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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What similarity does Harner point out between shamanism and science?
(a) Both require a curious mind, an open heart, and a sense of adventure.
(b) Both are available to the serious student of reality.
(c) Both require much training and discipline.
(d) Both are in awe of complexity and the magnificence of nature.

2. In rock-seeing, a shaman takes two rocks, sits with them, poses a question, and then examines the stones for what?
(a) Signs that the stones have transformed during the session.
(b) Living creatures or features that provide clues regarding answers.
(c) Words temporarily appearing on the surface pointing to an answer.
(d) Traces of minerals that can be used for healing rituals.

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

4. On his or her first guided journey, the shaman student is asked by Harner to visualize what?
(a) An opening in the earth that feels acceptable.
(b) A favorite animal or element of nature.
(c) A starry sky and the patterns the stars form.
(d) A quiet, tranquil scene that includes the element of water.

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

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

7. What does Harner compare his near-death experience with the Conibo to?
(a) The concept of reincarnation.
(b) Teachings of Confucius.
(c) Descriptions in the Bible.
(d) Ancient Daoism stories.

8. What does the author encounter when he drinks maikua?
(a) Dangerous creatures.
(b) A frightening emptiness.
(c) Winged benevolent beings.
(d) Beloved pets he knew as a child.

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

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

11. What does Harner suggest is the purpose of songs during a shamanic journey?
(a) To guide the shaman towards acceptable portals.
(b) To attract beneficial healing spirit helpers.
(c) To amplify the shaman's altered state.
(d) To keep the patient calm and relaxed.

12. Why do individuals need the protection of a guardian spirit?
(a) To maintain a strong, steady heartbeat.
(b) They are weak.
(c) To reach adulthood.
(d) To counter chaotic spirits.

13. What does Harner point out about the Lakota Sioux and the Coast Salish tribes?
(a) Are the best natural healers in the world.
(b) Shun the practice of shamanism and instead pass down stories from one generation to the next.
(c) Were the first tribes known to practice shamanism.
(d) They achieve altered states of consciousness without using hallucinogenic substances.

14. Which of the following is NOT a purpose for entering a shamanic state of consciousness?
(a) Retrieving power animals.
(b) Betrayal.
(c) Healing illnesses.
(d) Exploration.

15. In a drug-induced vision, Harner sees demons as:
(a) Fish with teeth.
(b) Faceless ghosts.
(c) Beetles.
(d) Reptiles.

Short Answer Questions

1. In his guided, step-by-step instructions for a first journey, Harner instructs the aspiring shaman to eat:

2. Harner explains that some shamanic students report using caves as:

3. What are guardian spirits called in Siberia?

4. Included in the reports from participants of Harner's first guided shamanic exercise are:

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

(see the answer keys)

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