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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does a shaman typically travel into the Lowerworld?
(a) Through a hole or tunnel.
(b) Wearing a special cloak.
(c) On the wings of a dragon.
(d) By teleporting.

2. Harner claims that when he shared his vision of dragon-like creatures that appeared from outer space with another shaman, that person:
(a) Immediately recognized the creatures.
(b) Did not understand the significance of the creatures.
(c) Explained the creatures represent suppressed desires.
(d) Warned Harner to stay away from the creatures.

3. The author emphasizes that not all tribes use what in their shamanic practices?
(a) Rituals.
(b) Chants.
(c) Drugs.
(d) Shamans.

4. What does Harner speculate about the mandala?
(a) It may represent openings to the sky or the Lowerworld.
(b) It could represent the doorway to stars and entrance to spaceships.
(c) It may guard coded instructions reserved for the most advanced shamans.
(d) It could hold the keys to astral time travel.

5. Why is Harner afraid to take maikua?
(a) He's heard stories of death and madness that result from taking it.
(b) Nobody has ever taken maikua and lived to tell about it.
(c) It is a poison that affects the liver and impairs eyesight.
(d) Its bitterness leaves his mouth dry and burns his throat.

6. The author shows that all religious traditions share:
(a) Mystical and symbolic similarities.
(b) One common origin.
(c) Similarities in styles of worship.
(d) A mistrust of shamans and mysticism.

7. According to the author, who has a guardian spirit, whether recognized or not?
(a) Shamans.
(b) Leaders.
(c) Curanderos.
(d) Everyone.

8. After a journey that lasts several days in the jungle with his companions, Harner is taken where?
(a) To a ledge overlooking an enchanted valley.
(b) Beneath a waterfall for a mystical experience.
(c) On another journey to experience higher levels of reality.
(d) To the source of the Amazon to meet the highest shaman.

9. Harner asks aspiring shamans to refrain from:
(a) Using anything electronic.
(b) Eating sweets.
(c) Drinking alcohol.
(d) Exercising strenuously.

10. How do shamans use their guardian spirits?
(a) Through trickery.
(b) Actively.
(c) In passing.
(d) In supplication.

11. What must the shaman feed his spirit helpers?
(a) Ground allspice.
(b) Vanilla beans.
(c) Tobacco water.
(d) Coffee nectar.

12. What is the purpose of rattles used during a shaman's work?
(a) To ward off evil spirits.
(b) To purify the air surrounding the patient.
(c) To reinforce drumming for a greater sonic effect.
(d) To open up tightly closed portals.

13. What does the Jivaro shaman help Harner acquire?
(a) Advanced intuition.
(b) The ability to see beyond.
(c) Tree guides.
(d) Spirit helpers.

14. What does the author tell an aspiring shaman to do upon returning from his or her first journey?
(a) Describe the journey aloud.
(b) Go to sleep.
(c) Immediately stand and walk around.
(d) Drink a glass of water.

15. Shamans from Venezuela, North America, Australia, and other regions all report having similar what?
(a) Dietary needs.
(b) Spirit guides.
(c) Concerns.
(d) Experiences.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a purpose for entering a shamanic state of consciousness?

2. What does Harner recommend that the aspiring shaman listen to?

3. One person who tried Harner's step-by-step guided journey exercise reported bringing back what by accident?

4. When the shaman is in an altered state, how does healing take place?

5. During the Lakota practice of rock-seeing, a shaman considers a problem while walking through what?

(see the answer keys)

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