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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. What does Harner recommend that the aspiring shaman listen to?
(a) Flowing water.
(b) Birds singing.
(c) Drumming.
(d) Chanting.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In his attempt to find spirit helpers with the assistance of a Jivaro shaman from Ecuador, what does the author do?

2. How is a shamanic state of consciousness, or SSC, achieved?

3. In early experiences with the Conibo, Harner hears rushing:

4. Why is the Jivaro shaman who helps Harner worried that the author may not be able to find tsentak?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize the first shamanic journey exercise presented to the reader in Chapter 2.

2. What does Akachu question when he and Harner are getting to know each other?

3. Describe the roles of drumming and rattling in a shaman's work.

4. Why does the author find it encouraging for Westerners that not all tribes use drugs in their shamanic practices?

5. How old is shamanism, and what cultures have best preserved this practice?

6. How does Harner say that a shaman can be distinguished from other medicine men?

7. What does a shaman do with the tsentak to help a patient?

8. How and why is a shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) achieved?

9. Harner says that apprentice shamans report similarities in how they get out of difficulties. What are some of the difficulties he mentions?

10. What are the main functions and activities of a shaman, as described in Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

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