The interpretations of fox possession: illness as metaphor.
Although fox possession is a rare phenomenon in contemporary Japan, it is a matter of concern in psychiatry and in folk healing. The case study presented here deals with the social process of role transformation, from client to shaman, as a way of self healing. The discussion then assumes that fox possession renders multiple interpretations and argues that it is, in fact, a metaphorical representation in much the same way that biomedical interpretation is. The argument also proposes that an etiological (causal) understanding of fox possession is less productive than a metaphorical one.
Etsuko
M
M
Asahikawa Medical College, Hokkaido, Japan.
D000818:Animals; D002016:Buddhism; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005589:Foxes; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D011570:Psychiatry; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012803:Sick Role; D013561:Symbolism