Exorcism Ritual Performed by a Spiritual Healer in Colombia

LA CUMBRE, COLOMBIA - MAY 28: Hermes Cifuentes, a Colombian spiritual healer, performs a ritual of exorcism on Diana R., who claims to be possessed by spirits, on 28 May 2012 in La Cumbre, Colombia. Exorcism is an ancient religious practice of evicting spirits, generally called demons or evil. Although the formal catholic rite of exorcism is rarely seen and must be only conducted by a designated priest, there are many pastors and preachers in Latin America performing exorcism ceremonies. The 52-year-old Brother Hermes, as the exorcist calls himself, claims to have been carrying out the healing rituals for more than 20 years. Using fire, dirt, candles, flowers, eggs and other natural-based items, in conjunction with Christian religous formulas, he attempts to drive the supposed evil spirit out of a victim's mind and body. (Photo by Jan Sochor/Latincontent/Getty Images)