Becoming a werewolf isn’t like changing into your favorite shirt. It doesn’t just happen, or does it? There are many theories of how a person can become a werewolf, from those which you have no control over, to those you do. Even if you see something here that you’d like to try: don’t. I have no idea how these things would turn out and some of them can be pretty dangerous.
Can someone be born a werewolf? If it runs in your family, sure, but your answer might depend on where you live. There are a number of beliefs from Eastern Europe which state than anyone either born or conceived during Easter or Christmas is destined to become a werewolf. Christmas Eve is thought to be especially significant in both Italian and Russian cultures. Phases of the moon can, not surprisingly, be involved, with Sicilians believing in the new moon conception of werewolves. The number seven is also definitely not lucky in this regard, especially if you happen to be the seventh son.
It is also believed that the werewolf curse can be called down by God, the Saints, or the Devil, depending on the region. The Ancient Greeks cited the legend of Lycaon, turned into a wolf for serving human flesh to the Gods. In Christianity, Saint Patrick is believed to have cursed Veriticas for rejecting his teachings. And many cultures believe that the Devil can offer such a transformation to his followers, although witches were the typical benefactors.
Not everyone believes that becoming a werewolf is a curse and some actively pursue the transformation. The most common method is by the ritual wearing of a wolf’s skin. This is prevalent in everything from Norse to Navajo mythology. Other rituals include sleeping outside during a full moon, rolling around naked in the sand at this time, or performing ancient incantations and spells. There are also items that one can consume including:
• Human flesh,
• Wolf’s brains,
• Water from the footprint of a wolf or downstream from where a wolf has drunk.
• Special lycanthropic flowers of Eastern Europe that are white and yellow, with white sap and a foul smell.
At one point, lycanthropy was attributed to rabies since it is thought that the bite of a werewolf can transmit the curse to another person. This belief is a modern convention and there are few ancient examples, barring some South American legends that one would turn into a werewolf if they were capable of surviving an attack.
