Fox Medicine

Three times this summer/fall a gray fox has crossed paths with me. He lives in the forest behind the houses across the street. Having started my pregnancy with the daily visits of the bald eagle pair who winter on the river, it feels special to have this magical time draw to a close with the presence of this fox nearby. I, of course, believe that when animals make an appearance for us, that we can learn lessons or harness spiritual medicine from them. Here is what I've learned from this fox.

The following information is taken from birdclan.org.

"Fox is a master at the art of camouflage. Like all members of the canine family, they make exceptional parents. The fox's keen sight and hearing make it an excellent predator. Its tail serves as a balancing device when it stands on its hind legs to peer over the tall grass in search of a mouse, gopher, or field rat. It is a survivor, able to exist in the unpopulated countryside. Its ability to be unseen makes it a superb family protector.

Fox medicine involves adaptablility, cunning, observation, integration, and swiftness of thought and action. These traits may also include quick decisiveness, and sure-footedness in the physical world.

The Fox's ability to meld into one's surroundings and be unnotices is a powerful gift when one is observing the activities of others. This allows it to be the protector of the family unit. If danger arises, Fox is johnny-on-the-spot. Great Spirit has honored Fox with the duty of keeping the family together and safe. Fox accomplishes this through the ability to observe undetected, without making others self-conscious. Fox is always concerned with the safety of family members and is an excellent tailsman for those who travel.

Its keen eyesight also has the ability to see movement and objects on the very edges of the field of vision. Those with active fox medicine can often see Spirit, and the beings "between worlds". If this is an ability that you'd like to develop, practice at twilight and call upon fox energy to help you. With fox's super-sensitive hearing, you may also be able to hear Spirit.

With Fox medicine you 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.

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

Fox is considered to be persistent, yet is gentler and less aggressive than the wolf. Fox teaches us about feminine magic, but this does not imply that it is a totem for women. Rather, both men and women who have the fox as a totem are being told to stay in touch with the feminine side of their personality and character.

If fox shows up in your life it is a sign that you are to be aware of the actions of the world around you. The world is shape shifting and growing into new patterns all the time. Use the art of camouflage and keep cunningly silent about who and what you are observing. After observing for a while you will become aware of certain patterns of predictability in situations and you will know what to do. Fox's medicine of camouflage teaches Oneness with all."

I love all the mentions of fox being a family protector as Mark and I embark on a new chapter as parents. I also appreciate that fox teaches us about feminine magic, the ability to see spirit, and adaptability; all things I will be drawing on as a new mother. 

Below is a photo (although not the greatest) of the fox that visits me. He finally held my gaze long enough to allow me to snap him. The first time I saw him I thought that he was a very dirty red fox, but after seeing him a few more times I realized that he is definitely a gray. 

One of the best things about our decision to move home to the Ozarks has been the abundance of animal life that we encounter regularly. I always take the opportunity to learn about the animals spiritual aspects and reflect on what that means to my life at that time. Nature offers us so many gifts.

~ Love & Light ~

Delving Into The Photo Roll

I've come to find that sometimes the easiest way to give an update about what has been going on in my life is to just open my camera roll and scroll through it.

31 weeks pregnant

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably already seen the pics from the little photo shoot Mark and I did on our back deck last week. Here they are again for those of you who only read the blog. 

We are having a professional photo shoot taken tomorrow, but I liked these casual no make-up hanging around the house shots too.

Several weeks ago I saw a fox at the end of our road near the edge of the forest. I thought this was the coolest thing and have been hoping to see him again. Last week I walked out the front door to run an errand and there he was again; right across the street! He paused when he saw me and we held each others gaze for a few seconds before he ducked into the storm water tunnel near the road. I creeped over hoping to see him emerge but he was long gone down the tunnel. I'm happy we met again.

Fox tunnel.

Speaking of foxes, this past Saturday was the baby shower. As you might know, the nursery is woodland themed, so Alicia went with that for the shower too. Lots of fox decor and gifts! 

Devil's Tower, Wyoming 

The cake was a tree stump but it totally reminded me of Devil's Tower in Wyoming! I loved it. 

And I must say the diaper cake was the best one I've ever seen! The fox on top is wearing a tie with a fox on it and you can see an invite on the table...more foxes! 

I didn't really take any photos because I was busy enjoying myself. My sister took quite a few, so I'm sure I'll have more to share later. 

I made a mala to wear/use during labor and delivery. I used older beads I've kept over the years from jewelry of past. Rosewood (shields from negative energy), skulls of deer bone (this represents the death of my old identity as I am born into a mother), lapis lazuli (throat chakra; assist in speaking truth, open third eye), turquoise (strengthening stone, good for exhaustion, Tibetans believe it relates prayer to whatever deity is being invoked), Om pendant (the first sound of creation), bells (baby hears them in the womb and again once born. Help to transition.), blue goldstone (master healer, provides courage), quartz crystal (harmonizes all the chakras), Lord Ganesha (The Destroyer Of Obstacles, Bestower Of Success ). I am quite fond of it. 

The Blood Moon was a few nights ago. It was also a full lunar eclipse with great visibility! Mark and I watched from the front yard, and I saw TWO shooting stars during the time we were out there. The next morning I woke to a thick fog rolling over there river. It was lovely. 

And I got a hair cut...I'm growing it extra long so really just a trim. The stylist complimented "the awesome color job" I had to laugh because it is just a three dollar bottle of Sun-In that creates this color. Nice to hear a pro say it looks good though. 

That's it for this trip through the photo roll! Tomorrow we welcome October! My favorite month of the year! 

~ Love & Light ~