I think it's more subconscious, though may be aesthetic. But many people claim that the animal chooses them. There's an interesting site on a modern form of ancient arts that included theriomorphic approaches towards ecstatic states, but it is grounded in alot of physical work as well as spiritual and mental. The physical techniques are an often overlooked approach, since it seems to be common that many people dissociate from the physical self and generally do not feel comfortable in their own skin. If you want to look more into it, follow the link below. The term somafera translates to 'body wild'.

Somafera - the body wild