Spiritist healing

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The "pass" (passe, in Portuguese) is one of the central tenets of Spiritism. It consists on a type of blessing that is carried on those who wish to receive it, usually after a regular meeting, in a room especially designed for this.

The ritual must be carried on in a quiet, private and dimly-lit room, sometimes built behind the meeting room. The attendants sit on stools or chairs with their backs against a wall while the mediums stand before them.

The attendant is expected to sit in silence, with the eyes closed and the mind clear from impure thoughts. He may pray, but without producing sound.

One of the mediums will pray aloud, with the others following more or less like in pentecostal praying. The mediums will touch the top of the head of the sitting person with one hand so that "good fluids" can get in and "evil ones" will get out. In the process the mediums may identify someone who is seriously in need of spiritual care and invite this person for a medium meeting later on, but this is not usual.