The idea that there are seven heavens, not one, is an integral part of
Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition. We still use the
expression "to be in seventh heaven," to mean "as happy as
can be," which makes sense because the Seventh Heaven is the
realm of highest perfection, the place where God resides. The
tradition is very ancient, going back some 7,000 years to the Sumerian
civilization of Mesophotamia, which spawned the Babylonian and Chaldean
cultures, which were in turn hugely influential in the development of
Near Eastern angelology. We can imagine the Seven Heavens as a
series of seven concentric rings with the Earth at their center.
FIRST HEAVEN
Known as Shamayim or Wilon in Hebrew, its ruling angel is
Sidriel. The First Heaven contains everything in the
three-dimensional Universe, the physical plane of being. All the
angels that rule the stars, planets, and natural phenomena such as
weather inhabit this realm, including the four Great Archangels -
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel - on their roles as planetary
rulers.
SECOND HEAVEN
The Second Heaven is call Raquia and is ruled by the Angel
Barakier. This realm is considered a holding ground for sinners
awaiting Judgment Day. Some of the fallen angels are imprisoned
here, including those said to have had illicit relations with the women
of Earth. Islamic tradition holds that Jesus Christ and John the
Baptist reside here. Azchariel is one of its ruling princes.
THIRD HEAVEN
The regent Prince of the Third Heaven, known as Shehaqim, is
Baradiel. In the southern half of this realm lies the Garden
of Eden and the Tree of Life, guarded here by three hundred
angels of light. It is here that manna, the heavenly nectar that
sustained the Israelites on their wanderings in the desert, is produced
by celestial bees. In the northern regions of Shehaqim lies Hell
and all its horrors, which may seem strange, but is in keeping with the
ancient notion that Heaven and Hell lie side by side.
FOURTH HEAVEN
The Fourth Heaven, called Machonon, is ruled by Azhaqiel. It is
home to "the heavenly Jerusalem," the holy Temple and the
Altar of God.
FIFTH HEAVEN
Chief of the Fifth Heaven, Maon or Mathey, is Zadkiel, or, by some accounts,
Sandalphon. As in the Second and Third Heavens, some of the fallen angels,
notable the Grigori, or "Watchers," formerly the Guardians of the Towers of
the four directions, are held. According to a vision of the prophet Zephaniah,
a group of angels called the Lords, members of the Choir of Dominions, also reside her.
SIXTH HEAVEN
Archangel Gabriel is usually recognized as Regent of Zebul, the Sixth
Heaven. It is here that records are kept of all the happenings on
Earth, natural events, and the deeds of individuals. These are
studied by angels along with many other subjects, including astrology
and ecology. Seven phoenixes and seven cherubim are said to dwell
here.
SEVENTH HEAVEN
The highest of the heavens is called Araboth, ruled by the Archangel
Michael, or, possibly, Cassiel. This is the abode of God and the
highest orders of angels, the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. It
is said that the spirits of human beings not yet born dwell in this
realm. The Prince of the Divine Law, Zagzaguel, also resides here.
