Foxes.

[Heliotrope]

An occurrence like this has never happened on such a scale with me before. I finally decided to bring it up in the forum to see what the general consensus would be.

I have not done a good amount of research into this, because frankly I don't know where to start. I am being...followed, I suppose you could say, or hounded, or very frequently reminded, almost once a day now for the past seven months or so, give or take, by foxes.

Foxes. Everywhere. Real foxes that I spot when I drive through wooded areas. Pictures or paintings of foxes that randomly pop up. Fox references. People talking about foxes. People mentioning foxes, or conversations had about foxes. Foxes in the chat room I hang out in, foxes on TV, fox tales and fox tails, dreams about foxes, fox behavior in life...

I have been for the moment taking these things in their stride. I appreciate the fact that the universe is sending me such strong signals.

I am currently writing a novel, or have been for two years now, which features fox lore as a strong central theme. The fox lore is all made up, because the novel is fantasy and I did not want to copy any legends or whatnot. I am wondering on one hand if my psyche is just more sensitive to the fox because it is a centrifugal part of the story...but I can't say for certain. It feels much more than that, like a call. Or a visitation. Or even an invitation, but as to what I am unsure.

Foxes are to me a misunderstood creature, out of control in some areas and desperately rare in others. They are masters of camouflage, light-footed messengers, a cunning ally, a shrewd enemy. Their coats are royally colored, rich and unmistakeable. They understand the cruel means of survival. They know secrets. They understand how to Listen.

I'm trying to Listen to them. I understand that maybe they are there to remind me to write. But what if something else is at foot? What are your thoughts? Experiences?

[aynfean]

Maybe look into goddesses or gods with a fox as a symbol? I know Japanese culture has a few fox goddesses and spirits. The Kitsune being the first that comes to mind.

Or maybe take some time to meditate on what a fox symbolizes to you. Perhaps a guiding spirit is trying to gently encourage you to look more into those qualities and characteristics.

And keep us updated. As someone who is also being followed by a particular animal and looking into the goddess connection I'm curious to see how a similar situation plays out for someone else!

[TarotCanada]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDCvYTO4BHQ&feature=related

Good Brothers (Canadian bluegrass) Fox on the Run - don't know why, but I read your post and this song jumped right into my head.

[Heliotrope]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDCvYTO4BHQ&feature=related

Good Brothers (Canadian bluegrass) Fox on the Run - don't know why, but I read your post and this song jumped right into my head.

That's funny--we're big on bluegrass here in Kentucky. ;) Traveled down a road called Fox Run a month ago, too.

[TarotCanada]

Now that is a classic....you should check for Arthurian references to foxes. Just a thought.

[Heliotrope]

Now that is a classic....you should check for Arthurian references to foxes. Just a thought.

It's a good one. I'll do that.

[Heliotrope]

I am researching foxes in Arthurian legend. Here is what I've found so far.

A fox hunt is briefly mentioned in the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Gildas, historian of British history, refers to British murderers of Roman rulers (rectores) "little foxes"--"little" as in "petty", "foxes" as in, it will be an easy fox hunt for the Romans in seeking revenge (and according to Gildas it is--the Romans set up shop and never left)

Sir Lancelot refers to King Mark in his letters as King Fox.

St. Patrick once got God to turn an early Irish king Coroticus into a fox.

--That is all I could find.

Looks to me like the British really had it in for foxes.

[seekerofknwoledge]

Something similar happened to me when I first began to seriously work with Hecate, however mine were toad. The would appear at all times, in various incarnations. The strangest were the live ones that would wait for me at my front door at night, often walking me to or from my car. It wasn't the same toad repeatedly, but different ones that would sit on my stoop and wait for me. They were oddly tame as well, allowing me to come and sit next to them without so much as a sound.

As for foxes in particular, I would definitely suggest looking into Japanese mythology. I've had some experience myself with foxes spiritually speaking, and I found that Japan had an interesting connection to it.

That being said, I believe that the fox is also considered a "trickster," so some mythology in that vein might interest you as well.

[TarotCanada]

I have some books here and I will see what I can find. The Fox Hunt is still a big deal on both sides of the Atlantic although I don't think they kill the fox anymore. The story of Gawain and the Green Knight is an important story. I lke that King Fox - reminds me of the 4 of coins in the tarot - big plans, big ideas, no money to make it happen.

[Heliotrope]

I have some books here and I will see what I can find. The Fox Hunt is still a big deal on both sides of the Atlantic although I don't think they kill the fox anymore. The story of Gawain and the Green Knight is an important story. I lke that King Fox - reminds me of the 4 of coins in the tarot - big plans, big ideas, no money to make it happen.

Oh, how true that is at the moment.

[Heliotrope]

I discovered today Inari Okami, the Japanese kami of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry, and worldly success, and "one of the principle kami of Shinto" (according to Wikipedia).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inari_%28mythology%29

[TarotCanada]

I discovered today Inari Okami, the Japanese kami of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry, and worldly success, and "one of the principle kami of Shinto" (according to Wikipedia).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inari_%28mythology%29

Very cool....did this strike a deep chord with you? Maybe the blacksmith and the warrior thing?

[Heliotrope]

Very cool....did this strike a deep chord with you? Maybe the blacksmith and the warrior thing?

To tell you true I had not focused on the blacksmith or warrior thing. Foxes resemble cleverness and intelligence over brawn in the spirit of a fight, which is very important to me. I like that the lighter, weaker being eludes the stronger one with wit. Not that I don't also feel a sense of affiliation with working metal and being a warrior; I find I like foxes because they are mysterious. They are tricksy, good and bad together, they are opportunist and quick. You don't know if they're on your side in a fight or on another.

I liked the Shinto aspect of Inari because it's not just one fox following me--they are many, as kami are many. Inari can be represented by multiple forms according to area and tradition, but my favorite so far are Water, Grain, and Land. I love that Inari is first and foremost the kami of rice--in our household we eat a lot of rice and tofu, and fried tofu are Inari's fox's favorite food. Little connections like that make me wonder.

I'm going to meditate on this a while, me thinks. I'm a bit closer to British and American historical and mythological creatures, so I'll continue to research in those areas as well!

[Heliotrope]

http://mysticwicks.com/entry.php?380-Foxes-I-Have-Encountered

Made a list of foxes.

Update: On 1/3/12, as I was coming home from job hunting (and feeling really low because of it), a fox darted across the road. I stopped. It stopped. We looked at each other. It was a crucial moment. It was scruffy and winter-thin, with shrewd gold eyes. We left at the same time, turning to our separate businesses.

I sped home, scrapped the first draft of my book, and immediately began writing a second. The new plot is stronger, the language more eloquent, the story more secure. The farther I go into the book, the more foxes I see, and the less I think this is anything spiritually related.

Still though, I thank whatever the hell it is that sends me such strong indications that writing is my future.

[Azrael Eve]

I am having that moment now with cats...they say foxes are sneaky or secretive (at least that is how I think of them), maybe they have a secret for you?

[Heliotrope]

I am having that moment now with cats...they say foxes are sneaky or secretive (at least that is how I think of them), maybe they have a secret for you?

Good luck to you in your animal thing.

As I mentioned above, I really think it is less "mystical" and more of a reminder to write my hands off. :P

[Azrael Eve]

I'm not saying it is mystical, I'm just thinking of their aspects, and hey you never know it could be the way to keep writing without loosing your hands :P

[Heliotrope]

I'm not saying it is mystical, I'm just thinking of their aspects, and hey you never know it could be the way to keep writing without loosing your hands :P

:D

As far as aspects go, I've learned a great deal about them. They are certainly Themselves, without shame. They know what they are, and they are it without compromise. They are creatures of cleverness and wit, sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. They are messengers, travelers, caretakers of secrets and knowledge which lies yet unknown. They are fluid and wily, smart enough to know when to retreat as they are when to spring in attack. They steal, they hunt, they hoard to survive. They are liars, storytellers, teachers if they deem it worth their time and effort.

I've been given a message about what is to become of me. I want to spend the rest of my life writing, and the more foxes I see, the greater my conviction grows. I consider myself very much a writer, though I've not been largely published. This book, this story, this is what I will make my name on. Or hope to, at least, and the more determination I put to this, the farther I go, the more the story begins to flower and grow on its own. That is the wonderful part--that it strengthens and grows on its own. I am almost only the messenger, but I know that it's more than that. This is the first largely cumulative example of my ability, and it needs to be excellent.

The more I write, the more foxes I see. I've had a handful of strong messages from the Universe so far--this is one of them, powerful and moving. I am grateful for it. I can't be more charmed by it. I'm absolutely thrilled that this is the Right Thing For Me.

And if I fail, well, there is always critique and critique again. It's not so bad to fail at big things--failure means you have more time for improvement.

[Azrael Eve]

I don't think that you will fail, I get the feeling you are very good with you words. I wish you good luck with your writing venture, and I truly do think you will do well :D