About this Study Set
This study set covers Occultism And Nature through
25 practice questions.
An exploration of animals, plants, and natural phenomena referenced in occult, alchemical, and esoteric traditions. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 25 questions from the
Esoterica of the Natural World study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
In medieval bestiaries often used by occult scholars, which animal was mythologically believed to be captured only by placing a mirror before it to distract it with its own reflection?
-
A
The Phoenix
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B
The Unicorn
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C
The Basilisk
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D
The Dragon
2
The mandrake root was highly valued in esoteric herbalism for its humanoid shape; to which botanical family does this toxic plant belong?
-
A
Solanaceae
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B
Rosaceae
-
C
Lamiaceae
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D
Apiaceae
3
In Hermetic alchemy, the 'Green Lion' is a symbolic representation of which chemical substance, which is a metal that is liquid at room temperature?
-
A
Gallium
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B
Mercury
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C
Bromine
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D
Cesium
4
Which flightless bird was historically associated with esoteric 'cabinets of curiosities' and was erroneously believed by some early occultists to never land on the ground during its entire life?
-
A
Kiwi
-
B
Cassowary
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C
Bird of Paradise
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D
Ostrich
5
In various esoteric traditions, the 'Ouroboros' is depicted as a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. In biology, what is the term for an animal's consumption of its own parts?
-
A
Autotomy
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B
Autophagy
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C
Aposematism
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D
Autolysis
6
What is the actual biological classification of the animal known as the 'Salamander' in medieval alchemical texts, which was falsely believed to be able to live in fire?
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A
Amphibian
-
B
Reptile
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C
Mammal
-
D
Insect
7
Which nocturnal bird was traditionally considered a 'psychopomp' or messenger of the dead in diverse esoteric folklores, and is scientifically capable of silent flight due to its specialized feather structure?
-
A
Falcon
-
B
Owl
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C
Raven
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D
Crow
8
In Paracelsian alchemy, what is the 'elemental' creature associated with the element of Earth?
-
A
Sylph
-
B
Undine
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C
Salamander
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D
Gnome
9
The 'Bezoar stone', once sought by esoteric practitioners for its purported magical protective properties, is biologically a concretion found in the digestive tract of which animal?
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A
Goat
-
B
Snake
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C
Toad
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D
Dragon
10
Which aromatic resin, used in ancient occult incense rituals, is harvested from trees of the genus Boswellia?
-
A
Frankincense
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B
Myrrh
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C
Benzoin
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D
Copal
11
In esoteric symbolism, the stag or hart is often linked to the sun. Which organ, unique to the male of most deer species, is shed and regrown annually?
-
A
Hooves
-
B
Antlers
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C
Tusks
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D
Horns
12
The 'Great Work' of alchemy often features the 'Pelican' wounding its own breast to feed its young. What is the real-world scientific name for the order to which the pelican belongs?
-
A
Pelecaniformes
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B
Falconiformes
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C
Strigiformes
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D
Passeriformes
13
What toxic substance, often associated with witchcraft and esoteric poisonings, is naturally produced by the Aconitum plant?
-
A
Ricin
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B
Aconitine
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C
Atropine
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D
Strychnine
14
In esoteric astrology, which animal is the symbol for the zodiac sign of Scorpio, known for its bioluminescence under UV light?
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A
Spider
-
B
Crab
-
C
Scorpion
-
D
Snake
15
Which sacred lotus species, often associated with esoteric eastern spiritual traditions, exhibits 'hydrophobicity' where water droplets bead off its leaves?
-
A
Nelumbo nucifera
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B
Nymphaea alba
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C
Victoria amazonica
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D
Ipomoea aquatica
16
The 'Abraxas' stone in Gnostic esoterica often depicts a creature with the head of a rooster. To which scientific order do chickens belong?
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A
Galliformes
-
B
Gruiformes
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C
Anseriformes
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D
Pelecaniformes
17
Which tree, revered in Norse esoterica as Yggdrasil, is scientifically identified as a species of evergreen in the genus Taxus?
18
In medieval occult bestiaries, the 'Monoceros' was described as a beast with a single horn. Which modern-day marine mammal is the closest scientific equivalent to this legend?
-
A
Dolphin
-
B
Narwhal
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C
Manatee
-
D
Beluga
19
What is the name of the biological process where some plants, like the ones used in traditional esoteric 'love spells', produce scents to attract specific nocturnal pollinators?
-
A
Photosynthesis
-
B
Chemotropism
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C
Anther-release
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D
Floral volatile emission
20
The 'Drakon' or dragon in esoteric art often resembles a monitor lizard. To which family of reptiles does the Komodo dragon belong?
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A
Varanidae
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B
Iguanidae
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C
Gekkonidae
-
D
Scincidae
21
Which metal, associated with the occult planet Saturn, is the densest naturally occurring non-radioactive element?
-
A
Lead
-
B
Gold
-
C
Silver
-
D
Iron
22
In esoteric naturalism, the 'Phoenix' is often compared to the regeneration capabilities of which group of animals that can regrow entire limbs?
-
A
Amphibians
-
B
Mammals
-
C
Birds
-
D
Fish
23
The 'Mandragora' plant was said to scream when pulled from the earth. Which gas is responsible for the defense mechanism of the actual Skunk, an animal sometimes used in occult folk medicine?
-
A
Methane
-
B
Butyl mercaptan
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C
Carbon monoxide
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D
Sulfur dioxide
24
Which gemstone, often used in esoteric 'crystal healing', is actually a variety of quartz containing iron impurities?
-
A
Amethyst
-
B
Ruby
-
C
Emerald
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D
Sapphire
25
The 'Cat' has been central to esoteric folklore for centuries. What is the biological name for the domestic cat species?
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A
Panthera leo
-
B
Felis catus
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C
Lynx rufus
-
D
Felis silvestris
