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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:28:40 GMT -5
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:29:06 GMT -5
Kitsune
Foxes are prominent creatures in Japanese folklore. Folk tales hold that they are intelligent beings and possess great magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some stories speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others — as foxes in folklore often do — others portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
Foxes and human beings lived in close proximity in ancient Japan; this gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as his messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has — they may have as many as nine — the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:29:30 GMT -5
Origins
Fox spirits of Chinese folklore are similar to kitsune.It is a matter of debate whether the kitsune myths originated entirely from foreign sources or are in part an indigenous Japanese concept dating as far back as the fifth century B.C. It is widely agreed that at least some fox myths in Japan can be traced to China, Korea, or India. Many of the earliest surviving stories are recorded in the Konjaku Monogatari, an 11th-century collection of Chinese, Indian, and Japanese narratives.
Chinese folk tales tell of kitsune-like fox spirits that may have up to nine tails. In Korea, a kumiho (nine-tail fox) is a mythical creature that has lived for 1, 000 years. Differences exist; for instance the kumiho is always depicted as evil, unlike its Japanese counterpart. Nevertheless, scholars such as Ugo A. Casal suggest that the similarities show that fox myths spread from Indian sources such as the Hitopadesha to China and Korea, and ultimately to Japan.
In contrast, Japanese folklorist Kiyoshi Nozaki argues that the Japanese regarded kitsune positively as early as the 4th century A.D.; the only things imported from China or Korea were the kitsune's negative attributes. He states that, according to a 16th-century book of records called the Nihon Ryakki, foxes and human beings lived in close proximity in ancient Japan, and he contends that indigenous legends about the creatures arose as a result. Inari scholar Karen Smyers notes that the idea of the fox as seductress and the connection of the fox myths to Buddhism were introduced into Japanese folklore through similar Chinese stories, but she maintains that some fox stories contain elements unique to Japan.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:29:55 GMT -5
Kitsune are believed to possess great intelligence, long life, and magical powers. They are a type of yôkai, or spiritual entity, and the word kitsune is often translated as fox spirit. However, this does not mean that kitsune are ghosts, nor that they are fundamentally different from regular foxes. Because the word spirit is used to reflect a state of knowledge or enlightenment, all long-lived foxes gain supernatural abilities.
There are two common classifications of kitsune. The myobu are benevolent, celestial foxes associated with Inari; they are sometimes simply called Inari foxes. On the other hand, the wild nogitsune (literally, field foxes) tend to be mischievous or even malicious. Local traditions add further types. For example, a ninko is an invisible fox spirit that human beings can only perceive when it possesses them. Another tradition classifies kitsune into one of thirteen types defined by which supernatural abilities the kitsune possesses.
Physically, kitsune are noted for having as many as nine tails. Generally, a greater number of tails indicates an older and more powerful fox; in fact, some folktales say that a fox will only grow additional tails after it has lived 1, 000 years. One, five, seven, and nine tails are the most common numbers in folk stories. When a kitsune gains its ninth tail, its fur becomes white or gold. These kyûbi no kitsune (nine-tailed foxes) gain the abilities to see and hear anything happening anywhere in the world. Other tales attribute them infinite wisdom, essentially omniscience.
A kitsune may take on human form, an ability learned when it reaches a certain age — usually 100 years, although some tales say 50. As a common prerequisite for the transformation, the fox must place reeds, a broad leaf, or a skull over its head. Common forms assumed by kitsune include beautiful women, young girls, or elderly men. These shapes are not limited by the fox's age or gender, and a kitsune can duplicate the appearance of a specific person. Foxes are particularly renowned for impersonating beautiful women. Common belief in medieval Japan was that any woman encountered alone, especially at dusk or night, could be a fox.
In some stories, kitsune have difficulty hiding their tails when they take human form; looking for the tail, perhaps when the fox gets drunk or careless, is a common method of discerning the creature's true nature. Variants on the theme have the kitsune retain other foxlike traits, such as a coating of fine hair, a fox-shaped shadow, or a reflection that shows its true form. Kitsune-gao or fox-faced refers to human females who have a narrow face with close-set eyes, thin eyebrows, and high cheekbones. Traditionally, this facial structure is considered attractive, and some tales ascribe it to foxes in human form. Kitsune have a great fear and hatred of dogs even while in human form, and some become so rattled by the presence of dogs that they revert to the shape of a fox and flee. A particularly devout individual may be able to see through a fox's disguise automatically.
One folk story illustrating these imperfections in the kitsune's human shape concerns Koan, a historical person credited with wisdom and magical powers of divination. According to the story, he was staying at the home of one of his devotees when he burned his foot entering a bath because the water had been drawn too hot. Then, "in his pain, he ran out of the bathroom naked. When the people of the household saw him, they were astonished to see that Koan had fur covering much of his body, along with a fox's tail. Then Koan transformed in front of them, becoming an elderly fox and running away.
Other supernatural abilities commonly attributed to the kitsune include possession, mouths or tails that generate fire or lightning (known as kitsune-bi; literally, fox-fire), willful manifestation in the dreams of others, flight, invisibility, and the creation of illusions so elaborate as to be almost indistinguishable from reality.
Some tales speak of kitsune with even greater powers, able to bend time and space, drive people mad, or take fantastic shapes such as a tree of incredible height or a second moon in the sky. Other kitsune have characteristics reminiscent of vampires or succubi and feed on the life or spirit of human beings, generally through sexual contact.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:30:21 GMT -5
Kitsunetsuki literally means the state of being possessed by a fox. The victim is typically a young woman, whom the fox enters beneath her fingernails or through her breasts. In some cases, the victims' facial expressions are said to change in such a way that they resemble those of a fox. Japanese tradition holds that fox possession can cause illiterate victims to temporarily gain the ability to read.
Folklorist Lafcadio Hearn describes the condition in the first volume of his Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan:
Strange is the madness of those into whom demon foxes enter. Sometimes they run naked shouting through the streets. Sometimes they lie down and froth at the mouth, and yelp as a fox yelps. And on some part of the body of the possessed a moving lump appears under the skin, which seems to have a life of its own. Prick it with a needle, and it glides instantly to another place. By no grasp can it be so tightly compressed by a strong hand that it will not slip from under the fingers. Possessed folk are also said to speak and write languages of which they were totally ignorant prior to possession. They eat only what foxes are believed to like — tofu, aburage, azukimeshi, etc. — and they eat a great deal, alleging that not they, but the possessing foxes, are hungry.
He goes on to note that, once freed from the possession, the victim will never again be able to eat tofu, azukimeshi, or other foods favored by foxes.
Exorcism, often performed at an Inari shrine, may induce a fox to leave its host. In the past, when such gentle measures failed or a priest was not available, victims of kitsunetsuki were beaten or badly burned in hopes of forcing the fox to leave. Entire families were ostracized by their communities after a member of the family was thought to be possessed.
In Japan, kitsunetsuki was noted as a disease as early as the Heian period and remained a common diagnosis for insanity until the early 20th century. Possession was the explanation for the abnormal behavior displayed by the afflicted individuals. In the late 19th century, Dr. Shunichi Shimamura noted that physical diseases that caused fever were often considered kitsunetsuki. The belief has lost favor, but stories of fox possession still appear in the tabloid press and popular media. One notable occasion involved allegations that members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult had been possessed.
In medicine, kitsunetsuki is an ethnic psychosis unique to Japanese culture. Those who suffer from the condition believe they are possessed by a fox. Symptoms include cravings for rice or sweet red beans, listlessness, restlessness, and aversion to eye contact. Kitsunetsuki is similar to but distinct from clinical lycanthropy.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:30:41 GMT -5
Hoshi no tama
Depictions of kitsune or their possessed victims may feature round or onion-shaped white balls known as a hoshi no tama (star balls). Tales describe these as glowing with kitsune-bi, or fox-fire. Some stories identify them as magical jewels or pearls. When not in human form or possessing a human, a kitsune keeps the jewel in its mouth or carries in on its tail. Jewels are a common symbol of Inari, and representations of sacred Inari foxes without them are rare.
One belief is that when a kitsune changes shape, its hoshi no tama holds a portion of its magical power. Another tradition is that the pearl represents the kitsune's soul; the kitsune will die if separated from it for long. Those who obtain the ball may be able to extract a promise from the kitsune to help them in exchange for its return. For example, a 12th-century tale describes a man using a fox's hoshi no tama to secure a favor:
"Confound you!" snapped the fox. "Give me back my ball!" The man ignored its pleas till finally it said tearfully, "All right, you've got the ball, but you don't know how to keep it. It won't be any good to you. For me, it's a terrible loss. I tell you, if you don't give it back, I'll be your enemy forever. If you do give it back though, I'll stick to you like a protector god."
The fox later saves his life by leading him past a band of armed bandits.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:31:03 GMT -5
Servants of Inari
Kitsune are associated with Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. This association has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. Originally, kitsune were Inari's messengers, but the line between the two is now blurred so that Inari himself may be depicted as a fox. Likewise, entire shrines are dedicated to kitsune, where devotees can leave offerings. Fox spirits are particularly fond of a fried sliced tofu called aburaage, which is accordingly found in kitsune udon and kitsune soba. Similarly, Inari-zushi is a type of sushi named for Inari that contains fried tofu. There is speculation among folklorists as to whether another Shinto fox deity existed in the past. Foxes have long been worshipped as kami.
Inari's kitsune are white, a color of good omen. They possess the power to ward off evil, and they sometimes serve as guardian spirits. In addition to protecting Inari shrines, they are petitioned to intervene on behalf of the locals and particularly to aid against troublesome nogitsune. Black foxes and nine-tailed foxes are likewise considered good omens.
According to beliefs derived from fusui (feng shui), the fox's power over evil is such that a mere statue of a fox can dispel the evil kimon, or energy, that flows from the northeast. Many Inari shrines, such as the famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, Japan, feature such statues, sometimes in great numbers.
Kitsune are connected to the Buddhist religion through the Dakiniten, goddesses conflated with Inari's female aspect. Dakiniten is depicted as a female boddhisattva wielding a sword and riding a flying white fox.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:31:26 GMT -5
Tricksters
Kitsune are often presented as tricksters, with motives that vary from mischief to malevolence. Stories tell of kitsune playing tricks on overly proud samurai, greedy merchants, and boastful commoners, while the crueler ones abuse poor tradesmen and farmers or devout Buddhist monks. Their victims are usually men; women are possessed instead. For example, kitsune are thought to employ their kitsune-bi or fox-fire to lead travelers astray in the manner of a will o' the wisp. Another tactic is for the kitsune to confuse its target with illusions or visions. Other common goals of trickster kitsune include seduction, theft of food, humiliation of the prideful, or vengeance for a perceived slight.
A traditional game called kitsune-ken (fox-fist) references the kitsune's powers over human beings. The game is similar to rock, paper, scissors, but the three hand positions signify a fox, a hunter, and a village headman. The headman beats the hunter, whom he outranks; the hunter beats the fox, whom he shoots; the fox beats the headman, whom he bewitches.
This ambiguous portrayal, coupled with their reputation for vengefulness, leads people to try to discover a troublesome fox's motives. In one case, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a high government official, wrote a letter to the kami Inari:
To Inari Daimyojin,
My lord, I have the honor to inform you that one of the foxes under your jurisdiction has bewitched one of my servants, causing her and others a great deal of trouble. I have to request that you make minute inquiries into the matter, and endeavor to find out the reason of your subject misbehaving in this way, and let me know the result.
If it turns out that the fox has no adequate reason to give for his behavior, you are to arrest and punish him at once. If you hesitate to take action in this matter I shall issue orders for the destruction of every fox in the land. Any other particulars that you may wish to be informed of in reference to what has occurred, you can learn from the high priest of Yoshida.
Kitsune keep their promises and strive to repay any favor. Occasionally a kitsune attaches itself to a person or household, where they can cause all sorts of mischief. In one story from the 12th century, only the homeowner's threat to exterminate the foxes convinces them to behave. The kitsune patriarch appears in the man's dreams:
"My father lived here before me, sir, and by now I have many children and grandchildren. They get into a lot of mischief, I'm afraid, and I'm always after them to stop, but they never listen. And now, sir, you're understandably fed up with us. I gather that you're going to kill us all. But I just want you to know, sir, how sorry I am that this is our last night of life. Won't you pardon us, one more time? If we ever make trouble again, then of course you must act as you think best. But the young one, sir — I'm sure they'll understand when I explain to them why you're so upset. We'll do everything we can to protect you from now on, if only you'll forgive us, and we'll be sure to let you know when anything good is going to happen!"
Other kitsune use their magic for the benefit of their companion or hosts as long as the human beings treat them with respect. As yôkai, however, kitsune do not share human morality, and a kitsune who has adopted a house in this manner may, for example, bring its host money or items that it has stolen from the neighbors. Accordingly, common households thought to harbor kitsune are treated with suspicion. Oddly, samurai families were often reputed to share similar arrangements with kitsune, but these foxes were considered myobu and the use of their magic a sign of prestige. Abandoned homes were common haunts for kitsune. One 12th-century story tells of a minister moving into an old mansion only to discover a family of foxes living there. They first try to scare him away, then claim that the house "has been ours for many years, and . . . we wish to register a vigorous protest." The man refuses, and the foxes resign themselves to moving to an abandoned lot nearby.
Tales distinguish kitsune gifts from kitsune payments. If a kitsune offers a payment or reward that includes money or material wealth, part or all of the sum will consist of old paper, leaves, twigs, stones, or similar valueless items under a magical illusion. True kitsune gifts are usually intangibles, such as protection, knowledge, or long life.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:31:47 GMT -5
Wives and lovers
Kitsune are commonly portrayed as lovers, usually in stories involving a young human male and a kitsune who takes the form of a human woman. The kitsune may be a seductress, but these stories are more often romantic in nature. Typically, the young man unknowingly marries the fox, who proves a devoted wife. The man eventually discovers the fox's true nature, and the fox-wife is forced to leave him. In some cases, the husband wakes as if from a dream, filthy, disoriented, and far from home. He must then return to confront his abandoned family in shame.
Many stories tell of fox-wives bearing children. When such progeny are human, they possess special physical or supernatural qualities that often pass to their own children. The astrologer-magician Abe no Seimei was reputed to have inherited such extraordinary powers.
Other stories tell of kitsune marrying one another. Rain falling from a clear sky — a sun shower — is sometimes called kitsune no yomeiri or the kitsune's wedding, in reference to a folktale describing a wedding ceremony between the creatures being held during such conditions. The event is considered a good omen, but the kitsune will seek revenge on any uninvited guests.
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Post by Lady Anastasia on Apr 6, 2007 1:34:38 GMT -5
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Post by blackwolf on May 14, 2007 0:20:19 GMT -5
A very in depth section, on the Eastern Fox Spirit, Lady Anastasia;
Well done,thank you; Perhaps, I may venture, to offer some understandings from what I know...
We spelled Fox, in the Olde Tongue, Fayochse; It had a value, by
number, of 88 , in Runic. Taken to the other half of the Olde Tongue, Obri ( Hebrit ), the number 88=roaring,seething, redness,
burning,sparkling, and danger...Yet, using both Obri,and Runic,the
number, 88=Kaendealeene Serpent...
When we return to the Runic " Mother's" column, of eight symbols,
it has a value of 603, which equals the phrase:Woman's Fayochse
Mgieck ;( Woman=306, in Obri )
Yet, if we use the Runic value, for Woman, it equals 318...
And, when we use that value, 603=Fayochse Woman, plus 198 ;
The number, 198 , has a few interesting associations;
198=Weyyrding Wey
198=Moon
198=Psychic
And 603=Fayochse Mgieck: Kcebealla and Qabalah, together
(Runic Kcebealla, Obri Qabalah; The two number-letter systems)
Now, our Mother's column of runes, has a "secret" ninth level, and
the ninth level is the Rune, known by most, as " Isa "...which is
shaped, like a straight line, as a letter " I " ;
However, that same Rune, is many times, placed next to every one of the other eight, in a Runic Row configuration; Thus we attain, a shape of nine tails...
And, it just so happens to add up;
603=I am a Girl's Nine Fayochse Tails
When we double the Runic Mother's column number value, we attain the value 603x2=1206 ;
We go to Obri, and lo, and behold...1205=Thirteen
( The value, for the letters for the Obri word for Thirteen, =1205 )
Hmmm...Something going on here...?
Now, for some real fun...A certain modern English, number-letter,
arrangement, produces the number 666 , for the word Fox...
We go back to Runic; 666= Hu- Animal, which means a upright
animal, on one level...
Did anyone know we were called the Cunning Ones ? The fox hunts in England, were a remembrance of an older hunting tradition...Wiping out the foxes...Go to the Dogon tribe, in Africa;
Read their tale of the wiping out of the Fox...You see, knowing the two languages, we were known as ( respectfully said ) ,
Cunning Linguists, yet, because of the two languages, some said
we spoke with " Forked Tongue"... I ask you, what other animal
is known for being Cunning, and "speaking" with a forked tongue?
Shall we take a walk thru the Garden? Did you know, Druids,were
called " Androgynous Serpents " ?
This has always been the story, around the world...Some love the
Mgieck, some are afraid of it , some use it to heal, some use it to slay, some use it to help others, some use it for self gain...And so
the story goes... Great Fox Stories !
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Post by blackwolf on May 14, 2007 0:31:05 GMT -5
P.S. Forgot to mention...Fayochse=88 , + Woman=318 , =406
And 406=Lovers / 407=Sex Just for the Information....
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Post by Lady Anastasia on May 14, 2007 0:37:13 GMT -5
A very in depth section, on the Eastern Fox Spirit, Lady Anastasia; Well done,thank you; Perhaps, I may venture, to offer some understandings from what I know... Thank You, I hoped that the board would enjoy it... Actually, I know that Druids were often referred to as Adders, which would be a type of serpent, but, I've never heard anything about the Androgynous Serpents.. However, I know that Snakes are a symbol of healing, and of rebirth... And, we know that the Druids were healers as well... Thankies again, if you'd like more information, please see the threads on the Fox in the Shaman Boards, or in the Druid Animal Oracle board.... |
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Post by Senbecc on May 14, 2007 0:47:59 GMT -5
"I am a Druid; I am an architect; I am a prophet;
I am a serpent" (Adder).
With solemn festivity round the two lakes;
With the lake next my side;
With my side moving round the sanctuary;
While the sanctuary is earnestly invoking
The Gliding King, before whom the Fair One
Retreats upon the veil that covers the huge stones;
Whilst the Dragon moves round over
The places which contain vessels
Of drink offering;
Whilst the drink offering is in the Golden Horns;
Whilst the golden horns are in the hand;
Whilst the knife is upon the chief victim,
Sincerely I implore thee, O victorious Bell."
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Post by Lady Anastasia on May 14, 2007 0:50:16 GMT -5
"I am a Druid; I am an architect; I am a prophet; I am a serpent" (Adder). With solemn festivity round the two lakes; With the lake next my side; With my side moving round the sanctuary; While the sanctuary is earnestly invoking The Gliding King, before whom the Fair One Retreats upon the veil that covers the huge stones; Whilst the Dragon moves round over The places which contain vessels Of drink offering; Whilst the drink offering is in the Golden Horns; Whilst the golden horns are in the hand; Whilst the knife is upon the chief victim, Sincerely I implore thee, O victorious Bell." That was beautiful, and thank you for expanding on what I was trying to say... |
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Jul 26, 2017 10:37:02 GMT -5