The "holistic" health industry is booming -- best-seller lists are crammed with personal growth and spirituality how-to books, and the movement's major faces are familiar guests on leading talk shows. But this week, many of those big names will be in Baltimore.
The Whole Life Expo returns to the convention center Friday, offering 250 exhibits, 100 speakers, dancing and food (natural, of course) for the interested, whether they are practitioners of holistic medicine or looking for direction on the road to Wellville.
* Among the people scheduled to speak: Medium James Van Praagh, author of the best-seller "Talking to Heaven," who will lead a 7 p.m. Friday meditation workshop on the transition of death and spirit communication.
* Best-selling spiritual author Marianne Williamson, who will speak at 11 a.m. Saturday on her new book "The Healing of America," which is about what she sees as the country's obsession with money.
* Mystic Lynn Andrews, author of "Love and Power Journal," will speak at 3 p.m. Saturday on finding health through "the pure contentment of your soul."
* Relationship specialist Barbara De Angelis, who helped compile "Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul," will speak at 7 p.m. Saturday on how to avoid mistakes in love relationships.
* Iyanla Vanzant, author of seven motivational books, including "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" and "In the Meantime," will speak on self-reliance at 11 a.m. Sunday.
* Dannion Brinkley, author of "Saved by the Light," will speak at 2 p.m. Sunday on near-death transformations.
* Dick Gregory, comedian and social activist, will address nutrition and solutions to world hunger at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Among the other events are the rhythms of the Soul Shakus, a rhythmic healing group; an "intuitive arts area" where you can get palm, tarot and clairvoyance readings; and a meditative labyrinth.
Expo officials say 20,000 people came to the Baltimore expo last year.
IF YOU GO ...
What: Whole Life Expo
Where: Baltimore Convention Center
When: Friday 2 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
General admission: Friday, $6 in advance, $8 at door. Saturday/Sunday: $10 in advance, $12 at door. Three-day pass: $20 in advance, $24 at door. Senior/student/ disabled discounts available. Children under 10 free.
Workshops: $20 in advance, $25 at door
Special events: $25 in advance, $30 at door
For ticket outlets and general information: 800-551-EXPO or www.wholelife.com
Volunteer information: Michelle Ridgley at 888-285-EXPO
Pub Date: 03/14/99