It’s time for Fae Friday again, and in honor of the 2022 Beijing Olympics going on right now, I decided to pick a faery of Chinese origin: the Hu Hsien. These are fox fairies known for their shapeshifting, as well as their trickster behavior. This particular faery has a (mostly) infamous reputation in Chinese mythology, and they are considered a bad omen if seen (Bane, 2016). Their fox form is usually described as having nine tails with magical properties, like the ability to start a fire by striking the ground (Bane, 2016). As shapeshifters, they can appear in whatever form they choose (demon, animal, man, etc.), but a beautiful woman seems to be their most prevalent choice. The reason this particular Fae has such a negative connotation is because they tend to use their trickery to lead people astray. The Hu Hsien would attempt to seduce mortals with wealth and power, causing the humans to fall into a life of debauchery and doom (Hamilton, 2021). They are also associated with using their shapeshifting abilities to seek revenge, whether or not this vengeance is actually warranted (Bane, 2016).
Activity
Ironically, I believe that foxes are a good omen in my own personal life. Foxes are confident and clever; they push boundaries and get into and out of trouble. Fox faeries like the Hu Hsien and other (more likable) fox spirits can become whatever they set their minds to simply because they believe they can. I find something so beautiful about that. Foxes symbolize so much more than just mischievousness; they offer protection, intelligence, luck, beauty, and a carefree outlook on life.
Your task for this week is to get in touch with your own inner fox spirit. Starting as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618 AD), Chinese commoners would leave offerings in their bedchambers for the fox spirits (Huntington, 2003). Food offerings are preferred, especially things like rice and tofu. I believe any type of food offering would be appreciated, however, so give whatever you can. And if you don’t have any food available, I think flattery might also put you in their good graces. A warning here: fox spirits are hungry creatures. They will expect to be fed again, and often.
After you have laid out your offering, put yourself in a state of meditation. Dive deep into yourself and see if you can locate your own fox faery inside your psyche. What characteristics does this fox display that you wish you had in your daily life? Perhaps they are oozing confidence in their own skin. Or maybe their cutting wit and cleverness are something you admire. Use this meditation to take on whatever attribute you desire most. Like the fox, you too can shapeshift to fit your needs. This might not be a physical metamorphosis, but it is a transformation nonetheless. After your communion with the fox spirit is complete, thank them for their guidance. Emerge from your meditation with your newfound character trait, and go about your day as if it has always been a part of you. Have the same assurance that a fox faery has when they slip into another skin with ease. Who knows? If you like this transformation enough, perhaps this new persona will be yours forever.
References:
Bane, T. (2016). Encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore. McFarland.
Hamilton, M. (2021, November 22). Huxian. https://mythopedia.com/topics/huxian
Huntington, R. (2003). Alien kind: Foxes and late imperial Chinese narrative. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.