- The Fox: This can represent the cunning, creative, and elusive aspects of Zos, akin to Spare’s own nature as an artist and occultist. The fox, in this metaphor, embodies the intuitive, wild, and magical aspects of being. It’s about survival through wit and adaptability, which parallels Spare’s approach to magic and life. The fox is symbolic of the inner, esoteric knowledge that Spare sought to harness through his work.
- The Foxhound: In contrast, the foxhound could symbolize the more rational, structured, and dogmatic aspects of the world. This might represent the conventional society, established religious practices, or the rigid structures of thought that Spare often found himself in opposition to. The foxhound, with its relentless pursuit and structured method of hunting, embodies the external challenges and orthodoxies that Zos (or Spare) had to navigate and overcome.
- Mortal Combat and Struggle: The imagery of these two animals in combat reflects the constant struggle between these opposing forces – the intuitive versus the rational, the magical versus the mundane, the individualistic versus the conformist. It’s a battle for survival, not just physically but philosophically and spiritually. This struggle could be seen as a central theme in Spare’s life and work, as he sought to reconcile these forces within himself and in his practices.
- Balance of Will: The ultimate aim of this combat is not the destruction of one by the other, but rather a balance. In Spare’s belief system, particularly in the context of his magical practices, the balance of will (the fox’s cunning and survival instinct versus the foxhound’s discipline and strength) is crucial. This balance reflects the coexistence of and the tension between different aspects of reality and consciousness.
