It all started 21 years ago when Reverend Isabelle Moll, director of the Metaphysical Universal Ministries (MUM) of Allentown, and a friend attended a metaphysical expo in New York City. They were so impressed by the show that her friend told her he believed they too could do a show of that magnitude. He offered to put up the money needed for the space as long as Moll would do the planning. With that, the MUM Spiritual Holistic Expo was born.

“Our goal was to open up the Lehigh Valley to the holistic and metaphysical philosophies,” explains Moll. “Even now, we want people to understand who we are and what we do—we want them to give us a chance.”

The Expo was launched to support the St. John’s Church of Faith, the home church of MUM, whose mission is to teach, demonstrate and promote metaphysical and spiritual laws, both at home and throughout the world and to create an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance for all religious beliefs and forms of worship.

It began as a once-a-year event held in the fall in a ballroom at a small local motel in Allentown. Eventually, it moved to a larger space, but outgrew that location and had to move to the Agri-Plex Center at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Today, the expo occupies 40,000 square feet of space. In its first year, Moll welcomed about 50 vendors, but year after year, the numbers grew and it now boasts approximately 160 vendors from all over the country.

After 10 years, the Fall Expo was so well received that the vendors came to Moll and requested that she add another one in the spring. This year, MUM will celebrate the 10th Annual Spring Spiritual Holistic Expo on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at the Agriplex.

“It is going to be great,” says Moll. “We are honored to have two very special, international speakers with us, as well as some terrific local speakers lecturing on a variety of topics. The presentations are great eye-openers as to what the metaphysical world is all about.”

Born and raised on Kauai, Hawaii, Harry Uhane Jim, a Kahuna, healer, teacher and author of Wise Secrets of Aloha, will present “Hawaiian Healing with Ho’oponopono” both days of the show. Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian technique for solving problems—whether they are spiritual, emotional, material or any other kind. It teaches us that when we let go and take 100 percent responsibility, our life changes.

Mohammad Shata, a licensed archaeologist and licensed Egyptologist for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism is one of the finest lecturers and tour guides available. He is well known for his expert knowledge of ancient, modern, and spiritual Egypt. Shata is in demand as a guest speaker at many museums and universities of North American and Europe. His presentation, “Miracles of the Pyramid,” will also be held on both days.

Mark Reinhart, who holds a master’s degree in medical qigong, is president of the National Qigong Association and has been a practitioner of the arts for 50 years, will present “The Five Elements of Qigong.”

Local radio personality and medium, Laurie Moore, will bring loved ones from “The Other Side,” with some questions. Dr. Linda Backman, a licensed psychologist, regression therapist and author of Bringing Your Soul to Light, will present “Life Purpose: Past Lives and the Time Between. Backman is known as an exceptional teacher and trainer in soul regression hypnotherapy, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Deborah Richmond Foulkes is a historical researcher and recognized authority on the Douglas Clan during the Scottish Wars for National Independence of the 13th and 14th centuries. She is the author of five books and has spent many years traveling through Scotland and England. An international medium, her presentation will be, “Right of Passage, what the Dead Say About Reincarnation.”

On Sunday, Rev. Fran Reilly, a non-denominational, interfaith minister who, with her partner, has been a vendor at the expo for many years will give a presentation on “Mentalism and the Divine Martix: The Universal Mind.” Uday Gupta will introduce and demonstrate the drum he designed for the purpose of meditation, chakra balancing and sound healing. He will also present the properties of sound from a different perspective and how to effectively use it for the purpose of meditation and chakra balancing.

“The philosophy of the MUM Expo is to make the message available to everyone,” says Moll. “We invite people to come with an open mind and experience it for themselves.” And with more than 160 vendors, there’s plenty to discover.

“We have alternative methods of healing, chiropractors, Reiki, massage, energy healers, Native American Shamans, aromatherapy, Celtic Shamans, foot baths, reflexology, crystal healing, crystals and minerals of all types,” notes Moll. Also featured will be metaphysical and new age gifts, spiritual advisors, tarot, mediums, artbooks store, energy jewelry and organic candies to name a few.

Many of the vendors, practitioners and readers who return year after year choose to come because of the open, friendly and personal atmosphere—a fact for which Moll is particularly proud. “I enjoy the personal contact with each vendor,” she states. “It’s a very personal show and I truly feel that if there’s a problem I will handle it with love and light.

Admission is $7. The Agri-Plex Center is located at 1725 Chew St., in Allentown. For more information, visit MumExpo.com.