1. Foxes in Christianity
Like the subtle creatures that they are, the Christian faith regards foxes as spiritual reminders of subtleties of sin. Therefore, the spiritual meaning of foxes in Christianity is that they are reminders that small things can lead to bigger sins. When left unchecked, they can stop spiritual growth and closeness with God. Worse, it can make a person fall out of their faith. When this happens, it can be difficult to go back to strengthening one’s faith again.
2. Foxes in Ancient Peru
It is no secret that Peru was once part of great empires that once ruled South America. Prior to Columbus’ arrival, the Incan Empire spanned a great length of the country. A vibrant culture emerged, and a deep belief in nature and spirits developed. Part of their culture is seeing the foxes as spiritual symbols of intelligent warfare. That is, wars are not just won through brutal battles. Instead, people can also win through diplomacy, and well-timed strategies. Those who regard foxes as spirit animals believe that it is not weapons that win wars. It is cleverness, and the will to endure even the worst outcomes.
3. Foxes in China
Animals form part of the complex belief system in China. However, one must note that these animals are not “good” creatures in this culture. Instead, they are given negative connotations. Though they are abundant in Chinese forests, they are not part of the twelve animals of the Zodiac. Instead, the spiritual fox symbolism is all about danger. They are harbingers of war, and are powerful enough to sow discord among people. When people see foxes, they have come to mean that war is brewing. There is no turning back from this point onward.
4. Foxes in Japan
The word “kitsune” has somehow made its way through pop culture through anime and manga. But in Japan, these foxes are spiritual symbols of mischief and deceit. Indeed, they are feminine spirits who are known to transform into human women and seduce men. They can then use their prey to become even more powerful. Thus, the fox’s spiritual meaning in this culture is that of deceit and manipulation.
5. Foxes in Native American Traditions
As said earlier, the fox has come to be an important symbol for some Native American tribes. There are even those who regard it as their totem animal. For these people the fox can be akin to a god. It may be a tiny animal, but it is powerful in its own way. Such a trait is therefore emulated by tribes, especially small ones, who hope to obtain its spiritual gifts.
But being the clever animal that is, there are tribes that see foxes as nuisance creatures. They are tricksters after all. As such, many view them in a negative light. The spiritual fox symbolism is therefore transformed as that of a trickster who can destroy tribes in the blink of an eye.
What is the Fox Symbolism in Dreams?
Like any other animal, seeing a fox in your dreams has a certain meaning. Something is coming up in your life, and you need to be able to pay attention to what this is telling you. Knowing what the fox symbolism is, you may already have some ideas on what this dream is all about.
Once you see a fox in your dreams, you need to take a closer look at your relationships. It doesn’t matter if it is personal or professional. The bonds and interactions that you have with other people definitely have an impact on your life. You may not realize it, but your recent actions may not have been beneficial to anyone. Thus, you need to proceed to the next things that you need to do with care. You don’t want to further damage a bond that is already shaky at best.
Make sure that you observe everything that is going on in your life during this time. Do a sweep on everything that is going on. Be aware of what is happening to prevent anything even worse! Even the most subtle of changes will have great impact later on down the line. It is therefore important that you do not let anything escape your sights. You are not overthinking or overreacting. This is just you making sure that everything is going to be alright.
Add to that…
It is also important that you examine who exactly are the people you trust. You may not realize it, but some people can potentially throw you under the bus. Recall every secret that you have shared recently. You need to be ready to counter any possible lie that other people may say about you. Like the fox, you need to be two steps ahead of the people who can bring you down.
Conversely, someone can be hiding secrets from you. This can be crucial information, or a potentially life saving thing. You need to ensure that you are able to discover what they are. It just might be the key to you being able to secure the future that you’ve always wanted.
All in all, dreaming of a fox is all about trust. Knowing how you trust, and what you can trust them with will go a long way. Although there is so much that you need to pay attention to, it will go a long way. So much can happen, and you need to be able to act accordingly.
Closing Thought
The fox symbolism is powerful. It transcends so many cultures, and calls on everyone to learn from it. Lithe, graceful, and intelligent, the fox tells people to be observant of the world around them. By looking closely at the world, a person will be able to see things for the way that they truly are.
But it also has negative traits. Manipulation and deceit aren’t exactly commendable qualities. It is thus important that those who are spiritually connected to foxes in some way know which is which. You cannot just embrace the bad parts of something just because it influences you. Growing past immature and hurtful traits is what will help you become who you are. Only then will you truly be able to use your fox bond for your benefit.
