Healing States · Episode 02

Trance Dancing and the Laying on of Hands

The followers of Umbanda, the native American religion of Brazil, believe that one should settle for nothing short of the direct experience of the divine. In a trance state they incorporate the spirits of their ancestors, the old black slaves and the Indian medicine men, who then do psychic healings through them. In north Brazil, a Christian healer named Brother Macedo tends to hundreds of poor and destitute persons who come to him every day. He transmits to them what he claims is the healing energy of God.

Directed by Angelika Lizius / Alberto Villoldo