The fox is a cunning and sly animal. In fairy tales the fox usually has extra knowledge (of the future) with which he can be of help. He has that knowledge because one has to be sly to gain understanding of the subtle mysteries of nature. This is why the fox symbolizes the clairvoyance of the spirit of nature of men. The alchemists believed that the fox can lead you to the masterpiece of wisdom. In western alchemy the fox is therefore linked to the elixer of life.
But like every symbol, there is also a negative meaning attached to it. The fox is linked to witches, demons and hysteria in women. In certain areas in Japan they (used to) believe that hysterical women are possessed by foxes. One could also say that it is the destructive animus in women, or, animus possession.
