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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. Harner's personal observation is that people develop shamanism as a tool for using the power of the human mind for what?

2. If SSC stands for shamanic state of consciousness, what does OSC stand for?

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

4. What does the author encounter when he drinks maikua?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss what Harner says about the humility of shamanism?

2. Describe an environment that's conducive to the shaman being most effective while in a shamanic state of consciousness (SSC).

3. Explain the connection between an individual and his or her guardian spirit.

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

5. Prompted by similarities he found in books and accounts about shamanic experiences, what did Harner decide to do in order to learn more about shamanism?

6. Who is Akachu, and how does he help Harner?

7. What are some of the similarities Harner notes in first-hand shamanic experiences reported by middle-class Americans?

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

9. Describe Harner's experience of spiritually going to a cave beneath a waterfall with a Jivaro shaman.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe similarities middle-class Americans who try shamanism report regarding the portal to Lowerworld and their firsthand experiences in non-ordinary reality. Why does the author emphasize these similarities? What do they convey regarding the nature of shamanism?

Essay Topic 2

Harner asserts that the less technologically advanced a society is, the more advanced it is in its shamanic practices. Do you feel his assessment is accurate? Why or why not? Supply examples to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Define, compare, and contrast the shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) and the ordinary state of consciousness (OSC).

(see the answer keys)

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