Animism/Shamanism

Question 1

Primordial religion (Animism)

Answer 1

Everything (plants/animals/things) has a spirit that governs its existence

Question 2

T/F

Animists believe humans are better than other aspects of nature

Answer 2

False, all things are part of nature and nothing is better than or worse than any other thing

Question 3

How would animists treat all forms of nature with respect?

Answer 3

Through rituals to win the favour of the spirits of objects/organisms they need

Question 4

Rituals are understood/lead/controlled by the:

Answer 4

Shaman/medicine man

Question 5

Common characteristics of shamans:

Answer 5

• can communicate with spirit world (acts as intermediary)
• practices “magic” to heal/divine future/control nature
• do not conform to organized spiritual group (individual shamans practice different things)

Question 6

T/F

A shaman is a political leader

Answer 6

False - shamans are no ‘higher’ in society than the common person. They have importance but are not necessarily leaders

Question 7

T/F

Animism is universal

Answer 7

True - it occurs all over the world even in present day

Question 8

Traversing the axis mundi means

Answer 8

Crossing the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds - usually for the purpose of learning/assistance

Question 9

Shamans use hallucinogenic plants for:

Answer 9

Crossing the axis mundi

Question 10

Animists give ___ to plant spirits in agricultural rituals

Answer 10

Tribute

Question 11

Tree worship rituals

Answer 11

Giving tribute/offerings to the spirit of the tree

Question 12

Spirit houses are offered to spirits because…

Answer 12

People want spirits to live in the tree not their house & are used to give tribute

Question 13

One of the following statements about shamanism is incorrect:
A) Shamans have existed throughout the world since prehistoric times.
B) Shamans use(d) hallucinogenic plants.
C) Shamans can (supposedly) cross the bridge between the visible world and an alleged invisible spirit world.
D) Shamans practice “magic” or “sorcery” for the purpose of healing, divination, and control over natural events.
E) Only men could be shamans (woman were not allowed).

Answer 13

E

Question 14

Shamans receive their powers from:

Answer 14

Spirits

Question 15

All plant knowledge stems from:

Answer 15

Shamanistic understanding of the properties and uses of individual plants