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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does a shaman enter a shamanic state of consciousness?
(a) For a serious, specific purpose.
(b) For clarity and balance.
(c) To practice astral travel.
(d) To prove to the elders that he or she is a shaman.

2. While working, why must a shaman remain lightly connected to the material environment?
(a) Because of the shaman's physical requirements.
(b) To harness the power of nature.
(c) Because of having to move between realities.
(d) To incorporate the properties of the material world into the cure.

3. Why might a shaman work in darkness?
(a) To minimize interference from the sun's rays.
(b) To hide from negative entities.
(c) To achieve the most profound visions.
(d) To conceal his or her expressions.

4. One person who tried Harner's step-by-step guided journey exercise reported bringing back what by accident?
(a) A healing code.
(b) A beneficial being.
(c) A message for a friend.
(d) A monkey spirit guide.

5. How old is shamanism estimated to be?
(a) Less than 3,000 years old.
(b) No one can even guess.
(c) Approximately 12,000 years old.
(d) At least 20,000 to 30,000 years old.

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

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

8. How does the author describe his world during a shamanic state of consciousness?
(a) "New, and yet familiarly ancient universe."
(b) "Simultaneously familiar, unfamiliar, and complete."
(c) "Mildly disturbing, and an incredible trip."
(d) "Marvelous, infinite, otherworldly."

9. The author states that the humility in shamanism lies in what?
(a) The manner in which shamans speak to new and old souls.
(b) The reverence shamans feel towards nature.
(c) The shaman-patient relationship.
(d) The number of spirit guides who choose a particular shaman.

10. Harner's personal observation is that people develop shamanism as a tool for using the power of the human mind for what?
(a) For entertainment and enlightenment.
(b) To address critical issues.
(c) To control others.
(d) For esoteric purposes.

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

12. In his guided, step-by-step instructions for a first journey, Harner instructs the aspiring shaman to eat:
(a) Chicken.
(b) Only seeds and fruit.
(c) Lightly.
(d) Nothing.

13. What are guardian spirits called in Siberia?
(a) Warning spirits.
(b) Tutelary spirits.
(c) Guardian angels.
(d) Angelic beings.

14. After Harner is awakened from his maikua trance, what is he given?
(a) Warm beer and monkey meat.
(b) Warm oolong tea and papaya seeds.
(c) Pork and mango chutney.
(d) Peaches and grubs.

15. Among other sensations in his experience with the Conibo, Harner experiences a sense of flying inside what?
(a) A water well.
(b) A mountain.
(c) A zero-gravity orb.
(d) A spaceship.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the author quote as an expert on the subject of altered states?

2. What does Harner say that middle-class Americans report experiencing on their shamanic attempts?

3. In a drug-induced vision, Harner sees demons as:

4. Shamans pass through what kind of planes?

5. What does the author tell an aspiring shaman to do upon returning from his or her first journey?

(see the answer keys)

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