A transformation sequence is a ritual a person goes through to gain supernatural powers or change their personality and appearance. This type of transformation has its roots in mythology, appears throughout literature and is a common theme in popular culture.  Transformation sequences have become more elaborate in movies and animation due to special effects technology, but he basic literary theme remains basically the same as it has for centuries.

The desire for change is deep rooted in the human psyche, as is a longing for spiritual connections. These desires may have given root to myths of obtaining super powers or knowledge by going through a ritual or eating a special substance that provided a link with the supernatural.  As an example, in the Bible, there is the story of Samson, a man with supernatural strength. He was able to maintain his strength as long as he didn't cut his hair. The seductress Delilah cut his hair while he was asleep and he woke to find himself with his strength depleted. 

In Greek mythology, an example of a transformation sequence can be found in the story of Tantalus, a son of Zeus and lord of the primordial world.  He stole a nectar from the table of Zeus that he shared with his subjects. The nectar revealed the secrets of the gods.  Tantalus was punished for his crime by being placed in a pool of water under a fruit tree. The fruit and the water remained unattainable to him, thus giving the word tantalize to our language.

Classic English literature has many examples of transformation sequences. Unlike popular culture which emphasizes the positive transformations of ordinary humans into supernatural beings, classic literature tended to explore the dark side of attempts to conjure up the supernatural.  The novel Frankenstein, based on the Greek myth of Prometheus, written by British author Mary Shelley was published in 1818 when she was only 19.  The creation of a monster by transforming human parts into a superhuman creature has been an ongoing metaphor for the dangers of human attempts to stretch their natural limitations.

Another classic story containing a transformation is The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde written by another British author, Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886.  In the story, a normal man, Dr. Jekyl undergoes a transformation sequence by drinking a medicinal potion. He becomes a callous, even brutal, yet stronger character known as Mr. Hyde. The tale reveals the ongoing theme of the good and evil within all people and the desire to tap the seemingly stronger traits of the evil side with the ability to return to a more balanced existence.

The theme of transformation of an ordinary person into a superhero has popular throughout the past fifty or more years.  Superman undergoes a transformation when he enters earth and a relatively lame transformation sequence every time he changed from Clark Kent into the Superman persona.  The Incredible Hulk has a more spectacular transformation sequence whenever angered.  Batman somehow changes into a costume when he slides down the bat pole.

A favorite transformation sequence is the one used by Wonder Woman. By simply blinking her eyes, crossing her arms and spinning around, she is able to undergo a transformation that provides a costume change, weapons and super powers.  This type of transformation sequence is recreated hundreds of times in popular animation and anime.  The myth of transformation by tapping into supernatural forces through simple ritual remains powerful and prevalent. 

The prevalence of the transformation sequence myth likely has its roots in the desire for change in almost every human.  Change can be difficult. Changes circumstances, behavior and relationships can take a lot of time and energy. The desire to change quickly, to gain new skills rapidly and be freed from whatever is restricting success is still sought by many people. Self help literature is full of examples of attempts to manifest change through a variation on a transformation sequence.

In a less dramatic way, many things we do can be seen as examples of transformation sequences. Rituals like grounding our emotions, becoming centered or focused, visualization of the desired results are all valid psychological techniques that are similar to transformation sequences.  We take a moment to gather our thoughts, draw on internal resources and visualize success before taking action.

Popular therapist Paul McKenna uses rituals in his work with people who desire change.  These rituals are not supernatural, but simple psychological techniques that reprogram thoughts.  Example of these techniques are tapping on key points in the body, deep breathing with visualization and centering emotions. Perhaps these type of techniques could be defined as real transformation sequences.