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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Only by ___________ can Castaneda appreciate smoke's importance as an ally to him.

2. During which cycle of collecting ingredients for the smoking mixture is Castaneda the only one involved in the process?

3. Castaneda believes Matus is trying to create doubt in his mind about his ____________.

4. After seeing flashes of ________, Castaneda sees a fast barrage of images.

5. The _________ is like a woman, flatters men, setting traps, and making him rub the paste on his forehead.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Castaneda do when he realizes the figure walking out of the house is not his mentor?

2. Why must the mixture previously collected and entrusted to Castaneda be used as soon as possible?

3. What ingredient is missing from the recipe that Matus learned from his benefactor?

4. When he is called with "Hey boy!" why doesn't Castaneda come into Matus' house?

5. Why does Matus laugh at Castaneda as he tries to meet with his ally again?

6. What are some things Matus tells Castaneda he can do to get his soul back?

7. What happens as Castaneda sings his song to Mescalito during the peyote ceremony?

8. What does Castaneda see when he wakes up beside his plant?

9. Describe how Castaneda feels after smoking the mixture in Matus' pipe.

10. What does Castaneda recall after already spending 90 minutes looking for lizards?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of having good intentions is something that factors into each session Matus and Castaneda share.

Part 1: Compare the intentions for Matus and Castaneda for at least two sessions they share.

Part 2: Why is it important to have a strong intention for the work the two men are sharing?

Part 3: What do you think might have happened if Castaneda did not have a strong intention for the work he does?

Essay Topic 2

In the world around them, Matus and Castaneda become aware of signs and signals that tell them whether or not they are on the right path.

Part 1: Cite three examples of signs Matus and Castaneda see in the world around them. What do they mean?

Part 2: Why do you think Matus trusts nature so much to tell him what he needs to know?

Part 3: In what ways do people today look to nature to help them make decisions about their lives?

Essay Topic 3

The knowledge Castaneda gains is certainly stunning when one looks at the final summary of Castaneda's experiences.

Part 1: What are three of the points Castaneda makes in the final section of the book?

Part 2: Does this knowledge come from the plants directly or from Castaneda's subconscious? Why do you answer the way you do?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda would have learned more if he has studied with Matus more frequently? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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