Animal tattoo designs are enduringly popular, but you don't have to settle for a basic flock of birds. One overlooked animal is the fox; these critters are cute in real life, but some people want their ink to have meaning, and may see foxes as sly and mistrustful due to classic myths and fables. However, that isn't the be-all end-all for the meanings attached to this animal.
In the Japanese religion Shintoism, foxes are sacred creatures, and fox spirits are known as Kitsune; good and bad Kitsune represent the balance of life on earth. Kitsune are also known as worshippers of Inari, a god “of rice, the protector of food, and bringer of prosperity.” Your fox tattoo could represent balance, the duality of nature, or protection and prosperity.
In Celtic mythology, foxes are shapeshifters, and their appearance symbolizes a “need to think quickly and strategically.” In Northeast, Midwest, and Plain Native American tribes, the fox is seen as a minor spirit animal who lends a hand to those in need. Fox tattoos may be fitting for intellectuals, or you may like something that represents your want to help others.
Depending on the color or action of the fox, your tattoo can signify different things. A sleeping fox conveys vulnerability, whereas a fox on the prowl can be seen as deceptive. If the fox’s coat is silver, it represents “refinement and taste” or “an air of nobility,” while a gray coat symbolizes maturity and a white fox represents a “divine search for the meaning of life.”