How To Become A Werewolf.

The idea that a human being could transform into an animal is a myth that has resisted extinction for thousands of years.  Even today there persists in some cultures the belief that werewolves and other such supernatural creatures could exist. Although, it is the writer's humble opinion they are nutters.

The Frog Princess, A typical and well known example of non-voluntary animal transmogrification in folk tales. 

While there are many different types of shape shifters, werewolves and other such things, they are generally divided into two types, Voluntary and Forced (or Non-voluntary). 

The forced transformation can be induced by being cursed with evil magic, drinking water from a werewolf's paw mark in the earth, or being bitten by a werewolf. After this happens, depending on the tale, you will transform into a werewolf every full moon for the rest of eternity until your curse is broken. You will have no power to control yourself while in animal form, and you will seek the blood of innocents (Children, maidens and men of God) to devour and kill. Seemingly sluts and jerks get off scott free. Awesome! 

However while there is forced animal transformation, there is also voluntary transformation. In some stories the werewolves or shape changers are given cloaks or 'Girdles' of animal skin from their masters in hell, when they clothe themselves in these garments they will transform into a wolf or other animal. At other times, there are families of people that can elect to change into animals, and many mythical users of magic have been able to transmogrify, at will, into various animals, a common theme being that they each have a particular personality trait(s) that corresponds to the animal they morph into. 

The forced animal transformation, particularly under the light of a full moon, is a metaphor for the wild, deranged animal we keep buried within us, and when the luna rise occurs, the lunatic is free. This curse is an imprisonment, and was a reaction to people being confused that a kind, good individual could become a madman or a animal in other circumstances.  It is representative of the bestial traits we hate and abborre: Ferocity, stupidity, lust, hunger for violence and weakness of body and mind. 

Conversely, the voluntary animal transformation is one of freedom and letting go of stuffy human limitation. The practice is enjoyed by the practitioners, it is representative of the bestial traits we admire: Strength, nobility, sexual prowess and above all, freedom. 

Animals have always transfixed humans, they have revolted and awed us with their abilities, it is not surprising that we have both longed to become like them and shuddered at the thought of losing our humanity to the ways of the beast.