Let’s face it. Walking your leash in life can get pretty scary from time to time, and we’ve all had those moments when we have wanted to take a little break from trying to figure everything out ourselves and look for signs from the universe to guide us and to take over the wheel for a little while.
If you’ve been waiting to receive your answers for quite some time now, it might just be that it isn’t the universe that’s not sending you signals, but instead, you who are not deciphering them. Decoding the signs that the universe sends your way requires knowledge and understanding of what different objects and living beings around us can symbolize, but we understand that it can be quite a task for people to try to learn these things on their own.
So, we’ve decided to help you on this journey by assembling all of the information about different symbols that you will need in order to understand the signals that are being sent your way. Today, we’ll be looking at what it means if you cross your paths with a fox.
Foxes and Symbolism in different cultures
Foxes have been the symbols of a great number of important traits and ideas. This includes positive things like creativity, passion, wisdom, cleverness, and charm, as well as negative things like deceit, slyness, and trouble. The exact meaning that these creatures have carried over the ages varies from culture to culture. In the lines that follow, we will unpack all of the different things that foxes have symbolized for different cultures and belief systems in hopes that it will give you a holistic understanding of all of the different things it might mean for you to see a fox.
READ MORE:
- What Does It Mean When You See A Centipede? Spiritual Symbolism
- What Does it Mean When You See a White Owl?
- What Does it Mean When a Cat Winks at You?
Foxes & Native American Symbolism
Foxes play a big role in Native American mythology and folktale. Native American mythology sees foxes as tricksters, so it is no surprise that foxes are considered symbols of deceit and evil. Additionally, they are considered bad omens that signal an oncoming adversary. On the other hand, though, some native American Mythology also considers foxes as gods. One particular folktale popular in the tribes of northern California considers a silver fox the god of creation, known for its wisdom and kindness.
The Japanese Fox symbols
In Japanese culture and folklore, foxes are portrayed as animals of great wisdom and spirituality. They are seen as guides for humans who can, according to some traditions, marry the humans that they’re guiding. Interestingly enough, a nine-tailed fox also appears in Japanese folklore. This creature is said to be a magical creature who can shapeshift and take human form except with superior intelligence and supernatural powers.
Foxes in Chinese Culture
In Chinese traditions, foxes hold a close connection to the afterlife. According to these folktales, the sighting of a fox could be a signal from the spirits in the afterlife trying to communicate with humans. Other traditions re-tell stories that describe foxes as creatures of incredible magical capabilities, including the power to shapeshift and take the form of other living beings such as humans or plants. Other than this, there is a particularly famous nine-tailed fox that appears in several places throughout Chinese mythology, which deceives men by taking the form of a woman to eat up their souls.
Color-based Symbolism
At this point, it is important to mention that the exact meaning behind seeing a fox will also depend on the color of the fox you see. This section will distinguish between the meaning behind seeing foxes in commonly seen colors.
Red foxes, in most cultures, symbolize the element of fire. When you spot a red fox, i.e., in your dreams, you should know it speaks to fire entities like the sun. This could indirectly be signaling you to draw your attention to an important struggle within you, to ignite your creativity and passion.
If you spot a white fox somewhere, know that it is a symbol of purity. Sighting this creature is a signal from the universe that you are disconnected from the divine and that you need clarity. So, if you spot a fox of this color, maybe take some time from your busy routine to reflect on the trajectory of your life.
Finally, a gray-colored fox signifies neutrality. When you see a gray fox, think of all of the significant choices you are in the middle of making in your life and refrain from choosing aside. The sign of neutrality calls on you to wait for some time and go with the flow for a while.
What does it mean when you see a fox?
Now with the understanding we have developed of the different things that foxes symbolize across different cultures and how different colored foxes mean different things, we can finally move on to answer the chief underlying question of this discussion: what does it mean when you see a fox? In the lines below, we have listed some of the most common ways you can come across a fox and how each scenario holds it is on unique significance and meaning. Keep in mind that the color of the fox you see matters, too, as we discussed in the previous section.
A fox crosses your path
The biggest meaning behind seeing a fox cross your path is to pause and think about whatever problems are holding you back. Then, the fox reminds you of its traits of cleverness and wisdom to make you realize that the solution to your problems will be apparent only if you are willing to try. Use your brain, use your wisdom, and you will find a way out.
You find a fox in your backyard
Our homes are our private spaces, so know that a fox visiting you at your home is no ordinary thing. When this happens, look into the matters of your household. The visiting fox wants to draw your attention to your domestic conditions- it is calling you to realize that it is in your hands to make your home less stressful and peace-giving. On the other hand, if you spot a fox sleeping in your home garden, it could just be a sign that your house is high on spiritual energy- the very thing helping the fox relax.
Spotting a dead fox
Spotting a dead fox is a sign of transition. When you spot a deceased fox, think of all the things and stages in your life that are approaching their end and embrace that they have concluded. Be reminded that all of life is an act of transition and that to become something else, you must lose what you had before.
Key Takeaways
At least now, if the universe tries to send you a message through a fox, you won’t be aloof to it. Keep these teachings in your mind the next time you see a fox in your life, be it in a dream or in real life, and it might just inspire you the right way and undo the invisible ropes holding you back from tapping your fullest potential.