The fox is known for being the trickster of all animals, however, its symbolism goes beyond that, as the fox can be seen in our dreams, in our literature, in cultures and in religions.
If you’ve ever come across a fox in your life, it’s probably for a reason.
Foxes are known for their cunning, mischief and tricks.
Foxes are also symbols of spirituality, creation, omens of good luck and the afterlife, hence they are popular spirit animals.
Characteristics associated with the fox
Fox spirit animals are associated with people who relate to these characteristics:
- Creativity
- Passion
- Wisdom
- Charm
- Cunning
- Nobility
- Protection
- Guidance.
These spirit animals offer wisdom and guidance, and an omen of protection, nobility and good luck.
The fox spirit encourages you to make quick and agile movements when acting. In this way, the red fox shows you your ability to adapt and how to avoid obstacles and resistance quickly.
The fox also encourages you and gives you the strength to sharpen your physical alertness and responsiveness. It also helps you when you need more protection in life.
The fox in mythology and folklore
In the mythology and folklore of ancient Mesopotamia, the fox was a sacred being. It served as a messenger of the ancient goddess of Earth and fertility, Ninhursag.
In what is now Peru, the Moche people lived from the 1st to the 8th century, who also considered the fox a sacred animal. In their works of art, they represented the fox as a warrior who only used his mind to fight in battles and never participated in a physical war.
In Aesop’s fables, Grimm’s tales and Shakespeare, the expression “outwit our opponents” was very popular and the cunning of the fox was a similar theme in all stories.
In ancient fables and mythologies, the fox represents the villain; however, it can also be seen offering wisdom, advice and powerful messages. The fox is a very popular animal that often appears in drama, books, songs and legends.
Native American Fox Symbolism
Foxes are very sacred animals to Native Americans. One thing that all Native American tribes have in common is that they all revere animals and the natural world.
In many tribes, the fox was a clan animal, and members wore fox skins as spiritual attire used in dances and ceremonies. Some tribes viewed the fox as a powerful spirit known to be a god who brought wisdom and benevolence to his people.
Warrior tribes used fox skins and bones as a way of showing that they were part of the Fox Society or Swift Fox Warriors. To enter this society or group you had to prove that you were brave and of good reputation.
However, not all tribes saw the fox as a divine figure, as some considered him a thief or a scoundrel. They thought the fox was a bad omen.
In many of the legends, the fox and the coyote share a connection or can be considered interchangeable.
Symbolism and meaning of the fox in Asian cultures
In Asian culture, the fox was also revered and seen as a powerful symbol and figure that possessed mystical powers, but was also a mischievous trickster.
In both Japanese and Chinese culture, the fox is a powerful ally that helps ward off demons and other evil spirits. The Japanese view of the fox is that it has supernatural powers such as shapeshifting from fox to human. Its name is Kitsune in legends and, with age, the fox acquires more supernatural powers, such as creating fire, lightning, entering dreams and bending time and space.
The Chinese view of the fox was more of a trickster. In folklore, the fox could take the form of a tempting woman who lured men into extramarital affairs.
Greek myths about foxes
Aesop, a popular character and slave of ancient Greece in the 7th century, was known for his animal fables and had numerous stories featuring foxes.
The fable of the Fox and the Grapes was one that tells the story of a fox who tries to steal grapes that hang out of his reach, and try as he might, he cannot get them. After giving up, the fox says, “They’re probably sour anyway,” which is most likely the origin of the phrase “sour grapes,” concerning how people can be envious of something they can’t have.
In another Greek myth about the Theumessian fox, the fox is a large beast sent by the god Dionysus to eat the children of Thebes as punishment for the evils of the people of Thebes.
Creon, the chief regent of Thebes, then sends Laelaps, a magical dog, after the fox, but Zeus stops him, as he turns both beasts to stone, throwing them into the sky, hence the origin of the constellations Canis Major (the dog) and Canis Minor (the fox).
The meaning of the fox in Celtic mythology
According to Scottish and Irish folklore, the fox appeared in the story of Dia Griene.
Dia was the daughter of the Sun, who was captured by the god of the underworld, and begged for her release for so long that she was let go, however, not without a trap as she could only return to Earth as a fox.
The fox was also seen in the paganism of the Celtic world, but as Christianity took hold, it was increasingly seen as a more sinister figure.
The meaning of the fox in Norse mythology
In Norse mythology, the fox is one of many animal spirits called “fylgjur”, and accompanied people as a guide.
The symbolism of the fox in Christianity and the Bible
In Christianity and the Bible, foxes are often negative metaphors or have negative connotations like wolves.
They encourage distrust, abuse and exploitation.
In the Bible verse Song of Solomon 2:15, it speaks of trapping foxes for ruining vineyards that are in bloom. In that same verse, foxes are interpreted as sins of the spirit, including pride, jealousy and gossip.
What is the meaning of dreaming of a fox?
If you dream that a fox is chasing or hunting you it means that you have fears and anxieties about a certain situation in your life that you are ignoring or not addressing.
However, if it is a more pleasant dream it means that you are comfortable with who you are and where you are in your life.
If a fox crosses your path in your dreams, it means that all your problems will be solved soon and you don’t have to worry so much.
The fox in tattoos
A fox tattoo is a perfect tattoo if you want a positive symbol on your body that represents that you know how to use your wits and be a confident person.
A fox tattoo shows others and yourself that you are the type of person who lets your inner radiance and beauty shine through and that you love and know how to have fun but are also mischievous.
Power Animal and Fox Totem
A power animal is an animal that will be able to inspire and guide you from its list of dynamic traits , so it will help you in situations like:
- When you are in a challenging situation and need to choose what is the most efficient and best way to handle it or in other cases how to overcome an obstacle.
- When you feel you may need more physical, emotional, financial or psychological protection in your life.
- When you need support to feel beautiful inside and out.
- When you need some fun and affection in your life.
- When you need some good luck.
The fox animal totem represents the protective powers of the fox and is therefore a useful symbol when you want to manifest good luck, protection, fun or beauty in your life.
Fox animal totems can guide you in the right direction when strategizing how to reach your full potential.
If you harness the power of the fox animal totem you will be unstoppable, always alert and know when and how to make the right decisions. You will be able to avoid problems and rely on the gnosis of your fox totem.
Fox symbolism by colors
There are three different colors of the fox that you will see, including red, white and gray.
The red fox is a symbol of the fire element.
Connected to solar energy and the sun, the energy of the red fox will ignite your creativity, passion and deep emotions, as well as bring brightness and motivation to your life.
The white fox, also known as the arctic fox, is a symbol of purity, clarity and divinity.
Also known as the arctic fox, the white fox symbolizes the need for clarity and connection to the divine in your life.
The gray fox, or silver fox, is a symbol of neutrality.
Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to choose sides, the gray fox will encourage you to stay somewhere in the middle. It is also a positive symbol of maturity and a negative symbol of sadness and indecision.
