Surrounded by deep foliage and delicate greenery, a bench just off the peaceful trail begs your respite. Overlooking the steep cliff descending to greet the meandering river, you find yourself engulfed in serene energy. This breath-taking area is the backyard to Angel House, a spiritual center situated just off the beaten path to downtown Strongsville, Ohio.

The rich history of this heavenly place began in 1995 when Marta Ockuly acquired the property through a series of miraculous occurrences she described as “angelic intervention.” She thus dubbed this new light center “Angel House”.

The angelic messages began by informing Marta Ockuly that she would be moving. Although she had no prior plans to move, Marta began looking for the house and acreage her angels illustrated in their message. Turning page after page of Homes, feeling like she was looking for a needle in a haystack, Marta came across the ad, “Magnificent opportunity awaits the person with a mystical vision…” She knew it was the one. Touring the grounds of 1427 Mill Hollow Lane confirmed this immediately.

For the next seven years Marta, her two children and her mother resided in the upper level of Angel House. She devoted the entire downstairs to classes, study groups, drumming circles and other expressions of the divine. Over the years scores of teachers and facilitators have worked out of Angel House while attendees self-actualize, pray, walk on hot coals and otherwise enjoy a spiritual playground built by the angels. Beside the House is another gift of the property, an enormous 1920's barn, which should be considered nothing less than a great cathedral offering a breathless beauty and a serene stillness.

Angel House's current steward, Carol Dombrose, recently acquired the property and continues the center's tradition of offering a life-changing curriculum of activities to the public. For years, Carol dreamed of owning a place where she could offer workshops and classes for people to get in touch with their own spirituality. Like Marta before her, Carol experienced a series of miraculous occurrences leading her to purchase the property. In January 2002 Carol learned that Angel House was on the market, and she, too, experienced a “call” from the angels. She additionally credits the divine support she received from her late husband Larry.

Larry and Carol Dombrose worked side-by-side as a team for 17 years offering couples counseling. Larry was a veteran psychologist who helped organize the Cleveland Psychological Association. The two counseled individuals and families, but it was their unique method of counseling with couples as a team that they found truly rewarding.

When Larry passed away in October 2001 Carol found herself without her friend, her lover and her job. Not knowing what else to do, she waited for inner guidance. Upon hearing about Angel House, Carol says she physically felt an energy force. She says, “It jolted my body with unyielding chills.” Again like Marta, Carol received an angelic message that told her, “This place is yours.” She believes Larry led her to Angel House and continues to talk to him. She feels his presence on the ridge overlooking the Rocky River and often talks to him there.

Carol continues to hold classes and workshops at Angel House. The offerings include Journaling, Painting, Shaman Dreamwork, Drum Circles, Reiki Healing and Animal Communication. The Alexander Technique, Women in Transition, Massage Through Life Cycle, Yoga and Belly Dancing are also available. More information about Angel House happenings is available by calling 440-846-1789 or go to their website at www.angelhousestrongsville.com.

Bo Wise is the former publisher and editor of The Shifting Times newsmagazine. She now is the owner of Wise Words, doing freelance editing and writing. 330-705-3431.