Wheaton-based Theosophical Society hosting mind, body, spirit festival

When the Theosophical Society started hosting its annual TheosoFEST 15 years ago, it was seen as "new age" and "weird" to a lot of people.

Now, the yoga, meditation, vegetarian food and sharing of different spiritual traditions that can be found at the festival this weekend is much more "mainstream," said Jessica Salasek, director of marketing.

"It's a lot of really great vendors and family and kid-friendly," she said. "As each year goes on, more and more people are coming for the first time and finding a lot of useful information."

This year's festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on the society's 40 acres at 1926 N. Main St. in Wheaton. It is free and open to the public. Parking on the property costs $5.

Organizers hope the interfaith festival helps attendees who are exploring their spirituality, looking for new meditative practices or wanting to learn about healthy living.

Salasek said the festival is also a way to introduce more people to the society, which encourages seeking a "higher truth," whatever that means to each individual.

"The mission of our organization is to encourage open-ended inquiry," she said, adding that about 2,000 people are expected to attend.

More than 115 vendors will be on hand, including restaurants, artists, nonprofits and authors. People also can meet with spirit readers, trance mediums and dream interpreters for some unique services, such as toe readings, shamanic energy healing and sound therapy.

Nearly 40 lectures and short talks are scheduled to take place in the society's main building and in tents outside throughout the day about a variety of topics. Some highlights throughout the day include "Therapeutic touch as a meditative practice" at 12:30 p.m., "How to find attraction, love and romance with astrology" at 3:30 p.m., spirit circle drumming at 4:30 p.m. and gong song meditation at 5:15 p.m.

A kids corner will feature tai chi, belly dancing and cooking demonstrations at specific times, along with coloring, drawing, music and face painting all day.

For a complete schedule, visit www.theosophical.org/theosofest.