Passe and fluidified water: what they are and how they work
Anyone entering a Spiritist centre for the first time often leaves with two questions: what is the discreet gesture of hands extended over people, the passe (the Spiritist gesture of transmitting fluids)? And why is there always water on the table? The two practices go together in the daily life of the centres, and both have an explanation in the doctrine, one that comes from Allan Kardec and, before him, from a very ancient gesture: healing by laying on hands.
In this text, we explain what Spiritist doctrine teaches about the passe and fluidified water, presented as teaching, as we always do here, and where our group experiences each of them on the caravan.
What the passe is, according to Kardec
Kardec deals with the subject in A Gênese, chapter XIV. According to the doctrine, the passe consists of transmitting fluids (through human or spiritual magnetisation) by laying on of hands or by irradiation. The doctrine links the gesture to the healings of Jesus and the apostles by laying on of hands, recorded in Mark 16:18.
And there is a detail that surprises anyone who reads Kardec closely: he records healings produced without laying on of hands, by irradiation alone. In other words, according to the doctrine, the passe does not depend on touch; it depends, in Spiritist terms, on the fluids and the prayer that accompanies them.
How the passe works in practice
In Spiritist centres, it is a simple, silent act: the person receiving sits or lies down, and the person giving the passe extends their hands or simply irradiates. There is no spectacle, no charge and no compulsory ritual: the doctrine recommends discretion and recollection.
What fluidified water is
Fluidified water is the best-known complement to the passe. The doctrine teaches that ordinary water can receive beneficial fluids through prayer and magnetisation, hence the glass or jug on the table in Spiritist centres.
According to the doctrine, fluidified water is an aid to spiritual treatment: it can be prepared for everyone present or directed to a specific sick person, depending on the need. Whoever drinks it needs no special condition, only the intention of receiving help with faith and serenity.
Passe and healing on the caravan
On our caravan's itinerary, both practices appear early: on day 2, in Conquista, the group takes part in a mediumistic meeting with passes, a talk and psychographies. In Uberaba, there is healing work, including healing passes on stretchers, for those who need to receive them lying down.
A note on honesty: the practices described here are teachings of Spiritist doctrine and the belief of those who follow it, not facts demonstrated by science. Times, format and availability of each activity at the places visited are those organised by the host centre, and we confirm them with the group before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Spiritist passe?
According to the doctrine, it is the transmission of fluids (human or spiritual magnetisation) by laying on of hands or by irradiation. Kardec deals with the subject in A Gênese, chapter XIV, and links it to the healings of Jesus and the apostles (Mark 16:18).
Does the passe require touch?
Not necessarily. Kardec records healings produced by irradiation alone, without laying on of hands.
What is fluidified water?
It is ordinary water that, according to the doctrine, receives beneficial fluids through prayer and magnetisation. It is regarded as an aid to spiritual treatment and can be for everyone or for a specific sick person.
Where can I experience the passe and fluidified water?
On the caravan that leaves Porto Alegre in November: passes at the mediumistic meeting in Conquista and healing work in Uberaba, with passes on stretchers.
Practices best understood up close
The passe and fluidified water are subjects that fit in a text, but they only make real sense when you feel the atmosphere of silence and welcome in which they take place. The expedition Novembro 2026: Minas e Caldas Novas departs from Porto Alegre by coach, as an accompanied group, with these experiences on the itinerary. See the full programme at /expedicao/novembro-2026-minas-e-caldas-novas and reserve your place via WhatsApp. To learn more about the doctrine, also read /blog/allan-kardec-e-o-espiritismo.
The world awaits you. We take care of the rest.
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