Fox Curious Facts
Foxes are members of the Canidae family which includes dogs, coyotes, jackals, and wolves. So far researchers have found that foxes are the only species of the Canidae that can climb trees. They use trees as hiding spots, place of rest or even to search for prey. Studies reveal that they are mostly solitary throughout their lives. They usually travel alone and are thought to be relatively shy and timid animals.
As cute as foxes may be, having them domesticated is probably not the best idea. Unlike your common domesticated house dog, foxes are quite difficult to train because of their limited capacity of understanding commands. They can also produce about 40 unique sounds that can become rather profuse confined to a home. But If their sounds don't overwhelm you then their musty scent for sure will!
Fascinatingly, they have whiskers on their face and their legs. Whiskers can help them to sense the area especially in the dark considering they are nocturnal (most active at night). They can warn the fox of its surroundings especially while they cannot see with their eyes through the darkness although their vertical pupils are designed to aid them while in the dark. Similar to hair, whiskers will not feel anything however, any touch on the whisker will send a vibration to the fox giving it an alert that something is within reach. Their whiskers have roots with blood vessels and nerves allowing them to act as another sensory tool similar to antennas. And gladly these same whiskers can even protect the eyes and nose from being poked by things such as tall grass. Who knew whiskers were this amazing?
Foxes are omnivores meaning they eat both plants and animals. Depending on the type of fox, they have been found to run up to 45 mph which aids them while they're hunting or even being hunted. They consume on average 1-2 pounds of food per day. Being both patient and quiet allows them to sneak up on their prey. Their diet includes plenty of berries, fruits, grass, small animals such as mice, squirrels, rabbits and invertebrates. The invertebrates they eat consist of crickets, crayfish, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
Usually they will only mate during one part of the year and thats normally January - March. During this season a male will find a female and remain with her for weeks while they hunt together, eat together and search for a home for their young. Each female fox, or vixen, is in heat only one time a year for about 3 days. Some species of foxes may be considered promiscuous considering they may mate with several females within a single season. While other species such as the Arctic Fox can be found to be monogamous, majority of fox species are not. Coming to the end of winter the female will find and prepare an underground den and get ready to give birth. The vixen will give birth to a range of 1 - 11 fox pups, 6 being the average, making them a family called a skulk or leash of foxes. The male fox, known as a todd, leynard or dog, will often help raise the pups until the summer when they (the pups) leave home.
Fox Spiritual Meaning
Foxes reveal a spiritually powerful message when they appear to you. When they call out to you and leave an imprint on your spirit, listen. It is a message you do not want to miss, as they are guiding you through a journey you have never experienced before.
A Hand For The Journey
Throughout most of their lives, foxes are fairly solitary. They hunt alone, live alone and use the resources that they discover on their own. If they suffer it will usually be alone as well. The Fox spirit reminds you to receive help before you drown. Don't be afraid to tell someone how you're feeling. Don't be afraid to ask for a hand if you need it. Seek help and seek assistance when necessary. Do not wait until moments become unbearable because in those moments it will become even more challenging to ask for the help you need.
Foxes will join forces in preparation for life changing events such as childbirth. If you are experiencing something life changing, creating something new, journeying a new path you will need help to navigate.
Be sure to remove the pressure of doing it all alone. You are worth the assistance you seek. You are not a burden! You are a blessing!
Wild & Free
You are naturally free spirited. You long for a life that is seen to be rare, impossible or simply extraordinary to the norm. For good reason too. You were designed to do something golden. Your spirit is meant to ignite, inspire and motivate those that feel they have no sense of direction and purpose.
There is no story similar to your life. No book about your path. There will be many times where you have to create your own way because there is not a manual on it yet. You will learn a lot on the way and it may be nerve wrecking but it is purposeful and it is your fate. You will leave footprints along the way that others will follow because you have set the way and the path for those learning from you.
This could mean that you're a first generation college student, a business owner, the only one in your family that has the voice of an angel, the only one to follow the spiritual values you do in your neighborhood. Whoever you are, you're guiding your descendents. And not only birth descendents but those who have your essence of spirit, sense, and gifts.
You cannot be tamed because you are meant to be wild and free.
Many people may not understand you but those are the few that are not meant to understand the capacity of who you are and what you stand for. You should feel no need to make anyone understand. Your frequency is unmatched to theirs. Not making you better than them but just simply different.
They may believe that they are trying to protect you but fear can be a limiting chain. Do not let fear keep you from letting your spirit shine.
Retreat
You may be accustomed to moving fast and avoiding stagnation but now is a fitting time to retreat. Pull back within to gather and plan your next steps.
Retreating is one of the most intellectual and influential things you can do when you feel yourself losing ideas, self and mindset.
Pull back and begin with asking yourself who you are. What fuels you?
What inspires you? Bring these answers together to plan your next steps being sure that who you are is implemented in what you do and how you spend your time.
Diving within the mind can initially seem overwhelming but you will find once you navigate your way, you will begin to feel safest there.
Hunt & Gather
Sometimes you have to look around to find the resources that are best for you. Initially we look everywhere else other than our surroundings to create what we desire. Look within and around you to tap into what resources you already have. Use your strengthens and even manipulate what you believe are your weaknesses. Sometimes you have to create what you're looking for.
Explore how amazing your mind is as you wander towards creating something you've never created before. With your wild dreams and golden desires you will have to do things out of the ordinary. And a wonderful journey it will be to reach over your earthly limits and rise above any frayed encounter.
Venture your potential and break down the barriers that lead you to believing that you are incapable.
Do not give up on yourself. Your desires are much more obtainable than you think. Hunt for resources. Gather and then utilize them to create what you imagine for your life.
Project !
Sometimes in life we are blessed enough to have someone speak up for us and against the wrongdoings that pain us. But majority of the time we must decide to be the voice that protects ourselves to provide the security that we need and desire.
Protect yourself especially when no one else will. You were made to win! The battles you face cannot defeat you if you project for yourself and protect yourself.
Do not let people or circumstances devalue you. Your value is prized, rare and essential.
Through this new journey you are being asked to utilize your vocals and not wait on standby for someone else to speak up. You are the person you have been waiting for. You are the hero of this story. So start now. Say something. Be your own hero.
Whiskers of Intuition
Your intuition has become increasingly alert and aware just as the whiskers on the legs of the foxes as they wander into the unknown. Your life has changed tremendously allowing your intuition to guide you through change and transformation.
Your intuition will allow you to think rather quickly on your feet so do not be afraid to journey new paths. God has gifted you with an innate knowing that will steer you correctly. Listen to this inner guidance and receive the wisdom it sparks and reveals.
You are more than capable of adjusting to the new circumstances your life is facing. Watch as it becomes familiar to take a step without looking because you already know and trust that it is the step destined for you!
Have faith that Gods voice, your spirit and intuition will lead you towards the best journey for you.
Fox Mythology & Folklore
Native American :
Foxes are seen as truly intelligent in Native American culture. They are extremely clever and help animals and people in need. They believe the fox is also capable of punishing individuals who are arrogant. And although the fox symbolize much good they can also be a bad omen, predicting greed from a mean spirited thief.
Celtic:
In Celtic belief the fox can shape-shift into a human, making foxes quite slippery, allowing them to slip in and out of places easily. They are portrayed as seductive because of their capability to charm individuals with their good looks. They are also viewed as spirit guides who can help navigate the spirit realm. They have strong connections to spirituality, afterlife and creation.
Japanese:
In Japan, foxes represent cunning, intelligence and good fortune. They were also thought to have the gift of shape shifting into human form. They are portrayed as "faithful friends, lovers or loyal companions."
African Folklore:
In the tale of the Flattering Fox and The Crow, the fox tricks the crow into giving up his food reminding the crow that he should never trust a flatterer. Flattering Fox and The Crow story is narrated here.
In African culture the fox commonly symbolizes protection as they protect many homes from evil. Due to the variety of sounds the fox can make they believe their sounds can deter evil spirits.
Thank you for reading! Blessings among you!
What a massive blessing it is for those of you witnessing the spiritual call and resonation of the Fox. Prepare to bask in the presence of your blessings.
Written by Lina Mystic
5 January 2022