Kardecism – Beginning as a spiritualist movement called Spiritism, founded by the self-named Allan Kardec in France in the mid-19th century, but reaching its most popular contemporary form in Brazil, Kardecism now blends European-derived Christian esoteric and spiritualist traditions with African (e.g., Umbanda) and indigenous Amazonian traditions. Following group singing and drumming, individuals become possessed and are spoken through by spirits who advise and instruct the group or clients. The movement stresses moral and charitable lifestyles and practices, insisting that liberation is not only spiritual but also social and practical.
SOURCE:
Historical Dictionary of Shamanism by Graham Harvey and Robert J. Wallis 2007
