Spirit Lodge - Totem Animals - Page 62

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Bear Medicine	Birth Totems	Coyote Medicine	Dragon Ranks	Dragonfly Medicine	Eagle Medicine	Four Animal Helpers	Grey Wolf Medicine	Hawk
Heron Medicine	Horse	Magpie	Raccoon	Salmon Medicine	Spider Medicine	Swan Medicine	Thunder Being Medicine	Totem Loss Disc

FOX MEDICINE
By CinnamonMoon

Fox represents camouflage, invisibility, and shapeshifting; wisdom, cunning, analysis, and
charm; warning and protection. Fox is feminine energy awakening the art of invisibility or
camouflage. her senses are keen, demonstrating the ability to see and hear what others would
perhaps not consciously offer. With these keen senses she teaches the psychic gift of
clairaudience as well as detecting subtle shifts in your environment. Since she is a border
dweller, learn to watch for these shifts at the edges of your vision. Fox will teach you the skills
necessary to survive and stay out of harm's way.

Seeing her brings the message that something is about to happen behind the scenes--the world
around you is about to change. She warns you when trouble is afoot. Using her keen sense of
observation she can slip into her surroundings to meld with the underbrush. By learning this
technique you will discover secret information, avoid confrontations, or be able to slip away
unnoticed. The information Fox teaches you to find is not the kind you divulge to others; instead,
it is used to your advantage in making good decisions and for self-protection.

Fox is a trickster with a wily sense of humor that often creates a reputation of her being a
troublemaker. Her antics are actually part of her camouflage; they allow her to create distractions
before suddenly seeming to vanish. Let her teach you her craft and show you the benefits of
learning to blend into your surroundings. With her quick movements and agility she turns
quickly and avoids danger. Her creative maneuvers can teach you to follow the same lead in a
given situation; especially where you may need to vanish and learn why through the veil of your
own invisible cloak.

This creature-teacher is not one who tires easily. She will teach you the importance of pacing
yourself, of creating your flow, and endurance. She is adaptable, moving with grace as she goes
about her covert actions. While her antics may appear to be foolish or playful, she uses them to
move in and out of situations with ease. Others tend to overlook the nonsense and she uses that
to her advantage. She plls back if she feels threatened. If the situation proves safe she will draw
closer as she continues to harmlessly clown around. In this way she sets her own parameters.
Having fun in the process of her exploits she teaches that life should be happy no matter what the
circumstances.

Finally, Fox is often the Medicine of the Healer. As a dweller of borderlands and bordertimes of
dusk and dawn, she can apply her powers to readily slip these boundaries bringing people
stricken with illness back out of fevered sleep. The shaman that knows the art of healing will at
least know of this Medicine, if not actually be calling upon it and seek out those who do when
needed.

The Druid Animal Oracle by Phillipo and Stephanie Carr-Gomm
Fox: Diplomacy, Cunning, Wildness

Fox is a fine, graceful creature who typifies the beauty and harmony of the natural world.
Working with the power of the fox, you will know when it is time to come out into the open and
be counted, but you will also know when it is time to remain silent, to keep your own counsel.
With others you will be able to be diplomatic, and one of the attributes of the fox is being "strong
in council." One of the hardest things, if you are a person working with "fox-power," is to ensure
that your skill and diplomacy do not become dishonesty or slyness. Remaining silent, or
becoming invisible so as to watch the unfolding drama, is an asset that can bring with it is own
special culpability, if it is not tempered with wisdom.

Contrary it may be warning you to be careful not to use your cleverness dishonestly. The
knowing or kenning of the fox can easily become cunning which turns into conning. The reverse
may also mean tha tyou are coming into contact with that part of you which feels a victim. In the
past, the fox was hunted for its beautiful fur, but the hunt was considered sacred. From the
moment weapons were forged, the hunt was dedicated to the Goddess, and her permission was
sought before the hunter would dare take the life of any animal. More recently, the fox has
become a symbol of the innocence and beauty of the natural world being destroyed by man's
cruelty. If you feel you are at the mercy of circumstances, or are being unfairly or cruelly treated,
take a lesson from the fox and "Lie low" for a while. Concern yourself with family and home,
and develop your skills of mediation and diplomacy.

Most of the animal names used contemptuously come from a patriarchal culture and hence are
applied to women (bitch, cat, cow, and shrew for example) but the insult of "vixen" includes an
erotic connotation--accusing a woman of being a vixen suggests she is cunning and ill-tempered,
but also sexy. the term "foxy lady" conveys this idea, but in a more positive light. In the contrary
state it may be that you need to discover how you can show the wild and erotic side of your
character--the Wild man or Wild woman in you--in the most creative way.

*Zolar/Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions:
According to a Welsh tradition, seeing several foxes together is unlucky. Should a lone one be
seen, however, good luck is said to follow. Should foxes enter one's courtyard, disaster and death
is thought nearby. In some parts of Wales, it is also believed witches can transform themselves
into foxes. Hence, the tradition arose of burning a fox at the "need fires" to warn any witches
against assuming this shape!

An unusual cure for whooping cough is to place milk in front of a fox. When he has drunk as
much as he wishes, the rest is drunk by the patient and the cough is said to vanish.
In Bohemia, if shy, one would wear a fox's tongue in order to become bolder. A scraped pig skin
attached to a hazel stick, wrapped around the chicken coop three times, is said to keep foxes
away. Should a woman wish to be free of any female problems, she should carry on her person a
testicle taken from a live fox.

In Japan, the Fox Goddess, Koki-Teno, is portrayed as a cunning and dangerous animal skilled in
magic, including the ability to take the appearance of a beautiful woman.

*Mary Summer Rain/On Dreams:
Fox connotes cunning and shrewdness.
Foxfire portrays an aspect of true Reality.
Foxhole advises one to stop hiding and fight his or her own battles.

*Denise Linn/The Secret Language of Signs:
In nature the fox has the ability to be unseen, to travel undetected. Foxes are known for their
shyness, cunning, and swift decisiveness. Are you outfoxing a situation? Is someone outfoxing
you? This sign can concern physical attraction, as when someone attractive (usually a woman) is
called a fox.

*Jamie Sams and David Carson/Medicine Cards:
Camouflage. Wiley fox has many allies in the woodlands, including the foliage, which offers
protection and much medicine. Fox is seemingly able to vanish amidst the lush undergrowth of
the forest. This flora is Fox's ally. The ability to meld into one's surroundings and be unnoticed is
a powerful gift when one is observing the activities of others.

Another natural gift of Fox is the ability to adapt to winter by changing color, like the
chameleon. Its rich, white, winter coat allows Fox to blend into the snow when the leaves no
longer linger. Fox medicine involves adaptability, cunning, observation, integration, and
swiftness of thought and action. These traits may also include quick decisiveness, and surefootedness
in the physical world.

Fox's ability to be unseen allows it to be the protector of the family unit. If danger arises, Fox is
Johnny-on-the-spot. Nanih Waiya, Great Spirit in the Choctaw tongue, honors Fox with the duty
of keeping the family together and safe. This is accomplished through Fox's ability to observe
undetected, without making others self-conscious. Fox is always concerned with the safety of
family members and is an excellent talisman for those traveling far afield.

If Fox has chosen to share its medicine with you, it is a sign that you are to become like the
wind, which is unseen yet is able to weave into and through any location or situation. You would
be wise to observe the acts of others rather than their words at this time. Use your cunning nature
in a positive way; keep silent about who and what and why you are observing. In learning the art
of camouflage, you need to test your abilities to pull this off.

One test or exercise that may be helpful to you is deciding to be invisible. In doing this exercise,
you might try to visualize your body as part of your surroundings, full of the colors of the
location you are in. See yourself in your mind's eye, moving with stealth and grace, unheeded by
others. If you do it right, it works! You can leave a party unnoticed or become as unobtrusive as
a piece of furniture, watching the developing drama of the subjects you are studying.

While learning from Fox, you might also gain confidence in your ability to know instantly what
will happen next. After observing for a while, you will become aware of a certain predictability
in given situations and be able to quickly make your move. Fox medicine teaches the art of
Oneness through its understanding of camouflage. This applies on all levels, from rocks to God.
With Fox medicine, you are being asked to see all types of uses for Oneness.

Much like the clowns at the rodeo, Fox can keep the raging bull from stampeding a friend or
family member. Fox can use silly tactics as a brilliant camouflage move. No one would guess the
sly power behind such ingenious maneuvers.

Contrary: Watch out for wiley fox if this card has appeared reversed! Someone may be watching
you, and trying to figure out your next move. If you look deeper, however, it may be that you are
watching yourself to prove to yourself that you exist. If you have become a "wallflower" to the
point of disappearing, you may need to decide that you are worth noticing.

Contrary Fox is as foolish as it is cunning, and you may have fooled yourself into believing that
your low self-esteem is due to your being born plain or having an ordinary life. This is
camouflage of a different sort, in that you have camouflaged your true desire to experience life
with friends, with joy, and with purpose. In any case, you are being put on notice to be aware of
apathy and self-induced boredom. You may have to dig deeply to find what excites you enough
to scurry across the wasteland of your dulled senses and live.

Contrary Fox may also be telling you that you have become too visible. In climbing to a place of
recognition, oftentimes the envy or jealousness of others is thrown in your face. If you are
feeling attacked, withdraw. It may be time to assume the attitude of the hermit and deck yourself
in the cloak of invisibility.

To right contrary Fox in this situation, call on Armadillo and name your boundaries. Then call on
the family's protector to show you the art of camouflage. Once out of the line of attack, you can
resume the role of being your "foxy" self. Become Fox and feel the joy of knowing the
playground of your life. You may just find the chicken coop full of intriguing morsels of delight.

*D.J. Conway/Animal Magick:
This creature belongs to the dog/wolf family, Canidae. However, the pupil of its eye is elliptical
when contracted, not circular as with dogs and wolves. There are about nine different kinds of
American foxes, four European and Asiatic species, and four that live in North Africa. The red
fox is the best known.

The common red fox is found in most areas of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The American
species is very similar to the European. The European red fox is larger than its American cousin:
15-20 pounds; foxes average up to 40 inches long. The fox has a variety of colors: the typical red
with splotches of white, especially on the tip of its tail; jet black; black with white tips on the
hair. I have seen a fox that was red with a white-frosted look to its fur.

The fox has a long bushy tail, short legs, and long ears. Although at birth their eyes are a bluishgray,
this changes to amber in adulthood. They are nocturnal creatures and usually mate for life.
They are very cunning and intelligent, their senses sharp. Primarily, their diet consists of rodents,
but they like fruit, as in the fable of the fox and the grapes.

The gray fox of the southern United States is the only tree-climbing fox. The kit or swift fox
lives on the western plains; it is very small and yellowish-gray. The white or "blue" Arctic fox is
found in the far northern regions; it is white in winter, blue-gray in summer, and is the only fox
to migrate.

The Indian or Bengal fox lives in tropical and sub-tropical areas; it is a deep red and leaves no
scent. In Russia, Siberia, China, and central Asia is found the corsac, which is a sandy color; this
fox also leaves no scent. The desert fox of southwestern Asia is a rusty red-gray with a dark
stripe across the shoulders. Africa has two species of foxes: the pale fox, a pale yellow, with a
thinner, black-tipped tail and longer ears; the ass fox, also yellow but with much longer ears. The
smaller Rupell's fox is found in the Nubian Desert, Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of Persia, and is
fawn, red, and gray.

If pursued by hounds, the fox can lope along about six miles an hour but can speed up to fortyfive
miles an hour for short periods.

The Sumerians said that the fox was connected with the Trickster god Enki. Those who followed
Zoroastrianism believed that the fox, with his supernatural powers, was capable of frightening
off demons.

In Greece and certain other ancient Mediterranean cultures, the god Dionysus was called
Bassareus when he was in his fox form. His priestesses wore fox skins and were called
Bassarids.

A Trickster figure in the West, the fox is considered even more powerful in the Far East where
they say it has supernatural powers as a shape-shifter. china and Japan have many legends of fox
spirits taking human form just to cause trouble. If a fox-human's reflection was shown in water
or a mirror, however, the true form could be seen. They also believed that if the fox was treated
with respect and the proper attention, it could be persuaded to bring good fortune. In Japan the
rice god Inari had a fox as one of his symbols. Seeing foxes in Japan had special significance; a
black fox was good luck, a white one misfortune, and three together meant disaster. In China, the
fox symbolized craftiness as well as long life.

For many centuries fox fire has been associated with foxes. Fox fire is the phosphorescent light
that comes from decaying wood and can be seen at night as an eerie glow. The Japanese
associate this light without heat with the will-o'-the-wisp, as do other cultures. In Scandinavian
countries, the aurora borealis was known as "the light of the fox." During the Middle Ages, the
fox was used as a symbol for the devil.

Superstitions: In Wales it is still said that to see one fox is lucky, but to see several together is
unlucky. The Welsh also say that witches transform themselves into foxes.

When hungry, the fox will pretend to be dead, then grab the curious birds that come near him.
Magickal Attributes: Cunning, slyness; the ability to make fools out of those who aggressively
pursue you. Remaining unobserved while watching the actions and motives of others. Stealth,
wisdom, invisibility. Cunning when needing to deal with possible troublesome people.

*Timothy Roderick/The Once Unknown Familiar:
Key Words: Stealthy, charming, analytical
Magical Influences: Ingenuity, cunning, the ability to charm others, teaching ability, powers with herbs.

Personality: The fox is a trickster-teacher and enjoys stirring up trouble so those involved can
learn from the experience. They have the ability to charm people; however, they must use this to
lure their enemies and then go in for the attack. Foxes are highly intuitive.

*Patricia Telesco/The Language of Dreams:
Shrewdness, especially in the way you handle other people. In its den, the fox symbolizes a wise
retreat into safety. Transformation or clever adaptation. In Eastern lands and among Native
Americans, this creature is considered a shape-shifter. Foxes live in borderlands and usually
come out at dawn or dusk. This activity provides the symbolism of being in between stages,
places, or worlds. Camouflage and blending in. How exposed are you right now? Using charm to
get what's desired. Foxes play with their prey using elaborate or funny gestures to distract the
animal while they move in closer. Having been defeated by trickery (e.g., being "outfoxed"). In
relationships, this speaks of monogamous territoriality. take care that you are not holding on so
tightly here that you actually push the one you love away.

*Bobby Lake-Thom/Spirits of the Earth:
Fox is a bad sign, a messenger of danger, sickness, or possible death, but he is also a good power
and a guardian. Certain shamans can use the power and spirit of the Fox to reverse a problem, as
in the case of bringing someone out of a coma or back to life after the person has been
pronounced dead. The Fox is clever, intelligent, a good hunter, and a wise friend. He also
represents pride, regality, and loyalty.

*Brad Steiger/Totems:
In the traditions of many Native American tribes, the fox is often associated with Dark Side
witchcraft, and it is further believed that the sleek from of the fox is often favored as an image of
transformation by a shape-shifting sorcerer or negative practitioner of Medicine Power.

In Europe, the fox was the essence of wiliness, quick-wittedness, and canny wisdom. In the
Middle Ages, a popular folk hero was Reynard the Fox, a sly, picaresque hero, who always
manages to overcome brute strength and numbers of his adversaries by his cleverness.

A favorite Japanese folktale tells of Abe No Yasuna, a poet and hero, who rescued a white fox
from a hunting party and set it free. Not long after, he fell in love with the lovely Kuzunhoa, who
returned his affection and agreed to marry him. Tragically, however, a year later she died giving
birth to their son, Abe No Seimei, who would one day become magician and astrologer to the
Emperor. Three days after Kuzunhoa's death, however, she came to her grieving husband in a
dream and confessed that she had been the white fox that he had so nobly saved.

If the fox has presented itself to you as your totem animal in a dream or a vision, you have
gained an ally that is truly a survivor. This spirit helper will bring a quickening of your physical
and mental responses to any problem that you may have to face in your chosen quest on the lifepath,
and you will also discover that your intuitive abilities have increased.

It is likely that you are a "night person," preferring to accomplish your mental tasks and your
most important creative work while others are asleep. Acquiring the fox as your totem helper
will probably only accentuate your normal nocturnal habits and, at the same time, prompt some
extraordinary dream teachings when at last you do go to bed. Having a bit of the trickster in its
nature, your spirit teacher will undoubtedly employ a great deal of challenging symbolism in
your dreams and visions. Be assured that the benefits to be gained from cracking these hidden
messages will be well worth the extra effort, for the fox is a master teacher.

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:
Keynote: Feminine magic of camouflage, shapeshifting and invisibility
Cycle of Power: Nocturnal, Dawn, and Dusk

The fox is a totem that has touched almost every society on the planet. It is a totem that speaks of
the need to develop or the awakening of camouflage, invisibility, and shapeshifting. It is one of
the most uniquely skilled and ingenious animals of nature. It can teach these skills to those
whose life it enters.

There are 21 species of fox and they can be found in most parts of the world and in varied
climates. It is found along seashores and in the mountains, in the deserts and in the Arctic. It
lives in North and South America, Asia, and even Australia. The fact that there are 21 different
kinds of foxes found throughout the world has great metaphysical significance.

Card 21 in the tarot deck is The World. It is a card that reflects a new world opening up, that the
process of creation is beginning. It reflects that the world is growing and shapeshifting itself into
new patterns that will be beneficial. For those with fox as a totem, meditating upon this card can
be of benefit to understanding how fox energy will be helping with creation. It can reveal what is
growing and shapeshifting (or needing it) within your own world.

The fox has a long history of magic and cunning associated with it. Because it is a creature of the
night, it is often imbued with supernatural power. It is often most visible at the times of dawn
and dusk, the "Between Times" when the magical world and the world in which we live
intersect. It lives at the edges of forests and open land--the border areas. Because it is an animal
of the "Between Times and Places," it can be a guide to enter the Faerie Realm. Its appearance at
such times can often signal that the Faerie Realm is about to open for the individual.

In the Orient, it was believed that foxes were capable of assuming human form. In ancient
Chinese lore, the fox acquires the faculty to become human at the age of 50, and on its hundredth
birthday, it becomes either a wizard or a beautiful maiden who will ultimately destroy any man
unlucky enough to fall in love with her. There are several American Indian tribes that tell tales of
hunters who accidentally discovered their wives were foxes. This is very symbolic of the idea of
magic being born within the feminine energies, and that unless a male can recognize the magic
of the feminine--in himself or others--and learn to use it to shapeshift his own life, it will
ultimately lead to destruction.

The Cherokees invoke fox medicine to prevent frostbite, and Hopi shamans always wear fox
skins in their healing rites. The Choctaw saw fox as the protector of the family unity. Apaches
credited fox with the killing of the evil bear, and for sticking its tail fur into the flame and
stealing fire for humans. In other societies, fox was also held in great esteem. In Persia it was
sacred, for it helped the deceased get to heaven. In Egypt, fox fur was thought to bring favor with
the gods. The Indians of Peru had a fox god. The fox was often believed to reward those who did
it service.

An examination of fox behaviors and characteristics will reveal much about the role and the
energy it represents for you individually. Almost all foxes have sharp snouts, large ears, long,
bushy tails, and long, thin legs. The large ears help the fox to keep cool in the summer, as they
dissipate heat through them. For someone with a fox totem that has difficulty with summer heat,
combing the hair behind the ears will almost always bring relief.

The most common fox in North America is the red fox, but not all foxes have reddish fur. The
fur of the red fox has variations, just as human hair does. Some may have the reddish coat, others
may be more brown, and still others may have a black and silver fur. In general the red fox is
associated with sexual energy, the kundalini, and the freeing of the creative life force. A study of
colors and their symbology may help you further define the role of your fox in your life.
Except for the Arctic fox, the fur does not change color with the seasons. The Arctic fox also has
more rounded ears, providing more insulation against the cold.

The coat of the fox serves as camouflage, and most fox coats have variations of color within
them. This facilitates their ability to stay camouflaged and remain relatively unseen. Practicing
and using camouflage is something everyone with a fox totem should learn to do. Working to
blend in with the surroundings, to come and go unnoticed, moving silently about without
revealing your intentions is all part of what fox teaches.

Much of this is reflected in learning to control the aura, the energy field around your body. You
can adjust its frequency and intensity so that you harmonize more with others. You can focus on
changing its appearance so that you blend in. Practice by standing against a wall and see yourself
(and your aura) becoming the color of the wall, just as if you were fading into it.

The next time you go to a party, take a seat in a chair or on a couch and see yourself as a fox that
blends in perfectly to its surroundings. Remember that a fox is most often seen when it is out in
the open, so visualize yourself as taking on the color and pattern of the chair. Then sit quietly and
watch how many people accidentally bump into you or even begin to sit on you because they did
not "notice or see" you there. You will be amazed.

Practice seeing yourself as a fox when you enter or leave a party or gathering. See yourself as
blending into the gathering, melting into it. Do not be surprised as the night goes on when people
make such comments as, "When did you arrive?" "How long have you been here?" "I didn't see
you come in," or "When did you leave?" The more you work with fox, the easier this becomes.
The historical character of Merlin had to have used fox medicine and energy to accomplish much
of what he did, but he practiced it. Even during his lifetime Merlin was largely ahistorical and
unrevealed...He was largely unknown to the greater public, except as 'Merlin'. When he was
summoned by kings or needed desperately to recruit other allies, he came silently, disguised as a
poor shepherd, as a woodcutter or as a peasant. Even the sovereigns failed to recognize him in
his various disguises. He practiced concealment habitually and for a long period of time.

For those with fox totems, it will be important to learn this art of camouflage, and its related arts
of invisibility and shapeshifting. The fox uses its ability at quiet camouflage to its benefit. With
practice you can develop this same kind of ability and apply it so that you may see and hear
things you otherwise could not.

Another aspect of fox fur has significance as well for anyone with a fox totem. Hair is often
associated with psychic energy serving as antennae. The fox has two kinds of fur. It has a short,
dense, wooly undercoat, and it has long, stiffer guard hairs that overlie the undercoat. This serves
as a protector and it is usually the darkest on the back.

Hair and fur are ancient symbols for energy and fertility, and layers of fur reflect levels of energy
and levels of fertility. With the fox it is the undercoat which is the primal energy source from
which an individual draws his/her abilities. The outer layer protects and defines how that energy
is being used by the individual. As the outer hair changes so does the expression of the inner
creative force. Hair should become very important to an individual with a fox totem. If a change
is needed on certain levels, learning to change the hair to reflect the change desired helps to
activate fox energy so that shapeshifting can begin.

The brush or tail has always been considered the most sacred part of the fox, although this is not
necessarily true. It does hold great significance for one with a fox totem. When it runs, the fox
tail is always in a horizontal position out from the body. This acts as a rudder. this horizontal
position is the feminine form. Thus the fox tail is a symbol of directly guiding the feminine
creative forces. It is especially beneficial to the fox when making abrupt and sharp turns. If the
focus stays on the creative energies, any sharp turn in the individual's life will be accomplished
with ease.

The tail also serves as insulation from the cold for the nose and feet, as the fox wraps itself up in
its tail. Individuals with fox totems have an ability to insulate themselves from anything that may
seem to be cold, especially relationships. They can become warm and cozy in themselves.
The overall thickness of the fur makes the fox look much larger than it really is. This is
especially significant for those with fox totems. These individuals have the ability to maek
themselves appear larger than they actually are. Because of this, an individual schooled in
working with this aspect of fox medicine can use it to his or her advantage, for personal
protection or for making greater impressions in various areas of his/her life.

In the winter, a thick tuft of hair grows on the toe pads on the bottom of the feet. This helps keep
the feet warm and gives better traction , something that those with fox totem should be careful to do.

Although a fox dislikes getting wet, it is an excellent swimmer. This is also very significant, for
it says something about the innate character of those with a fox totem. They have learned to draw
upon and express the feminine energies, the creative force, in the outer world. For them, there is
no desire to go back into the waters of life (feminine), but they will do so if it is necessary.
The legs of the fox are adapted for running. There is a tremendous stamina to them, an ability
they can bring to others. Their favorite gait is a trot, and it is believed that they can trot
indefinitely without exhaustion or the appearance of such. Few animals of a similar size can
outrun a fox. Learning to establish a trotting pace is essential to those with a fox totem for their
overall health and success. The fox also runs in such a way that the tracks look like a single line
of footprints. During the trot the feet are placed almost directly one in front of the other. this
reflects a straight-forward expression of the feminine energy.

Fox walks and runs on its toes, something very catlike. This is also significant for the fox is part
of the canine family (dog), but it embodies a feline characteristic. The feline is the feminine
energy given greater expression and movement. This quality reflects a need to assert the
feminine, creative energies.

The fox also has the ability to run up trees if it is necessary. This reflects an ability to move into
new dimensions and call upon new resources instinctively. The gray fox particularly has the
ability to climb a tree much like a cat would, by using the claws of its back feet to push it up.
The senses of the fox reveal much about the potential within those who have it as a totem. Its
hearing is very acute. they are like mini-antennae. They can pick up the squeal of a mouse over a
hundred and fifty yards away. Those with fox totems have an excellent ability to hear what is not
being said, as well as any whispering that may be going on. This ability is also tied ot
clairaudience, the ability to hear spirit.

The fox also has excellent eyesight. In fact they have elliptical eyes, just like a cat. They are
colorblind, but they have a great ability to see varying shades of lightness and darkness. This
gives an individual the ability to size people up very accurately. They also have a great ability to
see moving objects, especially at the edges or borders of areas. Because of this, it is not unusual
for those with fox totems to develop the ability to see spirit; actually see those beings of the
"Between Places," the fairies and the elves. This will happen if fox has come to you.

By far its keenest sense is the sense of smell. It hunts as much or more by smell as by the other
senses. The fox is fascinated by unusual odors, and those with fox totems respond strongly to
smells, detecting subtle differences in odors. Smell is one of its forms of social communication--
deciding who to socialize with. It would be beneficial for anyone with fox medicine to study
aromatherapy.

Sexually, the sense of smell is one of their strongest stimulants, and it has a key impact upon the
degree and intensity of arousal for those with fox medicine. There is strong connection between
fragrance and sexuality, and for those with fox medicine, this is critical. The sexual energy is our
most creative energy; it is part of the kundalini energy force within the body. This force is
critical in all activities. If controlled and channeled, it can be used for a variety of purposes--one
of the most dynamic being for the art of shapeshifting. A fox entering one's life as totem may
reflect the awakening of the kundalini. Such an individual to whom fox comes often has great
capacity for sexual expression with an ability to practice it in rich and varied ways--often with
little inhibition. This aspect may often be camouflaged until the right moment.

The sense of smell is also associated with higher forms of discrimination and discernment. One
working with fox medicine should sniff out each situation. This will let them know who to avoid
and who to connect with. Does this person smell right? Does something smell funny about this
situation?

Most foxes have only one partner. They are very monogamous. They also live alone about five
months of the year. They are often solitary and comfortable with that state most of the time. The
red fox vixens (females) search for a den usually only when they are pregnant. If possible they
return to that same den year after year, adding to it and making it larger and more comfortable.
This same quality and love of the home is found in those with fox totems. Although foxes are
territorial and travel within that territory, they do return to their home, their den. Those with fox
medicine may find themselves as territorial in activities, but also inclined to return to their home
and improve it.

A litter of fox cubs usually numbers from one to six. They are blind and deaf when they are born,
but they move from that extreme to one of great sight and great hearing as they get older. If the
cub survives its first year it will usually live several more, establishing its own territory. This
reflects that those with fox medicine may have their greatest tests in childhood, but also their
greatest instinctual education in the art of survival.

The fox is a survivor and a great hunter. In spite of encroachment on its territory and the history
of being hunted it has been exposed to, it still manages to survive. Its instincts are great. Some
have said it has suvived because of it cowardice, but this "cowardice" is nothing more than the
fox having learned to avoid potential danger. It will go out of its way to do so.

The fox is actually the farmer's friend, although many farmers accuse them of stealing and
killing chickens and such. Usually the fox that does this is old and unable to hunt more difficult
prey. The fox actually consumes vast numbers of beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and especially
mice and other rodents. Mice, in fact, are its favorite food, and those with fox totems should also
study the characteristics of mouse.

The fox has a small appetite, but it may eat small amounts frequently throughout the day,
caching away extra food in its den. This can reflect a beneficial eating habit for those with a fox
totem.

Foxes are dainty, graceful, and light-footed in hunting. They actually hunt more like a cat, often
leaping upon their prey and holding it with their front paws. The fox is crafty and patient, and it
will lie in camouflage intensely studying its prey until just the right moment to attack.

Probably the fox's cleverest hunting technique is "charming." In this technique, the fox is seen
near a prey, performing various antics. It will leap and jump and roll and chase itself, so that it
charms the prey's attention. While performing, the fox draws closer and closer without its prey
realizing, as it is caught up in its seemingly non-threatening antics. Then at the right moment, the
fox leaps and captures its prey. This is a camouflage technique, one associated with behavior. It
is one that those with fox totems can use to capture any prize. As you develop attunement to the
fox and learn its magic, any price can fall to you.

2CrowWoman:
Hi Cinn,
Great timing, eh? I've often noticed that your totem wisdom posts seem to arrive just as someone
here connects with a new animal. Wonderful how we are all inter-connected. A lot of fox sounds
interesting. I used to be very good at the invisible thing as a kid. It was very useful! As an adult
I've usually been more visible than I like - I'm clumsy and if there's anything to be fallen over or
spilt I'll be the one to do it! So a bit of Fox grace and invisibility sounds VERY appealing.
“The fox has a small appetite, but it may eat small amounts frequently throughout the day,
caching away extra food in its den. This can relfect a beneficial eating habit for those with a fox
totem.”

Oh my! I'm on diet at the moment and not getting anywhere. Will be taking Fox's advice here as
I've tried the smaller snacking idea before and it does work for me. The bit about seeing the
between places is very exciting. I sometimes get so frustrated as I sense there's more out there,
but I just can't "see" it. If anything changes there I'll let you know. Sense of smell? Yesterday I
found something I was looking for in a shop by literally sniffing it out (vanilla candles). I was
walking through the shop and found myself going *sniff sniff*. People were staring at me a bit
oddly (gotta work on the invisibility!), but I went straight to the candles whilst Crabby Badger
wandered about quite lost.

CinnamonMoon:
Hi Crow!
Yes, there are many synchronicities in life and the more you pay attention the more they stand
out it seems. *Smiles* I'm glad you're finding the forum useful and seeing helpful insights. Fox
is a marvelous article for pointing out the usefulness of characteristics in other animals too.
Andrews used it as a prime example. I've got about 9 more to add before shifting gears so
hopefully there will be enough here to hold people over for a bit or inspire them to share some
too

SwanFeather:
I found this which I think gives some excellent insight into Fox Medicine and how one can work
with Totem Medicine in general. I find it exactly on target. The part about being invisible....I go
through periods of that and it is soooo annoying, and, yet, I also know the value of using my
invisibility. I had never thought about balancing Fox with Wolf/Dog, but this is so completely
true for me I was really taken aback. I seem to have come to it naturally. I have strong Fox
Medicine, but I also have strong Wolf/Dog. Very interesting, indeed.

http://morningstar.netfirms.com/foxtotem.html

Fox Medicine
Fox is the keeper of the power of invisibility and camouflage, of knowing how to move between
the light and the dark, from this world to other realms of existence. Its ability to remain in plain
sight and yet unseen, is its greatest power however: No other creature is able to blend in with its
surroundings quite as well as Fox can.

People who are strong in Fox medicine yet who are unaware they have this ability may find
themselves to be ignored or unseen by others. More than once I have heard such individuals
complain " people walk right into me, it's as though I am not there at all!" Those in business who
have Fox as a primary totem too frequently find that their marketing methods, no matter how
diligent one is with them, bears little fruit. People pass them over even when the person's
business is in plain sight! Often such folks feel discouraged because no matter what they do, they
simply cannot seem to attract anyone's attention. The cure is simple: to connect with the energy
that one carries and if needed, to call in the balancing energy of Fox such as Wolf, Dog or
Coyote for whom Foxes are prey. To connect with this aspect of Fox medicine, it is important to
first acknowledge that this ability to "blend in" is extremely useful. When facing potentially
threatening situations, one can easily blend into the surrounding scenery and thus be passed by
unnoticed. If there are people or situations one wants to steer clear of, one can tune into Fox and
SPECIFY EXACTLY what it is that one is seeking to be unseen by. If one wants to observe a
situation or environment to get to the truth of the matter unseen, Fox medicine will allow one to
do so. The more specific and conscious one is when working with Fox medicine, the greater the
likelihood will be that one will be able to be seen when it is positive and unseen when the
situation calls for it.

This ability also gives those who carry this energy spectacular abilities in regards to detective
type work. Fox people can easily blend in with those around them and for those that are
uncomfortable in social situations, Fox medicine can be called upon to help the person feel as
they do "belong" with the group they are in because along with the ability to be unseen comes
the ability to shapeshift. Star People who feel out of place, no matter what circumstances they
find themselves in, can call upon Fox medicine to help them temporarily shapeshift into the
feeling of "fitting in".

This ability to be unseen is also invaluable for those who feel they must hide their true selves
from " the workaday world". While I am all for educating others when it comes to all things
metaphysical, I also understand that there are situations and times when to do so would cause a
loss of "integrity" in terms of how one may be viewed by others. Causing such disruptions in
one's own life serves no purpose and does nothing to help expand the consciousness of others.
Yet what to do when one still wants to use essences, carry stones or work with other
metaphysical/healing tools while out in the world of mundane rationality?! There is where Fox
medicine can be such a godsend, somehow no one ever notices that rather "odd" pendant you
are wearing or sees when you take a few drops from an essence bottle. Unless, they too are open
to such things or ready to explore them in some fashion, most folks are simply going to remain
unaware that there is anything "different" about you.

Connecting with Fox medicine is also about understanding why one might have had the need to
begin with for coming into this world with the ability to blend with the shadows. Out of control
Fox medicine, the times when people wouldn't see you if were wearing bright red from head to
toe and marching down High street at 12 noon with a Brass band, often arises because at some
point in the person's life, and usually very early on, they needed to be "hidden" in order to
survive. Children who were abused, physically, emotionally, or sexually may grow into adults
whose Fox medicine has stepped up and is running their lives. Not being noticed means that no
one can get close enough to really hurt you in some way. And since any medicine we carry is
geared towards doing its best to protect and shield us, Fox medicine feels it is simply doing its
job. Even if there are no obvious reasons why someone may have needed to have such a strong
Fox energy, asking "why might I have needed Fox to be so prominent in my life" is sure to bring
answers. Once this is understood, then steps can be taken such as talking with your Fox
medicine, explaining to it what you still need protection from and what is okay to be allowed in.
This can take some time so do not try to rush the process, but proceed at a rate that feels
intuitively right to you. In extreme cases where the energy just does not want shift, I would
recommend seeking out a qualified shaman to journey with your Fox to bring about healing.

Fox people often do feel hunted or preyed upon by others. When they are noticed by others, some
have said to me that they seem to have something that "everyone else wants" and rarely does the
person feel liked or even loved for who they are as individuals but more because others seem to
believe they can get something from the Fox person. The person begins to feel that everyone
around them wants something from them though exactly what that "something" is can be very
hard to define. The person carrying the Fox medicine often feels "stalked" by others, thus
contributing to over active Fox medicine gaining the upper hand. Anyone who has undergone
these feelings knows how extraordinarily painful this can be. It’s as though the person is never
seen for whom they truly are, but as a sort of rising star that others can grab onto and go along
for the ride without putting forth their own effort. Fox people need to honor those feelings when
they sense that this is precisely what another person is attempting to do and shake them off!

There are always those that WILL see you and love you as you are, many of whom are likely to
carry Fox medicine as well! This does not mean that one should shun contact with others but to
be aware and awake in your dealings with other people. Bear in mind as well that often times
such folks are acting from a place of fear, fear that they are not powerful enough to reach their
goals and so want to share in yours in some way. Yet over time trying to carry such people
becomes draining and exhausting. Fox medicine is also very Neptunian and as such, it is also
very easy for others to project what they wish to see about who you are no matter how strongly
one tries to assert their own true self. Fox people often do then come away from many
encounters with others feeling as though they are never really seen or heard, that the other
person simply cannot accept the truth of whom one really is. This can result in the Fox person
acting out in exaggerated ways, doing things they may not normally have done was the need to
assert their true selves not being ignored by those around them. Fox children especially may
behave in this way: Sometimes it is the only way they feel they are truly seen. It is important for
Fox people to look in the mirror frequently and ask themselves "who am I?" This may seem
trivial for some, but for those who carry strong Fox medicine it becomes a matter of anchoring
their true selves into their lives and clearing the projections of others. Likewise, because the Fox
person is such a good hook for projections, they too are able to project onto others and so it
becomes especially important that the Fox person understands what is really theirs and what
belongs to someone else.

Fox people I have worked with do say that they feel their best around twilight or dusk and right
before daybreak. These are the in between times when the doorways to other realms are most
easily opened. Many Fox people find that they can meditate most easily or receive important
guidance at these times. The short time between consciousness and sleep is also especially
important to Fox people. It is during that space right before one drifts off to sleep that dreams
can be most easily incubated for the Fox person or they may want to explore astral projection at
that time. Many Fox people have also said that they hear their own Guides and Angels most
clearly in those moments, there is a special sense of peace and comfort that the person can learn
how to remain ahold of even when waking into the light of a new day through conscious intent
and desire. These are also excellent times for the Fox person to connect with their own personal
Fox totem, to ask for its assistance in any area of life.

Fox people often have very thick hair and Hair acts as an antenna for psychic and intuitive
information. I have known a number of Fox people who prefer to wear their hair very long, both
as a shield to hide behind when needed and because they feel it does indeed help them to connect
with the unseen realms. It is important that Fox people, no matter whether they wear their hair
long or short, to take especially good care of their hair. When feeling clouded or confused, give
your hair an extra wash or at least rinse it in cool water and allow to air dry. This can help to
clear any murkiness out of your energy field so that clear communications with your Guides may
be resumed. Caring for your hair symbolizes caring for your connections with the higher realms
as well. For those Fox people who feel they do not have an intuitive bone in their body, wearing
their hair a bit longer than it is now, if short, can help open up those connections with the
unseen. Believe it or not, for those with longer hair a trim can work wonders as it reflects
ridding one's self of frayed or damaged connections, much like one might repair a damaged
cable. Eating foods that help to insure healthy hair and scalp will also benefit Fox people health
wise overall. Often Fox people need larger amounts of B vitamins and folic acid, yet also use
common sense when adding any supplement to one's diet! Large intakes of any supplement can
do more harm than good, so start off by eating more foods rich in these nutrients, monitor what
changes occur and then if needed, add a good B complex supplement. Calcium also seems to be
high on the list of requirements for Fox people as well.

For many Fox people, it is helpful for them to study the placement of Neptune by sign, house and
aspect in their natal charts. Many Fox people have Neptune prominent in their charts, especially
rising and further study of Neptune can give the Fox person greater understanding as to their
mission and purpose in life though the entire chart, as always, must also be taken into
consideration. Fox people may also find that this triggers an even greater enhancement of their
own intuitive and psychic abilities, as well as learning how to properly harness that energy.