A Passion is the embodiment of an idea or an ideal. Those who worship it or follow its path (whether they worship or not) often gain its favor. Its favor grants a small number of magical abilities tied to the theme of the Passion. For example:
Lochost is the Passion of Change, Freedom, and Rebellion. Revolutionaries, freedom fighters, slaves seeking to escape bondage, and progressive philosophers all follow this Passion's tenets. The freedom doesn't have to be physical, it might just be seeking freedom of thought to escape from a stagnant societies mindset.
Thystonius is the Passion of Physical Conflict and Valor. Note that "physical conflict" doesn't necessarily mean war. Just the act of physically challenging someone else. Thystonius would love the Olympic games, for example, because everyone there challenges themselves and each other to be the best. Valor, in this case, is of the physical variety. Saving someone from a raging fire could get his attention just as standing one's ground in battle against overwhelming odds.
Totems are similar, in that the magical follower of the totem tends to take on their attributes, but it stops there. Non-awakened characters have absolutely no chance of gaining a totem (rules wise, anyway), although many totem followers say that their totem chose them. The totems also grant a few dice bonuses or penalties here and there, but do not grant brandy-new powers. Totems are also a lot more generic than the Passions are. They might have characteristics common to several Passions (love, valor, etc.) but are not as focused as the Passions.